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Search: Posts Made By: Tractortom
Showing results 1 to 50 of 433
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Forum: Recumbent
09-16-15, 08:29 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 2,089
Posted By Tractortom

Look at Kenda Tires. They are quite a bit...

Look at Kenda Tires. They are quite a bit cheaper (and a softer compound) than the Schwalbe but have a number of high pressure tires. I have a customized Catrike that I ride with 24" front tires...
Forum: Recumbent
08-13-15, 09:45 AM
Replies: 50
Views: 16,987
Posted By Tractortom

I sold my Bacchetta Strada to a friend who was in...

I sold my Bacchetta Strada to a friend who was in his late 60's or early 70's, a good cyclist who rode a series of carbon fiber road bikes over the years. Gave him a good price, and left it with...
Forum: Commuting
07-02-15, 07:57 AM
Replies: 82
Views: 5,300
Posted By Tractortom

EVERYONE has close calls...but not everyone gets...

EVERYONE has close calls...but not everyone gets hit. At least I can say that about me. I'm in my fourth year of commuting on my bike, and have had some VERY close calls, but have never been hit...
Forum: Recumbent
06-30-15, 08:45 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 1,286
Posted By Tractortom

I have been putting in the long miles the past...

I have been putting in the long miles the past month or so, planning on a full century ride at Sebring this year on the Labor Day weekend. So, last Saturday I wanted to do about a 70 mile training...
Forum: Commuting
06-11-15, 07:56 AM
Replies: 76
Views: 5,465
Posted By Tractortom

I DO carry a copy of the laws applicable to...

I DO carry a copy of the laws applicable to bicycles on my commuter bike. Was stopped at a traffic light one time last year and a cop pulled up beside me and began to question my position in the...
Forum: Commuting
06-09-15, 12:44 PM
Replies: 76
Views: 5,465
Posted By Tractortom

#2...

#2 (http://www.bikeforums.net/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=2) is a good point but I would expand it to include any hospital. I actually commute past our community hospital, the only...
Forum: Commuting
06-08-15, 08:55 AM
Replies: 76
Views: 5,465
Posted By Tractortom

Toms unoffical Rules of Bicycle Commuting

I've been commuting on my bike for more than three years now, not every day, but about 100 trips a year, and have learned some things and want to share. I call them "Toms Rules of Bicycle...
Forum: Recumbent
02-23-15, 03:46 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,285
Posted By Tractortom

I like the Crank Bros pedals. I ran "eggbeaters"...

I like the Crank Bros pedals. I ran "eggbeaters" for a lot of years, but lately have been running "candy" and "smarty" pedals that have a little bit of a platform with them to support the sole of my...
01-05-15, 02:40 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 608
Posted By Tractortom

2714 total last year, on a plan to ride 3000. ...

2714 total last year, on a plan to ride 3000. Would have made it too, but quit riding in November for a while...no reason to quit, just did. Plan for 2015 is the same 3000 for the year, and ride...
Forum: Recumbent
12-18-14, 10:52 AM
Replies: 75
Views: 16,577
Posted By Tractortom

I rode a trike exclusively for three seasons,...

I rode a trike exclusively for three seasons, didn't have another bike. When I traded it for a Bacchetta Corsa, and later a Strada, I was amazed how tired I got riding the two wheelers! What I...
Forum: Recumbent
12-04-14, 07:16 AM
Replies: 2
Views: 1,099
Posted By Tractortom

I agree, there are zippy trikes out there that...

I agree, there are zippy trikes out there that are easy to get on and off. The Catrike Villager is one, with a higher seat and plenty of gearing to keep it 'zippy' but the new price is around $2500....
Forum: Recumbent
10-15-14, 06:15 AM
Replies: 46
Views: 7,388
Posted By Tractortom

I do, and I don't. On my Bacchetta Bellandare...

