I started riding for exercise, then for commuting, and now for pleasure. I have learned a lot during my years riding a recumbent trike, and I intend to learn much more. As I do, I want to document my discoveries so that my peers can progress without the trial and error process I go through. Please join me in the journey by signing up for the recumbent rambler newsletter. I will also record my rides with video and detailed maps for others to follow if they wish.
Views – or places you can ride your recumbent trike
I save and share the jewels of rides I take. I will fast forward through the less interesting sections – although you can always forward the 360 images for a look around.
I use a 360 camera to provide interesting footage and still images that I may not have thought of or had an opportunity to take at the time. It is not safe to spend too much time looking backwards, even if your neck is flexible enough.
On the 2D video, I discuss where I am, what I see and my thoughts. It is also on a transcript, and where possible, it will be a story.
There will be GPS paths. You can follow the trip by using AllTrails, Relive, Strava, Bikemap, Ride with GPS, Google Maps or similar. Many places have great rides where the path is poorly documented.
I provide a link to the 3D video. Use this to investigate details that I overlooked. With 360, you can find things behind me that my eyes did not see. Pause if you want to look around. The transcript will provide hints on many of the places this may be of value.
Reviews of recumbent trikes and associated equipment
Riding a recumbent trike becomes a passion as well as a pleasure. Everyone with a passion has a desire to learn more. I only review trikes and components with which I have had direct experience. I call them “Unreviews” because I do not wear any shoes other than my own.
I have an HPV Gekko, a Greenspeed Magnum and a Catrike Villager I can comment on. Both the Gekko and the Villager have a Bafang crank drive installed. The Gekko also uses Nuvinci hub gearing. I have a Performa recumbent bike (two wheels) that I will review if I ever find the courage to learn to ride it.
Upgrades for your recumbent trike to make it better
Riders most attracted to recumbent trikes are those with limitations due to either age or health. Unfortunately, most if not all recumbent trikes are manufactured by younger people for younger people. It is only natural but can sometimes be limiting. The most common issues are with gear ratios, pedals and how to transport your trike. I will cover all these as I find solutions that work.
I have been changing cranksets and cassettes to make the gearing on the Magnum more appealing to ageing recumbent riders. I am also working on the Bafang systems to make them more pleasant to ride without power for exercise.
I am interested in how to carry a recumbent trike on the vehicles I have at my disposal. Keep an eye out for articles if you want to take your trike away from home. Any suggestions or comments on your needs will be appreciated.
Conclusion
Add a comment below if you have something associated with recumbent trikes that you would like me to investigate or review. If I can help, I will.