What most folks don't realize is just how far the trike can travel in a short time at what they consider a slow speed. At just 5 MPH the trike will move forward slightly over 5 feet which is why leg suck can result is serious pain or injury.

@TravelsByTrike

7 ай бұрын

Yes, thanks, I think leg suck is underestimated.

Great advice Sylvia! Personally, I use clipless SPD pedals and have the shoe clips set as close to the middle of my foot as possible. I also like the strap with a wider pedal setup. But arthritis has limited my reach to my feet. Even putting my socks and shoes on now require device assistance. I cannot seat on my recumbent trike and actually reach my feet. I have a replaced left knee, bilateral hip replacements, and a fused lower lumbar... Ugh! But... I can still peddle my HP Velotechnik FS+ 26! 🙂

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Keep on trikin’!

Thanks for talking about the importance and danger of leg suck. It happened to me with my 1st tadpole trike. It's not discussed enough. Also I used power grip straps for a while. They're fiddly to get in for me.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Yes, thanks, that’s good word to describe Power Grips. They work but are fiddly.

Great advice as I've just had the pleasure of one foot slipping off a pedal. Fortunately it wasn't too bad . I'll be ordering a pair of cycling pedal straps. Wise words indeed. Many thanks and best of luck with your new adventure.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Having your foot slip is scary and it's always unexpected. Thanks for following along and commenting!

I have been riding a trike for many years and have never had "Foot Suck" happen and never knew anyone that had it happen. I'm sure it does happen to some but probably becasue they have the boom adjusted way too long or their seat is back too far. Making thier knees out staright and not having much of a bend in them whey fully extended. I also use Catalyst Pedals, they are much larger and have little pegs that keep your foot in place and you push from the arch not the ball of your foot which reduces or eliminates foot discomfort on long rides. Because you can move your foot around on the pedal during a ride your feet do not get cramps or fatigue and they stay on the pedals like glue. You do not need any special shoe at all with these pedals. Throw the expensive bike shoes away and stop walking like a dork. Wear a nice comfortable pair and be safe at the same time. So if your feet are slipping off the pedals from time to time try shortening your boom or move the seat forward and eliminate the problem.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Boom length is another important topic.

@pennywv8636

Жыл бұрын

Same here. I tried spd clips for a while but found them so uncomfortable I switched them out for some wide platform pedals with studs. I have been riding my trike for over 12 years and my feet have never slipped off the pedals. Everyone should do what they are most comfortable with and be aware of the risks.

@georgechase3275

Жыл бұрын

@@pennywv8636 Larger pedals are a great solution to many issues but so many bikers refuse to make a change from the old school ideas and continue to almost fall down when walking on those pricey shoes ... go figure.

@garyseckel295

Жыл бұрын

Can recall twice when my feet came off my Dragonfly tadpole. One was only halfway leg suck, because I luckily jammed brakes for immediate stop. Other time my leg swung vertically upward before coming back down and shoe sole striking pavement. That slamming of shoe onto pavement bounced my entire leg upwards like a bouncing basketball! The bodily felt shock was so huge I could have broken my terribly jolted teeth. Sunglasses flew off too. My body was very sore after that huge bodily shock. That was actually a potentially very serious situation!

Great video! Very informative. Using mentioned heel cup pedals only, for decades now. The heel cup pedals, (weighted), always remain correct side up. Strapless heel cup peddles are totally safe for preventing "Leg Suck." I remove all nylon straps from heel cup peddles for THREE reasons: Firstly: Non-athletic rider who does not (literally cannot) pull peddles upward. Secondly: Senior rider (with no balance), who cannot even reach (arthritic) farther than mid lower legs! Thirdly: Too arthritic to even attempt threading half-dead diabetic legs.., through even pre-adjusted peddle straps. Great video work, Sylvia, Gary "Jason Stillwater"

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Happy New Year, Gary!!

Always good advice from you Silvia 👍and wishing you a wonderful New Year 2023 and a nice big bike trip Hélène & Serge 🧑🏻‍🎄🎅🏻🎄🥂🎈🇨🇦

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much - always good to hear from you and Hélène! Happy New Year!!

@SergeCousineau

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike Always around 😉👍

I didn’t know why I should attach my feet to the pedals. What a nightmare that injury would be! I’m going to purchase some straps. Thank you!

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Bike shops should be educating buyers. You don't want to learn this lesson the hard way.

