The Dangers Of Riding A Recumbent Trike (or how not to flip out, break a leg and blow your top)

[@philsmith2346]

I'm 73 years young, and have lived in West Virginia my wholelife (save for a few years in the Air Force), where if you're riding on two, 3, 4, or 18 wheels, you stop at stop signs. I was appalled that you didn't, especially on social media, where the world could observe what could then be considered as a shining example of just how one is supposed to properly ride a bike, or anything else (?) Your video is really stellar, though. Your attitude and manner is commendable, and you are serious, without being overbearing or condescending, and without hitting the audience with a lot of, "If you do this or that.......you shouldn't be on a recumbent..." Thankfully, you didn't offer any of that to us in the audience, for which I am absolutely grateful, because I already have a girlfriend who thoroughly takes the greatest pleasurable reminding me what I cannot do. I'll be buying a recumbent in April, and plan to put a bunch of miles and smiles on it, and our beloved hills out here. So in all sincerity, thanks for the tips. I planned to buy one anyway, yet beforehand minus your badly needed guidance and cautions. I just may live a little longer now, and certainly enjoy my life much more. See you on the road, Sir!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Have fun on the new trike (or bike) Phil! See you out there!

[@m.j.rowland6120]

If I may, one of my biggest issues with riding my trike was with cars. Now don't get me wrong- I, like you, generally found that automotive traffic actually paid more attention to me (probably the novelty of seeing a tadpole trike as much as anything). HOWEVER, the biggest danger I encountered when riding around automotive traffic was getting or being directly in front of a car (as for example, when you're stopped at an intersection & a car pulls right up behind you; or, as happened to me on a couple of occasions, when you're crossing an intersecting street where a car on that street is getting ready to pull out onto the street you're on). The issue is that since most tadpole trikes sit mostly if not entirely below the level of the hood on most cars (especially trucks & SUV's), if you're right in front of them, they can't see you & probably don't know you're there when they are getting ready to pull out, so you are in danger of getting run over, accordingly. This happened to me twice (and yes, I did have a flag- but I'm not sure how well a willowy wisp of cloth at the top of a spindly thin pole really helps cars to see you better, anyway, especially after the incidents I had), once where I barely missed getting run down, and once where I actually did get hit & dragged down the street a ways before the lady realized I was there. Thankfully I didn't get hurt on that occasion, but it did ruin my trike & ended that fun for me. So yes, just be aware that this is a very real danger to be cognizant of when riding a tadpole trike in traffic. In my experience.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Wow, glad you weren't injured in that incident, M.J.! Yep, I've been in those situations, either right in front of, along side or even right behind a car, and knowing that they had no way to see me. What I started doing was actually standing up and waving to the person driving the car, giving them a literal "heads up" so they knew something and someone was down there. Gets some interesting looks from the drivers.

[@HunterChristianDarkman]

I've had several roll overs (all but one, slow speed, so no major injuries!). The major reason for this is that my center of gravity is twice as high as the maximum factory seat adjustment. I found that I had neck problems from being too far reclined (ICE Full Fat), so I added a 6" block between the seat bar and the height adjustment, making things more like a bucket seat, now.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

You gotta do what you gotta do! Neck pain is no fun. You also have a much better view with your seat up like that. :)

[@bici.family]

This video is really to the point! Most people are scared of riding in traffic, but for us it does feel quite safe, everyone is making big turns to overtake us and are generally friendly and seem suppprtive! I would add another aspect that we have around here, and that's street dogs - on a trike you are much lower to the ground and it's just scary around them (although we didn't have any real problems so far). Ride safe :) all the best from Serbia.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Greetings! I get dogs running up to me all the time here, but luckily they've all been friendly. They can't seem to stay away when they see someone so low to the ground, and most of the time they want to climb on top of me and lick my face. Let's hope you only encounter friendly street dogs! (or at least as friendly as a street dog can be)

[@chrislatchem1854]

Hi, Interesting video. One minor thing, the demonstration of flipping over on a turn shows flipping to the INSIDE of the turn, which will NOT happen. That is something you can only do on an upright bike or motorcycle from leaning too far and sliding out. Interesting point about attention from car drivers. Think the loss of control from flat tire/blowouts could be from a flat on any tire, and is not inherently more risky on the back. Your point about the risk being low is well taken, and for perspective, I believe consequences are more dangerous on an upright. I learned about the danger and prevention of foot slipping in your video, as my previous trike rides were with running shoes, I will change my habits. Keep these vids coming, thanks.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the excellent points, Chris, and for watching!

[@FDemsandbrandon]

I tried out a Sun Seeker today. I was turning left/inside. The wheel locked into the frame and I flipped to the outside. I now have three broken ribs. I had no idea how bad the balance was and how many people have been hurt by them

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

Good advice. Locking up your brakes on a tadpole can cause rear wheel lift and possible loss of control. Probably the most important safety tip is obeying all traffic laws. At 2:04 you ran a stop sign. Not very safe.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yep, we’re getting better about stopping at the stop signs!

[@whazzat8015]

@@bikestrikesrazors Get even better.

[@whazzat8015]

The ICE bikes have a rear brake, like tandems, that make that safer. better to dig your crank into the street than a leg. It's why you train up for the unexpected , so that your body knows what to do, while your brain is catching up.

[@DemiGod..]

Worse on a bicycle if you lock the front wheel.

[@bobcatt2294]

Excellent points you make and good production quality. Thumbs up. I would add, rear wheel suspension is almost a requirement while riding on the streets. Your entire spine and nervous system is impacted from road potholes or cracks. On a traditional bike you just need to left up from the seat and your legs and knees becomes a large part of the suspension, protecting you and secondly, stabilizing your steering. Riding in the streets, I would recommend a configuration which brings the rider riding in a higher profile - more upright, then in a lower to the ground because of the increased visibility. Stay out of parking lots where traffic is frequent. Parking lots are extremely dangerous for tadpole trikes, again because of the low profile of the trike, secondly, car drivers usually have the impression that parking lots are safer to drive than on the streets, so they are less attentive.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Great points, Bobcatt! Thanks!

[@markfeldman6509]

Great advice on all points. Clipped in shoes are mandatory for safety. Injuries sustained from foot slippage when not clipped can be devastating. Tire failures are a real pain in the butt but are pretty rare ....flats from tube failure are much more common. very few of us ride at the speeds you mention which put tipping at risk. Flags and lights and reflective clothing are necessary for everybody at every speed.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks, Mark! How’s the riding been over there?

[@benjaminhenderson1759]

Anything that keeps your foot on the pedals works

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I know a lot of folks use those twisty straps, so apparently those work pretty well also.

[@mikecurtin9831]

I've found that moving the seat a little closer to the peddles than I used to do with an upright works pretty well. I think you're right, though, that the clips are the best solution.

[@nannuartworks5812]

Hate clips and refuse to use them I am very happy with heel slings. I also don't have to wear uncomfortable annoying shoes.

