This buyer’s guide is published by Azub a manufacturer of recumbent trikes.

The reason I find it so interesting is that it covers a wide variety of components from tires to cranks. I found it very informative.

http://www.azub.eu/download/download/Buyers-guide-bikes.pdf

After riding bikes for a couple years we decided we would like to get a little more adventurous so just recently we planned a bike/camping trip. Everything that we would need to camp with would have to be brought in with us on bikes. After a lot of studying and reading we decided on the Burley.

It performed above what I expected it to. We rode through sand and over gravel and you would hardly even know that I was pulling anything. We had tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment etc.

I would highly recommend this bike trailer.

I have to say, that I love my nutcase helmet!!! When I started riding bikes I chose a regular bike helmet. It worked well for me but when I found the nutcase I loved the different designs and personalities they portray. It wasn’t until I received it and wore it that I realized the huge difference in this one and a regular bike helmet. It is more rugged for high impact protection. The internal pads and chin strap make for a very comfortable fit. I love the quick release chin strap that provides one hand operation with the magnet closure. Protecting my brain from injury is very important.

Once I received my TerraTrike Tour II then I had the dilemma of finding a carrier suitable to carry it on my 2010 Kia Soul. Hitch Rider Racks out of Sunnyvale Ca. had just the one I was looking for. It fits on my little car perfectly with hardly anything sticking out on either side.

The carrier is a little heavy for me to install or remove by myself so I just leave it on the vehicle. It is very simple to pull a lever and the carrier folds down so I can easily get into the hatchback, load my groceries and then fold it back up.

When I am ready to take off and go on an adventure with my trike, I just fold the carrier down, load and strap down the trike and I am ready to go. The carrier is at a good level so that I can lift my trike by myself. I simply strap the trike down and I am on the way. I highly recommend this carrier and company! They were very helpful and fast on delivery.

I purchased a TerraTrikeTour II in August of 2014. I had never ridden a recumbent trike before but because of some health issues I ordered one. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis so a traditional bike was causing me a lot of pain. My hands and arms would go numb and riding just wasn’t enjoyable for me.

The recumbent trike puts you in a more natural, comfortable position. The seat is slightly reclined and your hands and arms are in a natural position down beside your body. The seat is very comfortable and no more having to wear the chamois padded bike shorts.

My TerraTrike Tour II is a 24 speed and is a tadpole trike. ( Tadpole is having two wheels in front and one in back. Delta is one wheel in front and two in back.) This trike is so very fun to ride and there really is no concern for balance issues. It is light enough for me to pick it up by myself and put it on my carrier.

We are going on a camping trip, which we will be biking in to a camp site. All equipment and personal items will be packed in two Burley trailers. We are looking for to our adventure and will give updates upon our return.

I purchased a TrailRider Trunk bag from Arkel and I have really love it.  The design is the most aerodynamic bag I have ever had. It has 6 inside side pockets to stow away a phone, medical supplies, extra tools or whatever you need. The inside compartment is very roomy. It is large enough for a medical kit, bike tools, food or snacks. It is fully insulated. That is a great feature!! There are two outside zippered compartments for easy access items. Waterproof zippers keep the rain out and also has an integrated rain cover. Safety features are excellent, including a blinker light strap built in the end and reflective strips all around. I highly recommend this bag!!!! Great for long or short trips.

NEW IN TOWN. The recumbent trike!!

Recumbent bikes are DIFFERENT. They ride differently, they steer differently, starting and stopping is different, and climbing hills requires a slightly different approach. By and large they are quite fun to ride.

Medical benefits of Recumbent Bicycles is what drew me to them. I have fibromyalgia and a couple other health issues that made it hard for me to ride a traditional upright bicycle. After doing some studying on the recumbents I decided to try riding for my health instead of taking additional medication. One lady reported Thirteen weeks after she had a hip replacement, she was able to ride a recumbent.
Recumbents are often a way whereby people with repetitive stress injuries to the wrist, neck, or back can continue to ride bikes. Quite often such injuries make it impossible to bear any weight on ones hands, as is necessary when leaning on the handlebars. Injuries to the back or neck can also keep people off a regular bike, but seldom present a problem for recumbent bikes.

The semi-reclined position of the recumbent rider provided a much broader distribution of the body weight across the more anatomically correct padded areas of the buttocks and across the back.
The hands, arms and shoulders remain in a relaxed position not bearing the weight of the torso. With the back in a reclined positioned, the abdomen was flat and straight which allowed full and easy expansion of the lungs. The feet rested on the pedals allowing easy flexion and extension of the legs and afford a relaxed resting position much like on a recliner foot rest. The head is held in a neutral position, looking forward, the neck relaxed. The pains in the neck, shoulders and arms from day long rides disappear. Allowing longer, more enjoyable rides.
The lower back is not forced into a hunched over position but is allowed to assume a relaxed natural reclining position

Although recumbent bikes provide better positioning and comfort, you can still get a great workout riding one of these. Whether your seeking fitness, recreational riding or travel the ride will be rewarding.

Recumbents draw crowds and conversations just about anywhere you stop. People notice recumbents and they want to know more about them. That’s why I decided to right this article to share in what I have learned and experienced.

Victoria has a wonderful start on the rails to trails and great riding in the park. Street and country road riding is very relaxing and beautiful scenery all around. Get out and enjoy while getting the health benefits also.

Barbara Christman