I use large flat MTB pedals with aggressive pins that dig into my shoes with a properly adjusted boom. I haven't come close to having any pedal slippage problems after thousands of miles on the trike and enjoy being able to make minor foot position changes. That being said, I understand and respect the danger of what can happen. By the way I really appreciate how you are replying nicely to folks that are sharing their differing experiences so long as they are in good faith. Thanks for the great content Sylvia.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

That's great you have found a solution for foot retention. Thanks for commenting and following along!

I use heel slings and a wide velcro strap around my whole foot. In the past I tried clip on pedals. I hated them. I have a problem with my left leg so it was always difficult to click in and out. Also changing shoes is annoying. I bought a pack of velcro straps (very cheap). It takes very little effort to wrap it around my foot and tighten it up. Then I can push and pull easily. I have been riding everyday for years. A simple velcro strap was my solution. I love my trike!

@TravelsByTrike

11 ай бұрын

I'm glad you found an easy, and inexpensive, solution.

Excellent little video and great information for those not in the know. I've used SPD pedals with my road bike shoes, Powergrip straps with my work boots and latest was just flat mountain bike pedals with large studs... I've found that those retain my feet really well and it takes concious effort to move my feet once they are positively placed on them... they do not 'slip'. Wish I was in Portland myself, it was and I suspect still is the epicenter of all things recumbent in the region. When we used to have the Human Power Competition at PIR, it seemed like most of the people from Portland competing worked at multiple shops in the area. Once year I went down a day early and a friend of mine and I went to visit one of the recumbent shops and ran into Ian from Greenspeed who they were putting one of his trikes together for before the event. I miss that event.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Yes, PIR was a great event! I remember Ian there, too! In fact, I gave him a ride from PIR and was so impressed how easily his trike with the 16" wheels fit in the trunk of my car. Take care!

Thank you Sylvia. This is just the video I needed. I just purchased a set of Black Star Bag straps on your advice here. I'm hoping having the ability to move my foot position as needed combined with them not coming off the pedals will be a good combo.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it.

Hey Sylvia, great info on foot retention. I myself do not clip in. I use mountain bike pedals called peddling innovation. They are a sort of bear trap pedals and my feet WILL NOT fall off. I have been using these pedal for about 3 years and love them. For me, clip in pedals caused hot spots. Thanks for everything you do for the trikers of the world!

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I’m glad you found a solution so you don’t have to live with hot spots.

Great advice, Hi Sylvia, I plan to follow you every mile on your upcoming trip. It to bad im not on your route as i would love to ride with you on a part of it. Happy New Year and do stay safe.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Julius! Maybe I’ll see you riding down the Pacific Coast.

@ChisWest

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike that would be a very nice indeed … do let me know.

Very Interesting regarding numb toes as I get that and am using spd shoes. Will have to try straps and see how it goes. Enjoy your riding and stay safe. Thank you.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I hope the straps work for you.

@KarigHutje2024

3 ай бұрын

I used SPD shoes as well (since 1 1/2 weeks) and I get cramps in my footsole now during cycling on my Greenspeed GT20 recumbent trike. I don't want to swich to another system really since I did invest a lot already in the clipless system (I ride several Pinarello roadbikes with both SPD and LOOK clipless pedals and shoes). Will straps avoid getting foot cramps? If so, why is that you think?

Hello Sylvia.. i really like the KEEN Sandals with cleats on the bottom.. or the Shimano Sandals with cleats.. The biggest problem i have is my feet getting hot/moist from pedaling. The Sandals keep your feet cool and dry while they velcro straps, or bungee ties to keep them at a comfortable tightness. Breath ability is very important for feet comfort.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I don't think KEENs with cleats are available any longer. Sandals are nice for riding.

@rdkuless

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike The Keen and Shimano sandals crop up on Craigslist and Ebay from time to time.. I found my keen shoes with cleats on Craigslist for only $40. I love those finds.. :) I hope your tour goes well.. Let me know if you need anything. Rob

I use TerraTrike platform pedals and they have worked well for me. But ... I am tired of them hindering my turning radius on my tadpole. I just ordered the Blackstar straps & Race Face Atlas pedals. Can't wait to try this new set-up. Thanks for the info.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I think you will like the new straps.

Good stuff. I use eggbeaters on my recumbents.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

People love eggbeaters.

nevermind, i'll keep riding my regular hybrid bike, don't need leg suck at 68 years old, at least if i fell off my bike i'm flung free from it, seems a better option

Hi again, Sylvia, great video! One suggestion I have for larger riders like myself with numb foot problems, or wide stance issues with narrow crank spacing is pedal extensions. I am a larger trike rider, 6'2" with a wide feet, a wide stance and arthritis, and after I fitted pedal extensions I could go all day instead of half an hour or so before the pain in my feet made cycling a chore to be endured instead of a pastime to be enjoyed at my leisure. It even permits me to commute to work in comfort instead of driving, and that's saying something here, since my trip home is entirely uphill, sometimes after dark, depending on the season.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Good advice!

