Schwalbe One 28/622 - Followup

Here's a followup form my May 24th post Schwalbe One 28/622 tire.

I have over four hundred miles on the Schwalbe One 28/622. It replaced a Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23/622. I won't be going back to a 23/622 tire. The One has proven to be just as fast as the Ulremo (maybe even a touch faster) and noticeably more comfortable. The 28/622 One is rated at 85 to 115 psi. The old 23/622 Ultremo is rated at 85 to 145 psi. Just as I did with the Ultremo I inflate the One to 110 psi. The 28/622 has taken the edge off of rough roads. It's still a hard ride but the difference is like being hit with a hard rubber hammer versus a solid steel hammer when taking a rut in the road. 

David Goldman - Cycle Route 66

New triker added to my Trikes and Trikers Page.

2015

David Goldman

David's blog Cycle Route 66 Blog and his Cycle Route 66 website

David's  Facebook page

David riding a ICE Sprint 26

10 Reasons a Recumbent is Best Choice

I've added a new permanent link on the right bar of my blog. It's an article by Euan McKenzie at ICEBIKE.org and is titled "10 Reasons A Recumbent Road Bike is the Best Choice". It's a fun read. ICEBIKE.org is a general information bicycle website and is not to be confused with ICE Trikes.

Click here for "10 Reasons a Recumbent Road Bike is the Best Choice"

Road vs Trail Ridng

Trike the road or cruise the trial, it's a personal choice. Here's my take on the subject based on my personal preferences when riding my 700.

For everyday riding I prefer the road. Trail riding is saved for those days when I want to relax, go slow and "smell the roses". It's also a good time to ride with other trikers.

Let's start with the road. 

When riding the road I almost always ride alone. Over the last few years I've seen a couple of other trikers on the road but I've not been able to connect. Riding with others who are on traditional bikes is not a whole lot of fun because recumbents pace differently. Especially in hilly country. On the flats and the downhills I would be waiting for the others to catchup. On the climbs they would be waiting for me at the top.

Riding the roads alone allow's me to set my own pace without stops. I like to open up on the flats and power down the hills. Other trikers who ride performance trikes know the adrenaline rush of a good downhill with the stability of three wheels. When climbing I like to conserve my energy and take it easy on my hips. Even though I kick back on the climbs, at the end of the day I'll still be ahead of my peers on their diamond frames. Yes, a experienced rider on a properly setup performance trike can outperform many a diamond frame rider. Riding on three wheels does not mean you can't move, as many a surprised MAMIL often finds out.

Riding the road gives me the thrill of the ride. However riding on the road requires an high level of alertness, confidence in your riding skills and knowing the rights you have as a cyclist when riding on the road. It also, at times, requires a willingness to own the road, take the lane, when personal safety demands it. No riding the gutter.

Now for trails.

When riding on a trail I can relax, enjoy my surroundings and watch the critters. From time to time I need a break from the road. There are other users on the trails and trail conditions vary but I'm not looking to get anywhere fast. In preparing for a trail ride I change my rear wheel for a softer ride, put on a rear rack and add a set of panniers. I load up with all the necessities (and non-necessities) for a quiet ride and a picnic lunch. Riding a trail with others at a relaxed pace is enjoyable.

There are many trails I want to ride in my home state of California as well as in Oregon and Washington. With more time on our hands Carrie and I can travel around the western states so I (and maybe Carrie if she starts riding) can check out some of the cool Rail to Trail paths.

______________________

When I started riding trikes in 2009 I spent the early months riding the Ojai Valley Trail or cruising the residential streets in my neighborhood. I soon discovered that riding trikes on the road is fun and safe. I eventually felt more confident and safe on the road riding a trike then I ever felt riding a traditional bicycle.

Recumbent trikes offer something for everybody (see my Trikes by Type page). Trikes are at home both on the road and on the trail. 

Ojai Valley Trail with Carrie

After laying dormant in the garage for awhile Carrie decided it was time to ride her Catrike Trail. So after doing a tune up on Carrie 's trike we headed out to Ojai for a leisurely ride on the Ojai Valley Trail. Carrie's Trail was tucked away inside the car and my Catrike 700 went on top. Before loading up my 700 I changed out the rear wheel in favor of the trail friendly Kojak/K-Swiss rear wheel. I also threw on the rear rack with small panniers to carry our picnic lunch.

My Catrike 700 on top and Carrie's Catrike Trail tucked into the car.

Cruising the Ojai trial

Crossing the newish bridge

Carrie's back on her Catrike Trail

Plenty of shade along the trail

Beautiful Day

A picnic lunch and then we head home

Riding the Ojai Valley Trail with Carrie was a nice break from riding on the road. If your looking for a  leisurely ride the Ojai Valley Trail is a nice place to start. BUT weekends and holidays can be busy on the trail.

Foster Park to Libbey Park in Ojai and back

Lazer Blade Helmet

Finally a helmet with all the characteristics of a quality road helmet that a bent rider can wear without having to compromise.

The new Lazer Blade helmet has replaced my old Lazer Helium helmet. I like the Lazer helmets for two main reasons; 

1. Their Rollsys retention system adjusts the helmet from a turn knob on top of the helmet. This eliminates the rear adjustment system that most helmet makers favor. The Rollsys system adjusts a strap that encircles the entire head creating a secure fit that molds to your head. Most other helmets simply push  your head into the front of the helmet with it's rear only adjustment. Once you've tried the Rollsys system you will be spoiled. 

2.  By doing away with the rear adjustment knob found on most helmets, the Lazer helmets leave plenty of neck exposed so you can rest your head comfortably on a neck rest. Or have room for a pony tail.

I changed over to the Lazer Blade because it does away with the points at the rear of the helmet. When riding laid back on the 700 the points on the Lazer Helium would occasionally make slight contact with my rear tire. When using a rear rack it gets even trickier trying to adjust the rack so the rear of the helmet doesn't hit against the rack.

The best part...the new Lazer Blade suggested retail price is a reasonable $99. The large size fits my generously sized 60cm head with a cycling cap underneath. It helps that I keep my hair buzzed. 

In my opinion (having gone through many helmets over the years) the Lazer Blade is a winner for bent riders. 

Lazer Helium (left) and the new Lazer Blade (right).

 Rear of both helmets are free of rear retention adjustment knobs.

Rollsys adjustment knob on top of the helmet.

Trikes by Type Page

I put together a list of trikes categorized by type. You find can it here or by clicking on the Trikes by Type page on the home bar underneath the title picture of my blog.

My goal is to provide a basic list of trikes that folks can use to help them find a three wheeled ride that is right for them based on the type of trike that meets their individual needs.  

Chain Slap Protector

Going tubeless on the chain means occasional chain slap. I have a small piece of rubberized stair tread material that has been protecting the front wheel strut on my 700. It has worked well but is looking dingy. Time to upgrade.

Lizard Skins Tube Protector

Done