Ep 83: Why I’d Rather Ride My Recumbent Trike instead of My Diamond Frame Bike

We’re going to take a ride along the north shore of Oahu on a beautiful Sunday morning after a big winter swell. I’ll be telling a story about my new friend Buddy who lives and rides his touring, 2 wheel bike on the mainland. He couldn’t understand why trikers want to ride recumbent trikes. He had a lot of misconceptions which I was happy to correct.
Mahalo nui loa for riding along with us as we trike all throughout the Hawaiian islands.
PS: my channel features original music, video and photos. Here's this week’s music:
Music: Coconut Joe “Evolution of Joe”
Middle of the Ocean CD • ©2003 Bob Rogers/Turtle Bay Records
Available on iTunes
I ride a HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS26 recumbent trike . Here's a link with more gear and facts: www.coconutjoe.com/trike.html
Gear Note: I maintain a simple gear footprint. Accompanied by iphone, gopro max and Skydio drone, I do all my own filming including drone footage. Audio is captured on my phone and then married to the video footage in iMovie where I do all my own editing.
©2024 Bob Rogers

[@SFCRambo60]

I will never go back to my 2 mountain bikes, here's why. I'm able to look up and not be hunched over, no more neck pains, shoulder pain,, wrist pain, lower back pain, bruising between the legs ( which can cause blood clots ) also no more worrying about balancing and sitting back and enjoying my ride. I love ❤ my Catrike Dumont.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

I hear ya, love dem tikes.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@UglyBikeling]

I own a mountain bike but it's just my preference I don't go on crazy trails maybe that's why you had issues?

[@FACE-PROFILERZ]

...and reduced prostate problems neither. As 64 and nine months and on Recumbents since 1996 had no issues on prostate and other pain associated with Univega road bike used to be. No prescriptions drugs neither even vitamins. Just water and veggies Daniel 1 : 12 Plus fruits and hydro-therapy before breakfast.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Yes, ride, eat, live healthy whenever we can. I do my hydro therapy on a surf kayak every other day. Happy triking.

[@UglyBikeling]

Gee how long did you ride your MTN bikes Lol 😲

[@garyseckel295]

Greatest amount of explanative logic, EVER, discussing two wheels versus three wheels! WOW! A Must Watch video! Would've loved to ad logic both for and against delta planform trikes! Never viewed a more logical video ever, on trikes versus bikes than this one!

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks Gary. Appreciate your thoughts.

[@paulahavens2764]

I have a Catrike trike and love riding it from day one. Thanks for your video. Take care and just enjoy the ride.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks for the comment. I agree, just enjoy the ride. Aloha

[@conniehoyle2669]

You are so lucky to be able to ride on the road. I live in the hills of Ohio . The roads are dangerous here. I was going out very early low traffic conditions ,but it only takes one car flying around a bend in the road over a dip that you know it’s not wise for me to be there on my trike . I look like a freaking ambulance with lights and flags . That doesn’t matter when they coming flying up behind you and only a second for them to hit the brakes. Thank you I enjoy your videos. Trike Harder I’m stuck on bike trails that are in need of repair. lol

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Well, we have mostly 36” shoulders on our main hwy which wraps around the island and that’s decent but I still have to be careful. We often have small bridges and culverts with no shoulder. Hwy speed varies from 35 to 45 mph. Lots of trucks and tour buses and tourist driving their rentals gawking at the scenery. Not too hilly like Ohio. So yes, I dress brightly, place my flashing lights, a 6 foot flag. When I get to a bridge or culvert I ride right down the middle of the highway and thank those who slow down until I clear it. I have two mirrors so I can keep an eye out for the traffic coming up behind me. As soon as I can I choose to go off roading to get away from the traffic where I really enjoy the ride. I’m hoping you’ll find a place to ride that’s safe and enjoyable. Best wishes on the hunt. Aloha.

[@ms.carlettawilson1522]

That horse is beautiful thank you for the video❤❤❤

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Every Sunday the nearby ranch allows their herd of about 30 horses to feed along the bike path. It’s a very popular to have dozens of cars stop and feed and pet the horses. That white one is one of the friendliest and always waits along the fence for locals and visitors alike.

