Recumbent trikes and big feet
 

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum and I am seriously looking at buying a recumbent trike. They look like a blast to ride but I have yet to actually go to a shop to try one out. I am looking to get back in shape and if I can have fun doing it, all the better. My wife is looking to buy one also. I have a question.

I wear a size 14 shoe and the crank looks like it's fairly low to the ground in the lowest position. Is that an issue?

I'm not looking to spend a ton of cash so I'm looking at a TerraTrike Cruiser as from whaty I'veread they are a good bang for the buck.

Oh and by teh way, no probelms with my bike feet on the Catrike. My heel did bump the cross member a few times on the WizWheelz Cruiser.

No it's not. Unless you're riding an EXTREMELY low trike. I raced one that was barely an inch off the ground and if I didn't pedal with my toes pointed my heel COULD touch, but it never did. Yours won't either.

My TerraTrike has crank-arm-shorteners, so the pedals are higher than they were; but I never had height/heel strike problems with the stock arms made the pedals lower.

Sorry; these are not cheap pedals, but are the Grip Kings large enough on this page?

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...n#product=none

countersTrike

I've read a few posts about feet slipping off pedals on recumbents or trikes. I have no intention of buying special shoes to ride so what are your suggestions with regards to pedals?

Power Grips work with regular shoes.

Perhaps the most important contact points you have with your bike, or trike, is your feet. That's where the transmission of power will take place and much of that power will never be realized if you cycle in a soft soled sneaker or a flimsy sandal. (I've seen some badly mangled toes on cyclists who have lost their grip on the pedal while wearing open toed shoes and getting a rather nasty whack from the rotating pedal or a scrape on the ground. Ouch! IMO, I would investigate a good cycling shoe with a stiff sole, a clipless pedal so your feet won't slide off the pedal unless you want it to, and with practice, develop a pedal stroke that is also "pulling" up rather than just mashing down. i.e., make circles. Much more efficient and much more enjoyable. My 2 cents.
Mike

Clipless pedals aren't an option for everyone. They aren't an option for me; simply impossible. So I have to keep from slipping off in other ways with street shoes. Still trying to find out good ways to do that without having people drown out the whole discussion with proselytizing about the wonders of clipless shoes which I cannot use.

My problem too; my solution is those small bungie cord- one end to the inner back of each pedal and the other end to the outer front on each pedal. Pull about in the center of the cord, put any shoes on the pedal, slowly release the cord to the back of the ankle; repeat with the other foot.

Similar principal as the Power Grips; but the cords strap around the heel. I don't know if it works for everyone, but has worked very well for me.

countersTrike

If you can't use clipless pedals on a trike (and I highly recommend you do if possible!) then get some wide BMX or MTB pedals with nice tall spikes. Your feet won't stay on as well as with clipless pedals, but it'll be better than the stock pedals.

Took the plunge
 

I went out and bought a Catrike Trail today and it's a lot of fun. I haven't been on a bike in years and this thing makes me want to ride all the time. Now I just have to build up my muscles and stamina enough to ride longer distances.

I tested a WizWheelz Cruiser first and it was very nice until I took the Catrike out and rode it. It was hands down more stable, better built and faster (100 PSI tires in lieu of 40 PSI). The Catrike was $450 more in price but I thought is was worth the extra cost.

Yeah, that reminded me of my experience a couple of years ago. I love my Catrike. But I do recommend something to keep your feet attached to the pedals. Even with my Speedplays I became uncliped once and my foot bounced off the pavement and my calf hit the crossmember and I could have sworn I broke my leg. :eek: But I didn't, just had a bruise.

With my foot size I think clipless shoes are not an option. I think I'm going to try the "Power Grips" where you stick your foot in on an angle and the natural twist of your foot on the pedals tightens the strap.

With the light of day in Illinois now from about 7:00 AM till 6:15 PM I have to look at lighting options.

Why is it that all my hobbies are a never ending money pit????

Motorcycle $20,000
Beer Brewing $5,000
Cycling $2,000 and counting..........

Money? You should try sailing! Glad you went with the Catrike and I'm sure you'll find the "Power Grips" will keep your feet where they should be. Mike

What part of Illinois are you from? Fortunately for me, my spending slowed quite a bit a couple of months after the initial purchase.

I live in northern illinois in Crystal Lake.

I don't think you'll have problems bumping the ground. Although I know you said you're not considering it, you may want to check out a set of clipless pedals for the heck of it. I have ridden most of my life on platforms -- only the past 5 years have been on clipless, and I still would be on platforms if I hadn't let someone talk me into trying them. There are good reasons why almost everyone goes this route

Normal looking cycling shoes that you can walk on wood floors exist. Especially on a trike, your feet are going to want to fall out when you stop at a light or sign. Power grips are probably the next best option.