[@HermannKerr]

I had a rear wheel blow at about 90 km/hr on a downhill while on tour. It was an interesting ride but I slowed it down and kept it on the road. I think I had a slow leak and hit a pot hole. The rim wasn't damaged. I was on a ICE Sprint RS (with a 20" rear - Schwalbe Tryker tire). Wasn't all bad as a women stop with "I don't know how to help" but she gave me a beer which I shared with two other cyclists camped at a road side pull out (Dome Creek) on highway 17 in the middle of nowhere in northern British Columbia. I have kept in touch with one cyclist ever since.It was a very memorable day. I have flipped my trikes three times all at low speed. On the Sprint it was very slow on a hard left where the left tire hit a bump and put me on my side into the grass. My other trike, Azub Ti-Fly 20 which has a much higher centre of gravity (along with great ground clearance) is way more susceptible to tipping. Both times I tipped it over I was riding trail, with the the first one was crossing over a log going a bit too fast (more than a crawl) and the second time was severe adverse camber on a turn that I thought I could make. My Sprint corners like a demon and I lean but I test my lean by testing the inside brake and if it skids I am not leaning out far enough or I am going way to fast. I have a disk on the rear to help slow down in those conditions which I added after descending the Coquihalla at a truly insane speed. When dealing with cars I find "Visibility" is the key. I have flashy lights and a Flag pole with a number of flags with the largest being 36"x17". I have cycled all over and I have found 99.99% of drivers are very polite, safe and courteous (I have three that were not). What worries the the most is getting doored by a parked car but I always look for a head in the drivers position.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the insights, Hermann! It’s always great to hear from other trikers with lots of real-world experience. I’m always concerned about being doored as well, especially when I’m on a trike, as I imagine it resulting in my head suddenly stopping while everything else keeps going!

[@bevd.4263]

I agree with Eddie... the parking lot is a very dangerous place for trikes. Use your flags and lights. I always assume a vehicle does not see me, until I've made eye contact (like crossing an intersection), and don't be afraid to drive in the middle of the lane while in a parking lot. Sticking to the edges makes you less visible. Watch for backup lights. I always carry an air horn, JIC. This also deters the occasional dog that gets a little too excited and decides to make chase. And be careful passing pedestrians. Always let them know you're passing... and watch their movements carefully. They (or children and pets) will step over in front of you. Happy triking!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Bev! Yes, all good points. There are some parking lots that are so bad, I just feel more comfortable getting up and walking the trike. I've had good luck with dogs so far (knock on wood). Pedestrians seem to have a sixth sense when you're coming up behind them. At the last minute, they'll walk out into your path!

[@0-60scctv4]

I took the plunge and got myself a recumbent tadpole trike, and have watched a lot of your informative videos. including hill climbing, (my fave). Here in England, I have experienced no problems on the roads, when I've had to use them, as Drivers can see me due to speed limits in town. I'll be honest, trikes are the future for everyone, they just don't know it yet.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I love climbing too, especially on a trike. I'd love to take a trip over there some day and tour the Lake District! Looks like you have some nice climbs! :)

[@DemiGod..]

@@bikestrikesrazors Come to Scotland. England is flat compared to Bonnie Scotland

[@theotherebikeguy1473]

Talking about dangers...then running a stop sign without looking left right? Hmmmm....

[@jimmysapien9961]

I believe he understands that now sometime it takes grown-ups a little longer to grow up

[@eksine]

what are you talking about? that was a yellow left arrow light, the red light was for the intersection perpendicular to them. they were making legal normal turns left. nothing unsafe or illegal, watch the video again

[@freds4703]

At 2:00 the rider does not stop at the stop sign. Not only unsafe but illegal and failure to observe traffic laws makes no car driver friends for cyclists regardless of the number of wheels. In NYS, all cyclists are required to obey traffic laws just as any other vehicle.

[@robertshanks6901]

I went to different pedals that cradle your heel into the pedal because I got locked in and couldn't get unlocked, than walking around I felt like I had a huge rock on my shoes. I have 2 sets of clip in shoes, paid over $250 for one set and $150 for the others the pedals was only $70 and you can wear whatever is comfortable. If that worried about a blowout than buy the no flat tires.. I learned my lesson about a slick rear tire. I got off into the grass and just sat a spun so I got a more aggressive tire and haven't had any problems since then.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Robert! I know a few folks that ride with the heel cradle pedals and they're very happy with them.

[@OAPMeander]

Good information. I'm just starting out with my recumbent trike so I'm hungry for information 🙏

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Glad to help, OAP! There are lots of other trike videos on our channel, so there may be more info for you there. Another good source of information is the Bentrider Online trike forum. You can also ask questions there, and they're usually pretty friendly folk. Enjoy your trike!

[@flights_of_fancy5819]

Great video, save for the demonstration of roll-over showed the trike rolling in the incorrect direction, into the turn, when in fact the rollover event has the trike rolling over toward the outside of the turn. In other words... when turning left, the trike will roll to the right. I'll double-up on the "running the stop sign" comment. If you want to be respected on the road, respect the rules of the road. The comment about riding alongside cars matches with my experience... I've generally been given a far wider berth on a trike than on a bike - cars just don't seem to know what a trike is. Yeah, you get lots of friendly waves on trikes, and lots of folks who want to stop and talk about what that weird wheeled thing is!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, you're correct! I didn't think that out when I was demonstrating the roll over! Good catch!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Exactly . And The same principles apply to even a motorcycle trike except with worse endings 👹

[@MarkLatour]

I watched one of the most common pieces of assholery seen on bicycles done by this video as the recumbent trike blows downhill right through a stop sign with a mere glance side to side. To check for cops? Traffic laws apply to trikes and bikes as well as they do to semi trailers and cars.

[@robertlalancette1136]

Good video. You did mention a flag, for me that is an essential piece of equipment to be seen and avoided, get one and use it (and forget the .001% of speed you lose because of the flag’s aerodynamic drag). As well, a lot of folks just don’t bother with a bike helmet, well you can still flip a trike, or if a car hits you at low speed (hi speed, forget it, you’re road kill) guess at what height the car or truck bumper is, yup, even with your head!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yep! I've had so many folks ask me if I thought they needed to wear a helmet while riding a trike I'm going to have to do a video on the subject. Anything can happen, even on a trike, so I always encourage a helmet. And you're right- A flag is always a good idea.

[@gliderrider]

How do you negotiate those ‘rumble strips’ on the side of the road? Seems like that would be a real joy killer.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, rumble strips are bad for all kinds of bikes and trikes. You really have to be careful with a tadpole trike on a rumble strip if you hit it fast as your rear wheel can loose traction. Best to avoid them if you can!

[@scg13803]

As a rider and BUILDER of recumbents ( since 1978) a couple things come to mind, BE SEEN .. A FLAG AND A FLASHING REAR LIGHT HELPS, ....BE AWARE.... of traffic, pedestrians and obsticals and road conditions ( potholes , drains , and curbs), finally OBEY THE TRAFFIC LAWS... STOP MEANS STOP!!! also note the wider the front wheel base, and lower center of gravity aids in cornering.. good tires and BRAKES... wear your helmet, gloves and eyewear. Cars kick up dirt and gravel...

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Steve and thanks very much for sharing your experience and insights!

[@ChrisSmith-rm6xl]

Nice non-answer, [insert insult here]. Why don't you just admit that you were wrong?

[@GavinRemme]

2:45 wouldn’t it roll the other way?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, the centrifugal force flips you the other way. I tilted the trike the wrong way for that demonstration! Good eye!

[@tiffanyhanson3701]

One you didn’t mention - for people with long hair, that wheel is awfully close the the back of the head.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Tiffany! Yes, if your hair is long enough, that could be an issue!

