Great info! I just got my wife a used trike for her birthday (she hasn't seen it yet so shhh!) and have been pouring through all of your videos to learn as much as I can. She's recovering from cancer and having to relearn how to walk so I hope that this new sport will help her get her strength and spirits up!
Thanks for the important info update. I am going back and viewing your older posts so that I can learn from your experiences.Going to go out and check my settings today before I take my ride. Your humor and great personality make these videos a joy to watch! Keep plugging along!Best wishes. Mark
I just ordered a trike and have watched several of your videos. Thanks for all the tips and equipment suggestions. The boom adjustment is very important just as on an upright bike. Never thought about clothes and seasonal changes. Thanks again.
Even as someone that knows well the mechanics of adjusting the boom, this is very good review from the PoV of a very experienced rider, expressing those less obvious important points that really should be considered. Thanks!
Thanks, Gary! It was a little scary to do this video because my mechanical skills are quite limited. But I felt like explaining about boom length is critically important for everyone who ride a recumbent. I really appreciate the comment!
Thanks so much for telling it as is no lotta long talk with technical terms we especially newbies cant understand. Sharing is Caring thanks alot Myrtle.
Thank you So Much for Creating a Comprehensive Video on this... I have a Delta Trike but this is still just as applicable for me... same exact issues with over or under extension !!!
thanks! Not all seats are adjustable. For instance, many Catrike models have the seats integrated into the frame. I ride an HP Scorpion, and the seat back is adjustable to be more or less reclined but the seat doesn't move forward or backward. On most trikes, the only adjustment for leg length is by boom adjustment only.
What a nice and concise rundown of boom length issues, Sylvia! The importance of making sure your setup is right and preventing those injuries will keep riders on the bike and racking up the miles instead of sitting at home wishing they could ride again.
Thanks, Gary! Tutorial type videos require so much talking and organizing the information is tricky. The lens on my K1 is too wide for this video so I used my Panasonic ZS200 which doesn't have an external mic jack. I do have an external microphone (Zoom H1) that I've never used but trying it out for this video was overwhelming. Maybe I'll try using that on the next video for clearer sound. I really appreciate the comment!!
Travels By Trike, yes. If I were to make any criticism on the video it would be the less than ideal audio. You clearly recognize this and I would advise you to play around with the H1 if you continue to use this combo for some videos. I've used it and though it's kind of antiquated it records decent audio. You just have to off load then add to your editing program. It's a pia but as I always say audio is critical to decent video 😊
Travels By Trike I use wireless mics by Senneheiser that I bought for my event coverage. Using your equipment you either have to get extremely close to your mouth with the camera (prob not a wide enough lens for this) or record separately. How about using your phone with your mic and a recording app like this guy: ruclips.net/video/fA7YV8zwr0Y/видео.html
Thanks Sylvia, this was good to see especially timely since I will be going in to get fitted on my brand new electric blue Catrike 559 on Wednesday. Yah-Hoo!! Your vids have encouraged me greatly. Can't wait to be peddling around on three wheels.
Thanks, Brian! I've been wanting to do this video for a long time. There was so much more to say than I 1st expected and a lot to remember with the camera rolling, haha! Thanks for watching.
Sylvia, thanks so much for this! I'm a new triker, on a Catrike Trail folder, and I just soak up all this information from the experienced riders like you. It was due to your videos and others on RUclips that I took the plunge and bought my trike (also from Utah Trikes, great company!). I'm enjoying it SO much, I'll have it for years I know. Stay safe and keep up the great videos and trip films.
Once the boom length is set correctly, test the chain with you off the trike & rear wheel off ground. Shift to smallest chain ring and smallest cassette ring combination. Remove or add chain links so there is the least amount of derailleur jockey wheel tension. The chain should not be loose or slack. Now try the largest chain ring and the largest cassette ring combination gently with you off trike & rear wheel up. It should have enough chain to shift on and off the largest cassette smoothly. Not everyone may know how to use a chain tool to add & remove links, but everyone should be able to do this test to observe the shifting of their trike.
Thanks, Kevin! Chain health is another complicated topic which is probably above my mechanical skills level to do a tutorial for. Thanks for the comment, I bet there are people who will find it very helpful.
