I have 5 bikes, each does something better than the other, but nothing puts a smile on my face like my trike. Going up a steep hill, I can come to a complete stop, rest, and start again with out zigzagging across the road. I never realized how much energy I used trying to balance on a steep hill going slow.
My wife and I are getting back into biking again, after over 20 years of being away from it. My wife is doing well and just got a new bicycle, but due to the cumulative effects of a life spent working hard and having fun, my old body is not agreeing with 2-wheel bikes these days. We live in SW Florida and everything here is pretty flat, except for the overpasses and bridges. I want to thank you for your series about Myrtle and your adventures. Our hope is that when we both retire next year, we'll be back in shape enough to start taking bike (trike?) tours and seeing the sights. You serve as a great inspiration for this and have explained your reasons for riding a trike very well. Hopefully one of these days, we'll see you out on the road! Thanks again for making it all good.
My wonderful hubby just fitted a rolhoff hub to my purple Trike and says next is my hub for light and phone charging, I feel an Aussie adventure coming on for sure .. Love your videos. Jules from Australia
Awesome video, straight to the point without all the nonsense. Interesting idea that you put the snack bag on the right side. Just wish I could afford one.
Great points about why to ride a trike. And nice configuration. I also ride a trike. Well it's a velomobile, but technically it's a trike :D Welcome to Finland. We have lots of great cycle routes and all kinds of scenery ;)
Friday, off to perhaps purchase trident stowaway II...the only trike left at Spikes Amsterdam NY...all are on back order for months. Sure hope this works. Sold my Sun trike.
The reason why I bought my trike is so that I could continue to enjoy what I've done the most cycling. I've had various types of surgeries within my left leg. Such as fractured femur, broken ball joint, and full knee replacement within my left leg. So I started having balance issues. I started out riding a two wheel recumbent until the accident due to faulty construction and then an epileptic seizure after recovering from the first surgery. But trikes are amazing and bring the amazing smile that I like to talk about with the youth here where I live in Bellingham, Washington.
I have a weak left leg so I'm going to try cycle touring on a trike. Unfortunately I've bought a heavy steel trike which weighs 41 lbs without the panniers. I'm wondering if I'll have problems getting up the hills. Do you manage OK?
Trikes are an absolute joy. But you need to ride a kilometre or two and be sure the pedal axle height is right for you. I can ride an Ice Adventure with no numbness or recumbent butt but the Ice Sprint gives me both. I need the pedal axle lower than the seat height which many riders do. They cost a bit so you need to get that right.
Hi Sylvia, you mentioned that seat pannier that you mounted on your trike and I'd really be interested in finding one of those. I asked Zach Kaplan if he could find one but he would need to know the make and model and told me he could order one if he knew that information.
I using the small size Arkel handlebar bag with the HP velotechnik seat mount bars. I'm also using the small size clamps from T-Cycle so the bag doesn't stick out from the bar so far. This is my favorite accessory.
I love the concept of riding a trike, especially the fact that you can have a super low granny gear to get you up the steepest stuff without blowing up. I'm still very concerned about with, because here in Atlanta, people are not the friendliest towards bikes, plus many of the high speed, high volume roads don't have shoulders.
Buying a trike is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The thing is, probably no one has ever seen a trike before and they will see you because you are different. And then, everyone will assume you are disabled and they will give you more room on the road. No one wants to hit a disabled person.... I am turtle slow but have never found a hill I can't climb. You try some trikes, you'll be grinning for days. Best of luck!
Lets face it. Trikes are poor climbers. Heavier, can't serpentine my way up like on my bike, can't use my own weight to stand on the pedals. But eventually you get up. Just takes longer. Actually the part you are afraid of is a non issue. You will get plenty space. And you are hardly any, if at all, wider then a bike with panniers. In fact it is easier to keep a straight line using less road space. Best of all, you can now have a flag or a couple! Flags on trikes are cool enough for James bond or Rambo. It not only makes you more visible. But it also makes drivers happy! They will smile and more patient. They will give you priority even if the rules say otherwise. You don't want to know how often cars have a green light but stop for me! Hi, thanks! You will quickly learn in what situations you should ride defensively. Like being careful from roads from the right when the grass is tall. Or to check your mirror and give trucks some space so they don't have to stick behind you. But overall a trike is the best way to be safer. Honestly, did you ever say 'Hey, I almost didn't see that Ferrari. It is so low to the ground!' ?
If someone confronts you with being too flat you can answer this: The lines and arrows on the road are much flatter than me. So if you don't see me you should not see them. So you are not able to drive a car. Please give your license back...
@@TravelsByTrike Thank you for the quick reply, great to know. I wasn't sure if you tightened the straps down so tight that it restricted blood flow (like the pressure suits fighter jet pilots wear).
Love your videos. The hub that powers your lights and has usb. Sounds interesting but I didn’t catch the name. Maybe on one of your upcoming videos you can mention it Thanks. I learn so much from your videos.
Thanks, Robin - it's a SON hub and, yes, the new ones have a USB port. I love it as I can ride with the lights on all the time and don't need to worry about batteries.
Hi there, sorry didn't catch your name. Live to hear about other cyclist's travelling experience especially you are on a sizable trike. How can you manage to pack and unpack for a flight? Do you have to disassemble it and box it? I am a two wheel recumbent user. Still, I am not comfy to bring my bent aboard for biking trips. Would love to learn more from your experience. Woonchee from London
I do have a video about flying with a trike. I'm not sure it will work with a 2 wheel recumbent. The airlines see the 3 wheels and automatically assume I am disabled. It's considered discrimination and against the law to ask. I don't box my trike but simply roll it to the counter and check it like any other luggage.
In my case - age and chronic illness - might (will?) affect my balance and other things. I currently ride a two-wheeler, but I can see a trike in my future if I should live long enough…
That is exactly the reality . The best way to overcome all the hurdles is a recumbent trike guys . Listen to Sylvia's advises . And most of all check out her channel in depth .This will guide you anyway and will help you to take the right decisions concerning travelling on a trike .
Thankyou for your video. I am from New Zealand have toured in France and Germany on my mountain bike and the only complaints I have are with the seat . I think if I didn't have a sore bum and leg's I would be able to much further and so I am looking at getting a trike for touring .
Trikes are amazing and so much easier to travel with than I expected. Facebook has some very active groups for recumbent trikes and recumbent riders. Best of luck and thanks for following along!
Hello Silvia.. Hope all is well.. I really like the TRP cable actuated hydraulic brakes. You can keep using your levers and the cable pulls on the hydraulic to stop you. They are incredibly efficient and the best part is both pads (inside and outside the rotor) move. With the BB7's only one pad presses on the rotor and it actually bends the rotor slightly to stop you. Having both sides (pads) squeeze the rotor feels far more efficient and all the pads wear more evenly. And quietly.. :) Thank you for the suggestion on the Rohloff speedhub... I got one for my trike and love it. I like the quick release it offers over the other internal hubs on the market. This way, I can attach my Surly Bob. BTW: you look incredible healthy and your eyes look bright. :) . did you do the Sunday Parkways today..?
Very well discussed. Could you comment about coming from a 2 wheeler and the energy needs vs a trike ? Ie can you do longer distances ? I'm looking at touring and really want comfort and distance to be my main focus. Would love to hear from someone who has so mich experience. Thanks and safe riding!!
