Saturday, May 04, 2013

Pros of Cons of Long Distance Riding on a Recumbent Trike

I have now completed a few centuries on my ICE Vortex+ recumbent trike. I believe that a trike built for speed (or maybe just comfort) is an excellent way to do these longer distance rides. With six full centuries (100 miles) completed in 2013, here is my assessment of the pros and cons of using the trike as a long distance machine.  This post is copied from my thread on BentriderOnline, and includes comments from other members of that online forum.






PROS
  • Comfort - I was mostly very comfortable throughout the ride. I find that a very laid back, aerodynamic position to be ideal for many hours in the saddle. The only real pressure point that caused some discomfort was my feet. More on this in the 'cons' section. I also like the fact that after the fatigue inevitably settles in, I don't have to 'worry' about balance. I can focus on pedaling and let the hills come as they may. Also, I love the ICE carbon seat. 
  • Attention - This may seem like a silly one. However, I was the only trike that I am aware of on this ride, and one of the very few on the other rides. What does this mean? People at rest stops, especially kids, expressed amazed interest in my trike. Conversations were started, and I had lots of fun explaining the joys of triking. This didn't help my finishing time, but it sure added to the joy of the ride. One guy, on a highracer, told me he was thinking of trading for a Catrike 700 because it looked like he would enjoy riding the trike more. I didn't reinforce his comment, but I thought it was interesting.
  • Fun - The fun factor of riding a trike has been discussed in other threads. I may be slower on the trike, but a Century on a trike is more fun that a Century on two wheels. That is, admittedly, a very personal observation, but a real one to me. Those that are aiming for the fastest possible times to the finish will likely not agree, but if your goal is to get to the end and really enjoy the ride, the trike is a very good option.
  • Speed - Despite a rather slow finish yesterday, I believe as I continue to focus on training for distance on my Vortex+, I will be able to achieve very respectable finishing times. Respectable is in the eyes of the beholder, but I am confident that I can achieve my personal stretch goals on a trike. Training for continual performance improvement on my trike is fun and very satisfying. My stretch goals, however, have more to do with distance than speed, but both are factors. I am convinced that the more I train on a trike, the faster and farther I will be able to go.


CONS



  •  Speed - In my opinion, the trike will never be as fast as a two wheeler, all other things being equal. For 100 miles, I am between 30 - 60 minutes slower on a trike. That is very personal, and each individual's experience may vary. A trike is not the answer for those whose primary objective is to get to the finish line as fast as possible.
  • Socialization - It is hard to ride with others and carry on a conversation. On a trike, I tend to be a loner, especially on long distance rides.
  • Foot pain - Yesterday, after about 70 miles my foot pain kicked in from all the pressure of pedaling. This is a constant problem, and seems to be worse on any trike than it was on two wheels. Who knows why.
  • Visibility - This may be more of a psychological issue that a real one. But, I still feel the need to weight my trike down with flashing lights, and to decrease my aerodynamics with a flag, even on an organized ride through low traffic rural areas. I never know in advance exactly what the conditions will be, so I load up with safety/visibility devices. These slow me down a bit, and may even be annoying (the bright Dinotte flashing lights) to other riders.


The bottom line is that I love doing long distances on the Vortex+. I am sure that other performance trikes like the Cat700 can provide the same enjoyment and satisfaction.



What follows are the comments of members of the BentriderOnline forum on the plus and minus, of long distance triking.

cesnyderces 11-11-2012 12:56 PM 
As you ride more and have more frequent long distance rides, you'll discover (hopefully) that your trike can indeed be as fast if not faster than most df's. I dropped the flag (don't need it and no not another flag discussion plz), lightened the load considerably by taking only what I need.



Keep on riding safe

joseph1959 11-11-2012 01:20 PM 
Wow Howard, Nice! I just havn't had the time this year. One century on the Windcheetah and I agree it was my most comfortable ever. Much slower than the majority of my highracer centuries in the last few years but I was still much faster than many DF riders. I am looking forward to riding one on the Venom with the 24" front wheels.



My only guess about the foot pain...possibly due to more constant pressure on the trike vs the two wheeler. The WC as nice a trike as it is just doesn't coast as far or as fast as my Carbent did. That translates into more pressure over a more extended time.

projo 11-11-2012 03:55 PM 
On my trike my feet are higher than on most of my bikes. For me the foot discomfort sets in about the way it does on my high racer.



I am slower on my trike than the bikes but I was not as much slower when I had the Speed. I would like to try a Catrike 700 and the Ice Vortex.



Saw a group of ~5 riders last week, 3 of which were on new Vortexes. Looked really nice, although I'm not a big fan of white.

doncl 11-11-2012 06:59 PM 
Howard, if you gotta ride with the flag, go for it. I want you to stay safe. I personally choose not to ride with a flag, but I'm all about those bright lights.



If I were in a group, I'd probably kill the rear lignts; I'm not too worried about being hit from behind, in any case (I know it happens, but so does getting struck by lightning).



In front, my lights are not bothering anyone (mostly), and that's where the majority of bike vs. car impacts happen anyway.

Chazz 11-11-2012 08:21 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by joseph1959 (Post 1010801)
... The WC as nice a trike as it is just doesn't coast as far or as fast as my Carbent did... 
Ward,



I can't compare my WC to a Carbent, but I can compare it to itself, as I'll explain. Recently, I upgraded my wheels to ceramic bearings all around. I can't provide any objective measurements but, my seat of the pants experience is that it has made a dramatic improvement in roll out.

Howard Veit 11-11-2012 08:23 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by doncl (Post 1010903)
Howard, if you gotta ride with the flag, go for it. I want you to stay safe. I personally choose not to ride with a flag, but I'm all about those bright lights.



If I were in a group, I'd probably kill the rear lignts; I'm not too worried about being hit from behind, in any case (I know it happens, but so does getting struck by lightning).