Not too long... not to short. Leg straight but not locked at the knee on extension, no pressure at the hip... are there some bullet points you can provide? It seems that some fine tuning is always required and you need to be sensitive to what your body is telling you. Many of us have not been in communication with our joints... until to late. Trike is due Saturday.
Yes, setting up boom length correctly initially is very important. What is equally important is recognizing when there are changes to your body (weight gain or loss) and times of the year where you may be adding layers that can also effect boom length. I have got in a lot of trouble with weight gain and the boom length becoming too short.
My experience is you should set the length so you have your leg straight when you have your heel on the pedal at the extreme of the pedal rotation and to my eye that boom looks to be way too far out for you, but this is somewhat down to personal preference also.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Richard! I've got a small bend in my knee and feel pretty good about where the boom is. I'll be checking more often than I have in the past, for sure! My leg injury from having the boom too close is finally healing. This has been a very slow process since last May. When I 1st bought my Scorpion, I remember people telling me that I would increase my speed by pushing against the hard shell seat. They suggested keeping the boom in more to make a snug fit to the pedals which would achieve this added speed. I not only pushed it in too much and but also gained weight. I never saw any increase in speed most likely because I was causing injury. Since this injury, I've discovered that boom length is something to be taken seriously and be constantly aware of. I've also switched to a mesh seat.
Yes, thanks for the comment. I meant to reply a month ago and I never got to it until now. The measuring technique you describe is a common method if you use clip in style pedals. Really what you are looking for is a starting point to make your boom adjustment. Now, there are so many more methods of securing feet to the pedals (heel slings, more elaborate pedal straps and trikers are also placing their clips further back on their shoes than they used to) that the method you describe isn't used as much as it used to be but it certainly could be used.
@@TravelsByTrikeice video The people who told you "you can increase your speed by pushing against the seat" are compete idiots! You were very lucky in that you can still walk and haven't had to have major surgery on your hips and knees. When going from sitting in a chair to standing up the average pressure on the knee joint in a human being peaks at up to 4 tonnes!!! Pressing against the seat when peddling CAN increase that 2-3X repeatedly at 60x a minute. Pain...Probably. DAMAGE...Definitely. YES it can increase your speed IF you are fit and know exactly what you're doing BUT...….. ….and it's a BIG BUT, putting too much extra pressure on your joints WILL destroy them. SPIN don't GRIND.
I found out about this on my own. I initially tried to adjust the boom like I would with an upright bike, with leg and ankle fully extended and the pedal axle contacting the ball of my foot. After 3 different incidents of leg suck (where your foot falls off the pedal, hits the ground and then gets hit by the front axle, all while you're trying to maintain steering) I brought the boom in and adjusted it like you describe. No more problem. Fortunately, my foot bounced and/or slid every time and never got stuck, so the incidents were painful, but not really damaging.
My left foot went numb after 30miles and my hip on that side was sore. Boom to long or short? I've tried the heel on the pedal trick. Oh yeah. Pain where butt meets the leg. On the ledge of the seat. Tried cushions.
Yes, thanks, chain adjuster is another option especially if more than one person rides the trike. I think leaving the boom uncut will had to resale value as well.
I noticed that you are using straps on your pedals. I am going to be using SPD pedals. It looks like your feet are pretty centered, mine will be connected at the ball of my foot. Is this important? I’ve heard I should move the cleat on my shoe as far back as I can. I’d be curious to know why you use the straps instead of SPD?
I used SPD cleats for more than 10 years and they work great. I had issues with my toes going numb. Not a big deal as I only needed to rest my feet for 30 seconds for the tingling to go away. A couple of years ago, just for grins, I tried pedal straps. Now I can go much farther without the tingling. I also don't need to wear special shoes for cycling.
Thanks for the reply. I might try the straps. I bought a chain tensioner so I can share the bike with my wife until we can afford a second. Keep the good content coming!
thanks, I am a new owner of a trike and that was a great video, very informative to me and will watch out for those adjustments. Go Turtle. My question is how much air should your tires have in them, I can not see for some reason the psi on the tires? Thanks in advance for your help. Again Go turtle and hope your injury gets better soon and you are back traveling even if it is just locally.
Thanks, Paula!! Tire pressure info should be on the tire but maybe it's worn away. All tires have different psi requirements. Unfortunately, there isn't one pressure for all tires. I bet the website of the manufacturer will list the psi range. I use 20" 1.75 Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires and keep them at 65 psi. Thanks for watching!!
