This is a subject I have written about previously. There is nothing hard about riding a tadpole trike except one thing. I mean they are comfortable. And they are much safer than a bicycle. Yep, just one thing that is hard about riding a tadpole trike. Let’s see, what is there that is harder? I knew it when I started writing this. Just one thing. Hmmm. now what was it?
Oh yeah, now it comes to me! Just one thing that is hard about riding a tadpole trike. Yep, just one thing. Do you know what it is? I know I knew when I started writing this … oh yeah, I got it now. Just one thing. Hey, this one thing could make riding a tadpole trike rather dangerous … downright deadly. It is a good thing I remember what it is. Let’s see … what is it? I remembered it just a moment or two ago. And it won’t take a team of horses to draw it out of me either. Just as soon as I remember it I will tell you. It is rough getting old I tell ya. I know there is something about riding a tadpole trike which is hard. I’ve got it! … a horrible headache from trying to remember. No, I am just kidding. You probably did not want to know anyway. Or maybe you have figured it out for yourself. Give up?
TRYING SO STAY AWAKE! That is the hardest part of riding a tadpole trike. I mean they are just so darn comfortable one could easily fall asleep while riding one. Yep, TRYING TO STAY AWAKE … is the hardest part of riding a tadpole trike.
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E-motor assist has really caught on but sadly they are being banned all over the nation. It makes no sense to me. Roadies pass me by everyday but they don’t get banned. Nope, it just does not make sense to me. I have never been passed by an e-bike, but I sure get passed by a lot of Spandex clad cyclists. Here is a video about this subject …
As a teenager I could pedal my 3 speed Schwinn bike over 50 mph. Nobody tried to ban my bike then. I can’t begin to go that fast on my e-trike. Nope, it just does not make any sense to me!
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When I was much younger I had tons of fun riding bicycles and motorcycles, but years ago I said goodbye to both. I had more miles on bicycle by the time I was 19 than most people have in a lifetime. I said good riddens to bicycles and only goodbye to motorcycles. Yep, I am sold on tadpole trikes and would never go back to a bicycle. Now I consider a bicycle a torture machine.
Here is another Utah Trikes video on the hidden benefits of riding tadpole trikes instead of bikes .
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I know that there are those who ride both tadpole trikes and diamond frame bicycle, but I am not one of them. Even my recumbent bicycle just sat around collecting dust once I rode a tadpole trike. There is just no comparison. The tadpole trike is just more comfortable, safer and lots more fun. I even sold my motorcycle many years ago as I was hooked on riding my tadpole trike. I thought I would ride motorcycles until I had to give it up, but like my bicycles my motorcycle just sat around and collected dust.
The tadpole rider in this video has a high dollar diamond frame bike but his testimony is he prefers riding his tadpole trike. Yep, I can identify with that.
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Yikes! Definitely not my cup of tea. Alligators, bears, mountain lions, and deadly poisonous snakes and other dangerous critters I much prefer to see on a tv screen or computer monitor. not in person especially up close like this. I wonder if the camera was shaking when this next image was taken seeing how it is rather blurred.
This picture below is not from this rider’s encounter with the rattlesnake. It is just a picture I found online I am posting here. I hope this cyclist is using a puncture resistant tire.
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I am not one to ride at night. I much prefer riding in the day time. I mostly ride on paved bike trails and our local bike trails close at dusk. I could probably get away with riding on them later than dusk as they pretty much are not monitored, but I know I am not supposed to be on them as dark thirty comes on so I obey the rules. I have and I can ride at night if need be but I don’t have extremely bright headlights as some do to illuminate the trail or roadway ahead. The picture above is of my trike. I have different headlights on it now however and I don’t think I have ridden at night with them to know how they compare to what I had when this picture was taken. They should be brighter. They are plenty bright in the day time for sure. I don’t have a problem with being well lit up as long as it doesn’t get offensive to others. There in lies the problem. Among other things I am very much against the use of flashing lights at night time. They are fine in the day time, but a definite no-no at night. They are more than offensive. They are dangerous as they blind and confuse others. Lights should be steady on so that others can see and understand what they are seeing. They can much more accurately judge the distance between the cyclist and themselves. When lights are flashing in the dark it makes it difficult to judge the distance. Very bright headlights are fine when one is riding all alone with nobody else around, but they are offensive when there are others around. I have written about this topic before. We need to be respectful of others.
