Tricycle Questions

[G.L. Andrews]

I've been investigating the world of Trikedom with the intent of getting one. I'm slowly finding out about their idosyncrasies. I was reading a review of the Sun EZ Tadpole and it mentioned as a "low" it had "pedal steer" problems. What is pedal steer? Is this something unique to the Sun or is it common to all trikes? Maybe some of the trike owners can clue me in.

Thanks,
Garry

[skysensor]

Pedal steer is a side-to-side oscillation of the trike matching the rhythm of the pedaling cycle. Much of what is commonly described as pedal steer is more accurately described as involuntary steering input: as the rider pedals, minor steering inputs are caused by the motion of their upper body. Many people suggest the way to eliminate or minimize this pedal steer is through experience: time will teach you to relax your upper body and arms, and develop a smoother pedaling motion.

Mark
Also in the market for a trike

[geebee]

Skysensor is spot on about pedal steer. I'm not sure what you meant by "low" but the EZ is not a low trike, It would probally make a good utilitarian vehicle and be fun as long as you are not a speed freak or into cornering at very high g's. 2 things to consider it's heavy so lifting it sideways to go inside a house, or a car maybe a pain and the wide front wheel spacing could restrict access occasionally, some of the bike paths I've used have minimal clearance for my GT3 which is a narrow trike.
Brilliant value for money in the trike market though and any tadpole is fun.

[G.L. Andrews]

Thanks for the input. Sounds like I've experienced pedal steer on my Burley recumbent. From a start I would push with the left leg and the bike would drift to the right. Guess something else to get used to during the learning curve. As to the "low", the reviewer was listing his highs & lows (pros & cons) about the trike. He considered brake steer & pedal steer as lows. Never considered the width of the trike vs bike paths. I don't ride paths that often but do on occasion.

Garry

[lowracer1]

I put a rotor crank on my catrike speed and the pedal steer went away. I believe pedal steer is achieved due to the dead spot on the pedal stroke. If you are a smooth spinner and don't generate a heavy amount of wattage in higher gears, then this will also help with pedal steer. I'm a higher wattage lower rpm rider, so the rotor crank smoothed the steering right up.