I do, and I don't. On my Bacchetta Bellandare commuter bike, I don't fly a flag. It seems to sit up enough that I can see into most cars, and I run BRIGHT lights on it during my daily commute. ...
Forum: Recumbent
09-24-14, 06:37 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,686
Posted By Tractortom

First, let me say that I love the Bacchetta...

First, let me say that I love the Bacchetta bikes, and ride one myself. As for going from a trike to a Giro 20, the first thing to deal with is starting and stopping, and getting comfortable with...
09-18-14, 07:45 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,272
Posted By Tractortom

I'll be doing a 60 mile birthday ride next Friday...

I'll be doing a 60 mile birthday ride next Friday the 26th. Did it last year on the following Saturday, but this year being a decade birthday I decided to take a personal holiday from work and ride...
Forum: Recumbent
09-05-14, 06:15 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 2,815
Posted By Tractortom

I have to add that I have ridden in what passes...

I have to add that I have ridden in what passes for mountains on the EAST coast of the US on my recumbent and found that it did well enough. We did the Cycle North Carolina tour a few years ago,...
Forum: Recumbent
09-04-14, 06:16 AM
Replies: 42
Views: 7,362
Posted By Tractortom

As a fellow who has been riding recumbents for...

As a fellow who has been riding recumbents for more than 20 years, I can tell you that MOST recumbents don't climb hills as well as a diamond frame does. They will climb, but it just takes a low...
Forum: Southeast
09-04-14, 06:06 AM
Replies: 35
Views: 3,496
Posted By Tractortom

I was at the Tour of Sebring cycling event over...

I was at the Tour of Sebring cycling event over the Labor Day weekend, and on Saturday morning, before the first ride of the weekend a cyclist was hit the same way, by an idiot turning into a parking...
Forum: Recumbent
08-25-14, 07:24 AM
Replies: 23
Views: 2,787
Posted By Tractortom

I'd like to add, that you should consider a...

I'd like to add, that you should consider a recumbent trike as well as the two wheelers. I have one of each, a Bacchetta long wheel base two wheeler, that I use for touring and commuting, but my...
Forum: Recumbent
07-27-14, 12:29 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 2,238
Posted By Tractortom

Look at the ELF velomobile. Electrically powered...

Look at the ELF velomobile. Electrically powered with solar array on the roof, comes in at 100 lbs fully loaded, will haul 5 bags of groceries, great commuter trike, all for right around $5000.00 ...
Forum: Recumbent
07-19-14, 02:10 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 3,929
Posted By Tractortom

Sorry to hear about your accident and the...

Sorry to hear about your accident and the stupidity of the fellow in the truck. If 'balance' is an issue, look at a fast trike. I would recommend looking at a Catrike 700. Fully kitted in go-fast...
Forum: Commuting
07-08-14, 08:19 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

I have NOT been commuting for the last few weeks....

I have NOT been commuting for the last few weeks. The normal 'summer weather pattern' is in full swing here in Okeechobee, FL and that means pouring rain beginning around 4 pm every afternoon. ...
Forum: Commuting
07-08-14, 08:11 AM
Replies: 57
Views: 3,322
Posted By Tractortom

I had a similar experience last week. We are in...

I had a similar experience last week. We are in the rainy season here in South Florida so I have been riding between 6 and 7am and then driving to work for the commute. At 6am, the sun isn't up...
Forum: Recumbent
06-30-14, 05:31 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 9,973
Posted By Tractortom

I have been riding trikes for quite a spell now,...

I have been riding trikes for quite a spell now, and you are correct on some points. When I go out to ride fast, I take my two wheeler, and ride. When I want to have fun, and relax, I ride my...
Forum: Recumbent
06-25-14, 06:31 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 2,340
Posted By Tractortom

Don't think I have any on this computer, but when...

Don't think I have any on this computer, but when I get home tonight I'll post a couple of photos I took when the fairing was first installed...

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
06-24-14, 07:31 AM
Replies: 27,079
Views: 3,092,565
Posted By Tractortom

Been doing my riding in the early mornings now...