[@mgreene888]

One really great point I didnt hear you address is the fact that you can jump on your trike in regular clothes! When I was able, if going over 5 mi on a diamond frame I had to "grease up" with chammy cream to avoid chafing - especially when riding in hot weather. That said, I pine for the days of 2 wheeled cycling, now made impossible by carpal and nerve pain. Hills are another issue - mostly because going up steep grades at walking speed feels a little embarrassing - especially when you are struggling to ride faster than some "old person" walking next to you :) In any case, riding a trike is still much more fun and engaging than merely walking for exercise.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Great points. Been there, done that. Two wheeling was fun but I’ve moved forward, embracing fun. Triking is much more enjoyable.

[@timmytom]

Agree with your points. I'm very glad I made the switch from a diamond frame to a Recumbent trike. Back in the UK . Managed 16 miles this morning in just over freezing temperatures. I'm envious. Sun beckons! Thanks for sharing.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

I’ve ridden in 40f once and I thought I was going to die. I have way too much thin Hawaiian blood in me. Hope you get some sun soon.

[@timmytom]

@@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak Thanks. Back here for new implants!

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Just had my implant Wednesday. Today is awesome day after a week of wind and rain.

[@mikldude9376]

Another vote for recumbent rocks the house , I used to ride diamond frame as a young bloke then a long break, and about ten years ago trying to claw back a bit of fitness and loose some weight which over a year and a half of daily pushing myself through pain on the bike , but a lifetime of hard yakka and worn out bones and diamond frame pain sucked the motivation right out of me . I did loose about 50 pounds though. I have a recumbent now which I am currently fitting a motor to , because old age and bad joints and shot knees , I can no longer ride a diamond frame even if I wanted to ( but I don't want to). Comfort wise there's just no comparison, diamond frames you lean forward , you have weight of your upper body on your wrists , elbows shoulders and your sitting on a seat that was designed as a torture device 😂, and you have your head tilted back which is hard on the neck. I used to get off my diamond frame after a ride and feel like I've been runover by a truck. Getting off the trike after a ride is just Soooo much better. But yeah , people have to do what makes them happy.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks for your vote and your cycle history. Yes, my recumbent changed my life. Lost weight, physical ailments subsided, cycle more, enjoying life more. The best way to roll. Aloha, happy rolls.

[@tomboyd9053]

Aloha Bob - As I often have said, "To each his own." As a younger man, I rode my diamond frame everywhere. But as I aged and life took a toll on me physically, riding my diamond frame became physically impossible. With adaptations made to a recumbent trike, I was once again able to ride the trails! In my many experiences, I have met more able-bodied recumbent trike riders than those who were actually disabled. In fact, I was often asked by hikers and mountain bikers while trail riding my recumbent trike whether I was disabled or not. I now attach a "handicap flag" to my visibility pole. Now those I meet ask me how does the recumbent trike fit my physical (handicap) needs. I am always excited in sharing my story of needs and how I can continue to exercise on my FS/Adapted recumbent trike. 🤙

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

You have met your challenges Tom, adapted and keep on riding the roads. That’s so Awesome! Keep it up. I like the idea of the special flag and yes keep sharing your story of adaption. Aloha

[@UglyBikeling]

I'd rather go to an E trike . I couldn't stare at the ground most of the time

[@douglas724]

Even if I was physically able, I wouldn’t go back to a regular bike; my trike is so much more comfortable and better for being able to appreciate the scenery. 😊

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

U betcha. I feel the same way. Thanks for the comments. 😎

[@EZSteve]

The common assumption that recumbent trikes are for riders who are physically challenged, not able bodied, is indeed a flawed perception! I bought my first trike in 2009 as an automobile replacement vehicle for long distance cross country trips, and I am fully capable of riding anything (haven't tried a unicycle, haha). My first trip was nearly 1000 miles, and I pulled a trailer, so I had actually more gear along with me than I needed (last time to use a trailer too). The comfort advantage of the trike was light years beyond what touring diamond frame bikers experience. I sill ride bikes, and for someone like Buddy, I'd suggest a very simple solution, and that being to have one of each. Then, he can pick the vehicle he needs for the adventure he wishes to have! Another option for him is to ride a bike with a recumbent seat. Off-road recumbent bikes exist, which he probably has never seen. I am purchasing a new road bike, and it is a long wheel base recumbent, with a 26 inch wheel in the rear and a 20 inch wheel in the front, with benefits of a bicycle (lighter, easier to maneuver, etc), but without all the common pain complaints that all diamond frame bikers universally suffer through if the ride is long enough. I love trikes because I can ride as far as I want, for as long as I want, and as hard as I want, with no physical pain and annoyances. And, after years of clipless pedal use, I have been riding with Pedaling Innovations "Catalyst" full foot support pedals since the summer of 2022, giving me significantly more power on each pedal stroke with absolutely no foot discomfort like that experienced by clipless users after many miles and days on a tour (no more hot spots, yeeha). Thanks for this useful video to help enlighten the bicycle community about why people ride recumbents! steve

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Awesome Steve. You’ve captured the essence of my video and your experience is of great value. Thanks for sharing your history for newbies, wannabes and the rest of us in the Triker Nation. Happy rolls.