@garyseckel295

Жыл бұрын

Use pedal extenders here too (football player body size). Be aware that on some tadpoles, your steering radius might get larger as steered tires have become able to reach my pedals. Only ride my delta trikes now.

@awvankats7550

Жыл бұрын

@@garyseckel295 yeah, that'd be a problem, even on some compact short wheelbase bicycles, too. My biggest problem on my Villager tadpole is the amount of boom flex when I'm going all out is enough to leave snakey trails on less stabilised gravel and footpaths with pea gravel, which happens when I pass somebody going slow. Of course, I also have a tendency to burn rubber and spray sand when taking off from a dead stop on similar surfaces, or dirty pavement, which was not the general case when I didn't have them, so I might be pushing a little too hard for the conditions at times. Lotsa fun, though!

@garyseckel295

Жыл бұрын

@@awvankats7550 Deeply insightful. That "snakey" tire path is actually why tadpoles are marginally faster than delta trikes. Delta trikes have a stiffener (front tire) forward of the pedals. See those tadpole steer tires ("snakey" movement) as the top view of a swimming fish. Fish side fins go fore and aft as fish flexes. Least friction on tadpole trike tires, is fore/aft rpm wheel variance, IE least side load on wheel ball bearings rotation. Talking here on tadpole flex that is normally too small to observe. You could literally use a stiffer trike frame!

@awvankats7550

Жыл бұрын

@@garyseckel295 yeah, but I love the look on people's faces when I get 'spray' off the front wheels and a rooster tail off the rear wheel when I pass them on gravel! And that tinkling sound of pea gravel off the rims and frame...? Priceless! Not so nice on soggy days though, and the mud gets everywhere...

Last week I installed 2 clipless pedals from one of my Pinarello roadbikes on my Greenspeed GT20 recumbent trike. It gives a peace of mind when cycling with my feet locked into the pedals now. Only problem I have is that I get footcramps under my footsole when cycling somehow now. I hope my footbath with massage spikes and massage roller will solve the problem a bit. Got other ideas how to avoid foot cramps (and sometimes also in the calves)? Should I strech more before and during cycling trips with the recumbent trike? Or is is something else (shoes for example)?

Sylvia, Great video and many thanks for sharing your experiences and allowing us to collectively provide comments. I’ve owned my Catlike for less than 6 months; it’s been a blast. But I have experienced leg-suck; guess I’m more clumsy than I want to admit. AND YES, it is very painful, I thought I busted my leg. I’ve even questioned if I should give up the trike; but it’s soooo much fun. So I’ve been experiencing and researching pedal retention configurations for quite a while. Currently I’m using the SPD configuration. I like the pull/push approach but problems of hot-spots and hard-bottom shoes takes the fun out of it. I think I’ll give your strap approach a try; I wonder if the pull/push is still possible? We’ll see. I also like the Catalyst pedals but I don’t believe it provide a strap option; bummer. If none of these work then I guess I’ll try the FrankenPedals. Glad we have lots of options.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Yes, luckily, there are lots of options. You can push and pull, kind of, with pedal straps but it won't be nearly as efficient as being clipped in. Pedal style is a big deal for trikes - it can take some experimentation to find what works for you. Best of luck!!

@dlovull1

Жыл бұрын

I replaced the pedal with a new pedal with a Velcro strap! I had to do it since one of my legs were amputated

Muy buen dia

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Buen dia, mi amigo!

You all are way more flexible than I am. I could never reach my foot to manipulate straps as you do.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I never have to reach out to my feet to manipulate the straps. The Black Mountain Bags pedals straps keep their shape. I've only stick my feet in them - no reaching!

I had a foot suck incident years ago. I installed power grips right away. I'm not sure it helps but I'm more vigilant now. Most likely to happen near the end of a long ride. Need to always wear the same shoes for a secure fit. Too bad they're not easily adjustable.

@TravelsByTrike

10 ай бұрын

Yes, good idea adding the power grips.

I like the straps for safety! At the same time after riding with clips there no way I want to ride without them. The idea of clips with a strap on top for safety would be interesting.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

If clips are comfortable for you there is no reason change. SPD type clips offer a much more efficient pedaling stroke.

