Well I just found your channel. I’m a 60yr old trike virgin to trikes, who has just learned what a recumbent trike is. In September I visited Cycle-con, road every trike there, and I ordered a trike in early October and cannot wait for it to come in. I’ve been absorbing trike videos for months and cannot wait to join the community. Thanks for all the information and knowledge. I’ve got a lot of watching to catchup on your videos.
Hi Sylvia. I had a Greenspeed with 3x9 gears, then another with a CVT system and finally I had a wheel built with a Rohloff in it. Wow, what a difference! I think it was the best investment in my trike ever. Like you I use the "knob" gear change too. The trike just rides so nicely now.
Thanks for the update. Since going e-assist, we’ve been able to ride longer and further and get better sustained cardiovascular workouts, I used to feel it was “cheating”, but we’ve seen the light!
You are so right. The current technology on batteries and motors is staying relatively constant. Until it changes dramatically, or your motor gives up, there's no need to change out your trouble-free system.
My wife and I will be visiting Palm Springs and doing some triking the last week of November right before Thanksgiving. Maybe we'll see you while we're out triking!
Boy oh boy. You've got my dream ride, except that I'm a taller, much heavier, older woman rider. So I was thinking of going with the same setup on the Scorpion Plus 20. Priced it out at retail -- about $15k. Wowza. And that's without the SON lighting. Whole lot to think about!
Thanks Sylvia, great video. I added a torque assist motor to my trike. It adds more power depending on how hard I pedal. I have a spinal cord injury, so my legs are weak. I use the throttle to get home if my legs give out.
Just wanted to point out the obvious... and if it offends: It was not meant to do so: YOU seem SO HAPPY and engaged with all you are doing ! It REALLY SHOWS ... AND as a total testimony to serious triking: I have never seen you looking so healthy and slim! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Excellent E-Assist update AND review! Rohloff gearbox is beyond excellent for this senior handicapper! NEVER cassette-shifting again for this senior handicapper! Plan ahead! BOTH E-Assist AND Rohloff for this senior! Also, in recumbent shops, they sell platform, rigid heel-cup pedals. They allow most movement for feet of arthritic seniors while still safe for one's feet! Majority (not everyone) can also remove nylon straps and maintain their safety! My Hase Lepus (25-inch-high seat option) wheelchair/dual forearm crutches accessible!!!!! Great update, Sylvia! Looking forward to your next touring videos!
When I push in the parking brake pins, the right side one seems to catch the pocket of the shorts I have been wearing this year. I haven’t torn any yet, but I have to remember not to push in that pin until I stand up. I only have experience with aftermarket motors from Bafang and Tongshen. The Tongshen is torque assist, so I like it better, but the Bafang is much more well known. I put about 4500 miles on my original Tongshen motor before I bought a new one. They have made improvements and the one I had had a metal gear instead of the plastic gear that normally comes with it because the shop said it would last longer. They said it would be noisy for the first few hundred miles, but mine never got quiet. They also had heat issues that caused quirks. All of them were easily solved by turning it off, and then on again. However the new version is very quiet and hasn’t shown any quirks in the first 500 miles. Best of all it was on sale for $320 and I chose a smaller display that I like better. The one thing I wish the aftermarket systems had is a range estimate, but I think you have to use a proprietary system to get that. One of the reasons I like the Tongshen motor is that it weighs 7.5 pounds which has been among the lightest on the market, but I think there are a lot of competitors that are similar in weight now.
liked this video have been on the fence on getting a motor, on my trike just not able to spend that money yet.Take care , good luck on your next tour.Go Turtle power.
Hi Sylvia- We have very similar setups on our HP Velotechnik Scorpions... My e-assist Shimano Steps E8000 is also 5 years old. Except for the overall battery ranges falling off over the years (Same 2019 Batteries), the system has been flawless. I appreciated the video you did years back on the eTUBE adjustments to my Eco, Trail, and Boost modes. I have all three set on 1. I was able to figure out the app pretty much by just watching your video and following the app instructions. Great update!
You really put it to the test! If I add e-assist to my trike, that's exactly what I want. The good news is that by the time I get it, the science will probably make batteries lighter and last longer.
