• Re: Todays Ride

    From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Tue Mar 31 13:01:34 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get >better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat >around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher >speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the >built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark J cleary@mcleary08@comcast.net to rec.bicycles.tech on Tue Mar 31 14:10:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    i just wear cycling shorts it is the best really.
    --
    Deacon Mark
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark J cleary@mcleary08@comcast.net to rec.bicycles.tech on Tue Mar 31 14:10:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?
    --
    Deacon Mark
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Roger Merriman@roger@sarlet.com to rec.bicycles.tech on Tue Mar 31 21:08:39 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    Mark J cleary <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:
    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get better.

    IrCOm sure, IrCOve only used ones for pottering around the park at low speeds, for work aka folks that use wheelchairs or other devices, so much heavier equipment, and not things one rides much beyond jogging pace to be honest.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    IrCOd of not thought the design would make any difference, but where you
    ride, ie is it clean well maintained roads or gritty lanes, plus tyre
    types, road tyres tend to be more likely to than tyres intended for the commuter market such as the Marathon family or similar.

    IrCOd normally just take a spare tube, but that would be two different tubes for you! As ever itrCOs working out what has the most importance to you.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Would the trike be able to mount a mirror its self?

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    Roger Merriman

    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Tue Mar 31 18:17:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21 >>> mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some >>> of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them >>> at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it. Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff. I've had to replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark J cleary@mcleary08@comcast.net to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 09:27:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to >>>> get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a >>>> lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more >>>> out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat >>>> around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher >>>> speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21 >>>> mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to >>>> have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some >>>> of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just >>>> due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them >>>> at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the >>>> built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going >>>> to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it. Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff. I've had to replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller skate bearings. T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the rear is longer
    than normal the front might be fine?
    --
    Deacon Mark
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AMuzi@am@yellowjersey.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 09:35:35 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my
    5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on
    trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways.
    My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot
    dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the
    recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest
    this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can
    go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a
    road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I
    have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will
    need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a
    road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give
    me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets.
    I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight
    turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph
    pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the rear
    is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.
    --
    Andrew Muzi
    am@yellowjersey.org
    Open every day since 1 April, 1971
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark J cleary@mcleary08@comcast.net to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 09:46:31 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile
    loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before >>>>>> this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down
    for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get >>>>>> better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch >>>>>> more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has >>>>>> knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a >>>>>> turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. >>>>>> Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets >>>>>> twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At
    higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin >>>>>> so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be >>>>>> prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still
    have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to
    get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike >>>>>> just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't
    wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you >>>>>> helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking
    at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still
    going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an >>>>>> issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it. Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the rear is longer
    than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.
    --
    Deacon Mark
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AMuzi@am@yellowjersey.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 10:07:15 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!
    --
    Andrew Muzi
    am@yellowjersey.org
    Open every day since 1 April, 1971
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 11:47:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 09:27:05 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my 5 mile loop to >>>>> get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on trainer before >>>>> this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot dig down for a >>>>> lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest this will get >>>>> better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can go a touch more >>>>> out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close. Mentioned he has >>>>> knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean as such into a >>>>> turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a road bike. Flat >>>>> around here basically live in big ring. I notice the steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even cadence. At higher >>>>> speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to give it a spin so 21 >>>>> mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes but still have to >>>>> have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will need to get some >>>>> of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a road bike just >>>>> due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said they don't wear them >>>>> at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used to looking at the >>>>> built in review mirror as I always have a helmet mirror. I still going >>>>> to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it. Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff. I've had to replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the rear is longer
    than normal the front might be fine?

    Truth is I never measured them. I just install them and cut off what I
    dont need.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 12:00:23 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 12:04:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 09:35:35 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in my
    5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside on
    trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some ways.
    My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I cannot
    dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently the
    recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI suggest
    this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it can
    go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with a
    road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but I
    have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front will
    need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than a
    road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet. Give
    me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear helmets.
    I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast tight
    turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini morph
    pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the rear
    is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Indeed. Nothing special.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AMuzi@am@yellowjersey.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 11:43:29 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 11:00 AM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman

    Right, rears are different.

    But for a front, just remove most of the tire, turn the
    wheel and remove the rest; it's quick.
    --
    Andrew Muzi
    am@yellowjersey.org
    Open every day since 1 April, 1971
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 13:45:13 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:43:29 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 11:00 AM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman

    Right, rears are different.

    But for a front, just remove most of the tire, turn the
    wheel and remove the rest; it's quick.

    Thanks, I never thought of that.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Catrike Ryder@Soloman@old.bikers.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 13:49:57 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:43:29 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 11:00 AM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman

    Right, rears are different.

    But for a front, just remove most of the tire, turn the
    wheel and remove the rest; it's quick.

    I once had a rear flat near a bus stop bench. I lifted the rear, put
    the front deraillure stump under the bench to pull the wheel and keep
    it off the ground while I changed it.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Mark J cleary@mcleary08@comcast.net to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 13:07:12 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 12:49 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:43:29 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 11:00 AM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman

    Right, rears are different.