I ride a trike because I am a very slow cyclist. So slow that I can't ride a 2 wheel bike up and over the hills without walking. Since trikes have 3 wheels, you can go as slow as you need. Sometimes people can walk faster than I can ride but...I'm riding. Trikes are super fun, effortless to ride and very comfortable. It's like siting on the couch all day long. Best of luck!
Well, it's not just "a trike", it's a recumbent tadpole. Many differences from upright cruiser trikes that seem to prevail in mid- and lower-end market. Expensive model. I've seen e-powered recumbents that cost half as much, though without IGH.
Al M, thanks for commenting. Yes, there is a wide variety of trikes to choose from. The HP Velotechnik Scorpion, I call the Mercedes of trikes. It is designed for long term touring and built for rough roads. Full suspension means a smooth and quiet ride. It has lasted me over 6 years, 50,000 miles and is still going strong. E-assist is a lot of fun and I can see adding it at some point. Enjoy!
I have 3 20" tires and use Marathon Plus 1.75". On tour having the same size tire is economical and I can switch out the rear tire, after a few thousand miles or kilometers, for a front tire to make the rear one last longer. The Marathon Plus is a heavy and slow tire. If you aren't touring and looking for faster speeds there are better choices. I would turn to Bentrider Online forums for many discussions on tire favorites.
Thanks C W for watching and commenting. For sure, trikes can be expensive and a big investment. Personally, buying a trike is one of the best things I have ever done. Recumbent cyclists make up a great community and the fun factor is worth every penny.
@@TravelsByTrike hi (wave), i agree and hope to be selling recumbents some day. I'd add that price should not have to be a factor as they are all very economical when one thinks about it..
Per your suggestion, I am trying to get my but in as many trikes as possible before buying. So far I have ridden a Carike Trail, 559, Expedition and Dumont. All four had a tendency to zig-zag a little as I pedaled uphill. Note, I was wearing street sandals and probably riding in too a high a gear, but I found the tendency annoying. Is this common to all Trikes, or unique to Catrike? I assume it is due to flexing of the frame and/or boom. Have you noticed this on your Scorpion? Dave
i don't know Catrikes but do know they have a different steering system. My HP and Greenspeed didn't zigzag while climbing. There are 2 types of steering - direct and indirect. I can never remember which is which. It's fun to try trikes though, right?
Thanks for watching and following along, LuvCharlie007. Here is a link to a video I did describing my future travel plans and how I prepare the trike (HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs20) for the airplane. Easy pease! ruclips.net/video/B1wQFwccLIU/видео.html
I just discovered your RUclips videos and just love them!!!!! I am now a subscriber! I have a question for you. I see all your people riding recumbants. Is that a requirement? I have a Schwinn Meridian, 26 inch tires. In the past I had a Specialized hybrid. I so loved that bike.....she was my Roll Royce. But the years and health have taken their role on me. I still love to bike. Nuw, I am the proud owner of the Schwinn Meridien Trike (not a recumbant). Any chance of keeping up with you guys? There are no clubs or groups that specialize in trikes and their owners. What to do???
Thanks, Donna! I'm sure you could ride with the group. Check out Pacific Northwest Recumbent Cyclists on Facebook - that is where the rides are posted for the Portland area.
@@TravelsByTrike sorry, I was looking at your foot pedal system on your trike. I have specialized Tahoe mtb. But I would like something different. I like your system. Can you explain your system now? I hope that makes sense? Or I can send a pic to help. What is your email?
Hi Sylvia, I'm a new subscriber and recently interested in Trike after many years of bicycle touring. How do you pack your trike when you are on your overseas trip? Do you pay overweight luggage fee or you ship it separately?
Check out this video to see how I do it: ruclips.net/video/o5RLGxgAqzM/видео.html I don't box the trike and take it on the plane as is. You can wheel your trike to the check-in counter and it will go on the flight as a 'mobility device'. I put bubblewrap over the greasy parts to protect other people's luggage. Get to the airport early. Internationally, I have never paid extra. In the US, some airlines charge for an extra piece of luggage. Always use a real airline - not a cheapo one. The cheapo airlines don't want any extra luggage. Best of luck and thanks for following along!
Trains are the most difficult because it is up to the station master. I don't have a car and always need to get a ride from friends. Planes is the easiest - just roll to the counter and let the agent know it is a mobility device. Bentrider, www.bentrideronline, is a good source for trike stuff too.
Sorry it took so long to respond, I only saw the comment now. I have only taken the trike on airplanes. Internationally, I have never been charged or turned away. Easy peasy. Of course, who knows when we will be able to travel again. Be safe!
I'll be doing a video showing how I fly with my trike but I don't need to take it apart or box it. I cover all the greasy parts with bubblewrap, fold down the handlebars and roll it up to the counter. The airlines always take it. Domestically, I get charged whatever the 2nd bag fee and internationally, I've never been charged. Easy peasy! My trike folds which makes it easy to fit in cars. I've had my trike in airport shuttle vans, on top of taxis, in pick-ups and on many trains. I've hitchtriked and people pick me up practically before I get my hand in the air. An older woman on a tricycle isn't exactly intimidating, haha!
If you spin at a good cadence above 70 rpm your knees will be far happier. I have 153 mm crank arms and spin somewhat faster with the same amount of power as I would with slower rpm and normal crank arms. Have a glance at this site.bikesmithdesign.com/Short_Cranks/index.html
Was the foot problem a big issue? Is it common with these trikes? I've not heard of this before. As someone with poor circulation I'm wondering if that's a strike against the recumbent.
Good question! I think a lot of people cycling with bikes or recumbent have feet issues. It's not usually a huge issue. For me, I had to put my feet down for 30 seconds to get circulation back to my big toes. With pedal straps, I can go much longer than with my feet clipped into the pedals. On trikes, having your feet attached to the pedals is very important.
Woow !! I love your videos, and because of then, I'm thinking about buying a trike. So I have a question for you : Is there a huge difference between The Ice, The HPs Velotechnick and The Azub trikes? How to choose a good one?
Thanks! You can't go wrong with any one of those trikes. All three manufacturers are top notch. I suggest trying them out and seeing which one feels best. Good luck - trikes are a blast!
Trikes are not like sitting on a couch....i have tried one it was a horrifying experience...its super unstable to the point i was afraid to make any turns...regular bike is so much safer....
I once rode a trike like that at cycling show - it was super scary and I don't know what the manufacturer was thinking. Tadpole trikes are incredibly stable and much safer than upright bikes. I never hurt anywhere after riding my trike and I have yet to find a hill I can't climb. I have ridden my trike all over the world - in over 20 countries and on 6 continents. Try a real trike and you will see what I'm talking about.
Thank you for your video. I've spent more time on this one vid than many others. What brand of straps are on those Pedals? Never mind, saw the answer just below. Thank you.
Thanks James! I bought the straps at RecumbentPDX (in Portland, Oregon) and they are made by Black Star bags. What I like about them is the straps keep their shape when you remove your feet which makes it easier to get your feet back in them...and they are totally adjustable. The straps are more expensive than other brands.
I feel like when people talk about cycling up hills, it seems to be accepted that it's better when you're moving faster or crest the hill in less time. I'm particularly interested in getting over the hill with the least effort possible. On my standard diamond-frame bike, I'm already a slow climber. Unashamedly so, and I'm in my mid 20s lol. I really like that balance is not an issue on a trike, let alone comfort. How has the hill climbing experience been for you on Myrtle? Is it easy?
