booking for pedal.cycle tips

4.6: trike reviews

. collection of pages by trice owners .

4.11: tires

. with tires there is the issue of size:

balloon tires might provide suspension

that protects the frame;

or trice may come with rims that fit

only the tires it lists ?

. my intuition was right about being

paranoid about tire size confusion

. when ice says they have a 20" 406,

the 406 is the bead dia' .

. 406 and 451 are the two most common

bead diameters on 20" tyres.

. The one dimension that is really critical

is bead seat diameter

(which is what the first number

- on the ETRTO size refers to)

this is the bit inside the rim

where the tyre sits -

the rim above that can varying a bit without problem.

. check the tyre for an ISO number .

. their tire make mentioned that

some customers don't match rim to tire correctly?

does trice give you too much freedom?

4.13:

. work with your dealer,

and stock up for trips .

. Schwalbe Marathon Plus 20" x 1.35" (size 406)

-- massive Smartguard puncture protection (580g)

4.11: security locking:

. why is Kryptonite no longer using

tubular keys?

disc style cylinder resists picking and drilling

how are they picked? locks aren't perfect:

. the pin holes in the plug are slightly

out of alignment with respect to the shell

and the pins and pin holes are each

of a slightly different diameter.

These imperfections are very small

-- as little as .0001 inches in some cases --

but they are what allow us to manipulate

("pick") locks open without using the correct key.

4.20: web.aq.mobi`security/locks and registration,

New York Lock¨ $99.99

16mm hardened Kryptonium¨ steel shackle

99cent Stolen Bike Registry.

You can register a bike AFTER it has been stolen.

In the event that one of our participating

law enforcement agencies finds it,

it can be returned!

(This registration is for one bike,

for six months, and does

not include a decal or certificate).

Tucson Police Department's Santa Cruz substation, 4410 S. Park Ave.

Hundreds of recovered bicycles

are stored at the Tucson police bicycle lot

at the Santa Cruz substation, 4410 S. Park Ave.

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of every month.

. may require a judge's order or detective's authorization.

To obtain the release of bicycles, call 791-4458

. bikes are auctioned off online in lots of 15

www.citysurplus.org .

Tucson's annual Bike Fest April 1st .. 30th.

. hosting activities that increase community awareness .

. enter the Clean Air/Bike Fest Contest .

Cycle Spectrum [nearby]

6177 E Broadway Tucson AZ 85710

Phone: 520-790-9394

Ajo Bikes [trike dealer]

1301 E. Ajo Way Tucson AZ 85713

Phone: 520-294-1434

4.23: alarm systems:

liberator: $599.00 + $50/yr

Includes 1 Year Airtime and 500 messages*

* A message originating with the motorcycle is 1 message

i.e. an alarm notification.

To locate a motorcycle takes 2 messages (1 out to the motorcycle from the internet

and 1 back with the location)

* Included with all of the

Cycle Protect message plans

Cycle Protect requires a one year GPS contract.

is unlimited use of the Cycle Protect GPS website.

Second Year Renewal:

Basic Plan Includes 10 messages at 48.00 a year.

** All messages over 10 = 20 cents (.20) per message

Silver Plan Includes 120 messages (or 10 a month) at 59.50 a year.

** All messages over 120 = 20 cents (.20) per message

emails you if its batt is low, has gps,

. uses Cingular Wireless

. cycleprotect is partnered with Sekurus

GPS systems

. some can only do GPS

and can only be installed by a dealer.

Lojack is a popular product

(available only in certain states),

our primary concern being

that your motorcycle has to be MISSING

and THEN you contact them to locate it for you

(if not already in a chop shop or wrecked);

Phantom Tracking, unlike Lojack,

notifies you that your motorcycle is missing

(also only available in certain (7) states).

Trimble Trim Trac (sold by Cycle Trak & Talon)

is a bulky GPS tracker

that allows you to locate your motorcycle,

but cannot notify on being tampered with .

Cycle Protect can notify you

via your own cellular phone

AND provide you the exact location

of your missing motorcycle

via both text message and GPS tracking on-line

SR-i900 - New 2008!

2 way FM paging security system

* INCLUDES: Battery Backup,

3-stage perimeter sensor

and Remote Ignition Disable

* By incorporating RFID

to the system is able to know

when the remote is walking close to the bike

and when its not, allowing the user to

never have to reach for the remote to protect the bike.

* By utilizing High Frequency FM technology,

the SR-i900 transceiver is capable of

sending and receiving commands .

. a place to register the many stolen motorbikes .

Clear Alert Pager Alarm by TORK

. This advanced alarm will send a page to you

within 400 metres, it even works within concrete buildings.