Great presentation. I’m glad it has held up so well for you and increased your riding pleasure. One day I’m sure,I will add it to my trikes but as of now I’m a strong 72 year old doing it on my own. When are you,coming to New England?
Hi Syl... riding w/assist since `90's around Toronto GTA featuring shorter distances at slower speeds ... "urban shopper-commuter" etc... roads clogged with cars and bikes stop-go-stop traffic .. etc .. ;) ... Am a fan too of the "2min. Full Recharge" battery swapping and bought 3x same 48Vs w/10Ah pouch cells of LiFePO4 batts in alum. boxes.. :) Extra batts highly recommended. :) I parallel-connect batts for longer ranges "some days". cheers
Hi Sylvia. Do you have your second battery mount wired in so all you have to do is add the 2nd battery, or do you have to move plugs? There must be some way to take the first battery offline so the computer stops reading it and starts reading the second. Can you run with two installed batteries and just flip a switch? And, T Cycle shelf, or … ? Can’t fold now?
You spoke a bit about your cameras. I am curious to know what kind of bag do you use to carry them on your trike? I'm getting into some more complex photography and have a new little Canon R50 with 2 lenses to play with. I'd love to carry it both safely and handiy on my trike. Thanks! And as always, I love your content!
@@PhyllisBoone-sn8oi thanks! I use the large Arkel handlebar bag as a side seat mount. All my cameras are readily accessible. T-cycle.com sells the bag and side seat mount kits for most trike seats.
I remember watching the frame replacement or after the fact it’s basically like having a new trike pretty much. Iv got the Bafang 750 on my Sprint X Tour, Iv changed the setting from the 5 levels to 9 levels of assist, it started doing this knocking noise after a pretty insane ride I did around the airport I put it all the way on 9 just to see what it would do, I was doing…..well I won’t tell you how fast I was going lol but it was fast and ever since when I put it in levels above 6 it will make a slight knocking sound I’m guessing from trying to handle all the torque I’m putting on it I tend to pedal hard so, but other than that have not had any issues out of it at all!
Excellent video as always, Sylvia. I have an HP FS26 with Rohloff hub so quite similar to yours. Just wondering what the make and model of your headlight lighting system is? I'm still looking for a headlight I'd be happy with and yours looks great. Also, could you perhaps illustrate how compactly that premium seat folds down without having to remove it? If it folds down far enough for the trike to fit into my Rav4 without having to remove it, I might treat myself to an early Xmas gift!
Thanks! The top of the seat folds down flat. The hub generator is made by Son and the light is Busch And Muller. It also came with a rear light but the panniers blocked it on the rear rack so I removed. Peter White cycles used to be the main distributor.
Just yesterday I loaded a Scorpion fs 26 into a client's Toyota Highlander. I simply folded the ErgoMesh Premium seat back down and it rolled right in without removing anything.
Great video as always Sylvia. One thing people might want to keep in mind is to carry a small Ziplock baggy with a couple rubber bands to cover the eassist console if you get caught in rainy weather which we often do this time of year. We have been told by our LBS and through research online that the battery and motor are not a problem in the rain as long as your avoid deep puddles of course. I think the point about eassist that is most overlooked is that it's not always about you but your partner or friends riding with you. eassist simply levels the playing field so to speak with regard to people's abilities riding together and what terrain, speed and so forth they can ride in. The throttle issue is important for me because of my severe heart issues. The throttle is m "backup" if I have trouble and can't get home on my own effort or need a break from pedaling. Luckily I have not used it but on rare occasion in the last 8 years that we've had eassist. We have throttles which actually affected our ability to get them covered under homeowners insurance. We had to verify the throttle is not active at a stop but only on PAS 1 and above. We got all that in writing. They also would not give us a motorcycle policy to cover them because they "fold" ...hard to believe I know. One last comment. After having our Bafang batteries for over 5 years the charge port on the battery has a problem which has caused me to buy new charge port adapters for my charger. Be sure you have backup. There is almost nowhere to repair eassist batteries. One place is in Portland but the repair is over $150 and a trip to Portland so I may be buying a new battery "ouch". Sorry for ranting..