If you like the boom out as far as you I doubt that is normal for most people. You almost have a high heel look. Maybe you wore a lot of high heels in the past
I have moved my boom out farther since this video. I gained more weight than I thought while touring in Mexico and the boom was too short. This caused me a significant injury that I am still dealing with.
i doubt that the bike caused your injury by set up alone. You're probably riding above your ability. It's understandable because they are easy to ride but any sport the athlete needs to train up to the stuff that they do. If you're gaining weight you're probably not eating right either. There's signs you're saying that tells me these things. Fitness attempts cause injury to lots of people as they find what they are capable of. It sounds like you found your limit and will have to carefully push on if you intend to get better from the injury and get gains above that level.
Great info! I just got my wife a used trike for her birthday (she hasn't seen it yet so shhh!) and have been pouring through all of your videos to learn as much as I can. She's recovering from cancer and having to relearn how to walk so I hope that this new sport will help her get her strength and spirits up!
That's fantastic, Joe! I think your wife is going to love it. What a great gift and should be a lot of fun for her while she recovers.
Your advice helped the strain on me knee - it’s been a long process in me figuring it out. Thanks!
@@discodancer22 that’s great! I’m glad you found relief.
Thanks for the important info update. I am going back and viewing your older posts so that I can learn from your experiences.Going to go out and check my settings today before I take my ride. Your humor and great personality make these videos a joy to watch! Keep plugging along!Best wishes. Mark
Thank you, Mark!
I just ordered a trike and have watched several of your videos. Thanks for all the tips and equipment suggestions. The boom adjustment is very important just as on an upright bike. Never thought about clothes and seasonal changes. Thanks again.
Thanks, Joe!
Even as someone that knows well the mechanics of adjusting the boom, this is very good review from the PoV of a very experienced rider, expressing those less obvious important points that really should be considered. Thanks!
Thanks, Gary! It was a little scary to do this video because my mechanical skills are quite limited. But I felt like explaining about boom length is critically important for everyone who ride a recumbent. I really appreciate the comment!
Yep, I agree with the previous commenter. Your vids are informative as they are practical. Much good health to you...joe
Thank you, Joe!!
Thanks so much for telling it as is no lotta long talk with technical terms we especially newbies cant understand. Sharing is Caring thanks alot Myrtle.
You are welcome, Geriann! Thanks for watching and following along!!
Thank you So Much for Creating a Comprehensive Video on this... I have a Delta Trike but this is still just as applicable for me... same exact issues with over or under extension !!!
Excellent, Alexander!! - I'm happy you liked it.
This was very helpful but I'm wondering what's the difference between adjusting the boom length and adjusting the seat forward or backward??? Thanks!
thanks! Not all seats are adjustable. For instance, many Catrike models have the seats integrated into the frame. I ride an HP Scorpion, and the seat back is adjustable to be more or less reclined but the seat doesn't move forward or backward. On most trikes, the only adjustment for leg length is by boom adjustment only.
The Scorpion FS is a beast. I have a used Ice Qnt, discontinued model and not FS but I love it. Trikes are legit.
Thank you very much for taking the time to produce such a helpful video...
What a nice and concise rundown of boom length issues, Sylvia! The importance of making sure your setup is right and preventing those injuries will keep riders on the bike and racking up the miles instead of sitting at home wishing they could ride again.
Thanks, Gary! Tutorial type videos require so much talking and organizing the information is tricky. The lens on my K1 is too wide for this video so I used my Panasonic ZS200 which doesn't have an external mic jack. I do have an external microphone (Zoom H1) that I've never used but trying it out for this video was overwhelming. Maybe I'll try using that on the next video for clearer sound. I really appreciate the comment!!
Travels By Trike, yes. If I were to make any criticism on the video it would be the less than ideal audio. You clearly recognize this and I would advise you to play around with the H1 if you continue to use this combo for some videos. I've used it and though it's kind of antiquated it records decent audio. You just have to off load then add to your editing program. It's a pia but as I always say audio is critical to decent video 😊
Gary, what do you use for this type of audio?
Travels By Trike I use wireless mics by Senneheiser that I bought for my event coverage. Using your equipment you either have to get extremely close to your mouth with the camera (prob not a wide enough lens for this) or record separately. How about using your phone with your mic and a recording app like this guy: ruclips.net/video/fA7YV8zwr0Y/видео.html
Thanks for that idea. Using my phone would be an easy solution for better sound.