In this video below I have skipped the first couple of minutes of it as it just shows the trike in the garage and the guy messing with his lights.
And these people have a death wish if you ask me. The trike doesn’t even have a taillight that I can see …
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As many of you already know WizWheelz (parent company of TerraTrike) bought out Greenspeed and the trikes are no longer manufactured in Australia, but in Taiwan I think. That is where most TerraTrike models are manufactured. WizWheelz Recalls GreenSpeed Magnum Recumbent Trikes with Quick Release Axles Due to Crash and Injury Hazards.
The recalled recumbent trikes front axles were improperly assembled during manufacturing. The axles can come loose during use, causing the rider to lose control, posing crash and injury hazards. The recall was May 05, 2022 and applies to about 340 units. The recalled trikes are orange, blue or charcoal in color. Serial numbers P21276160 through P21460262 are included in this recall. Consumers can check their serial numbers HERE.
As you can see in the picture above there is very little to the quick release axle. Only those small steel balls on the far right hold the axle in place and keep it from coming out. That does not impress me as far as being a proper safe design.
I have a Greenspeed Magnum and on a few occasions a front wheel has nearly come off while riding as the quick release axle somehow would get released and the axle would start working its way out. So far I have always caught it before it got too far out, but it is rather scary. If it were to come all the way out it could be disastrous. My trike is not part of the safety recall however. I almost wish it was.
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Everything is relative and it is only fair to compare. A trike is not a bike and I hate it when people call a trike a bike. When comparing a trike what else can one compare it to but a bike? Can things go wrong riding a trike? Of course, they can. But then you can get hurt falling out of bed. Here is a video about the subject …
I have written about trike tip over before. I had a friend who was turning a corner on a boardwalk when his left front wheel made contact with the boards along the side and the tire quickly climbed the wooden boards flipping him over slamming him down hard onto the boardwalk. It injured his back and caused him a fair amount of pain for a few weeks. He also ran his pedals into boards on a boardwalk and broke his ankle. Of course, both of these accidents were his fault and can’t be blamed on the trike.
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Now I ask ya … how fast is too fast? Some have ridden their tadpole trikes in excess of 70 mph … yes, downhill. That is pretty fast. A very few have ridden even faster with the aid of a high powered motor added into the equation. For most, 30 to 45 mph is their top speed. Some scream for mercy when going 3 mph … frightened out of their wits. Don’t laugh … I have seen it.
So what is the answer to my question? Well, like usual … it all depends. No, that is not a cop out. It is simply a statement of fact. There are many factors that enter into things. Not every trike is capable of safely going at these faster speeds. Not every rider is capable of safely riding at higher speeds. Like I said, some can’t handle 3 mph without screaming in real fear.
I bring up this subject for a reason. Even if the trike and rider can easily handle high speeds does not mean that it should be undertaken. This is especially true when riding on multi-use trails where other trail users are present. Respect and concern for others’ safety should always determine our behavior out there.
Then there are always the matter of something going wrong and paying a high price for it. Remember the old saying … “Speed Kills”? Well, that hasn’t changed. And there is a time and place for everything. I personally don’t have a problem of a bike or trike speeding along on a trail as long as they don’t do it around other trail users. That being said be aware of the possibility of someone entering the trail suddenly from off at the side. Often times they don’t look to see if it is safe to step out onto the trail. That could be disastrous.
I caution riders to use common sense so they don’t end up wrapping themselves around a tree or launching themselves into space. Hey, it could happen all to easily.
