Trike Resources
Trike Tip 1- Gearing
On Recumbent Trikes today, there are basically 3 ranges of gearing.
First, there are Trikes with around 7 - 9 gears that make the Trike sufficient to traverse flat ground and minimal hills.
Second, there are Trikes that have from 21 - 30 gears which is sufficient to climb steeper hills.
Lastly, there are a very few trikes which have around 81 gears that enable the rider to climb extremely steep hills as well as go very fast on the flats.
Some Trikes have derailleur systems, and others have internal hub gears. It really doesn't make a difference if the gears are inside the hub or outside, just whether the range of gears is sufficient to traverse the terrain.
Even with all the gearing choices, one of the most important things to remember is that when it comes to how fast one can ride, YOUR engine is more important than any type of gearing!
Trike Tip 2- Hand Position and Shifting
There are two main possibilities for hand position on a Trike. The first is like a "mountain bike" with the palm rotated downward, and the second is like a "bar end" on a mountain bike with the palm facing in toward the body.
Many folks are familiar with the "mountain bike" position if they ride either a Mountain Bike or a Hybrid Bike. This position allows for either a twist grip shifter or a "rapid-fire" shifter with double levers for the thumb and forefinger.
The vertical handlebar with the palm facing inward toward the body is a very natural position as we tend to walk with our arms at our sides with palms inward. Also, when we shake hands, we do it with the palm inward. It is a very relaxed position to steer the Trike. Regarding shifters, this position is much better suited to a "bar-end" shifter than a twist shifter, although both styles can be managed sufficiently.
Trike Tip 3- Crankarm Length and Pedaling Comfort
One facet of Trike comfort that sometimes is overlooked is the length of the crankarms that the pedals are attached to. Think of the "circle" that the pedals make as one pedals. The longer the arms, the larger the circle. If one's legs are short, or if one has had knee or hip surgery, the circle may be bigger than the joints can accommodate. This will cause pain, and sometimes one just can't make the circle.
A simple solution is to customize the crankarms so that they are effectively shorter and therefore pedaling in a smaller circle. We have seen many folks who have been unable to turn the pedal in a complete circle before, then able to ride after the customization, and a big smile comes to their fae!
This change to shorter crankarms can be completed on most Trikes or Bikes. You can even set an appointment and we can make a change in the pedaling circle without taking off your existing crankarms. The installation can be made in 10 minutes and you can try it out immediately.