In front, my lights are not bothering anyone (mostly), and that's where the majority of bike vs. car impacts happen anyway. 
Most of the reading I have done regarding bike safety confirms your statement that the majority of bike/car accidents happen up front. I am thinking that flags are for heavy, congested traffic situations. The front flasher is the most important safety addition.

joseph1959 11-11-2012 08:28 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1010920)
Most of the reading I have done regarding bike safety confirms your statement that the majority of bike/car accidents happen up front. I am thinking that flags are for heavy, congested traffic situations. The front flasher is the most important safety addition. 
I know of two hit from behinds here in Ga that resulted in fatalities.

joseph1959 11-11-2012 08:29 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1010918)
Ward,



I can't compare my WC to a Carbent, but I can compare it to itself, as I'll explain. Recently, I upgraded my wheels to ceramic bearings all around. I can't provide any objective measurements but, my seat of the pants experience is that it has made a dramatic improvement in roll out. 
Interesting...where did you get the bearings?

Howard Veit 11-11-2012 08:52 PM 
Ward,



On your recent Savannah Century, what, if any, safety devices did you use? On Centuries in the country, with lots of other cyclists around, I am tempted to reduce, or eliminate, the lights and flags.



Howard

Jimbo 11-11-2012 08:54 PM 


Quote:
  it has made a dramatic improvement in roll out. 
The ceramics are interesting. But, with my standard 6001 bearings I can just give a tiny flick of a finger to a front wheel and it keeps spinning for a long time. I just don't see how anything can be much of an improvement on that.



Maybe ceramics roll better than steel when loaded?? Or, did you just have some substandard steel bearings beforehand??



This shouldn't be that hard to test if someone has suitable test equipment.

joseph1959 11-11-2012 09:42 PM 
Just my Dinotte taillight I bought from you and a hi viz jersey. At major street crossing I try and go through the intersections with a car as a blocker or with other cyclists.

doncl 11-11-2012 10:15 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by joseph1959 (Post 1010925)
I know of two hit from behinds here in Ga that resulted in fatalities. 
Well, that's not invalid, but still...anecdotal. What's the actual numbers, year over year? Doesn't the LAB still track this stuff?



Perhaps I'm wrong, certainly all it takes is one collision to kill you deader than dead, but....you can't eliminate all risks in life either. My sense of it, from the numbers I looked at a decade ago, was that it happens (hit from behind), it's more frequent than say, getting hit by a meteor or a lightning strike, but it's by far a minority of the bike vs. car incidents, not nearly as great a rate of fatalities compared to the risks of riding in a car at freeway speeds.



I stand corrected if there's accumulated hard data that contradicts this.



This is completely anecdotal, but...the only time I've had a car come close to hitting me from behind was when a sports car driver buzzed me when he was annoyed with me (I won't bore you with the details). That's in tens of thousands of miles of vehicular cycling.



Of course, it may be the dynamics of vehicular cycling, and the way motorists act, are very different in Georgia than here in Seattle. I also have to say, the further I am out of the urban center of Seattle, the more nervous I get, as regards the treatment of bikes/trikes by motorists. The Eastside suburbs are far less safe, in my opinion, just based on the experience of riding here and there. I'm less qualified to pass judgment on rural environs.

PaulM 11-12-2012 02:50 AM 
Personally I worry about rear end shunts more on the trike than collisions at the front. I've taken to wearing a high-viz helmet on my commute. I guess that would work well with a very reclined trike like the Vortex. I'd be tempted to dispense with the flag and use two small rear flashers and a high-viz helmet.

Jimbo 11-12-2012 03:28 AM 
I gave up on the flags as being pretty much useless. Plus, they slowed me down. Then I started using two flashing lights on the back. Very visible lights. People started to give me less room when they passed. So I took the lights off and they started giving me more room when they passed. Sheeesh. Maybe they were using the lights as a target, I don't know.



When I was back in the States I bought several Hi Viz Lime Green baseball type hats. I use those now.



A horizontal flag sticking out into the traffic side seems to work the best for flags for me.

joseph1959 11-12-2012 06:19 AM 
Well let me restate it. The Only cycling death within a 25 mile radius of

Where I live in the last 5 years was on a heavily traveled rural highway, broad daylight, two cyclist on the local racing team were struck by a girl in an SUV who was traveling at about 70 mph and never saw them.



My thoughts on this, no taillights and no mirrors both of which I think are beyond necessary for preventing being run over.

Jimbo 11-12-2012 06:36 AM 
mirrors are a must. I have two on each trike. I am constantly checking them. But, there still are times when someone manages to sneak up on me. I think maybe we just have to be fatalistic about the situation. Do whatever makes you happy, but in the end the guy who gets you would probably get you no matter what you do.



Remember, people have rear ended firetrucks with all their lights and sirens going.

D.George 11-12-2012 07:20 AM 
How much do you think a flag slows you down? I have ridden both ways and never noticed a difference. Sure it must have some drag, but enough to notice?

Jimbo 11-12-2012 08:00 AM 
depends how fast you are going. Once you get above 20 mph very small things start to make a big difference.



And some flags are way worse than others.

chuckchander 11-12-2012 08:12 AM 
The main problem I've found with being slower (relative to other riders) is the smaller window of time for sleep on longer rides.



On the Perth-Albany-Perth 1200 in 2010 I finished in 87hrs30mins. Rolling time was 67hrs30mins. Of the 20hrs off the trike, near 10 were actually in a bed, and I reckon I only slept 8 of those. Not having to worry about balance was a big plus in the dark when I was seeing Elvis on the highway.



I tend to ride alone also, I just ride to a different rhythm to the bikes......wweeeeeeeeeeeee

Chazz 11-12-2012 08:17 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by joseph1959 (Post 1010927)
Interesting...where did you get the bearings? 
My local bike shop ordered them and installed them for me. If you're interested, here's the contact info:



Santos Trailhead Bike Shop, 8900 S. US Hwy 441, Ocala FL 34480. The owner is Chris Fernandez and the phone number is (352) 307-2453.



They've got a lot of experience working on my Hypersport. :curious:

cjs1948 11-12-2012 08:58 AM 
Special flag.



Quote:
Originally Posted by D.George (Post 1011046)
How much do you think a flag slows you down? I have ridden both ways and never noticed a difference. Sure it must have some drag, but enough to notice? 
I'll give flag users an option for the most visible yet small flag that you can make. Yes, make, as you can't buy one.



Get a small light colored nerf ball--Walmart is the only place I'm aware of where you can get these--and spray it with Krylon Glow Orange (only available in tiny hobby cans--flourescent colors are NOT as bright). Attach securely--perhaps best by skewering--to the top of your pole.