[@mikecurtin9831]

Good advice, all. As to dealing with cars, I remember some advice my dad gave me when I started riding motorcycles, "Just ride like they're trying to kill you and you'll be fine." Having said that, I always wear a helmet and post an orange flag. One thing you left out for people who are contemplating buying a trike and aren't familiar with them yet. With a bike of either upright or recumbent persuasion, there is only one track to have to watch in the road. With either kind of trike, there are three. Thanks for posting this, and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Good points all, Mike! Your dad's advice about "riding like they're trying to kill you" is especially pertinent these days, as it seems like they really ARE trying to kill you (or check a text, which is essentially the same thing). Thanks for the anti-troll thumbs up! :)

[@NovicetechGames]

When you talked about flipping over, it reminded me of when I would go down hills on a rented banana peel trike, if I was going too fast, it would swerve and possibly flip over. I think this may have to do with the turning mechanism, where you lean to turn.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I had a one of the original Catrike Pockets and that really wanted to flip on you. Made the ride much more interesting! :)

[@davebeedon3424]

I love the phrase "leg suck"! Someone else commented about colorblindness. For some colorblind people orange flags appear as dull gray. Yellow is better.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Interesting! I'll have to get some yellow flags!

[@DemiGod..]

Not sure if the PD pedals woudl work for me as I can have difficulty clipping in. On a bicycle, I use a flat pedal for the foot will put down and a spd pedal for the other foot which is always clipped in

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Don't have to worry about trouble clipping in with a trike. You can take as long as you want to clip in and out- You can't fall over! :)

[@TheFrickinShredder]

Hi there! I'm doing a video on these bikes and wanted to show how easily they flip. Would you allow me to use this 10 second segment: 2:38-2:48 in my video? I'll give you full on-screen credit, I'll link to your video (with a card) and I'll cite you in my description. Please let me know. Thank you!!!!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi, You probably don't want to use that clip. :) I made a mistake when I was demonstration the trike flip. It doesn't flip to the inside like I show in that clip but flips to the outside. :) So, you do it the right way! :) Good luck with the video!

[@TheFrickinShredder]

@@bikestrikesrazors Thanks but I actually just flipped like that two days ago. So you're okay with me using the clip? Thanks in advance!!!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@TheFrickinShredder Sure, if you like. How did you flip to the inside?

[@TheFrickinShredder]

@@bikestrikesrazors Thanks! I really appreciate that. I was riding about 20 MPH - it was an electric recumbent trike - and I hit a crack in the pavement and it forced my right handlebar forward about an inch; I then tried to quickly adjust by moving the left one but I did too much. Huge wobbles starting happening and you can guess the rest. I fell forward and to the inside. Anyhow thanks for asking and for letting me use the clip. Again, I'll give you full credit and link to your video. :)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@TheFrickinShredder Ouch! Yes, I guess uneven pavement at high speeds can be treacherous!

[@steamboatmodel]

I have watched two of your videos and in both of them you rolled through a stop, Are not trikes subject to the traffic laws?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

We're still working to counteract thirty years as road bike riders. We're getting there!

[@glikar1]

Good video, it reminded me that's time to swap out my tires.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I tend to let my tires go too long between changes (in other words, I’m cheap :) ).

[@SpotSGN]

Great tips, is there a trike that has a front brake only, emergency braking at certain speeds could make the rear wheel lift? can you tell me something about it? greetings from Brazil ;-)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Junior! Most of the Tadpole style trikes (two wheels in the front) have front brakes only, one on each side. If you used a rear brake, the trike would flip around on you. Yes, if you brake too hard with the front brakes, the back wheel can lift and if you brake REALLY hard, the trike can flip forward on you. The Delta style trikes (two wheels in the back) have rear brakes and can't flip forward, but they have their own issues. :)

[@SpotSGN]

@@bikestrikesrazors I understand, in short, we must be prudent in speed and braking, maybe it helps during braking to try to keep the body pushing against the seat, but prudence is still the best option, thanks for everything my friend ;-)

[@nigelnightmare4160]

The blowout hazard is the only one that bothers me, But as I ride an ICE trice Qnt the front brakes are independently operated allowing you to keep control. All the others I have covered and I have never felt safer riding on the roads since getting the recumbent trike, other road users tend to give me much more space and consideration compared to my old road bike. Stay safe and keep on riding.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

You, too, and thanks for watching, Nigel!

[@fredderf6208]

How about not running stop signs on blind intersections? Incredible how many people film themselves doing just that.

[@DemiGod..]

Everyone makes mistakes. As an advanced rider/driver even I make mistakes such as accidentally running a red light once whilst looking for a hazard.

[@mixsetup]

I am looking at buying my first and researching. When riding on the road near traffic how do you go with exhaust fumes compared to riding a normal bike?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Good question. I don't usually ride on heavily trafficked roads, so it hasn't been a problem for me, but usually, I'm breathing so hard, I suck in a fair amount of exhaust from a polluting car regardless of what I'm riding. :(

[@knickfarms7037]

I thought the sign said stop. Not slow

[@jimmysapien9961]

😂😂😂

[@boatman222345]

Very good as far as it went but you left out Danger #5 Not stopping at stop signs! If we want the "right" to use the road we need to follow the same rules as the cars. I know, I know, he could see that there was nothing coming. But the driver in the car on the other side of the intersection stopped as required by the law and he or she saw the trike blow right by the stop sign. How do you think this driver is going to respond when asked if cyclists have the right to use the road?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Good point! We're trying to be better about stopping at the stop signs.

[@willmurphy3012]

Especially since you're far lower than cars. And even complaining in the video about being not as visible to cars. Glad you didn't get flattened by the vehicle that did actually stop...and that the driver actually saw you.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@willmurphy3012 or a good way to go if you want to leave this world be my guest 👹

[@ynotbloom]

That’s the first thing this cycle enthusiast/retired cop noticed. When it comes to the general public and other vehicle operators, so often we cyclist are the first ones to shoot ourselves in the foot by just disregarding simple basic traffic laws - “just because.” FYI, I gave out a few tickets to bicyclists for such violations… And the problems. They caused traffic around them because of it. At least in Wisconsin, yes, a cyclist can be issued traffic tickets for violations.

[@dougmaverick3287]

Can your ICE VTX keep up with upright road bikes? Can trikes climb steep hills? I read that the Catrike 700 is quick? Which trike is the fastest of all?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Doug! Everyone's body and skill set is different, but I found that for myself, my typical fast cruising speed on the flats on a road bike is between 19mph and 21mph. I find that on the flats, on my ICE VTX, I'm virtually identically as fast, so I'm in these same speed ranges, over say a 50 mile ride. On hills, climbing, I find I'm a couple of miles per hour slower on the trike, but descending, I'm a couple of miles an hour faster than I am with my road bikes, so it's a wash. For me, on the ICE VTX, with the seat (almost, one stop short of full) fully reclined, I'm just as fast on the trike as I am on a road bike. It did take me around 1200 miles of riding the trike to develop trike specific muscle groups to get to this point. Yep, the Catrike 700 is known to be a fast trike, but I have no long term experience with one, so I can only speak to the ICE VTX. Hard to say which is the fastest. If Greenspeed is still selling the Aero, that would likely be the fastest, but it's also a very radical design, with the rider laying almost fully on his back with his/her head cracked forward on a head rest. Greenspeed has also had some issues with the Aero booms cracking, and now that Greenspeed has been sold to Terra Trike, I have no idea if parts and such will be available. From what I've heard about the Catrike 700, it sounds like it may be a hair slower than the ICE VTX for the same wattage, although I have not tested this myself- It's just what I've read on forums second hand. If you really want to go fast, check out a velomobile. 30mph cruising speeds with very little effort. )

[@dougmaverick3287]

@@bikestrikesrazors thanks so much for the info. I will have to demo a few and see which one feels right.