Some of us might do well to employ a “drag chute” to slow us down.
If a person is going to ride fast it should only be done in straight areas where one can see the trail ahead of them. Speeding around blind curves is foolish and irresponsible. Even in the best of circumstances an animal could quickly dart out in front of you and totally ruin his day and yours.
So how fast is too fast? We must all answer that question and hopefully get it right. I hope by now that person who screamed at going 3 mph has learned to ride their trike and got beyond that scenario. Be safe out there so you can …
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One might be able to soar thru the air but I can pretty much guarantee you that tadpole trikes don’t land gracefully. One should never try jumping with a tadpole trike as most likely the result will be serious damage to the trike and also to the rider unless he has “angels watching over him”. Among the many videos Utah Trikes has produced one which chronicles this very subject as the rider attempts to jump a KMX trike over a small hill. He is fortunate that he did not get injured and walked away from it.
I know better than to attempt something like that but never the less I have had lessor incidents where I tempted fate. I never did so intentionally. It was always a matter of accidentally happening. The outcome was never one I would wish on anyone. A guy could get seriously injured or even killed doing stuff like this. I once wrote an article on this blog entitled “I do all my own stunts“. In it I tell about some of the things I have done resulting in mishaps or close calls. Fortunately I am still here to tell about it. Most definitely I do all of my own stunts.
Please take my word for it and don’t try jumping your trike. Use somebody else’s! Did I really say that? I am a bad boy! Our trikes cost too much money to be treated like that. And these bodies should not be exposed such peril. A very high price was paid for everyone of us. You can read about it HERE. Yes, Someone paid a price (a debt) for you that They did not owe. And we owed a debt we could not pay ourselves. We were in desperate need and without any hope. That has not changed. The price paid for you and I has not changed. But for everyone of us the sand in the hourglass is running out and when it ends … well, so does the opportunity we have of accepting the offer of the FREE GIFT being offered to us. A reminder … today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart and miss out on what is being offered to you. It is not likely you will get another chance.
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TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
I know that there is a modern movie by that title … one which I have never seen … one I expect I never will see. I know it is about cars. This post is not about cars however. It is about tadpole trikes. I have heard others claim they have ridden their trikes at speeds up to 60 mph and even faster. I think the fastest I have ever ridden my trike is about 37 mph. That is plenty fast for me. There are no hills near me that I could go down and obtain much speed. I think 28 mph is the fastest I have ever obtained on a hill.
Even when I was younger my experience with speed was the same as it is now. Upon slowing up I start thinking about the danger … how things could go terribly wrong. 37 mph is not terribly fast. I mean I have gone faster than that on navy destroyers. I have gone over 140 mph on a motorcycle. I have gone over 157 mph in a 68 Dodge Charger R/T with a 426 Hemi engine. I was much much younger at those times. Now at nearly 77 years old 37 mph seems plenty fast. And truly I do think about what could go wrong travelling at that speed.
DANGER … DANGER … DANGER … to quote the late Steve Irwin. While in the navy I had a 327 fuel injected 365 hp Corvette . While stationed in San Diego, CA I use to drive south toward the Mexican border where there were roads which wound around and had cliffs along the sides. I use to go fast and slide around the curves with those cliffs oh so close. I could have easily slid off the pavement and plummeted below … probably to my death. There were no guard rails to help keep a vehicle from going over off of the road. In youth many of us take foolish chances.
I once rode a 650 cc BSA Super Rocket motorcycle down a gravel road at 120 mph. Both the bike and I survived it, but again it would be oh so easy for things to go terribly wrong.
When I was a teenager I read a book about a young man who had a hotrod car he had built himself. He held a firm belief that speed could get him out of dangerous situations vs. going slow, slowing up which was the norm. I wrote a book report on it in high school. But it was just a book and I don’t think I ever bought into it. I remember hearing “Speed Kills!” and I tended to believe that instead.