    But for a front, just remove most of the tire, turn the
    wheel and remove the rest; it's quick.

    I once had a rear flat near a bus stop bench. I lifted the rear, put
    the front deraillure stump under the bench to pull the wheel and keep
    it off the ground while I changed it.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    I hope these catrikes don't have flats as much as road bike. I am pretty
    good with few flats really. I just have not put together and flat kit. I
    will use my regular seat bag 1 tube for front and 1 for rear. Some allen wrenches and a mini pump. The rear wheel would not have a huge amount of weight on it so hopefully it stays in tac.
    --
    Deacon Mark
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From AMuzi@am@yellowjersey.org to rec.bicycles.tech on Wed Apr 1 13:08:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: rec.bicycles.tech

    On 4/1/2026 12:49 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:43:29 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 11:00 AM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Wed, 1 Apr 2026 10:07:15 -0500, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

    On 4/1/2026 9:46 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:35 AM, AMuzi wrote:
    On 4/1/2026 9:27 AM, Mark J cleary wrote:
    On 3/31/2026 5:17 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:10:47 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    On 3/31/2026 12:01 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
    On Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:17:46 -0500, Mark J cleary
    <mcleary08@comcast.net> wrote:

    Took the Catrike out today for first ride. Stayed in
    my 5 mile loop to
    get the feel for things. I did ride 17 miles inside
    on trainer before
    this ride so that had an effect.

    Trike is different for sure but the same in some
    ways. My biggest
    surprise was the lungs and breathing. I notice I
    cannot dig down for a
    lot of air like I can on the road bike. Apparently
    the recumbent
    position causes diaphragm to work different. AI
    suggest this will get
    better.

    I had the boom out at 33 on the bike but I think it
    can go a touch more
    out. The guy at the shop set me up clearly to close.
    Mentioned he has
    knee problems so that was default for him.

    It corners differently so that is big you cannot lean
    as such into a
    turn. On straight road I can reasonably keep up with
    a road bike. Flat
    around here basically live in big ring. I notice the
    steering gets
    twitch if I do not pedal with a very smooth and even
    cadence. At higher
    speeds it is hard to maintain. Today I just want to
    give it a spin so 21
    mph was top speed.

    I never thought about flats and having a flat kit but
    I have to be
    prepared. My guess is flats are less common on trikes
    but still have to
    have something. Takes a 20 inch tube for the front
    will need to get some
    of them. I also have to obey the stops much more than
    a road bike just
    due to the design and footprint.

    The next thing is a new helmet. The trike shop said
    they don't wear them
    at least he did not but no way I getting a helmet.
    Give me hell you
    helmet haters but I want one. I also have to get used
    to looking at the
    built in review mirror as I always have a helmet
    mirror. I still going
    to use a helmet mirror.

    Here is todays ride not bad out and wind on trike is
    way less of an
    issue. https://www.strava.com/activities/17925230160

    There's a lot of trikers around here. Many wear
    helmets. I've been
    scolded by other trikers for not wearing one.

    It's fairly important to lean your body in on fast
    tight turns. The
    trikes can be dumped. I've heard of it being done.

    Regarding flats, you now have three tracks to steer
    through road
    debris instead of one.

    Note: baggy loose legged shorts tend to be bug catchers.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    Do you carry a flat kit?

    I carry tubes and patches, levers and a topeak mini
    morph pump, chain
    links and quite a few tools. Walking a broken down two
    wheeler is a
    picnic compared to walking the Catrike.

    At some point you might want a maintenance rack for it.
    Can't turn it
    upside down like a two wheeler. I built my own but:

    https://t-cycle.com/collections/triketight

    T-cycle is a good source of trike stuff.-a I've had to
    replace the
    idlers and the idler bearings. The bearings are roller
    skate bearings.
    T-cycle also has chain by the foot.

    Seats and wheels at https://www.utahtrikes.com/

    also https://hostelshoppe.com/


    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman
    What length derailleur cables do you use. I assume the
    rear is longer than normal the front might be fine?



    A standard 2 meter rear wire is sufficient for either.

    Andrew do you get many trikes to work on, they seem pretty
    straightforward in fact not complicated.


    They're not complicated.
    The gear casings are longer than on a road bike and you'll
    need longer than standard chain but otherwise simple. And
    no need to remove a front wheel to change a flat!

    Of course you have to get the wheel off the ground. I used to just tip
    it up on it's side and pull the wheel when I was out riding. Then I
    built a simple take apart jackstand out of PVC. I use it to keep the
    rear Derailleur off the ground when changing the rear tire.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman

    Right, rears are different.

    But for a front, just remove most of the tire, turn the
    wheel and remove the rest; it's quick.

    I once had a rear flat near a bus stop bench. I lifted the rear, put
    the front deraillure stump under the bench to pull the wheel and keep
    it off the ground while I changed it.

    --
    C'est bon
    Soloman


    That's clever! THX
    --
    Andrew Muzi
    am@yellowjersey.org
    Open every day since 1 April, 1971
    --- Synchronet 3.21f-Linux NewsLink 1.2