[@whazzat8015]

@@bikestrikesrazors Terra Trike is not good about stocking their own parts. Good comparison on bentrider forum

[@DemiGod..]

@@bikestrikesrazors For comparison, Jochem Leemans on the VTX from the Netherlands set an average speed of 25.72mph for 100km. According to ICE "the VTX is the fastest trike in its class, winning the prestigious 2022 world human-powered vehicle association championships (WHPVA) in the men's and women's unfaired trike category in Orgelet France"

[@mikemayers9353]

you just blew trough that stop sign , saw that car coming to a stand thats what you should do

[@jn2898]

i saw him look both ways and slow down alot

[@larrygilbert7273]

@@jn2898 Try telling that to the next cop that pulls you over for rolling a stop sign when you're driving a car. Traffic laws apply to cyclists, too.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@larrygilbert7273 EXACTLY - no one is above tha Law !!!!!

[@larrygilbert7273]

@@jimmysapien9961 That kind of behavior, whether legal or not, is what causes a divide between car drivers and cyclists.

[@timekpr9198]

I was watching without the sound on and thought he would be saying not to run stop signs, apparently not. I don't care if you look both ways and slow down. Rolling along at a pretty good clip through a stop sets a bad example of what a responsible trike rider should look like.

[@asiatouring]

And scarred, aggressive dogs...sometimes the best solution is to stop and stand up :)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Oh, yeah! Gotta watch out for “unfriendly” dogs. Typically though, I wind up with dogs that want to climb on top of me when I’m sitting in the trike. Even friendly dogs can’t seem to resist someone sitting down at their height. :)

[@maddox0110]

I agree on being visible. My trike has almost a carnival float amount of lights. But it can use more.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yep, when I'm on the streets, there's no such thing as "too" visible! :)

[@GPBraaten]

Never ever ever would the OUTSIDE wheel come up in a high speed turn. OTHERWISE I LOVE THE TOPICS. 💘

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Ha! Yeah, caught that after the video was published. :)

[@GPBraaten]

@@bikestrikesrazors, pretty funny. And, that is all that people talk about. I love your channel and content. Have fun!!!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@GPBraaten Thanks, G.P.!

[@themistoklis6237]

Leaning into a turn will make it easier to flip over. Putting you weight over the wheel more likely to go up is what you need to do. I’ve heard this repeatedly: “lean into the turn”. What am I missing?

[@themistoklis6237]

Here is a vid of a kid leaning against the turn, over the wheel being raised. If he leans in the opposite direction he would topple over. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHWyool8jL-le7csi=Lrxu_1qsW7rpTQc2.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi and thanks for watching! When turning tightly at high speed, the centrifugal force makes the trike want to flip in the opposite direction of the turn. Leaning into the turn counteracts the force.

[@badrinair]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterdelmonte9832]

Good points raised by you and commenters. Can I add a word on visibility. I think you are wearing a red jacket in your video. 8% of men (0.5% of women) are said to be red/green colourblind. I am and red is no more visible to me than any other drab colour. For example, I don't see poppies in the fields or red roses in people's gardens. The only colour that stands out to me is yellow. Luckily there's a wide choice of hi viz yellow cycling apparel...unsurprisingly it's what I always wear. Incidentally, a few weeks ago I became one of those stunned colourblind people who tries out colour corrective glasses for the first time: friends bought me a pair. It was weird to get to 71 without ever having seen red as a stand out colour and more surprising that it was blues that suddenly stood out brightly. I guess that's a cocktail effect of my particular colour disability and the physics of the Pilestone glasses. As Spring advances here in the UK, Ill be wearing them more when I cycle in the countryside on my Windcheetah.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for the comment Peter! I always wanted a Windcheetah! It's one cool and interesting trike! Thanks for the information on the colourblind. Never thought of that. Those Pilestone glasses sound very interesting! I'll have to Google them :)

[@anim8ted923]

An informative and very concise video. Well done!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much!

[@pinay56]

Why did you blow through a "STOP" sign? I don't know where you're at, but in Calilfornia, you are still required to follow all vehicle rules and regulations.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi, Cameron! You are correct. We usually shoot these videos very early in the morning in deserted, very lightly trafficked residential neighborhoods, and sometimes we get so caught up in filming, and get so convinced that there won't be any cars. that we inadvertently forget to stop. No excuse really, but it's worth noting that in California the law that will excuse cyclists from having to stop at stop signs (and just treat the stop as a yield) has already flown through the state legislature with virtually unanimous support, and will pass the state senate very soon. It's just a matter of days before Californians, like cyclists in five other states, will no longer have to stop at a stop sign.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@bikestrikesrazors if that’s true then I see an increase in possible injuries or Fatalities. Good Luck California

[@pinay56]

@@bikestrikesrazors Actually there is no required time at a stop sign. all a stop means, you come to a stop, after looking in all directions for vehicles in your way.

[@lisamarie1280]

Yikes! I've been thinking about getting a recumbent trike after having a recent bicycle accident (sliding on loose gravel at low speed on a trail I rode many times before) and am doing lots of video research (thank you!). I never heard of leg suck and I am no fan of clips. Kind of unhappy clips are recommended. Question for you: A good part of my local ride is on a regular width sidewalk, legal for bikes in my area to use, but I believe the trike would take up most of the sidewalk. For passing others, I would have to move to the side onto grass. I have in the past gotten one of my bicycle tires wedged where the concrete and grass meet (and fell that time too with less bodily damage). Question is how do you think a trike would handle that?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Lisa! I've gone down a few times in loose gravel on a two-wheeler and it's no fun! Clip-in pedals are much more of a big deal on a regular bike than a trike because you have to unclip fast when you stop. Not so on a trike. You have plenty of time to clip and unclip with no worries. There are also heel straps that you can use to keep your feet in place if you don't want to use clip-ins. I've put "one tire over" on grass, dirt and rocks to make room for another person on a sidewalk. It's not an issue. The trike can't fall over and the wheel can't get dragged in a crack like on a two-wheeler. I've even gotten completely off the sidewalk and ridden fully in the grass to make room for a pack of people, so I don't think that's something you'll have to worry about. :) Good luck in your quest and thanks for watching!

[@lisamarie1280]

@@bikestrikesrazors thanks...going to start test riding some trikes soon! 😃

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@lisamarie1280 Have fun!

[@jamesglenn520]

If this is a video addressing Safety ⚠️⚠️ WHY in the world would you and the person filming only 2:04 into the video. RUN A FREAKING STOP SIGN??? I see this type of negligence in KZbin videos All the time!! Please ride safe and observe all basic traffic laws.

[@jimmysapien9961]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nannuartworks5812]

Lights do more than flags but flags come in very handy in parkinglots and similar situations. No you do not have to clip in. If you have arthritis in your feet try heel slings first. A rear blowout causing you to lose control is likely due to a out if true rim inducing wobble. Keep up on your maintenance and you will have less issues. Don't say there is only one way to do things there is always an alternative.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's true! I haven't tried the heel straps or the devices that let you lock in with regular shoes, but they are widely used!