[@travelvideos]

Pretty cool. Wind and dogs is what cyclists fear. This is the best tackle wind.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

So true, so true. Thanks for the comments.

[@redsorgum]

Travels by trike rode well over three thousand miles on a trike pulling a trailer, and it’s electric. I don’t ride the same kind of motorcycles I used to, and I’ve been riding smaller scooters/maxi scooters. I have been thinking about getting an upright e-trike, and maybe doing some touring on it. Pain has this funny way of telling you what you can do and what you can’t whether you like it or not. ✌️

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Ain’t that the truth about pain. I just roll with the punches. Main thing is to keep rolling no matter what vehicle you choose. Aloha.🤙🏽 👊🏾

[@conniehoyle2669]

Fun

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

🏄‍♂️🌴🌈💪🏽🤙🏽

[@ralyn43]

I ride a Greenspeed Gt20 trike, a crank forward Day6 two wheeler, and an old Trek hybrid. I am 80 yrs old and like them all. I live in Colorado Springs where the hills are monumental. Guess which cycle works best there.........of course....the trike which never has balance issues even on the steepest grades. Overall, the trike is fastest in that domain also and the least tiring...on and on. The Day6 can be stopped flat footed and has a backrest. (No, it's not a recumbent). The Trek is set up with a Spongy Wonder seat and very upright position. It may be called a wedgie, but only in name,.......life is good.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Awesome. You’re an inspiration to many and I’m right on your tail, hoping to ride for many years to come. You’ve got a great quiver of rides and I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Of course 3 wheels are better than 2, as you say, life is good. Aloha Bruddah.

[@DemiGod..]

Have an ICE Sprint X 26 Tour trike , and a Kona Sutra touring bike. The touring bike can carry more as the rear rack of both bike and trike is limited to 55lbs, the bike though has a front rack (30lb limit) and can store luggage on the handlebars and in a frame bag. Additionaly you can wear a rucksack. Both though can pull a trailer such as the burley nomad with 100 litre capacity and 100lb limit. The trike can lose rear wheel traction on rough roads, the bike does not.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks for the input. All good info for those into touring or carrying big loads.

[@Khasym]

Why do I get the feeling that this guy is trying to convince you that HIS love of bike riding, should supersede your love of trike riding? I'm getting a Trident Terrain Fat e-trike this Friday. I CAME from a Gravel Trek that I loved....what I did NOT love, was the saddle sores, the shoulder issues, the constant worry about debris and other things sliding out my tires.... Yes, I rode faster on my Gravel than I have on the...the Terra Trike AT, a customized AZUB with suspension(loved the ride but a NIGHTMARE to get out of) and the Trident, so the three or four trikes I've test ridden. But I got back into bike riding at 46. And my very first ride on my gravel Trek, was a 10 minute jaunt to my elementary school and back...and I SUFFERED for it. I didn't ride for another two weeks as I learned the secret genius that is Chamois Butter :-) When I got done my first ride on a Terra Trike, with no motor...I felt like I'd just gotten a massage. The knobby tires, my weight evenly distributed on a suspended seat...I felt better getting OUT of the trike, than I did getting INTO it. Moreover, I just feel a lot less mental strain when I'm on a trike. I'm not worried about balance, or trying to adjust my weight off my hips, or focusing on the ground twelve feet in front of me. I'm not locked on the handlebars with a deathgrip, because I don't want to risk losing my balance. I can let GO of the handlebars, without mastering balancing and controlling a bike solely by the hips and legs. A bike may be VASTLY more responsive than a trike....but you feel more in CONTROL on a trike. You REALLY have to do something stupid to make a trike unsafe.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

I’m with you on this. I recently went for a single track ride with my MTB son and grandson and I was on my diamond frame. All then pains instantly came back to me. The stress release I get is being able to sit back and enjoy the scenery and not have to worry about rocks, debris and pot holes. As far as Buddy is concerned, how can you comment on trikes if you haven’t even ridden on them. Thanks for your comments. Happy trails.