This flag is visible for up to a quarter mile or so, is visible from all sides, visibility doesn't change with wind, and has fairly low drag. While this can be used as a topper for other flags, it is quite effective by itself.

joseph1959 11-12-2012 09:21 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1011060)
My local bike shop ordered them and installed them for me. If you're interested, here's the contact info:



Santos Trailhead Bike Shop, 8900 S. US Hwy 441, Ocala FL 34480. The owner is Chris Fernandez and the phone number is (352) 307-2453.



They've got a lot of experience working on my Hypersport. :curious: 
That's good to know! Thanks.

3TracksintheSand 11-12-2012 09:46 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by doncl (Post 1010961)
Well, that's not invalid, but still...anecdotal. What's the actual numbers, year over year? Doesn't the LAB still track this stuff?



Perhaps I'm wrong, certainly all it takes is one collision to kill you deader than dead, but....you can't eliminate all risks in life either. My sense of it, from the numbers I looked at a decade ago, was that it happens (hit from behind), it's more frequent than say, getting hit by a meteor or a lightning strike, but it's by far a minority of the bike vs. car incidents, not nearly as great a rate of fatalities compared to the risks of riding in a car at freeway speeds.



I stand corrected if there's accumulated hard data that contradicts this.



This is completely anecdotal, but...the only time I've had a car come close to hitting me from behind was when a sports car driver buzzed me when he was annoyed with me (I won't bore you with the details). That's in tens of thousands of miles of vehicular cycling.



Of course, it may be the dynamics of vehicular cycling, and the way motorists act, are very different in Georgia than here in Seattle. I also have to say, the further I am out of the urban center of Seattle, the more nervous I get, as regards the treatment of bikes/trikes by motorists. The Eastside suburbs are far less safe, in my opinion, just based on the experience of riding here and there. I'm less qualified to pass judgment on rural environs. 
I think the major difference in getting hit from behind is that, in many cases, you have no chance to react to the situation as it unfolds. Hit from the front or forward quarter, and at least you see what is coming and might have a chance at an evasive or mitigating maneuver. In spite of trying my best to always know what is behind me, I have been surprised by a cyclist more than once as they pass without calling out the overtake. Cars, at least you can hear them, but, not always in time to know they are aiming at you. Does this make sense?



George

Peter_C 11-12-2012 10:48 AM 
I've got to agree that a trike is way more comfortable on longer rides. Speed isn't an issue for me as I am simply not fast, but it (the trike) allows me to actually *do* a century, where in fact I do not think I could even do one on a 2-wheeler.



The balance issue when tired is very real to me, and my long 17 hour century was not uncomfortable at all for me. I am hoping that next year I can bring my time down, as this was also my first year over 1000 miles, finishing a bit over 1700 miles for 2012.

D.George 11-12-2012 10:55 AM 
" Once you get above 20 mph....".



No wonder I never noticed it.

joseph1959 11-12-2012 10:58 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by 3TracksintheSand (Post 1011092)
I think the major difference in getting hit from behind is that, in many cases, you have no chance to react

George 
I try to be proactive with my mirror as well. I mostly ride very unpopulated rural highways and I try to scan behind me constantly. As soon as I see an approaching car I begin a side to side motion as I pedal to grab the drivers attention. I want to see a reaction of some sort. The car slowing down or starting to move over or both. If not I am heading offroad.



I have only had to hit the shoulder one time. Two dump trucks, one coming towards me and one from behind. Neither one was slowing or giving any indication they saw me. I bailed, of course i was on my Carbent with my all carbon Corima wheels and the front one was broken when I hit huge rock I didn't see in the grass. Small price to pay IMO.

Terrafirma 11-12-2012 11:06 AM 
I have done a number of century rides on my trike and can't really imagine doing one on an upright bike...



As to your CON bullet point of SOCIALIZATION...

that is fixed by getting a trike team together to ride the event!



In our local Tour De Cure event We have had a team of trikes for the past two years... great fun to do a century ride like that!



Here is our ride (part one of two) this year:




yep we were slow... not the slowest but one of the last in... but we had a great time!

patrike 11-12-2012 11:15 AM 
Did the unicyclist do the century? That is hardcore.

Terrafirma 11-12-2012 11:37 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by patrike (Post 1011126)
Did the unicyclist do the century? That is hardcore. 
I talked to him a little at the start line... he has done the 32 miler a few years in a row on the unicycle! Yeah, pretty hard core!



So, he did not do the big climbs you see in the video in the hills... BUT HE DID RIDE OVER THOSE TWO BIG HARBOR BRIDGES on that unicycle!



;-)

Howard Veit 11-12-2012 11:58 AM 
Glenn,



Great video..thanks. I have done Centuries with other trikers. We used to have a group...Georgia Trikers....that has since disbanded. I agree that the best way to do these rides is with other trike riders. We had a ball.



I am beginning to think that riding trikes is a separate sport. Comparing speeds of trikes with two wheelers is comparing apples with oranges. I finished on Saturday about the same time as a couple of guys on Carbon Aero 2s, but fitness levels must have been a lot different.



Don't think I can do 100 miles on a unicycle.

logbuilder 11-12-2012 12:00 PM 
Spot on!



Quote:
Originally Posted by Terrafirma (Post 1011122)
yep we were slow... not the slowest but one of the last in... but we had a great time! 
Establish a cycling goal that is within reach yet remains challenging. No two riders will have exactly the same desires and that becomes increasingly obvious in large group rides where clusters of riders stay together because each is compromising in order to be in a group. With trikes, I personally find that to HAVE A GREAT TIME on a long ride, trikes offer a lot of common ground with which to 'share', and that feeling of belonging goes a very long way to overcome ride distance.



One thing Glenn failed to mention is the undeniable ability to 'fidget' while riding a trike! Taking pictures, observing the scenery and even something as simple as munching on a snack can improve the ability to travel further with minimal boredom WITH THE ADDED SAFETY OF a STABLE RIDE!



For the cycle jock who thinks being first or the fastest is the only way to win should try a trike and increase the challenge! If that's still not enough to claim a personal 'king of the hill' award, add flags, lights, panniers to go along with that always present 'trike smile'!