[@garyseckel295]

Both tadpoles and deltas here. Steer wheel flat on a delta is on the centerline of the trike.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

We really need to get our hands on a delta over here, Gary, so we can shoot some Delta videos! :)

[@beCreativeandAlive]

I am looking to buy one for me ,any lead to buy Recumbent trike in India, or Can you please help me to get one and I am happy with refurbished also ,

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Greetings Swapnil! There are a number of trike companies like ICE (UK), Azub (in the Czech Republic), HP Velotechnik (Germany) that are pretty close to you and they ship to the U.S. so they would most likely ship to India. There's also a trike company in India. I'd put the link here, but I don't think KZbin would allow it. It's called "Kaushal Cycle Engg".

[@taiwan1895]

As they use to say on Hill Street Blues, "be careful out there".

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I used to love that show. Hard to believe the same person that brought us Hill Street Blues also inflicted us with "Cop Rock". :)

[@taiwan1895]

@@bikestrikesrazors Never saw Cop Rock - was it as bad as I’ve heard?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Absolutely. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX3QZoakZsiAr7M

[@taiwan1895]

@@bikestrikesrazors Oh dear god...

[@whazzat8015]

Ah, Sgt. Esterhaus

[@quietcorner293]

Have you ridden mountain trikes? I am now seriously considering one. The only thing that scares me is the price. I bought a $2000 mountain bike a couple years ago and that to me was expensive. Now, that would only buy be a cheap trike.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Never tried an off road trike like the ICE Full Fat, and you're right, they're very expensive. I suppose it would be possible just to hunt down something like an older, used ICE T and throw big nobby tires on there. No suspension, but they're built like a tank and have lots of ground clearance.

[@quietcorner293]

@@bikestrikesrazors The reason I am considering one is that I have MS and when I get exhausted, which comes easily, my left ankle gets weak. I am afraid of stepping off and twisting it. At least with a trike, I don't have to find a place to sit and take a break, I am already sitting.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's one of the great things about trikes- You always have a seat with you. :) Also, with an emergency stop, you won't have to worry about unclipping or anything. You just stop and start again without having to dismount. This can help a lot on hills, also. :)

[@jimlundstrom2986]

From behind, it looks like your rear wheel is not vertical. Loose or maybe the frame is tweaked.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for the heads up, Jim. Must have just been a trick of the camera lens. Everything is straight up. :)

[@lokisgodhi]

Is there such a thing as flat tread tires to fit bikes? More like a car tire than like a motorcycle tire? Bike tires, like motorcycle tires are half round. So they can countersteer, which is how you enter into a lean to take a turn. A tadpole trike would be better served with flat tread tires, like a car tire. A flat tread would have a larger contact patch. Better traction because it doesn't need to be able to countersteer to turn. Would something like the tires used on space saver spare tires work on recumbent trikes with larger tire? Has anyone tried that?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I don't think they make any flat tread tires for trikes, but I've noticed that the tires flatten out pretty fast on a trike (faster than on a bike).

[@markrobinson891]

@@bikestrikesrazors Too true on the flattening of the tire. Seems like I’ve heard the term “boxing” or looking square. I’ve used it as a sign it’s near the replacement point but my last set of fronts showed some cords.

[@rossbrumby1957]

Plenty of trikes have a fair amount of camber, which widens the track for stability on turns but as a bonus, wears the tyres a little more on the inside. As the tyre wears down they can be turned around to get more wear from the other side, unlike trikes with vertical wheels. Anyway, flat treaded tyres with larger contact patches are harder to steer, and have worse rolling resistance so are harder to pedal.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Great idea 💡

[@seanmelvin5115]

Hello. I’m looking for some help. As a trike rider can you tell me if you had 2 riders that produced 300w and you put one on a trike and one on a road bike and set them on a flat 30 mile ride how would the trike do? Would he pass, be equal or get dropped by the road bike? Thank you.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Sean. I’m Joe Giannone, the same guy you’ve been chatting with about this over on Strava. I’d suggest trying to find an ICE VTX used and the Cervelo used, and conducting your own tests. If you can turn them up used at half price, you can just sell the one you’re less happy with.

[@JB-uv4hm]

The trike gets dropped like a stone.

[@DemiGod..]

@@JB-uv4hm becasue of the third wheel? Recumbent bicycles drop upright bicycles on the flats and down hills

[@triker53]

Speaking of flags, where are yours? I like like your ICE trike, I have an Expedition. Cool video

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi! On that particular ride, we hit a very large down hill which usually causes my flag to fly out of it's holder, so on that ride we just use the lights.

[@chrisby777]

Speaking of blowouts........ at 2:03 You are about to blow straight through a STOP SIGN. This is a safety video and yet you flaunt road rules. A bit hypocritical don’t you think?

[@jimmysapien9961]

Exactly that’s what I was thinking come on dude if you’re going to make a safety video then make it safe !!!!!! Can I get a Amen …

[@whazzat8015]

@@jimmysapien9961 Amen

[@myleghurts3546]

One pole, two different-colored flags get all the attention I'll ever need on my baby. Thanks for the video and remember, the position and the ride beats the dollar amount! They are fun & safe when enjoyed properly.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Absolutely correct, MH! Thanks for watching!

[@leesylvester8713]

Lost a Catrike 700 on a curve due to gforce and a small bump in the road, right over on its side for some mutual rash.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Ouch! Yep, a surprisingly small bump in the road at just the right spot on a turn can do you in!

[@KrunchyJD]

I have a tadpole trike. Thee not being seen one, is in my experience overstated by people that don't ride them..

[@bikestrikesrazors]

You, sir, are exactly right!

[@TrikeSquadron]

Great awareness topics... one thing I am thinking that a video needs to show.. HOW to get out of or handle controlling in emergency situations such as lifting a wheel, having a blowout, chain lockups... brake lockups (too hard braking) and other emergencies where one could lose control. I have had a few friends (and myself) lose control of trikes and either have injuries or nearly have major problems because we are not as well versed in what to do in an emergency. I might make a video about this eventually but I would love to see more safety related videos out for tadpole trikes. They have become popular and there are way to many new riders out there who think, like you said, they can't tip it over and they are safe at all times. Training and education is needed. Thanks for being part of that solution with this video!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Glenn! Sounds like a great idea to me! Love to see you do it. I think I've experienced all that stuff on a tadpole, with the exception of a rear tire blow out (which I've had on road bikes). I've seen a few videos discussing what happens when a tadpole loses traction on the rear wheel due to a blow out and tire coming off the rim, or just hitting a continuous line of rumble strips, causing the rear end to whip around to the front and the trike to eventually flip. I wish someone would tell me what to do if THAT happens, because I have the feeling that if it does, I'm just going along for the rather unpleasant ride.: )

[@TrikeSquadron]

@@bikestrikesrazors The only time I have fully rolled and crashed the trike happened just in the past year (after 15 years of riding). My rear wheel locked up because my shifters needed adjusting, and were not working right so I was cruising along at like 13 or so mph... I was running my rear shifter up and down to try and see if it was stuck and in my enthusiasm, threw the chain off the large cog in back and it fell down into the axle! That locked up the rear wheel in a skid and I had the rear slide out left and then roll over to the left. I don't think there was much I could do about that.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@TrikeSquadron Ouch! Joe's had that happen twice on his road bike but was able to avoid (somehow) serious injury. Hope you were OK! The person I purchased my GTO from sold it because he had "cartwheeled" it (he didn't explain how he did it) and it freaked him out so bad he didn't want to ride a trike anymore. So far, I haven't had a major crash on a trike, but lots on a regular road bike and a few nasty ones on two wheeled recumbents. I was saved by the underseat steering on my T-Bone when I went down at 18mph in a gravel patch. The bike slid sideways and I was able to hold my body off the ground using the end of the steering rod (That rod got ground down about half an inch before I stopped). I just tried to adjust my toe-in on my VTX, so there may be an accident around the corner! LOL!