Yes, climbing is easy but slow. For me, I am so slow that I can't ride a 2-wheel bike uphill, recumbent or upright, without walking. With the trike, I have never found a hill I can't climb. 10%, 15% or more than 20%- I can always ride. It's possible that walking would be quicker but ... I am riding. I am an exceptionally slow rider. If not for trikes, I wouldn't be riding. And because I can't fall over there is no stress about getting to the top. I just keep spinning, in comfort. Best of luck and thanks for commenting.
Recumbent trikes are poor climbers. They are heavier. You can't really zigzag your way up. You miss the weight of your legs on the pedals. You can't stand on the pedals. That doesn't mean you can't get up hills. It will just be slower then on a light road bike. But as soon you put some luggage on a bike the difference is less. One of the reasons is indeed the fact you don't need to balance. The techniques I described like zigzagging and standing on the pedals aren't that easy on a fully loaded bike either. So you sit on your saddle doing the same movement with the same muscles all the time. The best way to ride up a mountain is to change your position to relieve your muscles. And not like Tour de France riders do on a 8kg race bike. In fact those who stay in one pace are the helpers and they fall behind rapidly once they used up their energy. Every climb is different. Sometimes you go faster to keep a certain momentum. Sometimes you go slower in a small as gear possible. The object is not to get up fast. But to save energy. And here is the thing. When I get to the top on a trike I don't feel like I have to stop and rest. I can stay seated and relax on my way down. I win a little time back vs a bike. At the end of day I don't feel as tired on a trike. To make my point: My longest distance on a day with a race bike was 160km when I was 25yo. But I did 220km with a loaded trike when I was 50yo. Yes it was a loooooong ride. But I could have done 100 km more. Because I was still comfortable. I felt my legs yes. But that was it. So don't switch to recumbent trikes for speed or get up hills fast!! They are best at touring. You go 20km/h and that you can do all day. I would never go back to bikes for distance touring. It just isn't fun.
How bout a rearview mirror, I am dependent on one. It appears you don't have one. I am wondering how a trike work on roads with somewhat narrow shoulders?
Thanks for the comment, James! Yes, I always use a rearview mirror. My next video is going to talk about my helmet where I have a mirror attached. It seems like trikes are so much wider than a regular bike but if you put panniers on a 2 wheeled bike it takes up just as much room.
Thanks, Hes Gone! The fenders for the HP Velotechnik Scorpion are very expensive and I usually take them off for the summer to save them for touring. In Portland, during the summer, there is very little rain but I always use fenders when I'm touring. Thanks for commenting!
I've just ordered my first trike, an ICE Sprint X Tour, here in UK and can't wait for it to be delivered. I enjoyed the test ride(s) SO much at my local Dealer Saddle Safari, Marlow, UK. Do you ever tow a trailer, and if so, how do you get on with doing so? Are they easier to use than piling the trike high with panniers?
Congrats on your ICE!! You will love it. Yes, I pulled a Radical Designs trailer for 6 months on my 1st tour through Mexico. I was afraid I couldn't find anything in Mexico and brought a ton of unecessary stuff. Typical newbie thing to do. The trailer was carrying about 70 lbs of gear and there was still room for more. The trailer tracked behind the trike effortlessly although I could feel the trailer pulling me down when climbing. Of course, there were now 5 wheels and 2 different sized tubes and tires to pack for. Personally, I think trailers are terrific if you are going to be primarily camping. Everything gets thrown in one space. I find trailers become uncomfortable to get in and out of hotel rooms especially if the room isn't on the 1st floor. With a trailer there is a tenancy to carry more because you have more room. I prefer using panniers and having been using panniers exclusively since that 1st tour. The Ortlieb recumbent bags are huge. I've got everything I need for 6 months tours including camping gear in 2 bags with room left over. I also use a side seat mount bag to keep what I need during day handy. Best of luck!!!
Sylvia, how many brands did you try before settling on your HPV? My wife and I plan to buy trikes after we relocate across the USA next year, and so far, I've found 3 stores in our new area with 4 brands we want to look at, including HPV. Also, is buying new trikes smart? I'm afraid of inheriting hidden problems. This video, like all your others, is really well done. Sorry for asking so many questions, but I greatly respect your experience and knowledge. Keep up your excellent work!
I bought my HP Scorpion atleast 6 years ago and there weren't many trikes with suspension designed for touring. Those were the features I was looking for. I've only bought 2 trikes and bought them both new. I'm sure you can get good deals buying used too. Thanks for watching and following along!
Thanks for answering. I guess it's important to look for trikes with the features, that are important to you, such as suspension, folding frame, gear range, seat height, etc.. We bought an RV last year, and before we did, we made a chart of features we wanted and ranked them in importance. That made it much easier to find one that fit our needs. I'm thinking the chart idea would work for trikes, too, although I'm sure it's much easier to change out trike components to meet your wants and needs than it is with an RV! Thanks again, and safe travels always.
Hi, nice to know you have trike-d in Singapore. I’m from Singapore. How was your experience tricking in Singapore? I’m thinking of getting a trike. Tanks for the video!
Singapore is a cool city. I didn't have any problems riding anywhere. Like most of SE Asia, the traffic is heavy but permissive. Trikes are super fun and get a lot of attention from the drivers. enjoy and best of luck!
Very cool set up. I still tour on 2 wheels, but I am interested in trying a trike someday down the road for touring. Was looking at the HPV Scorpion FS 20 as well. I am curious, how is transporting it overseas? I know it folds up...but do you ship it as is? Or do you box it up or bag it? I have heard many people claim it as a “mobility” device like a wheelchair and don’t have to pay to have it stored on the plane. Is this true? Thanks!
Hi Sylvia, I found out about you on Gary Solomon's Laidback Bike Report, you were a guest on the show, so, I will be watching you and your future travels. You must be boarding the plane tomorrow for Central, South America, stay safe and have fun.
I was wondering since you do not have a car do you use a box or something when not touring to get groceries with. I was thinking of using my trike to get small items at the stores and wondered what to pack the groceries in.
I’ve been enjoying your videos! My husband has an Azub Tricon he bought in Portland a couple of years ago, and he is trying to get me to buy one. I can see the advantages of a trike, but I am still not convinced. Transporting 2 trikes could definitely be a problem, but I guess we could work it out somehow. A question I have for you is regarding trike insurance. Is there such a thing? Do you have insurance for your trike and equipment? Thanks! Linda, Eugene, OR
Thanks star43ch for following along. I don't have insurance for my trike. Most people use their home or car insurance to cover their trike. I don't have a house or car so I simply hope for the best. I bought my 1st trike in 2006 and haven't needed insurance yet. Get your trike, you won't regret it!
Because i have a bad leg from an accident and i don't want to drive a handicapbike but drive in comfort and stability but i can't afford one so i keep on walking
Sorry to hear about your accident. Keep saving, trikes aren't expensive if you buy used. They come on the 2nd hand market all the time. Thanks for watching!
I am purchasing my first trike after Cancer left me disabled. I am looking forward to having some travels like you have. Can you tell me a little bit about transporting your trike on airplanes? How do you do it, how much does it cost, etc.