Speed can be addictive. Even at 76 years old I still enjoy going fast, but 60 plus mph is not for me. Perhaps when I was younger and more foolish taking chances and risks, but not now at my present age. They say that with age comes wisdom. Hopefully that is true and we all gain from it.
With my present set up I don’t need a hill to go down to go fast. My e-motor is quite capable to doing the job. When my friend tops off at 20 mph that is just a “fast idle” for me. I can easily cruise along at 20 mph and not begin to tax my battery or motor. So when I am all alone out there I often ride along at 17 to 25 mph enjoying myself. I rarely go much faster … at least not for very long … as I just don’t feel safe doing so. Both our trails and streets are quite rough so I get bounced around a lot which can be unnerving. It is really hard on my trike. When riding out on the streets taking the lane it is nice to be able to ride the speed limit (30 or 35 mph) and being able to keep up with cars. Of course, there are always motorists who just have to pass me even though I am going the speed limit. Often they pass me only to have to brake hard to stop with me right behind them. They really gained a lot. But like I said, they just had to pass me.
The motor I have now is advertised as being able to achieve 44 mph on a bicycle. A tadpole trike weighs considerably more and with 3 wheels there is more rolling resistance. And then there is my weight factor. Even though I have lost 50 pounds I still have twice that much I need to lose.
I don’t have a 4 speed close ratio transmission and 365 horsepower nor a 555 hp 426 c.i. Dodge Hemi like I use to have, but I am quite satisfied with my Catrike Trail. It gets me around just fine. Well, it is time to stop writing about it and actually go out there and do it. I might be getting old but I still enjoy my time machine that transforms me into a youngster every time I am seated on it. My trike is indeed a wondrous time machine.
I can’t end this without including some beloved songs by the Beach Boys. I gotta admit … it is all about cars … fast cars.
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TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
The other day someone posted on a Facebook trike group about a loud horn sold on Amazon. I clicked on the link they provided and ordered it only to end up quickly cancelling it and buying a different one advertised at near the same price and 20 decibels louder … 140 dcbl total. It arrived moments ago. After opening up the box it came in I took it out and started playing around with it learning how it works. At first it didn’t impress me as the volume level was not turned up all the way. Once I got beyond that it got much louder and now I can say that initially I am pleased with it.
I have no way of telling the decibel level, but it does pretty good. I plugged it in to top off the battery charge via the USB port. It only took a few minutes before it showed it was fully charged. I then took it out to my trike and tried different places to mount it before settling on one. It offers a few different sounds and an alarm mode which detects movement. That seems to work well. It is also pretty loud … louder than the bike alarm I already have mounted on my trike. So now I have two alarms to use.
In the video below it doesn’t sound terribly loud, but the video does not pick up the sound as well as it should.
I have had various so called loud horns before. None of them have been extremely loud including AirZound which is a piece of cheap junk in my opinion. I really wasted my money when I bought it. I equate its quality with something one would get in a Cracker Jack box. Anyway, in the video above I go thru all the different sounds and test the alarm. Everything works! I already have a bell and a squeeze bulb horn which work great for most situations. This horn is for people with earbuds, etc. that can’t even hear me yelling at them.
Update — Well, I still like it, but it is not nearly as lound as advertised. In my opinion it is not any louder than my bell or squeeze bulb horn.
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Sylvia starts off this video mentioning that the wearing of a helmet is very controversial. I agree but I would also say it is very foolish and irresponsible for anyone to try to advise against or to talk anyone out of wearing a helmet while riding a tadpole trike. I personally choose not to wear one. I have two helmets … a white Bell Citi and a yellow Bell Citi. They are both the same age. Actually I bought one of them for my wife. We both use to ride recumbent bicycles. I always wear a helmet on a bicycle. They say that the helmets deteriorate just sitting around much less being dropped and need to be replaced periodically as they no longer offer the protection they originally did. That is something most of us probably find hard to do, especially since they may still look like brand new. Afterall, it seems like such a waste, right?