[@glenn_r_frank_author]

@@bikestrikesrazors Thankfully all I got out of the crash was a slightly skinned elbow, bruised pride, and it broke the button on my airzound horn! (that was the worst part!)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Well, that's good to hear, although I am sorry about the Airzound. :) Since we've been pushed up into the hills here, we're regularly doing 40mph descents, so if we run into the same problem, hopefully it'll happen when we're ascending.

[@F4R79]

I have experienced horses beeing scared of recumbents, so I always stop if I meet and let them pass while I'm at full stop.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Ah yes! I forgot about that one, Kristian! The very first time I rode a trike, the trail went right next to a farm with horses at the fence. It really scared them! From that time on, if I pass equestrians on a trail, I always stop and talk to the horses. Let them know I'm human :)

[@whazzat8015]

Be nice to horses. They were here first. A lot of bikers are jerks around them , and being a jerk is not a good thing.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@whazzat8015 exactly

[@toshaveornottoshave-4804]

Guys, it's time for you to shoot in Hollywood, Tarantino is resting)) good to see you again!✌️

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Oleg! They already have enough talentless boobs in Hollywood- They don't need another two. :)

[@toshaveornottoshave-4804]

@@bikestrikesrazors I like your way of thinking ... you're just like George Carlin ...

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's quite a compliment! I'll take it!

[@TheCraich]

oh, so you're one of those cyclists that blow through stop signs.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

We’re being better about rolling through the stop signs these days. :)

[@robertwand9429]

You don’t roll through stops, younstop

[@jimmysapien9961]

If you like being T-boned be my guest !

[@harleyme3163]

lol right through that stop sign

[@georgeveeneman]

Pretty sure the risks associated with a tire blowout when riding a trike are significantly lower than via other cycling methods. Your weight is distributed more and therefore tubes undergo less pressure. I suppose you could argue a poorly aligned trike would experience more tire wear but you specifically call out a rear blowout for some reason. Care to explain? Just seems like a blowout on a trike would have you stopping abruptly. A blowout on a bicycle would have you stopping abruptly and possibly taking a fall.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi George, The way the Tadpole trikes are designed and weighted, if the rear tire loses traction, the back end of the trike wants to spin around to the front. This could be from a flat tire coming off a rim of even riding over a rumble strip. This won't happen if a front tire loses traction.

[@lasentinal]

I agree with your assessments. However, in Australia, all vehicles must obey all of the road rules. The penalty for not stopping at at stop sign is fine of $330. An infringement notice would have been issued for the offence that took place at about 2:04.

[@whazzat8015]

It's not like you are going to fall over, either.

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video 😊

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@amitaimedan]

Yea... And stopping at STOP signs... 😄😃🤣

[@hqvx]

And... 1. "STOP" sign is stop sign even for YOU! so... STOP! 2. Never cross a solid white line. so... Make the turn BEFORE the line! ... and the trip will be even MORE safer :-) Happy riding ;-)

[@cuchuloholic]

i have weighted pedals that cover my whole foot area and velcro my man

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Sounds like that would work, BOC! Thanks for watching!

[@larrygilbert7273]

Jeez, you and the camera vehicle rolled that stop sign!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hey, Larry! This is actually becoming an interesting topic. Several states in the U.S. have already adopted laws that state that bicycles can treat stop signs as "yield" signs and don't have to stop if there are no cars present. California, the state I'm in, has had the same law proposed, and it's already flown through the state legislature with almost unanimous consent. It's now in the state senate, getting some slight modifications, but all signs point to a speedy acceptance by the senate, so it should be law here very soon. I typically will stop at a stop sign, but if there are clearly no cars present, and I'm filming a video, I've been known to pretend that the new law is already in place.

[@larrygilbert7273]

@@bikestrikesrazors So, you broke a traffic law then and still do, when it suits you. Glad we settled that. This law being proposed raised another question. Why do some of us cyclists think stop signs should legally be turned into yield signs? Is it just because we have to expend a little more energy to get restarted or we have to unclip and reclip one shoe (which isn't even an issue on a trike?) That's part of the baggage we carry when we elect to ride. Isn't exercise part of the reason we ride, so why fret about the extra energy expenditure of starting from a dead stop? Should I be able to roll a stop sign in my car if no one is coming, just because I don't want to increase the emissions from my car due to accelerating from a dead stop? What makes us cyclists think we're special?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Their reasons for proposing and supporting the law, at least here in California, are 1) In studies of states that have already adopted a similar law, they've found that there was no difference in reported accidents or injuries due to the implementation of the law and 2) In order to promote cycling as a mode of transportation, they're trying to stop law enforcement from "hassling" (their language, not mine) and ticketing cyclists for this type of thing. And yes, having come from many years on a road bike, I'll admit that it's hard to shake my "roadie" tendencies. I think that with modern clipless pedals, and certainly with trikes, you're correct, there's very little energy required to come to a stop and start again. Unfortunately, my cycling habits were formed back in the 1980's, when I rode with toe clips and straps, and stopping and starting required bending over and reaching down, loosening a strap and extricating your cleated shoe from a pedal, then reinserting your shoe and bending over to retighten the strap. Guess I need to catch up to the current reality. :)

[@jn2898]

i really want one of these because I have serous leg problems and can't bend my knee much. i can't ride a bike anymore and its sad

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Many people do go over to trike riding if not able to ride a bike anymore. I think you'll find it gives you much of the same experience as a two wheeler.

[@dandydon6049]

If you’ve got serious leg problems , you’ll never be able to pull yourself out of a low trike.

[@robappleby583]

Crocs and catalyst pedals - perfect comfort and no chance of leg suck.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Rob, If you hit a bad bump at speed, how do the Catalyst pedals help keep your feet from falling off?

[@robappleby583]

@@bikestrikesrazors I just stop pedalling when I go over a bump, with my feet at teh horizontal position, and this keeps the feet on the pedals. It becomes an instinct after a while. Plastic Birkenstock sandals are also a good option. Sorry to have taken a year to respond ;-)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@robappleby583 No problem, Rob! :)

[@f1rstclass289]

Have you ever considered upgrading to a Magnetic 🧲 System? Magnetic 🧲 Footwear and Magnetic 🧲 Pedals. Also, look into gloves with LED turn signals.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Those all sound like cool ideas! I’ll look into it!

[@benjaminhenderson1759]

Everything you mentioned is worse on a regular two wheeled bike. Trikes are way safer manly because cars give you more room on the road than regular bikes.

[@jimhunter4999]

Beware turning (say 75 - 95 degrees) while going downhill. Leaning into the hill may not overcome gravity and you can fall on the downhill side.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for the tip, Jim! I can see how going downhill can make a bad situation worse.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Exactly

[@whatyoudo9773]

the rollover is the main difference between a more efficient trike-style bent and a dedicated quad-racing bent, you will not roll a racing quad and you can corner at any speed, more speed through the corner the better.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for the comment! What type of quad racing bent do you mean? Like a quad ATV?