It's been very easy for me. Trikes go as a mobility device. I roll the trike, usually folded, to the check-in counter and explain that the trike is a 'mobility device'. There shouldn't be any extra charge. If you look, I have a video about how I fly with my trike. Certainly, there are risks for damage but I've done this probably 30 times and never had any problems. Let me know if you need any questions.
Thank you so much for the reply. I am having a hard time coughing up the scratch for a folding trike. I watched your interview and saw that you flew with a standard trike too. Thanks so much for the fun and informative content. I love it. Keep it coming!
@@joeantonio6573 Yes, the only time I use the folding feature of my trike is to fly but it is not necessary to fold a trike to get it on an airplane. I do highly recommend suspension if you are going to do a lot of touring. Suspension is more expensive and worth every penny.
Travels By Trike Yes, a friend of mine who knows about people with disabilities and devices to assist them highly recommends the scorpion trIke. Unfortunately I can’t afford that model, and I am bound by what is available to me on eBay. I’m looking at the Catrikes. I’m sure it’s just like my standard bIke’s, full suspension rules. I think I won’t be doing much touring on my first trike as I am in pretty tough shape. I’ll probably be starting with a block! if I really take to it I’ll sell the Catrike and check into financing a Scorpion. I am really looking forward to riding. I would love to get electric assist so I can actually go out for a couple of hours. Thanks for the reply. I’m getting through many of your videos. I do enjoy them!
Just a question, Where do you route the wire for the sun dynamo hub and is it a through axel....with the Terracycle bag does it come with the mount.... cheers Jules
I've had this dynamo for 7 years and maybe the new ones route the wires differently but on mine the wires don't go through the axel. I have them ziptied to the frame. Also, there are lots of bags that fit the Terracycle side seat mount but none come with.
Are you using any particular types of straps on the pedals ? The one's I've seen on other trikes were "Power Grips" which mount diagonally across the pedals. Your set-up looks better in that it looks like it can be sized for wider feet.
thanks for watching Jackie! Yes, these straps are made by Black Star bags and are very adjustable. They are more rigid than Power Grips and keep their shape. You can get them through RecumbentPDX. They come in a few colors as well.
Cool; thanks for the tip ! They look like they would be a good alternative to clipless, which I've found occasionally leads to hot-foot (even with the cleats moved further back towards the center of the shoes).
I think the Hp Scorpion with full suspension is about $5500. I also added a used Rohloff for$1000. Everything else is not expensive. This is a lot of money but it's lasted over 6 years and is my only mode of transportation. 😎😍😎😍
Thanks for the comment tonibat59! Yes, I roll my folded trike up to the ticket counter like any piece of luggage. It always goes as a mobility device. There are risks but, so far, it has always worked out for me.
Thanks for the comment, Cindy! Yes, you can tip over but it is a very rare event that usually involves trying an ill advised maneuver. I tipped over riding down a steep dirt hillside where I had no business taking my trike. I was not hurt and my trike was not damaged. For the most part, trikes are much safer than 2 wheeled bikes.
Trikes are great. But, being from The Netherlands, not always practical. Meaning, they are too wide for most family homes storage and too impractical for mass cycling and mass cycle parking. As is the case in The Netherlands.
I am assuming those foot straps worked safely for you? I had "foot suck" happen and bought clipless shoes, quickly. I would love riding with other shoes but scared and think, Do I need something to support my heel to be safe? Thanks for the informative video.
Yes, I used clipless pedals for many years and found that the straps are more comfortable. My feet don't fall asleep as much with the straps. Happy triking!
I have 5 bikes, each does something better than the other, but nothing puts a smile on my face like my trike. Going up a steep hill, I can come to a complete stop, rest, and start again with out zigzagging across the road. I never realized how much energy I used trying to balance on a steep hill going slow.
Yes and how stressful keeping your balance is while constantly being vigilant
for potential dangers in the road surface. Trikes are so much more fun!!
Hot peasant I have about fifteen and a trike and 3 with motors and oh sh.... anyone need a bike
it is great to hear from female trike riders, mostly you hear from the guys thanks for doing these videos.
I didn't think of that. Nice observations! Thanks for watching, Paula!
I have an electric assist trike and absolutely love it! Expensive but worth it!
Yes, I think so too.
good points, good idea with the whistle
Great points. Thank you. I have a fused spine and titanium knees and thinking this may be the way to go for me.
Trikes are fun and safe. You will love it. Be well!!
My wife and I are getting back into biking again, after over 20 years of being away from it. My wife is doing well and just got a new bicycle, but due to the cumulative effects of a life spent working hard and having fun, my old body is not agreeing with 2-wheel bikes these days. We live in SW Florida and everything here is pretty flat, except for the overpasses and bridges. I want to thank you for your series about Myrtle and your adventures. Our hope is that when we both retire next year, we'll be back in shape enough to start taking bike (trike?) tours and seeing the sights. You serve as a great inspiration for this and have explained your reasons for riding a trike very well. Hopefully one of these days, we'll see you out on the road! Thanks again for making it all good.
Thanks! Yes, I hope we meet up on the road as well. Best of luck!
Very nice setup. I’m considering giving a trike a try
Go for a test ride. I think you'll be surprised how much fun riding a trike is. Best of luck!
My wonderful hubby just fitted a rolhoff hub to my purple Trike and says next is my hub for light and phone charging, I feel an Aussie adventure coming on for sure .. Love your videos. Jules from Australia
Nice hubby! I love the Rolhoff. Enjoy your adventure and thanks for watching!
Awesome video, straight to the point without all the nonsense. Interesting idea that you put the snack bag on the right side. Just wish I could afford one.
Awsome video I really enjoy watching your youtubes ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊
@@Creativelyart76 thank you so much!
Great points about why to ride a trike. And nice configuration. I also ride a trike. Well it's a velomobile, but technically it's a trike :D
Welcome to Finland. We have lots of great cycle routes and all kinds of scenery ;)
Thanks for the nice comment, Saukki! I would love to go to Finland and it is high on my list of places to trike. Enjoy your velo.
Friday, off to perhaps purchase trident stowaway II...the only trike left at Spikes Amsterdam NY...all are on back order for months. Sure hope this works. Sold my Sun trike.
Excellent - RevSunny44!! Best of luck!!
Very, very informative and therefore, very very helpful
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Excellent video. I am 65 years old and thinking of getting a trike and would love to do some touring... safely.
Thanks, David!! Touring is super fun.
The reason why I bought my trike is so that I could continue to enjoy what I've done the most cycling.
I've had various types of surgeries within my left leg. Such as fractured femur, broken ball joint, and full knee replacement within my left leg. So I started having balance issues. I started out riding a two wheel recumbent until the accident due to faulty construction and then an epileptic seizure after recovering from the first surgery.
But trikes are amazing and bring the amazing smile that I like to talk about with the youth here where I live in Bellingham, Washington.
Sorry for the late response, I only just saw this comment. Thanks for following along. You have many good reasons for riding a trike. Best of luck!!
I have a weak left leg so I'm going to try cycle touring on a trike. Unfortunately I've bought a heavy steel trike which weighs 41 lbs without the panniers. I'm wondering if I'll have problems getting up the hills. Do you manage OK?
Love the video very informative
Thank you, Brie!
great video. really informative, thanks!
Trikes are an absolute joy. But you need to ride a kilometre or two and be sure the pedal axle height is right for you. I can ride an Ice Adventure with no numbness or recumbent butt but the Ice Sprint gives me both. I need the pedal axle lower than the seat height which many riders do. They cost a bit so you need to get that right.