Some people buy a used helmet in a thrift store which is a definite no no as you don’t have any idea how much protection it offers. It may have even been dropped and developed a crack that can’t be seen with the naked eye. That greatly reduces its protective ability. One should never continue to use a helmet that has been dropped on a hard surface.
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A few weeks have passed since I got my Catrike Trail trike back on the road using the Utah Trikes rear wheel extension kit to get around the problem with the broken rear dropouts. I am happy to report that it is working well. I am able to ride it normally and without any issues. That being said I am very much aware of the sideways movement of the extensions. I don’t have a larger diameter wheel mounted in them. I still have a 20 inch wheel so I did not change anything in using them with exception of moving the rear wheel back about 4 inches. That has a very minor effect on my turning radius with the longer wheelbase. My trike handles and corners great … like it is running on rails.
For what it is worth I never have liked this newer frame Catrike has which replaced the older space frame. If ever I could find a Catrike Trail space frame I would love to get it and replace this frame I have now. And then I could do away with these extensions and get back to being completely stock.
Below is a video concerning these extensions. I agree with all this man says, but for my situation I am well pleased with the extensions. I just wish Catrike made better (as in deeper and stronger) rear wheel dropouts. Then mine would not have broken and I would not need these extensions to fix it.
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Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
Why wish upon a star when you can talk to the One (Jesus) Who created them?
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
Well known UTAH TRIKES answers that question and more HERE. And here is their answer to that question …
Why Trikes?
We prefer trikes because they have all of the recumbent advantages mentioned above plus the following three-wheeled benefits:
· Stability – loose gravel, sand, ice, tire blowouts, etc. will not send a trike crashing to the ground. · Ride during the winter – hitting a patch of ice is fun on a trike. · Do you have trouble balancing? No problem with a trike. · No need to drop a foot off the pedal in tight turns to protect against wipeouts · Leaning into the turns makes cornering on a trike fun. They handle like a sports car or go-cart. · Pull up to a stop and never unclip your feet from the pedals. · No wasted energy balancing the trike on those slow steep climbs – this is the reason that trikes are believed to be better climbers than two-wheeled recumbents. · More respect from motorists, they slow down and give you a wider berth when passing – primarily out of sheer curiosity. · Easier to track a straight line on the side of a road – no need for wobble room during a steep climb in traffic. · No need for a kickstand or leaning post. · Less road friction/tire scrub from a rider’s side to side balance shift (wobble). · Instant celebrity status – you may be the first person in your neighborhood with a trike – people will know who you are. · Great platform for attaching fairings and accessories. · They attract a ton of attention.
Yes, indeedie! You will get no argument out of me. I am totally sold on tadpole trikes.
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
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Utah Trikes has many things to offer includiing many articles, tips and reviews. Click HERE to see what they have to offer. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Articles, Tips, and Reviews
We love riding our trikes and tweaking them out. Here we document some of our efforts and write our tips. Stay up to date and subscribe to our article feed:
Electrify Your TrikeEver wondered which electric system is best for you and your riding style? Take a look at this article and compare and contrast some of the most popular options.
UT Custom DifferentialBetter traction. Better triking. The all new posi-traction differential from UT Custom will eliminate slipping, avoid tire scrub, and enhance your off roading experience.
The Tricon by AzubYou’re thinking about purchasing an Azub Tricon? It’s one of the best decisions you’re going to make. It’s adjustability, reliability, agility, and beauty built into one impressive machine.
KMX Frame Kit – Your Next ProjectThe do-it-yourself triker’s dream come true. We give you all the essentials and you can mix and match your own components to build your own recumbent trike. It is easy to put together, a fun project, and well worth your time.
Fat Tad Crawler – The Monster Truck of TrikesThe HUGE tires, incredible ground clearance, and awesome gearing on the Fat Tad Crawler will get you through all kinds of terrain. Don’t let sand, snow, mud, water, or rocks stop you from enjoying your recumbent ride.