[@whatyoudo9773]

@@bikestrikesrazors no a bent quad, HPV, designed for racing and not much else. The lowest trike still has a CG 4 inches higher than my bike, if you stack 4 quarters and I pass over it you will have 75cents left standing. ;]

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@whatyoudo9773 Ah! I haven't seen one of those! Are they all custom made?

[@ehk1948]

Running stop signs!?!?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yeah, we’re trying to cut down on running the stop signs!

[@feversol]

A video on dangers. And you boldly blow a stop sign with a properly stopped motorist in the opposing lane. Might as well stop watching right here.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@feversol Indeed. If you notice, I (the guy filming the video) does stop at the sign while my brother pulls away and does not. I've scolded him a few times but he may have to learn the hard way.

[@feversol]

@@bikestrikesrazors thank you for the response. I’m a member of a large bicycle club here in northeast Florida. Our club strongly stresses safety which is why I essentially ‘piled on’ even after someone else made the remark. Such behavior is not only dangerous but it promotes the dislike of motorists. And, here in Florida, it’s against the law as bicyclists are treated and must act the same as a motorist while riding in the roadway. I hope your brother will remain safe and obey the rules he probably wants others to obey when he is driving a car. Giving up such wonderful momentum on that downhill ride is hard, but it must be done.

[@timdavis7398]

@@feversol Rode in and around Orlando, the nations worst for pedestrians and bicycles. I ran stop signs about a 1/10 of what motorists do when I have the right-of-way to cross or turn. Being a defense 1st rider is the safest. And I think riding without a flag on a trike is about as bad as it gets,

[@willmurphy3012]

Nice stop @ 2:16 at the intersection. Guess you don't have to follow the rules. Great example during a video about safety 🤦

[@jamesmchugo9422]

I’m just getting an interest in these trikes. I had the chance to test ride three. A Catrike 559, the Catrike 700 and a Sun Fat wheel. The 559 and 700 have very low centers of gravity, (maybe 3 inches or so off the ground) and corner very well. The 700 is like it’s on rails. Then I got on the Sun. It sits almost a foot off the ground is noticeable harder to move. But when I hit the same sharp corner at a noticeable slower speed, I almost flipped it. Trikes are a different animals to ride and I found them harsh, I waiting for a Catrike Dumont their full suspension model, I’ve been told they ride like a cloud. One more thing, on a video about safety, showing yourself blowing through a stop sign, really?

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yes, when you get really low on a trike, they really handle better in corners. The drawback is that you have to be able to get out of the seat! :) There's much more body contact area on a trike than on a road bike, as your whole body is feeling the road and that might be interpreted as "harsh". I've never ridden a suspension model, but I'm guessing it would help buffer your body from the road a good deal.

[@Brian3680]

Use common sense at stop sign, your not going to stop at all of them. But busy intersection yes. Watch my channel and see how I do it, on my catrike speed recumbent trike

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@Brian3680 Yep, there are definitely certain stop signs that deserve extra respect.

[@DemiGod..]

I have a titanium endurance bike with elastomer seatpost suspension. An ICE Sprint X trike with no suspension and mesh seat soaked up bumps way better than my bicycle, test riding it over roads full of potholes and a cobbled road.

[@jamesmchugo9422]

@@bikestrikesrazorshello. I’m revisiting this video, toward the end of last summer I got a killer deal for a Catrike Dumont, it was more than worth it to driving 8 1/2 hours to get it. The trike looked like it had been riding maybe once, I’ve put more dings in it than first two owners! And I’m pretty careful with my stuff. Anyway, loving every minute on this trike. Between the full suspension and the gel seat, it’s like riding in a nice car. It takes things like rumble strips to feel any road. Road vibration was causing me a great deal numbness and pain in the past, that’s all gone with this Dumont. I’ve been putting your tips and wisdom to use, so far so good. About the pedals, I’ve been a fan of clip in shoes for years, using them on the Dumont just came naturally. But I did trade in my Look styles road types for the easier walk in mountain bike type. I use a flag and lights, wear bright colors anything to grab the drivers attention and make very clear I’m occupying the outside edge of the lane. And it’s true, drivers give me way more road when I’m on my trike than they ever did when I rode a traditional bicycle. But I still ride with the idea that they don’t see me. Most either give me a thumbs up or appear amused as they pass me. Leaning into turns, knowing and understanding how the brakes feel, which stop signs are optional 😉🤫 but my riding experience has been a pleasurable one. Thanks for the videos and the tips. 👍

[@badbitbucket]

You didn't address flipping forward from panic breaking. that was the second rule my salesman gave me, "even steady pressure on the breaks" I had one close call on my third time out. may I emphasize ONE and ONLY ONE close call :)

[@bikestrikesrazors]

That's true! Something else to watch out for!

[@queertales]

​@@bikestrikesrazors Can you actually do that on a recumbent trike, where your weight is both far back and low to the ground when compared to a normal bike? I've never ridden a recumbent bike, but I would think you would almost need to do it intentionally by shifting your weight forward and locking breaks hard...and even then I suspect you might just wind up skidding instead.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@queertales I've never done it, but some trikes have the rider seated fairly high up and I guess if you brake hard enough... One of the trikes I purchased many moons ago was from someone that had grabbed the brakes too hard and cartwheeled the trike.

[@sergeirodionov8215]

Stopping on stop signs is a thing though... Even if you on trike.

[@brauljo]

2:24 missing the chapter for rolling

[@char2556]

I’d only had my Catrike Road a few months when I had my first and only accident. I was a new rider so I didn’t have the skill or confidence to correctly handle the situation when the trike started to shimmy going downhill at about 20 mph. I panicked and hit the brakes hard. The trike launched me like a catapult. I instinctively braced for impact and heard the snap when my upper arm/shoulder broke. The trike landed on top of me. I was clipped in and couldn’t free my feet without help. Lesson learned! I now use straps instead of cleats. I use my brakes before I “need” to and then squeeze them gently. I always wear a helmet, have flashing lights everywhere, including the top of my wildly colored flag and spinning windsock. I figure the more outlandish I look, the more people in cars will notice me and the less chance I have of being hit. I’ve had a few close calls with cars so try to stay off the streets as much as possible. I’m fortunate that Summit County has such great recreation paths. Thanks for the video and safety tips!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks very much for sharing your story, Charlotte and good on you for continuing to ride after your accident! I got a great deal on my GTO trike from someone that said they had "cartwheeled" it and didn't want to have anything to do with trikes after that. I know it can be hard to "get back on the horse" after a bad accident. Been there after a bad road bike accident.

[@KeithMalikova]

OMG ,, YOU GO THRU A STOP SIGN . A VIOLATION OF THE RULES OF THE ROAD

[@Bjeka1970]

The ride turns over to the other side at a bend, and I would add a signal flag.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Good eye, Bjeka! Yep, a flag is always a good idea!

[@alisonb4898]

Another danger is at 2:05 not stopping at stop signs

[@kolloduke3341]

An open hand signal is the correct way to use your hand for signaling NOT ONE FINGER , NOT POINTING as seen in this vid ...

