First and second ride on new trike...WhooHOO!

[frannie]

Finally got my EZ-3AX trike! First of all I was very impressed with the local dealer who took the time to point out and explain to a newbie like myself in detail how to work and use everything on the bike for the best and safest ride. Then he took me outside and took about another 1/2 hour with me and had me ride then stop, ride again etc. to make the proper adjustments everywhere on the bike so it was a proper fit. He also gave me some great tips on shifting I didn't even know about like 'trimming'. I felt very well educated about my trike by the time I left.

I wish I would have discovered these bikes/trikes a long time ago. What a ride! My first time out and I did about 4 miles. Not bad for a 50 yr. old mom with a new hip who hasn't ridden in years. Even got my first 'cool bike' comment not to mention lots of smiles.
Here in the Seattle area we are lucky to have loads of bike trails one of which I'm heading out to with a friend this morning for a second ride. I also have the advantage of living in a bike friendly community south of the city with little traffic where the speed limit is 25mph throughout and bikers, joggers and walkers of all ages are a regular sight on the streets. So on any day at any time I can go for a spin without too much worry - unlike other neighborhoods.

Thanks to everyone on these boards who passed on to me their experience, tips, and recommendations when I was inquiring about this trike. I really feel I made the right choice for me. Now I am SO pumped about being able to ride again my family may never see me again!

Another good reason for wearing a helmet: While taking my second ride this morning - a very nice 6 miles along WA states Green River - we were going through the stretch that rounds the local golf course and almost got beaned by a golf ball! LOL

[Mars]

Yay! Nothing like a new bike! But what is trimming?

[frannie]

Mars,
I'll try to explain this using my 27 speeds as an example.

You have the 3 speeds on the left and the 9 on the right. It takes multiple 'clicks' to get from 1 to 2, etc. on the left. I think you'll hear about 5 clicks between the numbers on the left as you shift from one gear to the next. On the right, it is only one click between numbers.
If you shift gears and hear that your chain is rubbing because it's too far off to one side, you use those 5 single clicks between the numbers on the left (moving one click at a time up or down) to center or 'trim' your chain as they call it to get it back in it's proper position. Does that make sense?
I've never had a bike with more than 10 gears in my life and now that I have 27 I have already found this info to be very helpful.

Some people on the boards have also asked about proper shifting techniques and my bike guy made it so simple. He said forget about all the numbers. On the left you have 1-2-3. Think of them as the ground you're moving on. 1 is uphill, 2 is flat, and 3 is downhill. Then use the numbers on the right to find your comfort zone. Now THAT'S language I can understand. LOL