The KMX ViperA road machine that will carry you for miles. You’ll love the comfort and the speed that the Viper offers. Use to to commute, get in a killer workout, or simply take a seat and see where it will take you.
The KMX K-3 – A Fun-Size Trike for Kids!Safety, reliability, and easy use all in a fun-size package for the kids. You’ll love the adjustability and the hassle-free set up of the KMX K-3.
Velocity and the KMX VenomA performance trike that will have you flying on the pavement. It’s sturdy, features a 26-inch rear tire, and 27-speed gearing. Great for commuters, speed demons, and every-day riders.
The Revolution Defiance FSA full-suspension trike at a price that won’t break the bank. The all-new Defiance FS by Revolution is comfort and quality that’s sure to go beyond your expectations.
Climbing with the KMX Cobra24-speed drivetrain, low gears for climbing, and a sporty look that will make people stop and stare as you cruise by. It’s the KMX Cobra.
Meet the Catrike 559A folding recumbent from Catrike. It features a 26-inch rear wheel, responsive handling, admirable gearing, and it’s so comfortable to ride you’ll want to be riding 24/7. An excellent combination of luxury and performance packed into a quality folding trike: the Catrike 559.
All About Shipping at Utah TrikesWe outline Utah Trikes method for packaging and freight Shipping Trikes. We highly recommend that every customer review this information.
Seeking an Amazing Entry Trike – Sun Seeker Eco Tad SXThis is a detailed review on the Sun Seeker Eco Tad SX. Some people want to know how this more affordable trike compares to the Terra Trike Rover. This article will give you everything you need to know.
Trike away the poundsThe only way to shed pounds is if you’re having so much fun, it doesn’t feel like exercise. Read about how I accomplished this with a recumbent trike and turn your daily commute into a cardio workout.
Catrike’s New Plush And Pocketed SeatCatrike recently unveiled a new seat for their trikes. This seat features padding for comfort and enough cargo capability to take care of the casual rider or day-tripper needs.
Affixing a video camera to your trikeThere’s nothing quite like going on an exhilirating ride than to be able to watch it over, and over again. Having someone record you while riding can be fun, but actually having a camera on the trike is even better!
Schwalbe Marathon Plus TiresIf you are looking for some tires that are faster than the stock CST rubber, and you need something nearly bullet proof, then the Marathon Plus tires may do the trick.
Shimano Nexus INTER-8 HubChanging over to an internal rear hub versus the standard derailer is like driving an automatic instead of a standard shift. People ask about it all the time, so here it is.
Ultimate Gearing Modifications For Your TrikeIf you are a gear head like me and like to ride fast, then you are probably looking for some way to modify your gearing. Here I talk about what I’ve done.
Upgrade your chainring for more speedOne of the easiest and cheapest solutions to raising your top-end gearing is to install a bigger chainring. Ashley gives you step-by-step details on how to do it.
Preparing your trike for high speedAre you a speed demon like me? Does pedaling your trike up to 50mph sound like a thrill. Well, here are some of the tricks that I’ve used to make it happen.
Understanding your tiresThe folks at Schwalbe have provided us with super great tire information. Choosing the right tires can make you ride faster and be more comfortable.
Schwalbe Kojak TiresWho loves ya, baby? Looking for a fast tire with a great look? These racing slicks are incredible.
Shimano Capreo Hub and Cassette ReviewLooking for an easy way to boost your top gears? The Shimano Capreo system is the way to go. Just pop the wheel on and ride faster!
Preparing for the ULCER Century ride111 miles on a trike. We ride around the Utah Lake in the hottest part of the year. Can I do it? I’ve tweaked my trike and trained for months.
Riding the ULCER 2007 Century on a TrikeRiding the ULCER on a trike is something I’ve wanted to do since I had heard about it. Well, I did it. Over 100 miles around the Utah Lake in the hot August sun.