Thanks, Peter!
This has been most helpful. I was wondering why I would want a bike in this position.
Hi Sylvia, you mentioned that seat pannier that you mounted on your trike and I'd really be interested in finding one of those. I asked Zach Kaplan if he could find one but he would need to know the make and model and told me he could order one if he knew that information.
I using the small size Arkel handlebar bag with the HP velotechnik seat mount bars. I'm also using the small size clamps from T-Cycle so the bag doesn't stick out from the bar so far. This is my favorite accessory.
Thanks 👍 😊
I love the concept of riding a trike, especially the fact that you can have a super low granny gear to get you up the steepest stuff without blowing up. I'm still very concerned about with, because here in Atlanta, people are not the friendliest towards bikes, plus many of the high speed, high volume roads don't have shoulders.
Buying a trike is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The thing is, probably no one has ever seen a trike before and they will see you because you are different. And then, everyone will assume you are disabled and they will give you more room on the road. No one wants to hit a disabled person.... I am turtle slow but have never found a hill I can't climb. You try some trikes, you'll be grinning for days. Best of luck!
Lets face it. Trikes are poor climbers. Heavier, can't serpentine my way up like on my bike, can't use my own weight to stand on the pedals. But eventually you get up. Just takes longer.
Actually the part you are afraid of is a non issue. You will get plenty space. And you are hardly any, if at all, wider then a bike with panniers. In fact it is easier to keep a straight line using less road space.
Best of all, you can now have a flag or a couple! Flags on trikes are cool enough for James bond or Rambo. It not only makes you more visible. But it also makes drivers happy! They will smile and more patient. They will give you priority even if the rules say otherwise. You don't want to know how often cars have a green light but stop for me! Hi, thanks!
You will quickly learn in what situations you should ride defensively. Like being careful from roads from the right when the grass is tall. Or to check your mirror and give trucks some space so they don't have to stick behind you.
But overall a trike is the best way to be safer. Honestly, did you ever say 'Hey, I almost didn't see that Ferrari. It is so low to the ground!' ?
Great response!
If someone confronts you with being too flat you can answer this:
The lines and arrows on the road are much flatter than me. So if you don't see me you should not see them. So you are not able to drive a car. Please give your license back...
Great overview video! Thanks. How do the pedal straps prevent numb toes compared to clipless pedals? What do they do differently?
@@ft3Safety1st2 I’m not sure. Maybe it’s that my feet can move over the pedals less restricted.
@@TravelsByTrike Thank you for the quick reply, great to know. I wasn't sure if you tightened the straps down so tight that it restricted blood flow (like the pressure suits fighter jet pilots wear).
Love your videos. The hub that powers your lights and has usb. Sounds interesting but I didn’t catch the name. Maybe on one of your upcoming videos you can mention it
Thanks. I learn so much from your videos.
Thanks, Robin - it's a SON hub and, yes, the new ones have a USB port. I love it as I can ride with the lights on all the time and don't need to worry about batteries.
Hi there, sorry didn't catch your name. Live to hear about other cyclist's travelling experience especially you are on a sizable trike. How can you manage to pack and unpack for a flight? Do you have to disassemble it and box it? I am a two wheel recumbent user. Still, I am not comfy to bring my bent aboard for biking trips. Would love to learn more from your experience. Woonchee from London
I do have a video about flying with a trike. I'm not sure it will work with a 2 wheel recumbent. The airlines see the 3 wheels and automatically assume I am disabled. It's considered discrimination and against the law to ask. I don't box my trike but simply roll it to the counter and check it like any other luggage.
How many times have you used that whistle?
A lot. To get people's attention and scare animals out of the road.
have you tried the Power Grip pedal straps? , what make are ur's. u are making me happy, thinking about next summer
I'm using straps from Black Star Bags in Portland. They are working really well. Best of luck!
In my case - age and chronic illness - might (will?) affect my balance and other things.
I currently ride a two-wheeler, but I can see a trike in my future if I should live long enough…
Keep enjoying and riding!
That is exactly the reality . The best way to overcome all the hurdles is a recumbent trike guys . Listen to Sylvia's advises . And most of all check out her channel in depth .This will guide you anyway and will help you to take the right decisions concerning travelling on a trike .
thank you!!
Thankyou for your video. I am from New Zealand have toured in France and Germany on my mountain bike and the only complaints I have are with the seat . I think if I didn't have a sore bum and leg's I would be able to much further and so I am looking at getting a trike for touring .
Trikes are amazing and so much easier to travel with than I expected. Facebook has some very active groups for recumbent trikes and recumbent riders. Best of luck and thanks for following along!
Awesome!!! Safe Triking!! 😁
Hello Silvia.. Hope all is well.. I really like the TRP cable actuated hydraulic brakes. You can keep using your levers and the cable pulls on the hydraulic to stop you. They are incredibly efficient and the best part is both pads (inside and outside the rotor) move. With the BB7's only one pad presses on the rotor and it actually bends the rotor slightly to stop you. Having both sides (pads) squeeze the rotor feels far more efficient and all the pads wear more evenly. And quietly.. :)
Thank you for the suggestion on the Rohloff speedhub... I got one for my trike and love it. I like the quick release it offers over the other internal hubs on the market. This way, I can attach my Surly Bob. BTW: you look incredible healthy and your eyes look bright. :) . did you do the Sunday Parkways today..?
Haven't named my moon rock silver Catrike yet, but I rather like the moniker "uncle moon rocks". Great video.
Love it, Oom! Thanks for watching!
Very well discussed. Could you comment about coming from a 2 wheeler and the energy needs vs a trike ? Ie can you do longer distances ? I'm looking at touring and really want comfort and distance to be my main focus. Would love to hear from someone who has so mich experience. Thanks and safe riding!!
I ride a trike because I am a very slow cyclist. So slow that I can't ride a 2 wheel bike up and over the hills without walking. Since trikes have 3 wheels, you can go as slow as you need. Sometimes people can walk faster than I can ride but...I'm riding. Trikes are super fun, effortless to ride and very comfortable. It's like siting on the couch all day long. Best of luck!
You've Trikes across the 🇺🇸 ? That is something I want to do after my knee replacements. About 1.5 years before I can do the ride.
Actually, I’ve done it twice. There are many routes to choose from depending on the time of year. Best of luck!
Well, it's not just "a trike", it's a recumbent tadpole. Many differences from upright cruiser trikes that seem to prevail in mid- and lower-end market. Expensive model. I've seen e-powered recumbents that cost half as much, though without IGH.
Al M, thanks for commenting. Yes, there is a wide variety of trikes to choose from. The HP Velotechnik Scorpion, I call the Mercedes of trikes. It is designed for long term touring and built for rough roads. Full suspension means a smooth and quiet ride. It has lasted me over 6 years, 50,000 miles and is still going strong. E-assist is a lot of fun and I can see adding it at some point. Enjoy!
Hello Sylvia. What tires are you using. Please include width.
I have 3 20" tires and use Marathon Plus 1.75". On tour having the same size tire is economical and I can switch out the rear tire, after a few thousand miles or kilometers, for a front tire to make the rear one last longer. The Marathon Plus is a heavy and slow tire. If you aren't touring and looking for faster speeds there are better choices. I would turn to Bentrider Online forums for many discussions on tire favorites.
