Monthly Archives: September 2017
PERFORMER JC-70 AND JC-20 ASSEMBLY
Here is a video showing in detail the assembly of a couple of models of Performer tadpole trikes. It starts out showing what comes in the box the buyer receives and then proceeds on how to put it all together.
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RECUMBENT TRIKE DOG ATTACK
I am sure many of us have had to deal with loose dogs which come at us. Some are friendly while others are vicious acting. We never know what may result. For certain it is scary and unnerving. Nobody wants to get attacked by a dog and bit. I have experienced it and had to make a trip to the emergency room as I could look right down inside of my arm as a result of a bad dog bite. And the owner wasn’t even willing to pay for my medical bills. Here is a video by Ed Miller, a well known tadpole trike pilot. He is also known for his trike canopies .
Loose dogs are extremely dangerous. I have had a few incidents where they ran right in front of me and put me down when I was on bicycles and motorcycles. One of my friends had a loose dog run right in front of his bicycle and he suffered for months recuperating from his injuries. And most dog owners who allow their dogs to run loose have very bad attitudes and basically tell the victim “F____ you!” if you dare say anything to them.
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JSRL DESIGN VS TERRATRIKE’S NEW HEEL SLINGS
Anyone who has followed my writings over the years knows that I personally use and have recommended JSRL Design Heel Slings. I have always liked them and still do, however, there is a new product out which I recently bought and must say I much prefer over the JSRL product. The keyword here is “NEW” as Terratrike had an older product which isn’t nearly as good as their new one. At the time of my writing this I have not been able to fnd the new one online and it appears as though TerraTrike’s website isn’t showing either one of them right now as the page won’t open for the old one and the new one is not yet shown. The new one is considerably more expensive ($55 vs. $40), but it is worth it as it works great. So if you are n the market for these be careful you don’t buy the earlier version as you would probably be very disappointed. We are talking all new and improved here in their latest version.
The big difference between these two products (JSRL vs TerraTrike) is the JSRL heel slings use a steel cable which works, but it sags down making it harder to use. The TT product has a steel flat bar bent like a U with Velcro straps attached which adjust for shoe size. It fits snugly and doesn’t sag so it is easier to get in and out of. I only installed them today and rode about 20 miles with them trying to stay dry as I dealt with Tropical Storm Irma’s rain. I fell in love with these TT heel slings right away. There is a world of difference between the two.
I found myself bending the flat bar almost immediately as it was bent in too far for my liking. It worked as is, but I like it better now that I bent it a little bit. That is one good thing about these heel slings … they can be tweaked to fit the individual’s shoe and riding position on the pedal by bending the flat bar. I am not saying that this is something TT intended the purchaser to do, but it certainly doesn’t do any harm as long as one doesn’t bend the metal back and forth to where the metal becomes fatigued and could weaken and even break off.
I may look into trimming off some of the excess Velcro strap as I am not too wild about it sticking way out beyond what is needed to do the job.
I have written various articles in the past about heel slings, foot retention, pedals and leg suck:
https://tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/heel-slings-get-my-vote/
https://tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/heel-slings-vs-spd-shoes-pedals/
https://tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/2015/04/27/pedals-pedals-read-all-about-it/
https://tadpolerider2.wordpress.com/2014/10/27/leg-suck-its-not-a-pretty-sight/
Here is a picture of TT earlier version just so you know what it looks like and can avoid buying it thinking you are getting the most recent one I am recommending here. As you can see there is quite a difference. The first version was rather flimsy, not nearly as practical and was harder to use.
Regardless of what means you choose it is a very good idea to do something to prevent leg suck. It is not something you want to experience. Be safe out there and …
KEEP ON TRIKIN’
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BUMPIN’ INTO BENTS
More and more I too am “bumpin’ into other tadpole trikes out on the trails. No, not literally. I have not collided with any of them, but I sure am seeing more and more of them making their appearance. I like seeing the numbers growing.
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FIRST RIDES ON TADPOLE TRIKES
I like what the wife says at 2:45 into the video below … “I see long rides in our future”.
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