@LawrenceBroussard

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike I find the shoe has more to do with the comfort of the clip than the actual clip. Thanks for your vlog. I am looking at a trike for my mom for exercise plus with the power assist it makes it possible for her to exercise without being concerned she will get too tired to return home.

I had leg suck so bad I was on the side of the road for days. 🤯😲.nope. never happened.😁. I prefer clip ins but have never found my leg being sucked. However clips are a great way to rest your legs when not pedaling

Nice video. I use the Terra Cycle heel straps and like them but due to hot foot I want to move my foot further forward on the pedal and the strap doesn’t fit real well. I have to ask, how does a strap across the toe of your shoe help to retain the heel and keep your foot from slipping off or out of the pedal?

@TravelsByTrike

Ай бұрын

Thanks, Lenny. Pedal straps don’t help retain the heel but they are tight enough across the top of the foot to keep it secure on the pedal. Keep on trikin’.

I have removed my straps on my platform pedals and enjoy the comfort from them. Kamway Pedals, love them

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear!

What do you think about MagPed pedals? They look promising.

What works for you is what it's all about but in my case I've always used the SPD attachment and wonder what you'd do if you have a slow motion tip over (I have and on a slight incline).....your on your side and can't free you're feet?

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Why can't you free your feet in a tip over?

Curious about your front tires. Great video

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Thomas! I’m using Schwalbe Trikers.

@thomaswaldridge3759

Жыл бұрын

Thanks do they wear well

SPD is a bit more secure, more relaxed. But yes with straps you can use proper walking shoes and carry something light for at the campground or hotel. You're not gonna put a pair of heavy boots in the panniers. Plenty people though riding without any foot retention having no problem at all. I tried it last couple months. But went back to SPD.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Everyone is different.

@driewiel

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike I'm not.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

@@driewiel haha!

I ride a Hase Lepus delta trike, wear whatever shoes I like, never was clipped-in, and never once has a foot ever slipped off a pedal. I have no idea why that is.

I don't like clip in pedals or shoes because you can't move your foot around to relieve pressure, and the shoes aren't comfortable for walking. I have had my foot slip off the pedals twice on my Terratrike and the solution was grippier pedals and shoes. I have never had my foot slip on my Catrike but I do have a heel strap on those pedals. I looked at the weighted platforms with a heel ridge or cup, but they were expensive, so the Terratrike heelstrap pedals are working for me. I like to shift my foot around maybe an inch or two at most but it feels much better to be pushing on a different spot

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Whatever works is best.

Do people ever add a foot rest retractable platform under their pedals? That way if your foot does slip off it isn't getting dragged underneath the (e) trike. Are there kits that will raise and lower the trike so that folks with various injuries can still mount & dismount the (e) trike without feeling worse in their knees or back for instance?

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I'm not aware of either of these products being available. It seems like something someone would fashion for themselves though. There is something called 'helping hands' which are poles that stick up from the frame to give you leverage when standing and sitting. Best of luck.

I have a different question as well Sylvia….why do you never visit us in the southern states? Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama we have some nice trails in all these states iv listed iv been through I believe all your videos and don’t see a single video of you ever mentioning being in any southern area of the country. We feel kinda left out 😢

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Patience, grasshopper! I’ve done 2 southern tier cross country trike tours. It’s time to visit more northerly regions. Look forward to seeing you at some point!

I do not see where you posted about the helmet visor and I like to order one but do not see how I can do it.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

If you give me your email address, I'll forward it to Leslie.

Delta Trikes are just as susceptible as Tadpoles (ask me how I know)

It is interesting that Matt (JaYoe) and the Trike Hobo shun the concept of leg suck, but I unfortinately know a lady who had it happen! Trike Hobo is correct that we all should fuss about how our cycling shoes are made and how wide the soles are. The SPD type shoes are crap, In the 1990's I had a pair of high top Nike MTB shoes made for toeclips those were amazingly comfy. In the mid 1990's I bought 3 pr of the banned Look SPD compatible pedals, they were banned by court action because they infringed on Shimano's design nothing more. The shoes that I bough to use with those Look pedals damaged my feet because of poor design, they were Cannondale SPD shoes I still have foot pain almost 30 years after. What they had wrong was there was no cover under the insole over the SPD bolt plate, so some of the little bones in the front of my foot dislodged into the about 3/16" hole and never moved back! I did improve those shoes by covering the hole with a few layers of Pepsi can duct-taped in place but I shouldn't have needed to modify such a brands gear! Damage was done! I have been aquiring used SPD pedals to replace the 25 year old Look pedals, I get the SPD's mostly from racers usually for $10/pr, who bought new SPDs to save something like 5 grams off their bike! What does that do, maybe save you one second on an IronMAN, LOL!

