FrankSWood

I ride a TerraTrike Tour I purchased in 2008. I am partially paralyzed from a spinal cord injury and use the trike around northern Virginia, especially on the Mount Vernon bike trail that is immediately in front of my home. I'm just beginning to ride several times a week at 10-15 miles/trip and would like to step up to longer overnights.

Because I'm partially paralyzed my right dorsiflexor doesn't allow me to push hard with my toes and my heel often hits the pavement when my leg tires. I am already using Shimano clips in the bottom most position - does anyone know of a show that would allow me to move the clips more toward the middle of my foot rather than on the upper ball of my foot?

Also, there is no chain guard on the TerraTrike and the inside of my right calf is often black with grease when I've finished my ride. Any thoughts on a chain guard/calf protection?

I've loved the TerraTrike because of what it's allowed me to do. But I'm also thinking of trading/buying up - any thoughts from those of you who use trikes?

Thanks!
Frank

10 Wheels

Hi Frank

Moving your post to The Recumbent Forum

From Intro

Dudelsack 

Hi Frank. I'm a native of Oxon Hill, right across the river from you.

What kind of shoe do you wear? If you wear SPD types, you can slide the cleat quite a way back. If you wear SPD-SL type, I think you are a bit more limited.

They might make some sort of adaptor for SPD-SL.

One thing: if you want to search the forum, don't use the forum's search engine because it sucks. Use google. Google will almost always lead you right back to BF, and it is way easier.

Good luck and welcome.

JanMM

And sometimes Google will take you to bentrider, if it's a recumbent issue: 'BentRider Online» Blog Archive » Heel Sling Pedals ? Do They Work?
or Hostel Shoppe Recumbents - the world's largest source for recumbent information, bicycles, trikes and accessories.

I would suggest posting your questions on bentrideronline.com's message board in Specialty Discussions/Trikes. You should be able to get feedback on both heel slings and chain tubes or other options.

BlazingPedals

The chain tattoo dilemma is easy to solve. Quit oiling your chain and use White Lightning (Clean,) which is a wax-type lubricant. You'll still touch the chain, but it won't leave a heavy oily mark, it'll leave a small dark smudge that easily wipes off. The other solution is a chain tube; but that won't protect you from the rings.

rydabent

Welcome, and glad your TT allows you to ride. A chain tatoo is a small price to pay for all the fun of riding.