Fat Tad suspension question

[Beach biker]

Hello all,

New to this posting stuff even though i have been reading posts here for quite a while not being a member. It has helped me tremendously with my other 3 e-bikes.

i have a problem with a new Sun Seeker Fat Tad that has a rear hub set up. New machine. My problem is the front suspension has no movement at all, suspension-wise. Like the shock/springs are locked up. My 200 lbs pushing down on either head tube does nothing as a suspension fork can be locked when desired. Emailed the seller and really didn't get much help. Emailed Sun Seeker but they may be out of commission temporally because of the problems in Florida.

So, I now turn to this group. Anyone have experience with this trike? Anything in particular to be aware of if I decide to disassemble the front suspension units? One of the main reasons for this purchase was due to full suspension. Rear works great, Trike is great, just got this fault.

Thanks for any help and If I have posted in the wrong area, accept my apologies and direct me to the proper place.

Tom

 

[MadRhino]

Front suspension is locked both sides?
If there is a locking feature, first thing to look at would be it. Likely stucked locking mechanism.
I have had a look at pictures, seem to me it is a simple design that must be easy to diagnose. Of course, if it is new and under garantee, you may want to let the manufacturer or one of his dealer do it.

 

[amberwolf]

Based on the manufacturer page
http://sunseeker.bike/index.php/products/fat-tad/
It has both front and rear suspension

The Sun Seeker Fat Tad CX is the most fun you’ll have this low to the ground off road. This bad boy is equipped with front and rear suspension, chromoly frame and 4 inch wide off road tires! The Fat Tad will handle sand and gravel like no other trike out there. Other features include aluminum seat frame, padded seat and provisions to mount 4 water bottle cages.

but it doesn't say a thing about *what* suspension it has in the specs

FAT TAD SPECIFICATIONS
Wheel Base 59″ (150cm)
Overall Length 78″ – 83 1/2″ (198-212cm)
Width 33 1/4″ (92cm)
Seat Height 16 1/2″ – 17 3/4″ (42-45cm)
B.B. Height 20″ – 21 1/2″ (51-55cm)
Ground Clearance 10″ (25cm)
Frame Tig Welded Chromoly with Rear Coil Over Suspension
Fork High Tensile Steel with Integrated Suspension
BB Sealed Cartridge
Crank Triple Alloy 170mm 42/32/22T
F. Derailleur Sunrace
R. Derailleur Sram
Shifter Sram
Freewheel 11-34 8 Speed
Pedals Platform
Brake Front Promax Mechanical Disk
Brake Rear N/A
Brake Levers Promax Allow w/Lock
Headset Sealed Mechanism Steel
Handlebar Chromoly w/ Bottle Braze-ons
Stem N/A
Hub Front Alloy Tadpole
Hub Rear Alloy 190mm Fat Bike Q/R
Rim Front 20x54mm 36h Fat Bike Alloy
Rim Rear 20x54mm 36h Fat Bike Alloy
Spokes 14g. Stainless Steel
Tire Front 20×4.0 Fat Bike Knobby
Tire Rear 20×4.0 Fat Bike Knobby
Saddle Alloy Frame 1pc – Padded/Mesh w/ Bottle Braze-ons
Seat Slide Rans Style
Weight 57lbs.
Weight Limit 300lbs.
X-Seam 37″ – 50 1/2″ (94-128cm)
*Boom modification may be required from 37″ – 40″

But given my experience with some things (like the Promax brakes) it's got some pretty cheap parts, so since they dont' even bother to list the suspension parts, they're probably even cheaper. Cheap suspension parts may stick, or even have such hard springs that they can't move without a really hard bump--and then pogo back with teh same amount of force, making the bumps no better than without it and maybe even worse depending on the suspension pivot/etc design. They don't usually have much, if any, adjustment. \

This is the only good image I found quickly of the "suspension" and it looks like it might have a half inch or so of travel, maybe an inch, but can't see much else.



So check with the manufacturer and/or seller first, but maybe it just needs better parts or ones rated for the loads/conditions/etc it's actually going to be used on.

 

[SlowCo]

The way I would go about it is to disassemble the front to see if and how supple it slides without the spring. See if it slides freely and if the spring is too firm try and find a softer one.

 

[Beach biker]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your time reading my post and replying to my question. I am still waiting to hear back from the manufacturer and also the seller, although it has been about a week with no return emails. Hence my posting here for any wisdom.

EBR has a video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t--JGQhvvlo ) that shows (21:15-21.39 section) the front suspension operating during riding which ours doesn't. And I may have to disassemble parts to find out what could be holding it from moving. Hope there is not a ton of mini ball bearings from the head tube bearings. It doesn't look complicated at all, but just thought I would inquire here for any possible answers from other owners with similar set ups.

Have a great week and ride safe.

 

[MadRhino]

Yep. That is a very simple, very short travel suspension. You will find the problem easily, probably just a wrong assembly.

Suspension linkage with shocks would be much better, but then it would be a higher cost.

 

[SameRaina]

I'm a bit late to this party, but I thought I would leave this here in case anyone else might benefit from it.

I pulled one of these apart today, so here's what's inside. If anyone is considering buying one, don't. These trikes are utter garbage.

Here's everything laid out



There's a lip inside the steerer tube to catch the tension preload washer



I had to remove the star nut to access the M5 fastener that holds the whole thing together.




Don't buy this trike.

 

[amberwolf]

Not even a *plastic* bushing to slide against....craptastic. :/