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree, it's unfortunate that people of influence don't take leg suck seriously. I think it's not a matter of if but when leg suck will happen without proper foot retention. I use pedal straps and don't need to fuss about with cycling shoes.

Leg suck got me. i was clipped into a new bike/pedal and my foot came out and broke my ankle in 3 places and it is a life changing thing. I am looking for doubled system and can not risk any further injury. No rider should be un attached, not worth the risk. the black star bag does not seem to be as safe as i need to be. If the foot can be removed from the back it can and will fall out the back.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

oh my goodness - what a nightmare!

Asking people to leave their email addresses in a public comment on KZread is … yikes. No. People should not do that.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

How else would you facilitate people being able to order the helmet visor?

@rocbasnyd

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing.

@tracygee

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike Create a gmail email account just for your KZread channel and put it on your About page and have people email you directly with their info.

@johncd3141

Жыл бұрын

I agree, anyone selling on the internet should have an email address exclusively for sales. The seller should post their sales/customer-support email address and use a good spam blocking service. Most ISPs/email-services have provisions for customers needing multiple email addresses.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

@@tracygee thanks!

Might I ask what microphone you're using? :>

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

DJI wireless.

⚔️💪😎👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿(stroke)

Great big title: but I think they meant “DON’T GET LEG STUCK” not “DON’T GET LEG SUCK.” Are people too lazy to check?!? 😫😩

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I don’t understand your objection.

IMHO clip ins are the only true answer to prevent leg suck. I don’t personally know about your solution but I do know that heel straps do not always work. Personal experience

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Yes, you are right, clip-ins are the most effective. I had numb toes from clip-ins and now I don't.

@gregorygorbach8350

Жыл бұрын

There are many different styles of SPD shoes. Just sayin’

I’m going to give the straps a try. Here’s my email, I’d love to purchase the visor! I live in Florida and tried several styles. Thanks for all you informative videos!

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Did you mean to leave your email address?

What tires will you be using? These look a bit skinny.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Next month I switch to Marathon Plus.

@driewiel

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike And I wonder if there are slightly wider tires in the meantime that can compete with the Schwalbe Marathon Plus? Of course your HP has full suspension so comfort is less an issue.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

@@driewiel thanks! I'm taking my trike for a major maintenance appt next month. I'll have the marathon plus installed with tire liners. I'm also switching out the trailer tires for marathon plus - they already have tire liners.

@gmaneis

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike .....which reminds me, Sylvia. My LBS has not received Marathon Plus tires I ordered in July. I really want to have new tires on my HP Gekko before riding season returns to Indiana (I am too uncomfortable riding when it's colder than 55F). Do you get your tires directly from Schwalbe? Oh, and of course, thanks for another excellent video!

@driewiel

Жыл бұрын

@@TravelsByTrike But the Marathon Plus are already very puncture resistant?? Isn't a liner too much? It will effect speed by a lot. Maybe as an experiment do the front wheels but not the rear? See if that wheel has more flats? I know, goatheads etc. It's not as smooth as Europe. If it was Europe I would definitely mount GoCycle. They have that wow factor.

Sylvia: Please pass along my email to the person you indicate makes the helmet visor. Larry

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

I would but I don’t know your email.

I would never attach myself to my Trike. It NOT A CAR. I want to be able to get away from the thing if I get hit. As a handicapped person those look like the most uncomfortable Trikes in the world. I ride a thousand Watts 48 volt trike that I built myself. 32 miles an hour top speed. It works great. It has no pedal assist because I WANT to pedal when I WANT to as It keeps my legs from atrophy. You want something that is comfortable as well as gets you where you're going. Recombinant bikes are kind of neat looking but do not seem to fill the bill for transportation. To low and too hard to pedal. Good luck.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

You might want to try a recumbent trike before dismissing them. They are extremely safe and comfortable. More importantly, they are fun. Best of luck.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Your comment has some very confusing details and I'm not convinced you are here in good faith.

I bought the pedal straps. They don’t work and no one will answer the phone. Do not buy from Black Star Bags

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

Why don’t they work?

I have 2 $100 plus clip in shoes and hate them because it makes me feel like I am walking on a large rock and feel like I'm going to roll off somewhere when walking, to me very uncomfortable.

@TravelsByTrike

Жыл бұрын

That is funny!

@SuperVoodoo22

11 ай бұрын

Check out flat-bottom SPD mountain bike shoes (for example: Specialized 2FO, or Lake MX201). The cleat is recessed so walking is easy.