Terrafirma 11-12-2012 12:10 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1011144)
Great video..thanks. I have done Centuries with other trikers... We had a ball. 
Yeah, that's the way to do em! I also did the MS ride this year (another video on my youtube channel ) about a month ago with a few other trike riders. We were going to do the 100 that first day, but settled for the Metric Century because the climbing really did us in earl!



But it was a lot of fun.







Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1011144)
I am beginning to think that riding trikes is a separate sport. 
Well maybe... but the thing I like about these charity centuries is that it really is about having fun and finishing... not so much about time. I like to go fast and do the best I can but don't feel the need to compete.







Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1011144)
Don't think I can do 100 miles on a unicycle. 
I don't think I could do 10 feet on a unicycle!



I have never seen one in a full sponsored event / century ride, but I do know of a unicyclist out here who did do a century on his own, to benefit the American Cancer Society... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukMrYe9W7bA



also seen in this video by one of my trike buddies who met him along part of his ride.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D04URDvw7-A

Terrafirma 11-12-2012 12:20 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by logbuilder (Post 1011146)
...For the cycle jock who thinks being first or the fastest is the only way to win should try a trike and increase the challenge! ... 
I think it is pretty funny when some other cyclists on these rides ask me what my trike weighs... and then look at me like I am crazy.



I would like to see what a similarly fit, or better fit road cyclist would do against me if we were both on trikes. But once you are used to the recumbent/trike position and riding techniques... weight on a trike is not as much of a deal. (it sure makes the downhills fun anyway!)

Howard Veit 11-12-2012 12:30 PM 
Video How To

Glenn,



If you haven't already done so, it would be great if you could do a post, or start a thread, on how you manage those great video shots while riding the trike. What equipment do you use? I would love to be able to do videos of my trike events, but aside from a helmet mount, have no idea how to get the shots and angles as you do.

Terrafirma 11-12-2012 12:48 PM 
(I don't want to hijack your thread here and go off topic... so... I'll keep this short) I have had several people ask me about that and want me to make a video of what I do and how I do my video shots. I have posted responses to questions on BROL... not sure if I ever started a dedicated thread. I'll PM you for now.





But yeah... (back a little more on topic...) I especially love the trike as a platform to shoot photos and video on a century ride! It is tough to do that on a two wheeler ... or at least tougher.

scbvideoboy 11-12-2012 01:27 PM 


Quote:
  Interesting...where did you get the bearings? 
Look up/ google Boco Bearings a large selection of bearings and ceramics. They even have lists for various hub makers..ie Shimano. Cost varies with tolerances and shielding types.

I'll be buying ceramics for the FWD. It'll be interesting to see the results. The miller bearing guy said only a "racer" would see any benefits from the extra cost. Weight is only a few grams lighter for the hydrids (steel housing/races and ceramic balls)

ColdAsIce 11-12-2012 03:10 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by doncl (Post 1010961)
My sense of it, from the numbers I looked at a decade ago, was that it happens (hit from behind), it's more frequent than say, getting hit by a meteor or a lightning strike, but it's by far a minority of the bike vs. car incidents, not nearly as great a rate of fatalities compared to the risks of riding in a car at freeway speeds. 
I think something that is more true today than it was 10 years ago is people texting/talking-on-phone while driving, which adds a dimension of vulnerability that is out of our control. Users are jolted either by the accident, or seeing something in advance (like a flag, car or pedestrian) that jolts them out of it.



Video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DebhWD6ljZs

Eric C. 11-12-2012 05:44 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo (Post 1011022)
I gave up on the flags as being pretty much useless. Plus, they slowed me down. Then I started using two flashing lights on the back. Very visible lights. People started to give me less room when they passed. So I took the lights off and they started giving me more room when they passed. Sheeesh. Maybe they were using the lights as a target, I don't know.



When I was back in the States I bought several Hi Viz Lime Green baseball type hats. I use those now.



A horizontal flag sticking out into the traffic side seems to work the best for flags for me. 
Maybe they were indeed using them as a target, unintentionally. Per Grant Peterson (owner/founder of Rivendell Bicycle Works), author of "Just Ride":

"Warning: your blinky light can kill you. Blinking lights lull drivers into target fixation—the tendency to stare at something that stands out and connect with it. Roberto Clemente used target fixation to hit baseballs, airplane pilots use it to steer their planes at night. To nobody’s surprise, it works. But in cycling, it’s a double-edged sword, because you go where you look and so do car drivers. This has two major ramifications. One: When you’re riding around a corner at high speed, aware of the ditch with your name on it, you look at the ditch the way you’d look at anything dangerous, and looking at it makes you steer toward it. Two: When you’re riding at night with your red taillight blinking, thinking you’re safe because you’re visible, a tired or drunk commuter in an SUV locks on to your flashing light, maybe thinking it’s a distant car he should follow, and turns his wheel ever so slightly to follow his tracking eyes. Highway patrol officers deal with this all the time. Their flashing roof lights are beacons in the night to drunks. You can see the results on YouTube.

Solution 1: Practice looking where you want to go, not where you don’t want to go. Successful cornering will reinforce this. You can read more about cornering in “Corner like Jackie Robinson”.

Solution 2: Don’t let your blinky light blink. By keeping it on steady mode, you’ll use up the battery faster, but you’ll be around to buy more. Don’t be cheap and dead."

motoman 11-12-2012 05:52 PM 
Funny how many people who have never tried ceramic bearings can't see how they would make much of a difference, and how people who have tried them almost always like them and thought they were worth the money.



I did before and after tests on a roll out test section of road, and they made a measurable and huge difference. They also felt faster. They also boosted my top speed in various well know sections of my commute. But if you are not into speed, they are definitely not worth the money.



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Terrafirma 11-12-2012 06:05 PM 
I think this thread is drifting off topic.