Learning Proper Pedaling TechniqueDo you want to go faster? Does the thought of triking up a hill freak you out? Do your knees hurt when you ride? If you answered yes to any of these questions a new pedaling technique may help you out.
Schwalbe Big Apple TiresThe Big Apples are the tire that has gained the reputation of being the comfort ride. These tires add built-in air suspension to your trike.
Schlumpf High Speed DriveDo you need higher gears? Would you like a simpler drivetrain? Consider the Schlumpf High Speed Drive. It’s one of our favorite solutions.
Are Trikes Safe?An in-depth look at the pros and cons of Recumbent Trikes and how they are safe to ride in traffic or suburban areas.
TerraCycle Idlers and Your Trike’s ChainlineEliminating friction in your trike’s chainline can make a huge difference. Less drag makes pedaling easier, which means you can pedal faster and go longer.
The Nuvinci CVP Hub Transmission – It’s So Smooth!!!The Nuvinci CVP is a totally new type of gearing system for the cycling market. We’ve adapted this technology for use on our trikes. This is a different kind of ride.
Trikes and PVCAre you looking to make some accessories for your trike? The local hardware store may have all you need. With some PVC or ABS tubing, fittings, glue, and a saw you can make some great things.
Building your own TerraTrike standIf you like to tinker, tweak, tune up, and mess with your trike having a stand is invaluable. Some friends have given us the details on how they built their stand.
Why Ride a Trike?Trikes are fun and comfortable, but they are also easy to ride. Whether you are looking to tour, commute, or just ride casually through the neighborhood, the trike should be on your list.
Catrike – A Different Kind Of TrikeThe Catrike frame looks like a piece of pop art. Flowing lines and an integrated seat make this trike different than the others. Find out what makes the Catrike special!
Greenspeed GT5 ReviewThis is a review of the Greenspeed GT5 top of the line touring trike. It can fold and is incredibly comfortable. Check it out.
Catrike Villager ReviewThe highest ground clearance recumbent trike from Big Cat HPV, the Catrike Villager, is a great trike. Read more about it in out Catrike Villager Review.
Utah Trikes – Custom KMX Hand CycleThe challenge was to make a hand cycle for a child in about a week. We pulled some all-nighters and made a child happy for Christmas.
The 2009 KMX TyphoonThe new Typhoon from KMX Karts has been updated. It has a new seat and new tires which make it a serious contender for anyone looking for a bullet proof trike under $1500.
The Dangers of Cross ChainingWith such a wide gear range and a long chain, the term “cross chaining” comes up frequently. Learn what it is and how to avoid it.
Catrike Trail ReviewThe Trail is a great trike for beginners and veterans alike. If you are looking for a trike that doesn’t lay as far back as some of the others and has a little higher seat height consider the Catrike Trail.
Sun HT3 SX Handtrike ReviewThe Sun HT3 is easy to ride and fun to use. This trike will give you the upper body workout that you won’t get from your regular bike or trike.
Sun HT3 SX Handtrike ReviewThe Sun HT3 is easy to ride and fun to use. This trike will give you the upper body workout that you won’t get from your regular bike or trike.
Catrike Expedition ReviewThe Expedition is the perfect trike for everday commuting or touring. Its extremely comfortable and is loaded with great components.
Matt’s Catrike 700 ReviewLooking for a fast trike? Well, Matt says this is the fastest trike available. Matt spent a lot of time in the saddle and has some good insight into Catrike’s top-of-the-line model.
Thoughts on the Sun EZ Tad SXMost people think you need to spend a lot of money in order to get a reliable, comfortable, and fun trike. The Sun EZ Tad SX tosses that misconception out the window.
Sun T-3 CX A ReviewLooking for an intermediate cost effective trike? Look no further. The Sun T-3 CX is your trike.
Eggbeat 1/Clipless Pedal ReviewTonight at 9, Clipless shoes may be for you.
Styles, types, and purposes, all in the following article!
330 Miles on a Catrike 700George rode his Catrike 700 330 miles to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS in Northern California.
