Recumbent for MS
 

A friend has a recumbent three wheel bike. He has MS and it is so cool that he has found something that allows him the mobility and exercise all wrapped in one thing. He is very thrilled about it.

Anyways he just got it recently and was telling me that his difficulty is to be able to power during the pull stroke, so I mentioned toe straps. (We live in hilly country) I suggested straps but I realize that even straps have issues because his feet might slip out. Not sure if that is an issue.

Toe clips would work also, but they require a strong sideways twist to get out of (or at least mine do) so that might be an issue for him.

Has anyone got a foot clamping solution?

Technically, the straps are called, "clips." More modern retension systems are called "clipless" because they don't use the strap (which, again, is called a "clip.") Instead, the pedal clamps onto a cleat on the bottom of the shoe. There are many kinds of clipless, some easier to get out of than others. I'd say have him try out Speedplay or SPD systems to see if getting in and out is an issue.

Power Grips. Always clip in on a trike.

I use PYRO platforms allows you to use your own choice of shoe plus you can unclip like conventional clipless if needed or hand unclip them then place on your foot separately then clip in. I generally just leave them attached and place my foot in them and do up.


PYRO Platforms


These maybe another option Sunlite Adjustable Heel & Toe Support


http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11618589.html

It's a trike. Clipless is clearly (to me anyway) the "A" answer.

The issue that many people have with clipless pedals is they fear inability to unclip if they have to make a panic stop. That's a non-issue with a trike. You just stop and sit there and it holds itself up.

Mrs. Grouch and I use all SPD-type pedals. Don't skimp on shoes. The stiffer the sole, the better.

Speedplay Frogs are very easy to disengage with a light sideways twist, but they require a somewhat strong forward thrust to engage. However, being on a trike means never falling over at stops, and the consequences of leg suck can be severe. I, too, would recommend some sort of clipless pedal system, not just for the efficiency gains, but also for safety.

Some, maybe all, of the clipless pedals have adjustment screws for tension, so you can adjust them to be easier to unclip from.
With the Shimano pedals, the "mountain" shoes are easier to walk around in, the "road" shoes seem to be stiffer (which is good).
With a trike, another advantage is you can sit there and get both feet clipped in at your leisure before you start moving.