Howard Veit 11-12-2012 06:19 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Terrafirma (Post 1011294)
I think this thread is drifting off topic. 
I raised lots of issues with this thread, and I appreciate the feedback. I would be especially interested in assessments of trikes as long distance machines.

georgec 11-12-2012 06:38 PM 
Little argument here with Howard's thoughtful analysis, but, for me the big difference in using a trike for long rides is the creation of a tourist attitude. On two wheels I'm aware of surroundings, but only that, aware. One the trike I turn into a pure tourist even in familiar locales. My head swivels like a New England leaf peeper. I often hit the brakes and turn around for repeats of interesting scenes and objects.

ccroy2001 11-12-2012 07:30 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by georgec (Post 1011312)
Little argument here with Howard's thoughtful analysis, but, for me the big difference in using a trike for long rides is the creation of a tourist attitude. On two wheels I'm aware of surroundings, but only that, aware. One the trike I turn into a pure tourist even in familiar locales. My head swivels like a New England leaf peeper. I often hit the brakes and turn around for repeats of interesting scenes and objects. 
That is an excellent description of how my trike makes me feel. I've tried to explain to bicyclists that I climb slow in a trike, but don't really care. I just sit there and spin in whatever gear feels best. If it's my low gear at 2mph then I look around and notice all sorts of things I'd don't usually see. Even on local roads I've ridden 100's of times I notice things more on the trike.



A recumbent bike is close 2nd, I see a lot more than when I was riding an upright. Riding an upright eventually I'd get tried and get that tunnel vision looking down at the road in front of me.



It's also could be a safety factor on a long ride near the end when you're tired. You might notice hazard on a trike before you'd see it on an upright.



Anyway, my longest trike ride was only 60 miles so far. I did one century on my Bacchetta and felt way better at the end than I did on an upright.

Howard Veit 11-12-2012 07:37 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by georgec (Post 1011312)
Little argument here with Howard's thoughtful analysis, but, for me the big difference in using a trike for long rides is the creation of a tourist attitude. On two wheels I'm aware of surroundings, but only that, aware. One the trike I turn into a pure tourist even in familiar locales. My head swivels like a New England leaf peeper. I often hit the brakes and turn around for repeats of interesting scenes and objects. 
Trikers may be more touring oriented. Since I see so few trikes at Century events, I am wondering what percentage of folks who buy trikes even consider organized events like metrics and 100 milers. Some of the performance oriented trikers that I know have given up on trikes, and switched to two wheel bents to get more speed.



On a trike it is tempting to spend more time "smelling roses". During my Century on Saturday, the pastoral scenery was fabulous, and I savored every minute of it. Frankly, I would rather do that then put my head down and hammer, although I did a little of that also during the ride. I am even thinking of doing a 'Larry' and bringing my camera along.

rockmurf 11-12-2012 07:50 PM 
I am kind of chuckling reading about the speed that a trike gives up. If this is about how fast you can go then why are you riding a bike/trike in the first place?

steamer 11-12-2012 07:55 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by rockmurf (Post 1011327)
I am kind of chuckling reading about the speed that a trike gives up. If this is about how fast you can go then why are you riding a bike/trike in the first place? 
?? Because we are talking about what is, at it's core, an athletic endeavor.



Are you talking about something other than an athletic endeavor?



If so, :stop: wrong forum.

Jimbo 11-12-2012 09:06 PM 


Quote:
  Funny how many people who have never tried ceramic bearings can't see how they would make much of a difference, and how people who have tried them almost always like them and thought they were worth the money.



I did before and after tests on a roll out test section of road, and they made a measurable and huge difference. They also felt faster. They also boosted my top speed in various well know sections of my commute. But if you are not into speed, they are definitely not worth the money. 
Ok, if you did the tests what were the numbers?? Also, what bearings did you replace with the ceramics? Not all bearings are the same.



You say they boosted your top speed. How much? I'm very much into speed and am at the stage now where I have to start looking for every tiny little bit of help I can get.



Right now I'm pretty much plateaued on my high, wide and heavy T at 22+ mph on my "sort of " level time trials. The new QNT should be considerably faster. I'll know in a couple of weeks. So, if the ceramics give measurable improvements, what are the numbers?? Those things cost a fortune and I live on Social Security. But, if they will add .5 mph to my top speed then I will have to consider going on a starvation diet for a couple of months to get some.

Peter_C 11-12-2012 11:27 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by rockmurf (Post 1011327)
I am kind of chuckling reading about the speed that a trike gives up. If this is about how fast you can go then why are you riding a bike/trike in the first place? 
It's because I was able to do something on my trike under my own power that I would never be able to do either on foot, or on a 2-wheeler. For many people, they find that they 'give up' 2-3mph on a trike vs a bike, but to many of us, the higher comfort level makes it a very fair trade-off. It's the bike OR trike that you will ride that counts.



Perhaps you need to reread the first post, as this thread isn't about 'how fast' we can go, it's about what the OP sees as the primary differences between the two modes.

Doug Huffman 11-13-2012 05:55 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo (Post 1011349)
But, if they will add .5 mph to my top speed then I will have to consider going on a starvation diet for a couple of months to get some. 
Confounding whatever statistics you might enjoy. Was it the weight loss or the new bearings? I'll bet on the former.

ThaiExpedition 11-13-2012 09:58 AM 
Have you guys ever figured out something to help with the foot pain. I get it right in front of the balls of my feet. I have already moved my cleats around trying both extremes. I had heard that moving them as far back as possible might help but that didn't do it for me. I have ridden my Expedition 3 days of back to back 100 milers while doing a short tour here in Thailand. My feet took a month to recover.

Howard Veit 11-13-2012 10:51 AM 
Foot pain



Quote:
Originally Posted by ThaiExpedition (Post 1011489)
Have you guys ever figured out something to help with the foot pain. I get it right in front of the balls of my feet. I have already moved my cleats around trying both extremes. I had heard that moving them as far back as possible might help but that didn't do it for me. I have ridden my Expedition 3 days of back to back 100 milers while doing a short tour here in Thailand. My feet took a month to recover. 
It is a tough problem that I haven't solved completely. I still get pain due to swelling feet and nerve compression on long rides, especially on hot days. The pain kicks in sooner on hot days. As another poster stated, the pressure on the balls of our feet are greater on trikes, seemingly.



The good news is that I have 'managed' the situation. I now have road cycling shoes with Look Keo pedals that seem to spread the pressure and alleviate the situation. The shoes (Garneaus) have very stiff soles, and ventilation mesh in strategic positions. The shoes are expensive, but they are worth it. I have never found sandals or mountain bike shoes that do the job of relieving the pain. The shoes also have straps that allow me to adjust the width of the shoe during riding, which seems to help when my feet expand. I also have been fit with orthotics by a Podiatrist. The orthotics keep my feet from twisting during the pedal strokes. Overall, they keep my feet more stable. I find it best to keep the balls of my feet directly over the pedal. Moving the cleats back not only didn't help, but seemed to make the problem worse.