[@Khasym]

@@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak Okay...this is week one AFTER I got my Trident, and my mom got her Terra Charge....WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GUY ON!?!?!?!? If I was REALLY lucky, I could get my mom to ride one PERFECT weather day out of five....She's on her THIRD trip, the 2nd of two rainy day trips we've done. She comes home from working at the Salvation Army and is asking ME if I want to go riding for god's sake!!! :-) As for me, I was still building up my stamina on my Gravel TREK, so I rarely did more than 10 miles....MY FIRST DAY I DID 20!! And I wasn't even zonked afterwards. I could've gone more. But I didn't want to gas myself out and end up stuck somewhere. The throttle control is great, the adjustable seat I don't need a level and a protractor for is great. The abundance of storage is great, the handling is great(And I'm on what I conservatively call a HUMVEE of Fat E-Trikes....HOW BAD IS THAT?!?!?!) The ability to maintain a safer pace with traffic is great. Hell, I see more cars either slowing down, or letting ME slow down so they can pass, whereas on my Gravel, they'd just zip by me. Clipping in with my pedals feels nice, as I'm not worried about losing grip or wheel-suck. If I have any complaint, it's that my machine's so beefy and heavy, the parking brakes aren't tensioned enough to hold, so I don't really have a way to leave it sitting stable. I HAVE to engage the brakes to get in. I think he's just looking for excuses and doesn't want to step out of his comfort zone. Which, as long as he's physically able to ride, that's fine. But if he develops a knee issues, a back issue, or a balance issue...he's either gonna have to give up riding, or switch to a trike...and I can only wonder what he'll be saying on THAT day.

[@davidburgess741]

Might be alternative with my damaged neck. I'd be concerned about the width and visibility. Theirs and mine. For now, there's a high stack height. Can ride drop bars for a few more years though.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

I’m telling you David, it’s only about 4 inches wider than your shoulders which is the width when riding a two wheeler. Flashers, flag and bright clothing and being cool , thankful but have an assertive attitude is the trick. I ride 45 mph highways 3-4 times a week. Yes, I have decent 39 in shoulders most of the routes. This morning I did a short one, 12 miles, no highways. Neighborhood ride and I get a lot of shakas 🤙🏽. Take care of that neck. Been there, done that. Aloha.

[@velvetvideo]

one positive for the longer chain is less wear on the chain

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Good observation. Despite our salty air and sand, my chains are lasting a long time. I sue that wax chain clear that really helps.

[@Khasym]

I'll give you two more. You're going to find getting the chain back ON, a lot easier than a regular bike. I'm still in the shakedown phase with my Trident Terrain Fat E-Trike, and my chain's a little slack. But it's not even a worry about getting the chain back on the front crank, and with the flexible tubing keeping the rear gears lined up, I'm almost never going to see a rear derailment unless I blow my massive tires. But I've had my chain pop on my old Gravel TREK before, and it was frustrating as hell getting it back on sometimes. I don't know if this was due to the front deraileur or just being a fiddly TREK, but I was trying low and high upfront to refeed with no luck. I usually don't even need to unclip from my Terrain to reset the front crank.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

@@Khasym Wow, glad to hear mom is hooked on her trike. Happy riding to all. Yeah, my friend buddy was making a decision without even trying a trike. That was wrong from the start but I stimulated by to make an episode about it. So many awesome comments. Mahalo.

[@brucefarrar300]

Riding a diamond frame bike = 1 hour before pain wants me to stop. Riding my recum trike = no pain. The only reason I stop is because I am away so long I have to get to a restroom.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

So true Bruce, so true.

[@davidmiller3109]

Ride on….with water!

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

I shall. 🤙🏽😎

[@kennethpaquin8574]

I agree with Bob that the type of bike that you ride should be one that matches your goals. For me, my goals do not yet align with the strengths of a trike. I'm in my mid-fifties, and while I am certainly not the athlete I was in high school, I still consider the time I spend on my bike to an athletic endeavor. I ride not just for the long term health benefits, but I still have the desire to go fast and far. I like to see if I can improve my times and distances as I ride. I have only gradually become a more serious cyclist, so there are milestones that those that rode seriously at a younger age have achieved that I am still working towards. I've probably ridden about a dozen metric centuries, for example, but not a statute century. That is my goal for this year. I have surprised myself as I've gotten more serious about cycling, in the last two years, to see my average speeds continue to improve. I'm sure that they are not impressive from the perspective of a young, serious cyclist, but that is OK with me. I don't get passed too often on my rides and I enjoy overtaking much younger riders. It is not my goal, but it is fun. All that said, I don't think a trike would further my interest in going faster and farther. I do a lot of riding on paved trails because there are several good long trails in my area and that keeps me out of the traffic. When I do ride on the road, I find it less enjoyable. When I see trikes on the road, with their wide, low stance, I only imagine that I would feel even less comfortable than I already do if that were me. Maybe in some twenty years I'll be on a recumbent trike, but not yet.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Totally agree. You need the lightest cycle that allows you to maximize your physical attributes to attain the speeds and distances you choose to achieve. I will also agree that as you get older, 60s plus, your goals will probably change as your physical abilities slowly erode. Maybe not, my friend Buddy is also in his 70s and wants to continue his quest to be able to go anywhere on his tour bike. Thus, he still needs 2 wheels. Btw, I occasionally try to keep up with a 2 wheeler I meet on the road. Delusion’s of grander I suspect.