Been doing my riding in the early mornings now that it's raining every afternoon at 5. Makes for an 'uncomfortable' commute home when the lightning is popping around your head. I have a 15.2 mile...
Forum: Recumbent
06-24-14, 05:35 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 2,340
Posted By Tractortom

I ride a Bacchetta Belladare (long wheel base...

I ride a Bacchetta Belladare (long wheel base 26x20) with a fairing. I have never been a guy who worries about the weight of a bike too much, as I weigh 240+ lbs. The fairing is VERY light,...
Forum: Recumbent
06-11-14, 10:16 AM
Replies: 25
Views: 3,168
Posted By Tractortom

I ride the older brother of your bike, a...

I ride the older brother of your bike, a Bacchetta Belladare. The Belladare is steel instead of aluminum like yours, and as such does not have the tube braces that run from under the seat to the...
Forum: Recumbent
06-08-14, 04:55 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 6,641
Posted By Tractortom

I have a Long Wheel Base two wheeled recumbent,...

I have a Long Wheel Base two wheeled recumbent, and a Catrike recumbent trike and ride them both nearly daily. Last Friday I rode my trike to work for a change (I usually ride the two wheeler) and...
Forum: Recumbent
05-16-14, 06:16 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,824
Posted By Tractortom

I had a similar 'race' on the way home a week...

I had a similar 'race' on the way home a week ago. There is a fellow who lives not too far from my office, rides a cheap diamond frame road bike, and tends to ride on the sidewalk as I'm headed home...
Forum: Recumbent
05-04-14, 05:41 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 2,232
Posted By Tractortom

I purchased my first recumbent in 1990 or 1991 (I...

I purchased my first recumbent in 1990 or 1991 (I really don't recall which year) after meeting Steve Roberts who was riding the country on a recumbent he called 'winnebiko'. It was a DeFelease...
Forum: Commuting
04-25-14, 05:51 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

One word to describe this mornings commute to...

One word to describe this mornings commute to work...FOGGY. Not too bad down near the lake where I live, could see more than a half mile, but the closer I got to work, the thicker it go. That last...
Forum: Commuting
04-24-14, 02:11 PM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

I'm on a roll. It doesn't sound like much to you...

I'm on a roll. It doesn't sound like much to you hard core commuters out there, but I have ridden my bike to work the last five work days, and intend to add one more day tomorrow. The weather here...
Forum: Commuting
04-22-14, 06:55 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

I know the calender says that it's spring, but...

I know the calender says that it's spring, but it's starting to feel like summer here in South Florida. Yesterday was pretty, rode the long wheelbase recumbent to/from work, and again today. ...
04-22-14, 06:46 AM
Replies: 66
Views: 5,624
Posted By Tractortom

A lot of people are really wound up too tightly...

A lot of people are really wound up too tightly for their own good. Seems like some of the 'go faster' riders are the worst, and I have seen this kind of behavior as well, but not lately. I have...
Forum: Recumbent
04-18-14, 09:23 AM
Replies: 30
Views: 4,279
Posted By Tractortom

Jack, I have been riding recumbents for a very...

Jack, I have been riding recumbents for a very long time now, got my first one in 1990. All of what that folks have said is true, when it comes to riders and bikes, a lot depends on the engine. ...
Forum: Recumbent
04-14-14, 01:24 PM
Replies: 1
Views: 1,431
Posted By Tractortom

What's it look like when you pull that cap off of...

What's it look like when you pull that cap off of there? I expect to see a retaining bolt and a bushing or bearing....

Tractor Tom in Okeechobee, FL
Forum: Commuting
04-03-14, 06:33 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

Nice ride this morning here in Okeechobee, FL. ...

Nice ride this morning here in Okeechobee, FL. About 61 degrees when I left the house at 7am, and headed up the road to my office at the Florida Forest Service. Light traffic, and a 1-2mph breeze...
Forum: Recumbent
04-01-14, 09:19 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 2,126
Posted By Tractortom

There are a couple options to mount the computer...