My podiatrist is also a cyclist, and one day while we were riding together, he suggested that I shorten the boom on my trike a bit so I wasn't stretching, ever so slightly during the pedal stroke. The stretching caused me to twist my food slightly as I reached the maximum pedal stroke. The twisting contributed to nerve compression.



Having done all of this, the problem is alleviated quite a bit, but not eliminated. So, when the foot pain strikes, I stop, take off my shoes, message my feet, walk barefoot in a cool grassy spot, if one is available, and then get back on the trike. This relieves the pain for usually 10-15 miles. Then I do the grass walking bit again. During last Saturday's Century ride, I had to stop three times after mile 70 to walk in the grass to relieve the food pain. It was a cool day.



By the way the problem is worse during very hilly rides.



Dipping my bare feet in cool water also seems to help. No total solutions though.

benthead 11-14-2012 12:21 AM 
Howard,



How would you feel if your Vortex was five pounds lighter? Do you think that would make a significant difference?

Howard Veit 11-14-2012 06:39 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011761)
Howard,



How would you feel if your Vortex was five pounds lighter? Do you think that would make a significant difference? 
No doubt it would make a difference. Need a lighter rear wheel (sent u a pm) Also need to ditch the flag. I am wed to the Dinotte lights. I have installed DV short cranks and ti bb. I am thinking of switching to the Speedfil F2 hydration system. I am all ears for other ways to make the V+ even lighter and better especially for the longer rides.

BentBierz 11-14-2012 08:37 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by patrike (Post 1011126)
Did the unicyclist do the century? That is hardcore. 
i did the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride back in 2002 and a unicyclist completed the two day 200 mile ride. At the time, I was riding my Airborne DF and remember passing (and being passed) by those funny looking things I later learned to be recumbents. Saw people pulling trailers so that they could bring their favorite huge teddy bear, small dogs in baskets, etc. but the unicyclist was the most memorable.

BentBierz 11-14-2012 08:46 AM 
But more to the point of the thread, I struggle with the "slow and comfortable" vs. "quicker but still more comfortable than a DF" dilemma. I love my trike but love speed also.

logbuilder 11-14-2012 09:57 AM 
So......



Quote:
Originally Posted by BentBierz (Post 1011819)
But more to the point of the thread, I struggle with the "slow and comfortable" vs. "quicker but still more comfortable than a DF" dilemma. I love my trike but love speed also. 
You have options with a trike......................., enjoy BOTH!



Kinda like, swim (Navy) v. wade (Coast Guard)!



Ed USCG

Chazz 11-14-2012 10:54 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011761)
Howard,



How would you feel if your Vortex was five pounds lighter? Do you think that would make a significant difference? 
Intriguing! Are you considering offering a sub 24# V+ for sale? I bet that could be done, but at quite a price, I'm sure.

benthead 11-14-2012 11:07 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1011866)
Intriguing! Are you considering offering a sub 24# V+ for sale? I bet that could be done, but at quite a price, I'm sure. 
No, I'm working on a sub-23# Carbent trike with a 700c rear wheel and 20" front wheels. The position will be similar to the Vortex, but with a higher BB.

benthead 11-14-2012 11:08 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chazz (Post 1011866)
Intriguing! Are you considering offering a sub 24# V+ for sale? I bet that could be done, but at quite a price, I'm sure. 
There is no way to get a Vortex down to 24 pounds. We have thrown just about every lightweight component at it that we can, and the lightest we get is about 27 pounds. To get to 24, we would have to remove the front wheels, and then all you have is a unicycle!

3TracksintheSand 11-14-2012 11:35 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011871)
There is no way to get a Vortex down to 24 pounds. We have thrown just about every lightweight component at it that we can, and the lightest we get is about 27 pounds. To get to 24, we would have to remove the front wheels, and then all you have is a unicycle! 
I wonder. Have you seen Holey Spokes? Imagine what magic Bruce could do if you sent a frame to him? Of course, even with being as much a fan of Catrikes as Bruce is, I wonder if he would return the frame after test riding it!



http://bicyclepatents.com/?s=holey+spokes



Scroll to the bottom of the link for pictures.



George

ccroy2001 11-14-2012 11:39 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011870)
No, I'm working on a sub-23# Carbent trike with a 700c rear wheel and 20" front wheels. The position will be similar to the Vortex, but with a higher BB. 

Dana, you're like a crack dealer! :nono:



............except using your product makes the addict healthier! :agree:

mclaus 11-14-2012 11:42 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011870)
No, I'm working on a sub-23# Carbent trike with a 700c rear wheel and 20" front wheels. The position will be similar to the Vortex, but with a higher BB. 
Dana, you are such a tease! When might we get some more info about this unicorn?

Chazz 11-14-2012 01:34 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011870)
No, I'm working on a sub-23# Carbent trike with a 700c rear wheel and 20" front wheels. The position will be similar to the Vortex, but with a higher BB. 
Wow!!! Can't wait to see that come out! Any preliminary info? Don't want to sidetrack this thread more than it already has been. Perhaps a new thread is in order on your subject Carbent trike?

benthead 11-14-2012 07:25 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by mclaus (Post 1011894)
Dana, you are such a tease! When might we get some more info about this unicorn? 
Patience, grasshopper, patience.... :)

BentBierz 11-14-2012 09:01 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by logbuilder (Post 1011847)


Kinda like, swim (Navy) v. wade (Coast Guard)!



Ed USCG 
OK...completely off topic and probably lost on many of the riders on this forum but that is FUNNY!



Carbent trike!?! When will the craziness end in trying to separate me from my money???



Actually, ,moreso than carbon, I am a huge fan of titanium (have some holding L4-S1 together) and would love to have something like my Hp Scorpion FS in Ti.

jughead63 11-14-2012 09:55 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011870)
No, I'm working on a sub-23# Carbent trike with a 700c rear wheel and 20" front wheels. The position will be similar to the Vortex, but with a higher BB. 
All I have to say to that is "WOW".:shocked:

Howard Veit 11-14-2012 10:36 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1012013)
Patience, grasshopper, patience.... :) 
I can't wait:rolleyes: Need one for my next Century.