Great video! I think I’m going to have to switch to the same pedals that you have. Did you get the pedals & straps online & have them installed? As always thanks for all your info!
Is your second battery mount wired in or do you swap to the other side? Haven’t really found anything on how to wire in a second battery. I’ve been just swapping mine to the other side.
Heel cup molded as part of pedal allows MOST safe movement! I removed unneeded nylon pedal straps. One can test pedals with option to remove straps. Choice STILL remains.., post purchase!
@@TravelsByTrike Yes spend more money. Why not? Only the best. I thought maybe the Neo can follow if you tie a dead body to the back of your trike? But then you could just as well ask for the bodycam footage after the police chase. A DJI can follow if you use GPS follow-me with Maven, Litchi, or Dronelink. GPS follow-me is often much more user-friendly than DJI's unreliable active-track. Ask people cycling around the world. Nobody uses active-track. They all fly it with the sticks. Of course HoverAir is something else. I may still buy myself a DJI Neo. It's what I can afford. I will find a way to have it follow me. I'll just cut out a picture of Trump. If it is stupid enough to follow Trump it will follow anything to the gates of hell. I will get a controller also. Hopefully the apps I mentioned are compatible soon. Downside of the Neo, it's pretty loud. Not exactly stealth. Are you going to keep the Skydio? It's worth money now it's no longer produced.
@@TravelsByTrike With Litchi, Maven, or Dronelink you will have GPS follow-me. You really should try it. For now the DJI Mini 3 Pro does not work with those apps. So you actually would be better off with a Mini 2. ( Not SE). Because then you have the best of both worlds, optical tracking with the HoverAir, and GPS follow-me. It also makes it possible to get shots from different angles when you carry two drones. The Skydio, well it's a drone for fast moving action sports. You won't have any problem selling it for the price you paid, or more. But some day you're gonna miss it. With this all said, the best shots are often done manually. If there was a drone with split controller left right on your handlebars, I wouldn't need an tracking feature. Another very important thing is I can launch it within seconds from my seat. That probably means in optical flow mode. I want a drone I can use 20 times a day anytime, anywhere. If it takes half an hour to get a shot I won't bother and ride on.
@@garyseckel295Myrtle with the Rohloff and Shimano Steps is easily $8000. For less fortunate people there's cheaper. Trike $1800. Bafang $400. Batteries $250.
@@TravelsByTrike My Hase Lepus w/Rohloff and Shimano e-assist and 2WD was from memory $12,700. Only thing I can still do, is ride, exercise, scenery watch, wildlife watch, AND use wheelchair/dual forearm crutches On/Off mobility!!!!!!!!!! Well WORTH what I paid for it!
Well I just found your channel. I’m a 60yr old trike virgin to trikes, who has just learned what a recumbent trike is. In September I visited Cycle-con, road every trike there, and I ordered a trike in early October and cannot wait for it to come in. I’ve been absorbing trike videos for months and cannot wait to join the community. Thanks for all the information and knowledge. I’ve got a lot of watching to catchup on your videos.
@@Lennen-N-Motion congrats on finding trikes and ordering your first. Welcome to the lawn chair nation!
Hi Sylvia. I had a Greenspeed with 3x9 gears, then another with a CVT system and finally I had a wheel built with a Rohloff in it. Wow, what a difference! I think it was the best investment in my trike ever. Like you I use the "knob" gear change too. The trike just rides so nicely now.
@@antcullimore3550 yes, I, too, am surprised by how effective the Rohloff is.
Hey, my install has lasted 5 years! See you next time you're in Portland.
Are you surprised? I didn't know what to expect and am pleased with the longevity.
Thanks for the update. Since going e-assist, we’ve been able to ride longer and further and get better sustained cardiovascular workouts, I used to feel it was “cheating”, but we’ve seen the light!
Yes, I agree. I think I'll do a video talking about what I'm getting out of e-assist as well. Thanks!
You are so right. The current technology on batteries and motors is staying relatively constant. Until it changes dramatically, or your motor gives up, there's no need to change out your trouble-free system.
@@rowtator6543 I’m happy to not be tempted as well.