There are a couple options to mount the computer itself. In the past I was riding a Catrike Trail and built a bracket that was kind of 'A' shaped attached to the water bottle bosses in front of the...
Forum: Recumbent
03-20-14, 06:57 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 1,792
Posted By Tractortom

Tom, I was wondering WHERE in south Florida...

Tom,

I was wondering WHERE in south Florida you find a HILL???? When I want to climb hills, I ride down to Port Mayaca and ride back and forth over the bridge a few times. That and the bridge in...
Forum: Recumbent
03-13-14, 06:40 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,601
Posted By Tractortom

Most recumbent shops will allow you to 'test...

Most recumbent shops will allow you to 'test ride' a recumbent and see how you like it. Some rent. There are several shops in Central Florida who rent recumbents. One in Inverness on the...
Forum: Commuting
03-11-14, 08:39 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

First commute after the time change...was dark,...

First commute after the time change...was dark, black dark, when I left the house just before 7am today. First time I have ridden this recumbent in the dark. I added another 'cheap' headlight on...
Forum: Commuting
02-21-14, 03:57 PM
Replies: 760
Views: 151,902
Posted By Tractortom

I was out for a ride on my Catrike a few years...

I was out for a ride on my Catrike a few years ago, and found a full 12 pack of cheap beer on the shoulder of the road, where some cowboy and set it on the toolbox and never put it away. I picked...
Forum: Commuting
02-21-14, 03:38 PM
Replies: 40
Views: 2,606
Posted By Tractortom

I'm only commuting on the bike two or three days...

I'm only commuting on the bike two or three days a week, but it's always a PUSH. I get on in the morning, and keep it slow for the first mile or two, but as I warm up, the speed goes up. The...
Forum: Commuting
02-20-14, 09:00 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

We have had a LOT of nice weather here in South...

We have had a LOT of nice weather here in South Florida the last week, but 'other issues' kept me in the car Mon-Tues. Ride in yesterday was a good one, on the way home, at the intersection where...
Forum: Commuting
02-19-14, 07:00 AM
Replies: 128
Views: 7,200
Posted By Tractortom

7.5 miles each way on rural roads and highways...

7.5 miles each way on rural roads and highways here in Okeechobee, Florida. Three miles are on a marked 'bike route' on the highway, but the rest is neighborhood streets and rural roads.
02-04-14, 01:51 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 13,920
Posted By Tractortom

This is a little off topic, but we were riding...

This is a little off topic, but we were riding the bike path a year or so ago and came up on a small flock of Turkeys right on the edge of the path. Turkeys will run a long ways before taking...
02-04-14, 01:21 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 3,824
Posted By Tractortom

I kids, I'm Tom and I'm a big fat guy....I...

I kids,

I'm Tom and I'm a big fat guy....I don't want to be a big, fat guy, so I'm doing something about it.

6'-4", started the year at 286 lbs.

My 60th birthday is 26 September of this...
02-04-14, 01:11 PM
Replies: 11
Views: 763
Posted By Tractortom

Funny, what you said in the last paragraph is...

Funny, what you said in the last paragraph is just exactly the way I have been eating this year. My wife is always dieting and it's easier if we both get on it. She found the "Fast metabolism diet"...
Forum: Commuting
01-13-14, 07:28 AM
Replies: 3,798
Views: 184,314
Posted By Tractortom

Cool ride in this morning, had my tights on for...

Cool ride in this morning, had my tights on for the first time this year, as I left the temp was right at 52 degrees, but the air was still, so it didn't feel any colder. Fairing on the recumbent is...
Forum: Commuting
01-10-14, 07:24 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 1,373
Posted By Tractortom

Commuting past the Hospital...

I live in a VERY small town, out in the middle of nowhere in South Florida, and my commute is on the ONLY marked bike lane in this small town. It runs right past the local hospital, and I have found...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 433
 


 
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