3TracksintheSand 11-15-2012 09:33 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1012061)
I can't wait:rolleyes: Need one for my next Century. 
Now, that is optimisin. I remember as a child imagining that I would be around for this century (and my second trike, I might add) but, to be around in 2100?? That would require cryonics for me. Still, you've got me thinking....... :thinking:



George

SBTriker 11-15-2012 09:59 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1011871)
There is no way to get a Vortex down to 24 pounds. We have thrown just about every lightweight component at it that we can, and the lightest we get is about 27 pounds. To get to 24, we would have to remove the front wheels, and then all you have is a unicycle! 
To get down to 24 lbs... Assuming that you used the same light components that you did on the 27 lb Vortex, your Carbent frame, seat and steering will have to be 3 lbs lighter than the Vortex's. I'm very anxious to see how you do this.



You know who'll be first in line for one of these trikes. Keep us posted on the progress.

Trsnrtr 11-15-2012 07:54 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by SBTriker (Post 1012176)
You know who'll be first in line for one of these trikes. Keep us posted on the progress. 
Yeah, Howard, and then maybe I'll buy his Vortex! :D

Howard Veit 11-15-2012 09:00 PM 
Carbon Carbent



Quote:
Originally Posted by Trsnrtr (Post 1012327)
Yeah, Howard, and then maybe I'll buy his Vortex! :D 
Well, you can be sure that if the Carbon Carbent costs less than $10,000:wacko:, I will be in line to buy one. Sorry, but there's no way that I would part with my Vortex+. Frankly, I have my doubts as to whether any trike will be better than the Vortex+, even one designed by Dana.:wiseguy: But I'm sure I will be there to test this hypothesis.

benthead 11-16-2012 10:42 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Veit (Post 1012339)
Well, you can be sure that if the Carbon Carbent costs less than $10,000:wacko:, I will be in line to buy one. Sorry, but there's no way that I would part with my Vortex+. Frankly, I have my doubts as to whether any trike will be better than the Vortex+, even one designed by Dana.:wiseguy: But I'm sure I will be there to test this hypothesis. 
The base price will be far below the $10K mark. I will know more about the price once I have a better idea of the labor involved and how many jigs and molds I have to make....

Zach 11-17-2012 12:22 AM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by benthead (Post 1012656)
The base price will be far below the $10K mark. I will know more about the price once I have a better idea of the labor involved and how many jigs and molds I have to make.... 
I look forward to it! Sounds great. Some people like to point out that none of the current "performance" trikes have seat angles below 25 degrees. So it would be nice if the seat angle could be adjusted down to the low 20 degree range. The Greenspeed GLR and SLR had fixed 20 degree seat angles and the ICE Micro and Monster seat angles could be adjusted down to 20 degrees.



I am curious if you have decided yet if this trike will have direct or indirect steering. It seems like that is a decision that would have to be made early on with regards to mould or jig design.

rydabent 11-17-2012 09:39 AM 
One thing to understand about bents is that since you dont have to use energy to support your upper body, that energy saved can be feed to the legs to ride faster or further. Then with trikes no energy is used to balance so that energy too can be fed to the legs.

joseph1959 11-17-2012 12:26 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by rydabent (Post 1012747)
One thing to understand about bents is that since you dont have to use energy to support your upper body, that energy saved can be feed to the legs to ride faster or further. Then with trikes no energy is used to balance so that energy too can be fed to the legs. 
I doesn't completely agree. I find, especially on the WC that I am using my body constantly for balance when riding hard and fast. Most of those roads I ride are slanted downwards towards the shoulder as well making you actively adjust your body angle. IMO.

dragnfly31 11-17-2012 11:32 PM 
Glad u enjoyed your ride I try one century a/year,. I finally did it last year this year was w wash out.

tpy2012 11-18-2012 01:51 AM 
I'm new to the trike. I bought a Catrike 700, then an expedition. I loved the 700 but had too much gravel to ride over,so I went to the expedition. I added drop out extensions, then a 700c rear wheel. I like speed also. I graduated to the trike from a OCLV trek. Love the trek, but can't ride it for >20 miles or I get perineal numbness. (numb butt) I have done several solo centuries, I have ridden >4000 miles since the last week in July of this year. I did not have an odometer prior to that. There is less of a fatigue factor on the trike. In my opinion, a cadence of 80 to 85 is the best most people fit riders average on a trike. Sure, we can spin faster by gearing down on the uphills and get up to 120-130 on some downhills. Most of the less fit trike riders I've ridden with tend to average in the 50 - 60 rpm/cadence range. I have not been successful at transferring all my conserved energy, from not having to balance, into power to the pedals. But there is certainly less of a fatigue issue.

dragnfly31 11-18-2012 02:42 AM 
OK to those of you whom love to go fast give this a thought you all should try the nuvinci N 360 cvp out that will give you all more speed so you don't have held to 7,8,or 9, speeds as it says on my signature terratrike Path infinity. That's how many speeds or gears I have.

Pugpuller 11-19-2012 01:59 PM 
I purchased a 2011 ICE Vortex a year ago this month (first ever trike), and have logged nearly 3800 miles, including 5 centuries. I also took it to RAGBRAI this year, logging about 500 miles that week alone. Here's my "century" experience in comparison with doing the same rides for years on a DF.



Comfort: Absolutely cannot be beat. I finish the rides more relaxed, pretty much free of pain (other than the usual tired legs...) I have had to learn to be deliberate on my pedaling technique to be sure I am pulling and pushing, otherwise I can experience pain on the bottoms of my feet (use clipless pedals with a stiff shoe).



Flag: Usually leave it at home on group rides - there are plenty of other riders to attrack the attention of drivers.



Lights: Still like them anytime. I run a set of Dinotte's front and back - but the 1200 lumen front is my favorite - it visually announces my presence.



Bell: I have a large, old fashioned bike bell that sounds like an ice cream truck - very helpful for letting slower riders know that I am approaching and overtaking them.



Speed: Agree I am around 2 mph slower than on my DF bike, but I am relearning that it's all about the journey, not being the first to arrive.



Fairing : Use a Windwrap fairing - love it too. On cold days, helps keep my feet warmer. Helps with headwinds as well.