My wife and I will be visiting Palm Springs and doing some triking the last week of November right before Thanksgiving. Maybe we'll see you while we're out triking!
@@Lhaffinatu that would be very fun. Let me know.
Boy oh boy. You've got my dream ride, except that I'm a taller, much heavier, older woman rider. So I was thinking of going with the same setup on the Scorpion Plus 20. Priced it out at retail -- about $15k. Wowza. And that's without the SON lighting. Whole lot to think about!
Keep your eyes open for used Scorpions. Yes, this trike is pricey, and it's understandably hard to open your wallet.
Thanks Sylvia, great video. I added a torque assist motor to my trike. It adds more power depending on how hard I pedal. I have a spinal cord injury, so my legs are weak. I use the throttle to get home if my legs give out.
Yes, I think the throttle is very helpful for many riders.
"Torque" assist IS superior to "cadence" assist!!!
Just wanted to point out the obvious... and if it offends: It was not meant to do so: YOU seem SO HAPPY and engaged with all you are doing ! It REALLY SHOWS ... AND as a total testimony to serious triking: I have never seen you looking so healthy and slim! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you, Rex!
Excellent E-Assist update AND review!
Rohloff gearbox is beyond excellent for this senior handicapper!
NEVER cassette-shifting again for this senior handicapper! Plan ahead!
BOTH E-Assist AND Rohloff for this senior!
Also, in recumbent shops, they sell platform, rigid heel-cup pedals.
They allow most movement for feet of arthritic seniors while still safe for one's feet!
Majority (not everyone) can also remove nylon straps and maintain their safety!
My Hase Lepus (25-inch-high seat option) wheelchair/dual forearm crutches accessible!!!!!
Great update, Sylvia!
Looking forward to your next touring videos!
Many thanks, Gary! Love your enthusiasm.
When I push in the parking brake pins, the right side one seems to catch the pocket of the shorts I have been wearing this year. I haven’t torn any yet, but I have to remember not to push in that pin until I stand up.
I only have experience with aftermarket motors from Bafang and Tongshen. The Tongshen is torque assist, so I like it better, but the Bafang is much more well known. I put about 4500 miles on my original Tongshen motor before I bought a new one. They have made improvements and the one I had had a metal gear instead of the plastic gear that normally comes with it because the shop said it would last longer. They said it would be noisy for the first few hundred miles, but mine never got quiet. They also had heat issues that caused quirks. All of them were easily solved by turning it off, and then on again. However the new version is very quiet and hasn’t shown any quirks in the first 500 miles. Best of all it was on sale for $320 and I chose a smaller display that I like better. The one thing I wish the aftermarket systems had is a range estimate, but I think you have to use a proprietary system to get that. One of the reasons I like the Tongshen motor is that it weighs 7.5 pounds which has been among the lightest on the market, but I think there are a lot of competitors that are similar in weight now.
@@kenmcclow8963 sounds like you have a good system now.
liked this video have been on the fence on getting a motor, on my trike just not able to spend that money yet.Take care , good luck on your next tour.Go Turtle power.
Thanks, Paula - go turtles!
The Greenspeed Magnum I got came with an integrated e-assist with a Bosch motor. I love it.
Yes, Bosch makes a good motor as well.
Nice tour of your trike and what all has been upgraded. I look forward to seeing videos on your future tour.
Thanks, Brandon!
I like the foot straps. If nothing else I can stop carrying SPD shoes when I tour.
Yes, I’ve enjoyed using one pair of shoes while touring.
Hi Sylvia- We have very similar setups on our HP Velotechnik Scorpions... My e-assist Shimano Steps E8000 is also 5 years old. Except for the overall battery ranges falling off over the years (Same 2019 Batteries), the system has been flawless.
I appreciated the video you did years back on the eTUBE adjustments to my Eco, Trail, and Boost modes. I have all three set on 1. I was able to figure out the app pretty much by just watching your video and following the app instructions.
Great update!
Many thanks, Tom!!
You really put it to the test! If I add e-assist to my trike, that's exactly what I want. The good news is that by the time I get it, the science will probably make batteries lighter and last longer.
Yes, the technology is advancing rapidly.