IM BUYING ME THE LIBERTY TRIK NEXT YEAR FOR ME AND MY NIECE PUP 🐶 PUP…I LIKE YOUR TRIKE NICE VIDEO THANKS
Congrats on your trike purchase - you will love it.
Thank you. Love these, but kinda intimated to purchase one. Great Info!
Thanks C W for watching and commenting. For sure, trikes can be expensive and a big investment. Personally, buying a trike is one of the best things I have ever done. Recumbent cyclists make up a great community and the fun factor is worth every penny.
@@TravelsByTrike hi (wave), i agree and hope to be selling recumbents some day. I'd add that price should not have to be a factor as they are all very economical when one thinks about it..
Love it
Hi Sylvia, how did you find out what you had to do to swap out the Rolloff speed hub? Sounds like a tricky challenge?
I bought the Rohloff used and had Rose City bikes build a wheel and install it. The Rohloff is terrific.
Per your suggestion, I am trying to get my but in as many trikes as possible before buying. So far I have ridden a Carike Trail, 559, Expedition and Dumont. All four had a tendency to zig-zag a little as I pedaled uphill. Note, I was wearing street sandals and probably riding in too a high a gear, but I found the tendency annoying. Is this common to all Trikes, or unique to Catrike? I assume it is due to flexing of the frame and/or boom. Have you noticed this on your Scorpion?
Dave
i don't know Catrikes but do know they have a different steering system. My HP and Greenspeed didn't zigzag while climbing. There are 2 types of steering - direct and indirect. I can never remember which is which. It's fun to try trikes though, right?
Yes. I am hoping Cyclecon doesn’t get cancelled. It is practically in my own back yard. Need to try more trikes! Thanks for quick response.
Great Trike. Please provide a product list. How does it fold up for traveling ?
Thanks for watching and following along, LuvCharlie007. Here is a link to a video I did describing my future travel plans and how I prepare the trike (HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs20) for the airplane. Easy pease! ruclips.net/video/B1wQFwccLIU/видео.html
I just discovered your RUclips videos and just love them!!!!! I am now a subscriber! I have a question for you. I see all your people riding recumbants. Is that a requirement? I have a Schwinn Meridian, 26 inch tires. In the past I had a Specialized hybrid. I so loved that bike.....she was my Roll Royce. But the years and health have taken their role on me. I still love to bike. Nuw, I am the proud owner of the Schwinn Meridien Trike (not a recumbant). Any chance of keeping up with you guys? There are no clubs or groups that specialize in trikes and their owners. What to do???
Thanks, Donna! I'm sure you could ride with the group. Check out Pacific Northwest Recumbent Cyclists on Facebook - that is where the rides are posted for the Portland area.
Don’t those front wheels spray you over wet surfaces?
I have fenders for touring and riding in the rain.
@@TravelsByTrike ok great idea! thanks
I have some questions about pedal system. What is it?
I don't understand what your question is.
@@TravelsByTrike sorry, I was looking at your foot pedal system on your trike. I have specialized Tahoe mtb. But I would like something different. I like your system. Can you explain your system now? I hope that makes sense? Or I can send a pic to help. What is your email?
@@burtisaac1000 I use Welgo platform pedals and Black Star bag pedal straps. I got them both at RecumbnetPDX bikeshop in Portland.
@@TravelsByTrike Thank you 🙏! You are on point! Black star bag pedal straps system is what I was looking for. Genius! Brilliant! Awesome 🤩!
@@burtisaac1000 That's great!
Hi Sylvia, I'm a new subscriber and recently interested in Trike after many years of bicycle touring. How do you pack your trike when you are on your overseas trip? Do you pay overweight luggage fee or you ship it separately?
Check out this video to see how I do it: ruclips.net/video/o5RLGxgAqzM/видео.html I don't box the trike and take it on the plane as is. You can wheel your trike to the check-in counter and it will go on the flight as a 'mobility device'. I put bubblewrap over the greasy parts to protect other people's luggage. Get to the airport early. Internationally, I have never paid extra. In the US, some airlines charge for an extra piece of luggage. Always use a real airline - not a cheapo one. The cheapo airlines don't want any extra luggage. Best of luck and thanks for following along!
Travels By Trike, Truck'n Trailer
Thanks Sylvia for your super fast reply.
Can you tell me more about that dynamo please?
How do you transport the trike on trains and planes and even cars?
Trains are the most difficult because it is up to the station master. I don't have a car and always need to get a ride from friends. Planes is the easiest - just roll to the counter and let the agent know it is a mobility device. Bentrider, www.bentrideronline, is a good source for trike stuff too.
Have you considered replacing the chain with a Veer belt?
I haven't but I don't know enough about it.
I know this is an old video, but how have you found shipping this trike internationally to be? Tough? Easy?
Sorry it took so long to respond, I only saw the comment now. I have only taken the trike on airplanes. Internationally, I have never been charged or turned away. Easy peasy. Of course, who knows when we will be able to travel again. Be safe!
I'm curious as to how you transport the trike via train, plane, and automobile
I'll be doing a video showing how I fly with my trike but I don't need to take it apart or box it. I cover all the greasy parts with bubblewrap, fold down the handlebars and roll it up to the counter. The airlines always take it. Domestically, I get charged whatever the 2nd bag fee and internationally, I've never been charged. Easy peasy! My trike folds which makes it easy to fit in cars. I've had my trike in airport shuttle vans, on top of taxis, in pick-ups and on many trains. I've hitchtriked and people pick me up practically before I get my hand in the air. An older woman on a tricycle isn't exactly intimidating, haha!
That's really great! Does it also fit in a regular car when it's folded up?
Depending on the car, yes.
I had a knee replacements so I was wondering how safe they are
If you spin at a good cadence above 70 rpm your knees will be far happier. I have 153 mm crank arms and spin somewhat faster with the same amount of power as I would with slower rpm and normal crank arms. Have a glance at this site.bikesmithdesign.com/Short_Cranks/index.html
Mines a home made one that about 50 60 years old
Was the foot problem a big issue? Is it common with these trikes? I've not heard of this before. As someone with poor circulation I'm wondering if that's a strike against the recumbent.
Good question! I think a lot of people cycling with bikes or recumbent have feet issues. It's not usually a huge issue. For me, I had to put my feet down for 30 seconds to get circulation back to my big toes. With pedal straps, I can go much longer than with my feet clipped into the pedals. On trikes, having your feet attached to the pedals is very important.
Woow !! I love your videos, and because of then, I'm thinking about buying a trike. So I have a question for you : Is there a huge difference between The Ice, The HPs Velotechnick and The Azub trikes? How to choose a good one?
Thanks! You can't go wrong with any one of those trikes. All three manufacturers are top notch. I suggest trying them out and seeing which one feels best. Good luck - trikes are a blast!
Trikes are not like sitting on a couch....i have tried one it was a horrifying experience...its super unstable to the point i was afraid to make any turns...regular bike is so much safer....
I once rode a trike like that at cycling show - it was super scary and I don't know what the manufacturer was thinking. Tadpole trikes are incredibly stable and much safer than upright bikes. I never hurt anywhere after riding my trike and I have yet to find a hill I can't climb. I have ridden my trike all over the world - in over 20 countries and on 6 continents. Try a real trike and you will see what I'm talking about.