HP Velotechnik Gekko FXThe HP Gekko is an fantastic trike for anyone that wants something with a decent gear range and foldability.
The folded dimensions, and style makes it easy to carry, and store this trike in small areas, even a cubical!
The New Catrike Villager and TrailCatrike has made some radical changes to the their lineup with adjustable seats ad a new frame design on the Villager and Trail.
Introducing the New Generation of Villager by Big CatWhen the Villager was first introduced it grabbed a lot of attention with its lightweight frame and high seat. The new Villager G2 adds an adjustable seat for a trike that will fit anybody.
Bikes around the ButtesGeorge Fisher writes about circumnavigating the Buttes is a 40 mile easy ride, both scenic and exhilarating in the northern Sacramento Valley.
The 2011 KMX VenomThe lightest and fastest of the KMX range, it’s a demon for the experienced rider or racer over 18. A light-weight wheel set with narrow, high-pressure tires and road-bike-specific componentry reward riders with superior road-touring performance. Own it – and the road is yours.
EcoSpeed Electric Kit for KMXThe KMX EcoSpeed Mid-Drive will change your riding experience forever. Not only can you ride faster but longer than ever before at great speeds. Fly to and from work at no cost, take long rides with ease, and mostly enjoy the time spent on your EcoSpeed trike.
Introducing the 2012 Catrike RoadCatrike is know for their lightweight, fast trikes, and above all their fine engineering. For 2012 Catrike brought us rear suspension with the new Catrike Road.
The 2012 Catrike Cat-4 Quad by Utah TrikesThe Quad has been designed for those looking for a true pedal car. The additional cargo capacity, traction, and 4-wheel disc braking make it the perfect utility vehicle for touring and commuting.
Brians Thoughts on the Scorpion FS-26Brian from California recently bought a custom Scorpion fs-26 with electric assist from us. Here are his preliminary impressions. . . .
Like I said, they have a bunch of them. So on a rainy day maybe this will give you something to do.
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
Being very well known in the triking world Sylvia Halpern gets asked a lot of questions. In this video she answers the two most asked questions … 1) leg suck and foot retention, and 2) about her helmet visor.
I rarely ever wear a helmet when I ride my trike, but I do have a visor similar to Sylvia’s attached to one of my two helmets.
And for me, I only use BMX pedals with nubs on them which do a good job of holding my shoe in place on the pedal. If I hit a bad bump and it causes my foot to leave the pedal my foot always goes up in the air … never down toward the ground. Therefore I personally am not concerned about leg suck. I have used SPD shoes and pedals which I absolutely hated. I have also used heel slings which I liked much better, but I stopped using them as I just did not feel that I needed them. I don’t advise anyone to not use some sort of foot retention as I know there are people who say that their feet go right down onto the ground when they come off of the pedals. I had a friend it happened to the very first and only time he ever rode a tadpole trike. I saw it happen. It hurt like crazy, but he was fortunate that he did not get seriously injured. He was able to continue riding that day.
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
I just returned one of these batteries for a refund yesterday as it was faulty and did not perform as it should have. Now I run across this video which makes me glad I did return it.
I defintely was not impressed with this battery and never would buy another one from them.
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
Just as people are basically the same the world over dogs are too. Whether you are in New York City or Hum, Croatia or somewhere in Italy dogs chase cyclists. Here is proof …
So how do you deal with dogs chasing you? HERE is what I found: (mind you this is talking about bicyclists)(It would be pretty hard if not impossible to lift and swing a trike around like one can a bicycle.)
HERE is another article on the subject. And HERE is another article.
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS FOR THIS IS A DAY THE LORD HAS MADE! REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
You are invited to come join the Tadpole Rider Facebook Group. Please note that in order to join you must first answer the three membership vetting questions.
· Stability – loose gravel, sand, ice, tire blowouts, etc. will not send a trike crashing to the ground.
Tadpole Rider 