Thanks Sylvia, this was good to see especially timely since I will be going in to get fitted on my brand new electric blue Catrike 559 on Wednesday. Yah-Hoo!! Your vids have encouraged me greatly. Can't wait to be peddling around on three wheels.
Thanks, Tom - nothing like timing. Congrats on the new Catrike!!
Hey Tom. I just ordered my 559. How’s she working out for you?
Thanks for the information. I got mine from Utah Trikes with a cut boom and a boom adjuster, but have wondered how accurately I set it. Now I know. :)
I always enjoy your vlogs, they are so informative, thank you
Thanks, Brian! I've been wanting to do this video for a long time. There was so much more to say than I 1st expected and a lot to remember with the camera rolling, haha! Thanks for watching.
Great video! I have my electric blue Catrike 559 ordered. The more knowledge, the better! 😃
Congrats on your new Catrike!
The Scorpion Plus has a higher seat and a more upright sitting posture which may translate to healthier pedaling.
Sylvia, thanks so much for this! I'm a new triker, on a Catrike Trail folder, and I just soak up all this information from the experienced riders like you. It was due to your videos and others on RUclips that I took the plunge and bought my trike (also from Utah Trikes, great company!). I'm enjoying it SO much, I'll have it for years I know. Stay safe and keep up the great videos and trip films.
Hi, I'm a disabled vet considering catrike 559.
Very we’ll done!!
Enjoy your videos.
Thank you, Karen.
Great video thanks 😊
Thanks for watching!
Excellent advise. Thing I've never thought about. :) .
Once the boom length is set correctly, test the chain with you off the trike & rear wheel off ground. Shift to smallest chain ring and smallest cassette ring combination. Remove or add chain links so there is the least amount of derailleur jockey wheel tension. The chain should not be loose or slack. Now try the largest chain ring and the largest cassette ring combination gently with you off trike & rear wheel up. It should have enough chain to shift on and off the largest cassette smoothly. Not everyone may know how to use a chain tool to add & remove links, but everyone should be able to do this test to observe the shifting of their trike.
Thanks, Kevin! Chain health is another complicated topic which is probably above my mechanical skills level to do a tutorial for. Thanks for the comment, I bet there are people who will find it very helpful.
Not too long... not to short. Leg straight but not locked at the knee on extension, no pressure at the hip... are there some bullet points you can provide? It seems that some fine tuning is always required and you need to be sensitive to what your body is telling you. Many of us have not been in communication with our joints... until to late. Trike is due Saturday.
Yes, setting up boom length correctly initially is very important. What is equally important is recognizing when there are changes to your body (weight gain or loss) and times of the year where you may be adding layers that can also effect boom length. I have got in a lot of trouble with weight gain and the boom length becoming too short.
My experience is you should set the length so you have your leg straight when you have your heel on the pedal at the extreme of the pedal rotation and to my eye that boom looks to be way too far out for you, but this is somewhat down to personal preference also.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Richard! I've got a small bend in my knee and feel pretty good about where the boom is. I'll be checking more often than I have in the past, for sure! My leg injury from having the boom too close is finally healing. This has been a very slow process since last May. When I 1st bought my Scorpion, I remember people telling me that I would increase my speed by pushing against the hard shell seat. They suggested keeping the boom in more to make a snug fit to the pedals which would achieve this added speed. I not only pushed it in too much and but also gained weight. I never saw any increase in speed most likely because I was causing injury. Since this injury, I've discovered that boom length is something to be taken seriously and be constantly aware of. I've also switched to a mesh seat.
Richard you are infact correct..
Yes, thanks for the comment. I meant to reply a month ago and I never got to it until now. The measuring technique you describe is a common method if you use clip in style pedals. Really what you are looking for is a starting point to make your boom adjustment. Now, there are so many more methods of securing feet to the pedals (heel slings, more elaborate pedal straps and trikers are also placing their clips further back on their shoes than they used to) that the method you describe isn't used as much as it used to be but it certainly could be used.
@@TravelsByTrikeice video
The people who told you "you can increase your speed by pushing against the seat" are compete idiots!
You were very lucky in that you can still walk and haven't had to have major surgery on your hips and knees.