Thank you for your video. I've spent more time on this one vid than many others. What brand of straps are on those Pedals? Never mind, saw the answer just below. Thank you.
Thanks James! I bought the straps at RecumbentPDX (in Portland, Oregon) and they are made by Black Star bags. What I like about them is the straps keep their shape when you remove your feet which makes it easier to get your feet back in them...and they are totally adjustable. The straps are more expensive than other brands.
I feel like when people talk about cycling up hills, it seems to be accepted that it's better when you're moving faster or crest the hill in less time. I'm particularly interested in getting over the hill with the least effort possible. On my standard diamond-frame bike, I'm already a slow climber. Unashamedly so, and I'm in my mid 20s lol. I really like that balance is not an issue on a trike, let alone comfort. How has the hill climbing experience been for you on Myrtle? Is it easy?
Yes, climbing is easy but slow. For me, I am so slow that I can't ride a 2-wheel bike uphill, recumbent or upright, without walking. With the trike, I have never found a hill I can't climb. 10%, 15% or more than 20%- I can always ride. It's possible that walking would be quicker but ... I am riding. I am an exceptionally slow rider. If not for trikes, I wouldn't be riding. And because I can't fall over there is no stress about getting to the top. I just keep spinning, in comfort.
Best of luck and thanks for commenting.
Recumbent trikes are poor climbers. They are heavier. You can't really zigzag your way up. You miss the weight of your legs on the pedals. You can't stand on the pedals.
That doesn't mean you can't get up hills. It will just be slower then on a light road bike.
But as soon you put some luggage on a bike the difference is less. One of the reasons is indeed the fact you don't need to balance. The techniques I described like zigzagging and standing on the pedals aren't that easy on a fully loaded bike either. So you sit on your saddle doing the same movement with the same muscles all the time. The best way to ride up a mountain is to change your position to relieve your muscles. And not like Tour de France riders do on a 8kg race bike. In fact those who stay in one pace are the helpers and they fall behind rapidly once they used up their energy.
Every climb is different. Sometimes you go faster to keep a certain momentum. Sometimes you go slower in a small as gear possible. The object is not to get up fast. But to save energy.
And here is the thing. When I get to the top on a trike I don't feel like I have to stop and rest. I can stay seated and relax on my way down. I win a little time back vs a bike. At the end of day I don't feel as tired on a trike.
To make my point: My longest distance on a day with a race bike was 160km when I was 25yo. But I did 220km with a loaded trike when I was 50yo. Yes it was a loooooong ride. But I could have done 100 km more. Because I was still comfortable. I felt my legs yes. But that was it.
So don't switch to recumbent trikes for speed or get up hills fast!! They are best at touring. You go 20km/h and that you can do all day. I would never go back to bikes for distance touring. It just isn't fun.
How bout a rearview mirror, I am dependent on one. It appears you don't have one. I am wondering how a trike work on roads with somewhat narrow shoulders?
Thanks for the comment, James! Yes, I always use a rearview mirror. My next video is going to talk about my helmet where I have a mirror attached. It seems like trikes are so much wider than a regular bike but if you put panniers on a 2 wheeled bike it takes up just as much room.
I noticed no fenders on the front wheels. Don't you get splattered when you steer?
Thanks, Hes Gone! The fenders for the HP Velotechnik Scorpion are very expensive and I usually take them off for the summer to save them for touring. In Portland, during the summer, there is very little rain but I always use fenders when I'm touring. Thanks for commenting!
I've just ordered my first trike, an ICE Sprint X Tour, here in UK and can't wait for it to be delivered. I enjoyed the test ride(s) SO much at my local Dealer Saddle Safari, Marlow, UK.
Do you ever tow a trailer, and if so, how do you get on with doing so? Are they easier to use than piling the trike high with panniers?
Congrats on your ICE!! You will love it. Yes, I pulled a Radical Designs trailer for 6 months on my 1st tour through Mexico. I was afraid I couldn't find anything in Mexico and brought a ton of unecessary stuff. Typical newbie thing to do. The trailer was carrying about 70 lbs of gear and there was still room for more. The trailer tracked behind the trike effortlessly although I could feel the trailer pulling me down when climbing. Of course, there were now 5 wheels and 2 different sized tubes and tires to pack for. Personally, I think trailers are terrific if you are going to be primarily camping. Everything gets thrown in one space. I find trailers become uncomfortable to get in and out of hotel rooms especially if the room isn't on the 1st floor. With a trailer there is a tenancy to carry more because you have more room. I prefer using panniers and having been using panniers exclusively since that 1st tour. The Ortlieb recumbent bags are huge. I've got everything I need for 6 months tours including camping gear in 2 bags with room left over. I also use a side seat mount bag to keep what I need during day handy. Best of luck!!!
Sylvia, how many brands did you try before settling on your HPV? My wife and I plan to buy trikes after we relocate across the USA next year, and so far, I've found 3 stores in our new area with 4 brands we want to look at, including HPV. Also, is buying new trikes smart? I'm afraid of inheriting hidden problems. This video, like all your others, is really well done. Sorry for asking so many questions, but I greatly respect your experience and knowledge. Keep up your excellent work!
I bought my HP Scorpion atleast 6 years ago and there weren't many trikes with suspension designed for touring. Those were the features I was looking for. I've only bought 2 trikes and bought them both new. I'm sure you can get good deals buying used too. Thanks for watching and following along!
Thanks for answering. I guess it's important to look for trikes with the features, that are important to you, such as suspension, folding frame, gear range, seat height, etc.. We bought an RV last year, and before we did, we made a chart of features we wanted and ranked them in importance. That made it much easier to find one that fit our needs. I'm thinking the chart idea would work for trikes, too, although I'm sure it's much easier to change out trike components to meet your wants and needs than it is with an RV! Thanks again, and safe travels always.
Hi, nice to know you have trike-d in Singapore. I’m from Singapore. How was your experience tricking in Singapore? I’m thinking of getting a trike. Tanks for the video!
Singapore is a cool city. I didn't have any problems riding anywhere. Like most of SE Asia, the traffic is heavy but permissive. Trikes are super fun and get a lot of attention from the drivers. enjoy and best of luck!
@@TravelsByTrike Thank you very much. hope to get into action soon.
Very cool set up. I still tour on 2 wheels, but I am interested in trying a trike someday down the road for touring. Was looking at the HPV Scorpion FS 20 as well. I am curious, how is transporting it overseas? I know it folds up...but do you ship it as is? Or do you box it up or bag it? I have heard many people claim it as a “mobility” device like a wheelchair and don’t have to pay to have it stored on the plane. Is this true? Thanks!
Sylvia, did ypu,start your tour to Central, South America, any videos?
Frank Quinones, not yet but very soon, I fly to Cancun March 5th. I’m excited to do videos especially with my new drone flying around the Mayan ruins.
Hi Sylvia, I found out about you on Gary Solomon's Laidback Bike Report, you were a guest on the show, so, I will be watching you and your future travels. You must be boarding the plane tomorrow for Central, South America, stay safe and have fun.
Thanks Dave, I fly to Cancun tomorrow, woohoo!! The adventures of Myrtle the Turtle continue.
I was wondering since you do not have a car do you use a box or something when not touring to get groceries with. I was thinking of using my trike to get small items at the stores and wondered what to pack the groceries in.