[@UglyBikeling]

Oh one of those cyclists 🤠 😉

[@kennethpaquin8574]

@@UglyBikeling One of what kind of cyclist?

[@robertmuckle2985]

You couldn't convince me to get on one of these ever! I'd rather not have the back of my neck at car grill height over my arse, as the consequences on recumbents are dire at best, and I can't imagine how ones back can take the percussion on rough terrain. The width of these are totally incompatible with most road systems, and if motorists are pissed at me on my skinny road bike, I can't imagine the anger they would unleash on me taking up that much shoulder!

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks for the comment. Trikes are about 4 inches wider than your shoulders which is the width used when riding a 2 wheeler. Motorist? It’s quite the opposite where I ride. We’re more visible than a common bicyclist. We have more suspension than most bikes, the back is not a concern at all when riding bumps (check the clip in this video riding off road). Much better than the pounding my okole (arse) took when riding a two wheeler. Check episodes 54, 55 for more about the differences, advantages. Hey, I’ve ridden both types extensively. Regardless, main thing we’re all there getting exercise. Happy cycling

[@UglyBikeling]

Ya I would think the muscles get loose also . I'd rather do a Etrike

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Recumbent... never. I do not care if it is more comfortable, they are dangerous.

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

After 50 years riding a diamond frame and 3 years riding a recumbent, I have found just the opposite to be true, and I ride a lot of highway. Episodes 54 and 55 talk more about it. Happy cycling.

[@garyseckel295]

Do not think such at all. Drivers pass trikes in more civilized manner than upright bicycles. Aging can give one no choice not to ride a recumbent trike.

[@UglyBikeling]

Yep too low.. I gotta see and be seen 😅

[@garyseckel295]

Agree! 30-years of recumbent experience here. Trikes are hugely safer! @@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak

[@UglyBikeling]

I would rather ride a bike to be up higher. Better views and Maneuver quicker if need be and to get into better trails but the recumbent looks relaxing im sure ill try someday

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

🤙🏽😎

[@ankarafuller7427]

As a life long cycle tourer from small kid to middle age and weekend group fun rides, I think you’ve not really grasped essence of recumbents. I have never seen so much, admired kestrel s, watched butterflies, ever so slowly admiring street art since riding my HP Velo Scorpion. You see much more. Still have two diamond frames, but inconceivable would tour on them again. Edinburgh to Vienna was no comparison. Also manoeuvring is situational. Yes the Fully tour kitted Scorpion is bit of beast if trying to park at pub, cafe etc, but for dogs or children leaping out of nowhere I find I am able to take more aggressive manoeuvres than friends on up rights due to my three wheels. I’ve also let little kids ride with mm clearance in mass fun rides, or let them get a tow up hills - nae chance I’m ever doing that on my upright, I want minimum 50 cm clear space…. On narrow trails it is trike is too much bush clearing to be fun, yes. I commute on upright as parking at my work is designed only for diamond frames, and theft risk too high for me to afford loss of the trike. You should try one, I was shocked at how much better long touring was - I simple saw more.

[@UglyBikeling]

Why not an upright E trike .. you'll be up higher and safer

[@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak]

Thanks for your thoughts. I had ridden an upright mountain bike for 40 years. After 3 years on a recumbent trike I feel much safer. Higher on a MTB means I have further to fall when I hit debris or a hole in the road. I won’t fall on a trike. I use flashers, a 6ft flag, bright clothes. I’m very visible to other vehicles. I considered electric pedal assist on a MTB before I decided to go with a recumbent trike. Best decision I ever made. But, to each their own. Happy cycling.

[@UglyBikeling]

@@hawaiiantrike-surfkayak makes sense