[@williamsaloka9043]

I like these trikes, even considered one. They are just not visible enough by other Motorists. Bought a large fat-tire e-bike, and they can see me easily. I feel much safer when I ride. But that's just me. They remind me of a lounge-chair, just begging to get crushed. The flags are really not enuf to stand out from the road-surface.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for watching, William! I think it really depends on your riding area. I know there are areas around here that I just wouldn't want to ride a trike, but I'm lucky enough to have nice trails and nice wide and not heavily trafficked roads that work for triking. Have fun with your fat tire bike!

[@DemiGod..]

You say that they are just not visible. An odd assertion as trike riders say the opposite

[@mannydib]

Not sure how safe any bike or trike is in traffic with so many idiots texting and driving Friend of mine was killed biking by a distracted driver I'll stick to trails, bike-paths and side-walks

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Probably a good idea, Manny! Very sorry to hear about your friend!

[@spunkyprep]

Inherent danger of bicycle and recumbent riders: Road laws appear to not apply to them.

[@Brian3680]

We use caution ⚠️ and common sense. I stop at busy intersections but on the back roads, no cars, no stop

[@DemiGod..]

I see bicycles jumping red lights all the time, but never seen a trike do so as never seen one.

[@smash12a]

Don't forget to where you space helmet while driving. 😁

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Always wear my space helmet! ;)

[@bazra19]

Englishman = driven in the USA; The ONE thing you must do is STOP at Stop sign, he went straight over it.... Some safety talk... Ha

[@Diggnuts]

I do not get the leg suck problem? That is just bad technique.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

It’s not a problem as long as you have some way to attach your shoes to the pedals. If not, riding with your legs horizontal to the ground, if a foot slips off a pedal, it’s likely going to hit the ground and run under a cross bar.

[@Diggnuts]

@@bikestrikesrazors I used a normal recumbent for casual commuter travel and my foot never slipped off in a way that I could not immediately recover and that was with army boots on. I could see it being a problem if you rest the leg that isn't active on the paddle, but that is just wasted energy. The non-pushing leg should manoeuvre itself to the position where it can push without help from the peddle, essentially floating near to the peddle. I've been looking for a trike for some time now, but I'm not going to wear a dedicated uniform just to ride it.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

I think that if you stay actively vigilant about your foot position and pressure, like it sounds like you are, you should be OK. Also, they do sell pedals with a sort of twist strap that will work with and retain normal shoes.

[@Diggnuts]

@@bikestrikesrazors A strap sounds like a nice idea. Could even provide some extra power input on the back stroke. Thanks.

[@williamwightman8409]

Trikes get run over because they are too low, too small. Same problem with velomobiles. IMO you must have bright daytime lights at the level of an automobile drivers eyes and surfaces like a flag or other items up high. Not a joke. I know of a trike rider killed in the last month and in Texas car drivers go ballistic when they see velomobiles (which is almost never). Might as well be a big bug in the road. Ultimately only you can keep yourself alive. The only real danger in a trike is death by motor vehicle.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for the comment, William! Yeah, for some reason I'm always hearing about velomobiles being hit by cars. Maybe trying to actually ride out in the road is the one step too far. So many drivers are texting and playing with their phones these days that it's pretty spooky riding anywhere near autos.

[@williamwightman8409]

@@bikestrikesrazors A strong, happy, supportive, age 61 road bike rider I rode with in groups for 16 years was hit and killed last weekend by a drunk hit-and-run driver. He was on the side of the road fixing a flat, not even on the road. This was in broad daylight. You must remain in a state of passive vigilance at all times. We are potential roadkill with blinking lights. I ride at night (not Thurs, Fri, or Sat) when I can because the number of cars is fewer and I can see the cars from much farther away because of headlights and visa versa they see me because of my numerous optimum brightness lights and retroreflective tape. Also a Garmin radar alerts me night and day of oncoming cars. Be safe.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@williamwightman8409 Very sorry for the loss of your friend, William! Now that you've added the texters to the drunk drivers, you really have a bad mix of dangerous drivers out there. LIke you, when I'm riding on a road with lots of traffic, I keep my eyes on my rear view mirrors, watching to make sure each car passes me at a safe distance. Funny thing is, in many cases, if I were to see one of these guys/gals barreling toward me in the bike lane, I really wouldn't have many options for getting out of the way. I console myself thinking that I'll have some way to bail, but realistically, I don't know if I'd have time to do anything but watch as the guy/gal smashed into me. I supposed that at least if I'm looking, I have a chance to try and do something.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@bikestrikesrazors Repent be Saved ! you will be ok If indeed something terrible happens.

[@muleepete8]

Ignored traffic sign at intersection at 2:11. I ride a Catrike 559. This is the kind of thing that angers car drivers who keep hearing they have to share the rode and look our to bike riders. If bike riders act with disregard for traffic laws, they have no room to complain, nor excuse, for the actions of cars. Make any excuse in defense of this illegal behavior makes you part of the problem.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Thanks for pointing that out, Pete!

[@muleepete8]

@@bikestrikesrazors Is it necessary for it to be pointed out in the first place?

[@whazzat8015]

? How about a flag? Cars seem to notice. LED light pole? I light up like it's Christmas. Horns , too, that announce your presence. I ride like I am James Bond, and everybody in the movie wants to kill me. Make 'em work if they want to do it. I survived 35 years of motos with defensive riding. Assume the world wants you dead , and pass through it like a ghost.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Yep, I assume they want to hit me :) The trike does seem to be better than a road bike when it comes to my visibility. With a big mirror and upright head position, I can spot danger better then when I'm over the bars on an upright.

[@whazzat8015]

@@bikestrikesrazors In a moment of exuberance I snagged a Garmin Varia radar/light. There are two kinds of folks out there on the Varia. Those who haven't tried one and those who own one. It's a real game changer.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

@@whazzat8015 I've been meaning to check one of those out!

[@shadowleep]

No mention of DOGS!

[@bikestrikesrazors]

So far the only encounters I’ve had with dogs while on a trike involved the dogs being overly friendly when seeing a human so low to the ground. They usually try to climb on me and lick my face. Don’t know if I’d rather be on a two wheeler or trike when encountering a nasty dog. On one hand, on the trike you’re right down there with them, but at least they can’t knock you over. I guess a can of dog repellent is a good idea either way.

[@shadowleep]

@@bikestrikesrazors sounds like a good idea, I guess I could also carry dog treats and toss them out because I’ve got some really barky nappy one’s on my wrought through town, and I’m really low on an old Catrike trail.

[@clydeharless899]

The only comment I'd like to make is regarding #4. If the bike/trike stay in their lain, there really isn't much of a problem. But when they start zig-zagging across the line, into our lane, THAT causes a problem. So just remind your fellow bikers, mind your lane.

[@bikestrikesrazors]

Hi Clyde, I fully agree with staying in your lane and I find it as annoying as anyone when there are a pack of riders two or three abreast out in the car lane when there's a nice wide bike lane. From a bike rider's (and car driver's) perspective, these days it's much more common to see auto drivers drifting into the bike lane while looking at their phones. :(

[@clydeharless899]

@@bikestrikesrazors That has not been my experience. But we live in different areas I suspect

[@DemiGod..]

WHere I stay , that would be a problem as bike lanes are about the width of a trike meaning one wheel would be in the gutter

[@jimfrick826]

Would be even safer not to run through stop signs.

[@redzipper8570]

that's what give riders a bad name and he posted a video of him doing it....

[@DemiGod..]

poor guy, gettijg so much flak for that