Great presentation. I’m glad it has held up so well for you and increased your riding pleasure. One day I’m sure,I will add it to my trikes but as of now I’m a strong 72 year old doing it on my own. When are you,coming to New England?
@@markfeldman6509 fantastic.keep it acoustic. Big hugs!
Hi Syl... riding w/assist since `90's around Toronto GTA featuring shorter distances at slower speeds ... "urban shopper-commuter" etc... roads clogged with cars and bikes stop-go-stop traffic .. etc .. ;) ... Am a fan too of the "2min. Full Recharge" battery swapping and bought 3x same 48Vs w/10Ah pouch cells of LiFePO4 batts in alum. boxes.. :) Extra batts highly recommended. :) I parallel-connect batts for longer ranges "some days". cheers
You sure have a lot of experience. Thanks for following along!
Hi Sylvia. Do you have your second battery mount wired in so all you have to do is add the 2nd battery, or do you have to move plugs? There must be some way to take the first battery offline so the computer stops reading it and starts reading the second. Can you run with two installed batteries and just flip a switch? And, T Cycle shelf, or … ? Can’t fold now?
I was hoping you would illustrate mounting of the camelback and tubes/tools.
Interesting. I should do a video going over all the accessories. Thanks for the idea.
- *_Nice!_*
You spoke a bit about your cameras. I am curious to know what kind of bag do you use to carry them on your trike? I'm getting into some more complex photography and have a new little Canon R50 with 2 lenses to play with. I'd love to carry it both safely and handiy on my trike. Thanks! And as always, I love your content!
@@PhyllisBoone-sn8oi thanks! I use the large Arkel handlebar bag as a side seat mount. All my cameras are readily accessible. T-cycle.com sells the bag and side seat mount kits for most trike seats.
I remember watching the frame replacement or after the fact it’s basically like having a new trike pretty much. Iv got the Bafang 750 on my Sprint X Tour, Iv changed the setting from the 5 levels to 9 levels of assist, it started doing this knocking noise after a pretty insane ride I did around the airport I put it all the way on 9 just to see what it would do, I was doing…..well I won’t tell you how fast I was going lol but it was fast and ever since when I put it in levels above 6 it will make a slight knocking sound I’m guessing from trying to handle all the torque I’m putting on it I tend to pedal hard so, but other than that have not had any issues out of it at all!
@@TheSouthernTriker haha, you speed demon. Going fast sure is fun.
Excellent video as always, Sylvia. I have an HP FS26 with Rohloff hub so quite similar to yours. Just wondering what the make and model of your headlight lighting system is? I'm still looking for a headlight I'd be happy with and yours looks great. Also, could you perhaps illustrate how compactly that premium seat folds down without having to remove it? If it folds down far enough for the trike to fit into my Rav4 without having to remove it, I might treat myself to an early Xmas gift!
Thanks! The top of the seat folds down flat. The hub generator is made by Son and the light is Busch And Muller. It also came with a rear light but the panniers blocked it on the rear rack so I removed. Peter White cycles used to be the main distributor.
Just yesterday I loaded a Scorpion fs 26 into a client's Toyota Highlander. I simply folded the ErgoMesh Premium seat back down and it rolled right in without removing anything.
@@Tryker3 very convenient.
Great video as always Sylvia. One thing people might want to keep in mind is to carry a small Ziplock baggy with a couple rubber bands to cover the eassist console if you get caught in rainy weather which we often do this time of year. We have been told by our LBS and through research online that the battery and motor are not a problem in the rain as long as your avoid deep puddles of course. I think the point about eassist that is most overlooked is that it's not always about you but your partner or friends riding with you. eassist simply levels the playing field so to speak with regard to people's abilities riding together and what terrain, speed and so forth they can ride in. The throttle issue is important for me because of my severe heart issues. The throttle is m "backup" if I have trouble and can't get home on my own effort or need a break from pedaling. Luckily I have not used it but on rare occasion in the last 8 years that we've had eassist. We have throttles which actually affected our ability to get them covered under homeowners insurance. We had to verify the throttle is not active at a stop but only on PAS 1 and above. We got all that in writing. They also would not give us a motorcycle policy to cover them because they "fold" ...hard to believe I know. One last comment. After having our Bafang batteries for over 5 years the charge port on the battery has a problem which has caused me to buy new charge port adapters for my charger. Be sure you have backup. There is almost nowhere to repair eassist batteries. One place is in Portland but the repair is over $150 and a trip to Portland so I may be buying a new battery "ouch". Sorry for ranting..