Sociability: This is where I noticed a huge difference over my DF. Sitting so relatively low, it is harder to carry on a conversation with the DF majority. This was a major drawback on a ride like RAGBRAI which is very social in nature. However, the majority of my rides are solo. Just one of the trade offs.



Overall - love the ride. But I am in the market for a GRR just to provide a bit of variety during the year.



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Howard Veit 11-19-2012 04:36 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Pugpuller (Post 1013454)
I purchased a 2011 ICE Vortex a year ago this month (first ever trike), and have logged nearly 3800 miles, including 5 centuries. I also took it to RAGBRAI this year, logging about 500 miles that week alone. Here's my "century" experience in comparison with doing the same rides for years on a DF.



Comfort: Absolutely cannot be beat. I finish the rides more relaxed, pretty much free of pain (other than the usual tired legs...) I have had to learn to be deliberate on my pedaling technique to be sure I am pulling and pushing, otherwise I can experience pain on the bottoms of my feet (use clipless pedals with a stiff shoe).



Flag: Usually leave it at home on group rides - there are plenty of other riders to attrack the attention of drivers.



Lights: Still like them anytime. I run a set of Dinotte's front and back - but the 1200 lumen front is my favorite - it visually announces my presence.



Bell: I have a large, old fashioned bike bell that sounds like an ice cream truck - very helpful for letting slower riders know that I am approaching and overtaking them.



Speed: Agree I am around 2 mph slower than on my DF bike, but I am relearning that it's all about the journey, not being the first to arrive.



Fairing : Use a Windwrap fairing - love it too. On cold days, helps keep my feet warmer. Helps with headwinds as well.



Sociability: This is where I noticed a huge difference over my DF. Sitting so relatively low, it is harder to carry on a conversation with the DF majority. This was a major drawback on a ride like RAGBRAI which is very social in nature. However, the majority of my rides are solo. Just one of the trade offs.



Overall - love the ride. But I am in the market for a GRR just to provide a bit of variety during the year. 
You summed it up nicely. Frankly, at least for now, I have weaned myself off of two wheels. The trike on Centuries is sooo nice. I may take your advice and leave the flag home on group rides. I too like the Dinottes, 1200 lumen on the front and 400L on the back. Provides a great sense of security.



With regards to sociability, I am working on getting a trike group started. Riding with a group of other trikers is a blast. Our pace lines are fantastic.



Will I go back to two wheels? Hard to say, but now I am really enjoying the trike. Plan on doing many, many miles, several centuries and beyond next year.



There is another thread on the potential new Carbent Trike. If bent manufacturers start trying to out do each other with performance-oriented trikes, that would be great. I can't wait to see the next generation of fast trikes.

Marc S. 11-19-2012 05:19 PM 


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo (Post 1010937)
The ceramics are interesting. But, with my standard 6001 bearings I can just give a tiny flick of a finger to a front wheel and it keeps spinning for a long time. I just don't see how anything can be much of an improvement on that.



Maybe ceramics roll better than steel when loaded?? Or, did you just have some substandard steel bearings beforehand??



This shouldn't be that hard to test if someone has suitable test equipment. 
I haven't looked into ceramic ball bearings yet but did anybody found test data how much better ceramic ball bearings roll compared to steel ball bearings?



FAG claims their new (?) 'Generation C' steel ball bearings are 50% quiter and have 35% less friction than their normal bearings. http://www.fag-generationc.info/en/generation-c/

Since FAG invented ball bearing grinding machines 125 years ago and is a known high quality bearing manufacturer (German I might add) I'll take a wild guess and assume their 'normal' quality bearings are at least as good as the stuff from Asia.

My Sturmey-Archer 70mm front hubs sport IJK ball bearings from Japan btw

logbuilder 11-19-2012 06:07 PM 
Agree...., agree...., agree....(Dinotte) agree...., but



Quote:
Originally Posted by Pugpuller (Post 1013454)
Sociability: This is where I noticed a huge difference over my DF. Sitting so relatively low, it is harder to carry on a conversation with the DF majority. This was a major drawback on a ride like RAGBRAI which is very social in nature. However, the majority of my rides are solo. Just one of the trade offs. 
UNLESS....................., you're with other trikers!

Peter_C 11-19-2012 06:50 PM 
Trikes are like DFs in some ways

Just like in a DF group, I find there are both faster and slower riders.



On a trike, I do well to maintain an 8mph average on mostly flat ground. Many trike riders I know are more comfortable at the 10-12mph average, so just like with DFs, finding others to ride with, that also go the same speed you want to go is key.



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5 comments:

The humouerless beast said...

I am 67, I've had my ICE FS Sprint for a year and done a few long distances here in Cornwall, which isn't the flatest place in all the world.

Average speed is 10.8 mph,when it's loaded with 25kg's of panniers etc it's 9.8 mph. Longest day ride 70 miles having climbed the equivalent of Ben Nevis.

The question is this, would you rather have a Ford Focus RS or a lovely vintage Alvis.

Unknown said...

It sounds like fabulous!! I have been affectionate of your blog, I’ll come again to visit more posts. Jimmy

Duck in Thailand said...

Hot foot. Yep the bane of many a trike rider including myself. Never had the problem on a DF, but who cares I had many other aches and pains to worry about in those days. I can suggest a possible solution to you which was suggest to me by a man named Jimbo on BR. I have met Jimbo two not and adopted his solution for HF (hot foot). If you know about Jimbo then you know about his solution most likely. I took this solution and add on to it and fixed my HF problems. Now don't get me wrong I still get pain, but when the pain starts I adjust my pedal stroke to put more pressure towards the back of the foot and the pain always, so far, has gone away. Gone are the days of pedaling 25 miles only to address the urgent need to get off the trike and walk around for the HF pain. If you would like I can send you a picture of my setup. Simple and effective. Let me know.

Owais said...

Typically the recumbent Star Trac bicycle exercise benefits also includes the ergonomic support found from exercising from the reclined position. This requires all the pressure off the lower back, the arms, the shoulder and the hips. The only really area that will be challenged would be the legs. By exercising in this relaxed position, it lets you get the most benefit for each and every muscle group. If you have bad knees, you will little by little need to build upwards the knee muscles to get the best benefits from this bike. Recumbent Exercise Bike Reviews

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