I normally walk to the store and carry my groceries in a backpack. Otherwise, I use a pannier if I need to pick up bigger stuff.
I seek an License to drive Solar powered electric Trikke of 55 Volts at the age of 60 so kindly suggest a suitable scheme
I’ve been enjoying your videos! My husband has an Azub Tricon he bought in Portland a couple of years ago, and he is trying to get me to buy one. I can see the advantages of a trike, but I am still not convinced. Transporting 2 trikes could definitely be a problem, but I guess we could work it out somehow. A question I have for you is regarding trike insurance. Is there such a thing? Do you have insurance for your trike and equipment? Thanks! Linda, Eugene, OR
Thanks star43ch for following along. I don't have insurance for my trike. Most people use their home or car insurance to cover their trike. I don't have a house or car so I simply hope for the best. I bought my 1st trike in 2006 and haven't needed insurance yet. Get your trike, you won't regret it!
Because i have a bad leg from an accident and i don't want to drive a handicapbike but drive in comfort and stability but i can't afford one so i keep on walking
Sorry to hear about your accident. Keep saving, trikes aren't expensive if you buy used. They come on the 2nd hand market all the time. Thanks for watching!
@@TravelsByTrike i don't like second hand so need to save more 😝
Mind sharing where you got your safety whistle?
Sure, I got it at REI but I think it's a common item at any marine shop as well.
Is your safety whistle an effective deterrent for dogs? If so, where can I get one of these? Thanks.
Yes, it is. I got mine at REI. It's a marine whistle or the world's loudest whistle. I'm sure you can find it online as well.
@@TravelsByTrike Thanks for your quick reply; like your videos!
I am purchasing my first trike after Cancer left me disabled. I am looking forward to having some travels like you have. Can you tell me a little bit about transporting your trike on airplanes? How do you do it, how much does it cost, etc.
It's been very easy for me. Trikes go as a mobility device. I roll the trike, usually folded, to the check-in counter and explain that the trike is a 'mobility device'. There shouldn't be any extra charge. If you look, I have a video about how I fly with my trike. Certainly, there are risks for damage but I've done this probably 30 times and never had any problems. Let me know if you need any questions.
Thank you so much for the reply. I am having a hard time coughing up the scratch for a folding trike. I watched your interview and saw that you flew with a standard trike too. Thanks so much for the fun and informative content. I love it. Keep it coming!
@@joeantonio6573 Yes, the only time I use the folding feature of my trike is to fly but it is not necessary to fold a trike to get it on an airplane. I do highly recommend suspension if you are going to do a lot of touring. Suspension is more expensive and worth every penny.
Travels By Trike Yes, a friend of mine who knows about people with disabilities and devices to assist them highly recommends the scorpion trIke. Unfortunately I can’t afford that model, and I am bound by what is available to me on eBay. I’m looking at the Catrikes. I’m sure it’s just like my standard bIke’s, full suspension rules. I think I won’t be doing much touring on my first trike as I am in pretty tough shape. I’ll probably be starting with a block! if I really take to it I’ll sell the Catrike and check into financing a Scorpion. I am really looking forward to riding. I would love to get electric assist so I can actually go out for a couple of hours. Thanks for the reply. I’m getting through many of your videos. I do enjoy them!
Just a question, Where do you route the wire for the sun dynamo hub and is it a through axel....with the Terracycle bag does it come with the mount.... cheers Jules
I've had this dynamo for 7 years and maybe the new ones route the wires differently but on mine the wires don't go through the axel. I have them ziptied to the frame. Also, there are lots of bags that fit the Terracycle side seat mount but none come with.
Does this go off road, hills and climb rocks and stairs
This trike will go off road and climb hills. But to climb rocks and stairs you will want one with fat tires.
Travels By Trike is it expensive, I'm used to buying cheap bikes and I going to have to spend at least a grand for one
Go try some. There are all kinds in different price ranges. Trikes are a blast.
but to climb stairs you will want one with fat tires AND an electric motor ;)
I would like to get me a trike. I am overweight and want to get my exercise. I try to ride a bike and could not because of my weight
Was the internal gear hub system very expensive to switch over?
The Rohloff is about $1500 and then you need to build up the rear wheel so, yes, very expensive.
Are you using any particular types of straps on the pedals ? The one's I've seen on other trikes were "Power Grips" which mount diagonally across the pedals. Your set-up looks better in that it looks like it can be sized for wider feet.
thanks for watching Jackie! Yes, these straps are made by Black Star bags and are very adjustable. They are more rigid than Power Grips and keep their shape. You can get them through RecumbentPDX. They come in a few colors as well.
Cool; thanks for the tip ! They look like they would be a good alternative to clipless, which I've found occasionally leads to hot-foot (even with the cleats moved further back towards the center of the shoes).
Do you have a link to that new son hub dinamo you mentioned in the video by any chance? Thanks in advance 😬
javy143 thanks for watching. Peter White is the lighting guy. Try this link: www.peterwhitecycles.com/schmidt.php
How much would a Trike like yours cost with all your accessories?
I think the Hp Scorpion with full suspension is about $5500. I also added a used Rohloff for$1000. Everything else is not expensive. This is a lot of money but it's lasted over 6 years and is my only mode of transportation. 😎😍😎😍
How do you ship your bike in your travels? Do you carry it with you in plane, or send it beforehand with carrier company ?
Thanks for the comment tonibat59! Yes, I roll my folded trike up to the ticket counter like any piece of luggage. It always goes as a mobility device. There are risks but, so far, it has always worked out for me.
I recently discovered my Merrell barefoot shoes... are superb as biking shoes.... just sayin
What's the exact name of this trike?
HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs 20. Thanks for watching!
Can you ever tip over
Thanks for the comment, Cindy! Yes, you can tip over but it is a very rare event that usually involves trying an ill advised maneuver. I tipped over riding down a steep dirt hillside where I had no business taking my trike. I was not hurt and my trike was not damaged. For the most part, trikes are much safer than 2 wheeled bikes.
Awesome looking Trike!!! So how much $$$ did this setup cost you, after the upgraded parts?
I bought this trike new about 8 years ago for $6000. The Rohloff is another $1500. I don't have a car.
@@TravelsByTrike that is awesome, and thank you for the reply!!! ;)
Myrtle the Turtle.. Love it! :-D
why do your toes go numb?
nice you have money to ravel. wanted to hear about the trike
Traveling by bike or trike is lovely and very affordable. You only need time.
Trikes are great. But, being from The Netherlands, not always practical. Meaning, they are too wide for most family homes storage and too impractical for mass cycling and mass cycle parking. As is the case in The Netherlands.
They are smaller than cars however, and cargo trikes can serve in the place of cars.
I am assuming those foot straps worked safely for you? I had "foot suck" happen and bought clipless shoes, quickly. I would love riding with other shoes but scared and think, Do I need something to support my heel to be safe? Thanks for the informative video.
Yes, I used clipless pedals for many years and found that the straps are more comfortable. My feet don't fall asleep as much with the straps. Happy triking!
HE SYLVIA - Greeting from Germany - do you remember :-)
I bought mine because I had a stroke
Trikes are fun aren't they?
@@TravelsByTrike I’m injoy a ride every day still warm enough here outside phila
@@thomasconboy4636 really great - trike on!!
Possible fix big backpack on trike?
You could use a backpack on the rear rack very easily.