Thank you, Keith.
Great video! I think I’m going to have to switch to the same pedals that you have. Did you get the pedals & straps online & have them installed? As always thanks for all your info!
I got the straps and pedals separately. The straps are from Black Star Bags in Portland - they come is many colors now.
@ thanks!
Execelente motivación
Gracias!
Is your second battery mount wired in or do you swap to the other side? Haven’t really found anything on how to wire in a second battery. I’ve been just swapping mine to the other side.
I have to swap.
Are you driving to TOT, and beyond, or riding?
My plan, at the moment, is to ride to Spokumbent, and then Tater Tot from the SoCal desert where I'll leave my truck and trailer.
How do your pedal straps work rather than heel straps?
I've never used heel straps and I bet they are more secure. The straps keep the top of feet to the pedals and, so far, it is working for me.
Heel cup molded as part of pedal allows MOST safe movement! I removed unneeded nylon pedal straps. One can test pedals with option to remove straps. Choice STILL remains.., post purchase!
Did you order a DJI Neo yet? Will it follow a recumbent rider I wonder?
@@driewiel DJI drones won’t follow recumbent riders. I bought the Hover Air pro max and just received it. This drone follows very well.
@@TravelsByTrike Yes spend more money. Why not? Only the best.
I thought maybe the Neo can follow if you tie a dead body to the back of your trike? But then you could just as well ask for the bodycam footage after the police chase.
A DJI can follow if you use GPS follow-me with Maven, Litchi, or Dronelink. GPS follow-me is often much more user-friendly than DJI's unreliable active-track. Ask people cycling around the world. Nobody uses active-track. They all fly it with the sticks. Of course HoverAir is something else.
I may still buy myself a DJI Neo. It's what I can afford. I will find a way to have it follow me. I'll just cut out a picture of Trump. If it is stupid enough to follow Trump it will follow anything to the gates of hell. I will get a controller also. Hopefully the apps I mentioned are compatible soon. Downside of the Neo, it's pretty loud. Not exactly stealth.
Are you going to keep the Skydio? It's worth money now it's no longer produced.
@ yes, if the Hover does what I’m hoping, I’ll sell the Skydio and the DJI mini 3 pro. We’ll see …
@@TravelsByTrike With Litchi, Maven, or Dronelink you will have GPS follow-me. You really should try it. For now the DJI Mini 3 Pro does not work with those apps. So you actually would be better off with a Mini 2. ( Not SE). Because then you have the best of both worlds, optical tracking with the HoverAir, and GPS follow-me. It also makes it possible to get shots from different angles when you carry two drones.
The Skydio, well it's a drone for fast moving action sports. You won't have any problem selling it for the price you paid, or more. But some day you're gonna miss it.
With this all said, the best shots are often done manually. If there was a drone with split controller left right on your handlebars, I wouldn't need an tracking feature. Another very important thing is I can launch it within seconds from my seat. That probably means in optical flow mode. I want a drone I can use 20 times a day anytime, anywhere. If it takes half an hour to get a shot I won't bother and ride on.
But expensive.
E-assist is a Godsend to purchasers!
@@garyseckel295Myrtle with the Rohloff and Shimano Steps is easily $8000. For less fortunate people there's cheaper. Trike $1800. Bafang $400. Batteries $250.
I understand. My trike with all the goodies is probably priced over $15,000.
@@TravelsByTrike Solid gold valve stem caps ain't cheap! But worth it.
@@TravelsByTrike My Hase Lepus w/Rohloff and Shimano e-assist and 2WD was from memory $12,700. Only thing I can still do, is ride, exercise, scenery watch, wildlife watch, AND use wheelchair/dual forearm crutches On/Off mobility!!!!!!!!!! Well WORTH what I paid for it!