When going from sitting in a chair to standing up the average pressure on the knee joint in a human being peaks at up to 4 tonnes!!!
Pressing against the seat when peddling CAN increase that 2-3X repeatedly at 60x a minute. Pain...Probably. DAMAGE...Definitely.
YES it can increase your speed IF you are fit and know exactly what you're doing BUT...…..
….and it's a BIG BUT, putting too much extra pressure on your joints WILL destroy them.
SPIN don't GRIND.
I found out about this on my own. I initially tried to adjust the boom like I would with an upright bike, with leg and ankle fully extended and the pedal axle contacting the ball of my foot. After 3 different incidents of leg suck (where your foot falls off the pedal, hits the ground and then gets hit by the front axle, all while you're trying to maintain steering) I brought the boom in and adjusted it like you describe. No more problem. Fortunately, my foot bounced and/or slid every time and never got stuck, so the incidents were painful, but not really damaging.
thats good to no thank alot i brough mine brand ned but i might have it check it again what you think
Hey! I had no idea you had RUclips videos! You are such a rockstar!!! OXO
Haha!! Glad you found me and thanks for following along.
My left foot went numb after 30miles and my hip on that side was sore. Boom to long or short? I've tried the heel on the pedal trick. Oh yeah. Pain where butt meets the leg. On the ledge of the seat. Tried cushions.
Thank You For Sharing. Nobody talks about that part bike. T Y
Очень хорошая модель у Вас)) Вот такой себе я сам сделаю))) весной покажу на своем канале)))
Thank you for the info! You still have the OEM 20 inch wheels on your trike? In the video they look larger, dunno why.
They now have chain adjusters that eliminate the need for boom cutting in most instances.
Yes, thanks, chain adjuster is another option especially if more than one person rides the trike. I think leaving the boom uncut will had to resale value as well.
I have heard that called a chain gobbler.
Can you provide a link to the pedal straps?
I bought the pedal straps at RecumbentPDX in Portland. The brand is Black Star Bags. I don't think there is an online link available.
I noticed that you are using straps on your pedals. I am going to be using SPD pedals. It looks like your feet are pretty centered, mine will be connected at the ball of my foot. Is this important? I’ve heard I should move the cleat on my shoe as far back as I can. I’d be curious to know why you use the straps instead of SPD?
I used SPD cleats for more than 10 years and they work great. I had issues with my toes going numb. Not a big deal as I only needed to rest my feet for 30 seconds for the tingling to go away. A couple of years ago, just for grins, I tried pedal straps. Now I can go much farther without the tingling. I also don't need to wear special shoes for cycling.
Thanks for the reply. I might try the straps. I bought a chain tensioner so I can share the bike with my wife until we can afford a second. Keep the good content coming!
thanks, I am a new owner of a trike and that was a great video, very informative to me and will watch out for those adjustments. Go Turtle. My question is how much air should your tires have in them, I can not see for some reason the psi on the tires? Thanks in advance for your help. Again Go turtle and hope your injury gets better soon and you are back traveling even if it is just locally.
Thanks, Paula!! Tire pressure info should be on the tire but maybe it's worn away. All tires have different psi requirements. Unfortunately, there isn't one pressure for all tires. I bet the website of the manufacturer will list the psi range. I use 20" 1.75 Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires and keep them at 65 psi. Thanks for watching!!
vary good videoi learned alot thanks
Great information ! Thanks! :-)
Super
Instead of cutting the boom buy a ice trike, the boom is adjustable.
All booms are adjustable but, for people with short legs, it is very common that the boom still needs to be cut.
⚔️💪😎👍🏴(stroke)
If you like the boom out as far as you I doubt that is normal for most people. You almost have a high heel look. Maybe you wore a lot of high heels in the past
I have moved my boom out farther since this video. I gained more weight than I thought while touring in Mexico and the boom was too short. This caused me a significant injury that I am still dealing with.
i doubt that the bike caused your injury by set up alone. You're probably riding above your ability. It's understandable because they are easy to ride but any sport the athlete needs to train up to the stuff that they do. If you're gaining weight you're probably not eating right either. There's signs you're saying that tells me these things. Fitness attempts cause injury to lots of people as they find what they are capable of. It sounds like you found your limit and will have to carefully push on if you intend to get better from the injury and get gains above that level.
La séquence ou la dame est enfermée dans les toilettes est longue.