Talon T-3300

[1.8(2010): dead forum .]

www.armedguard.com

motorcycle alarm with pager

manuals

4.23: lock picking insights:

. one thing I'd worried about

has come with a twist:

pouring glue in the lock of kryptonite

causes people to leave their bike overnight;

where it is finished off in the dark .

. maybe an alarm system would be better ...

and something like gps tracking

that shows where they're going with it .

. but if they suspect a gps,

all they have to do is keep it in a trailer

-- the same way cars are quicked:

driving them into a moving van .

. it mostly needs a chewey lock with an alarm .

4.25: tech.mobi/trike/foot-fall accident prevention:

. the way feet get caught falling down in a trike,

is by first being startled by a near-accident,

then being surprised by a jolt

like hitting a deep pothole;

this will then throw the feet out of the pedals .

5.9: gear/mobi/security/locks

locking my Trice

One of the alarming locks I have been checking

out has been the motorcycle locks at xenasecurity.com .

5.12: quadracycles in canada

quadracycle security

5.18: web.gear/mobi/security/best after-market car alarm:

. animals can set it off a cheap alarm,

esp'ly cats as people let them run wild .

Will Directed Security systems work with my car?

5.23:

prevention devices that do work:

. $400 personal car alarm pagers (Autopage, Crimestopper )

buzz a vehicle's owner when a car is disturbed

. When a $695 Lojack theft is reported,

police can track and recover the car 95% of the time vs 62% .

but new competition from GM's OnStar tracking system is here .

Autopage`dealers

The Specialist Inc. 4414 East Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712

520-795-4300

The Specialist Inc. 5602 E Braodway Tucson, AZ 85711

520-571-8500

Crimestopper Security Products, Inc.

1770 S. Tapo Street; Simi Valley, CA USA 93063

Tel: 805.526.9400 Sales Ext 213

lojack

1-800-4-LoJack

for honda motorcycle:

RideNow Powersports Tucson

7501 E 22nd Street Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 747-9141

5.20: co.mobi/trike/easy to get caught speedy:

. braking very hard can cause fishtailing .

. beginners can be surprised at

what combination of speed, turn, and conditions

can cause a tip-over, and it's easy to overcompensate .

5.22: co.mobi/trike/trice/spokes breaking on left side:

. about 3100 milesm, I've been braking spokes on the left side;

8 in all, at 2 spokes a time .

. [a heavy] bent both front axles;

We replaced the axles and the left front wheel .

. another sees spokes breaking in rapid succession?

if one breaks, then go replace all on that wheel .

5.23: co.mobi/trike/trice/spokes and rims:

. If you do suffer broken spokes regularly

then it is better to change the rim and spokes

rather than just the spokes

as once a wheel has been built

it becomes an 18 on 36 sided figure on 36 spoked wheels

.Mind you this may just be propaganda put about by rim makers

. But I can see the logic of it.

5.27: co.mobi/trike`gps:

. garman 205 edge. It is an entry level GPS,

. You don't have to calibrate your wheels,

it is simply to use and you can download to your computer

and keep track of miles, avg speed,

and route going through Google Earth,

calories burned and it sets up a charting system on your computer.

. Strada wireless computer (Love it).

5.28: co.mobi/trike/lights:

. Dinotte amber running light in strobe mode?

they seemed touchy about type of batt's .

. he has problems with quick-release on seat popping off?

in addition to having them tight,

may want velcro covers that hold them in place .

5.31: co.mobi/trice/chain maint:

. Replaced worn out chain here and cassette at 5,500 miles

. Chain maintenance was Rock & Roll lube every 150 miles

and clean every 1000 miles +-

. We understand this is usual wear.

Rear cassette was skipping teeth.

New chain is SRAM Chain, PC-951, 9-Speed.

Replaced rear worn cassette with new SRAM cassette

with same range of gears

. Front mid/high 40/53 Q-rings still running fine.

6.1: chain wear:

. degrease and lube my chain with my own home brew every 200 miles.

At 14,500 miles my original cassette is doing fine

and I am on my third chain which is still within specs.

I never lube without degreasing as per Sir Sheldon's advice.

re:

In triceriders@yahoogroups.com, "Phil Mix" wrote:

> FWIW - Replaced worn out chain here and cassette at 5,500 miles. Chain maintenance was Rock & Roll lube every 150 miles and clean every 1000 miles +-. We understand this is usual wear. Rear cassette was skipping teeth.

> New chain is SRAM Chain, PC-951, 9-Speed. Replaced rear worn cassette with new SRAM cassette with same range of gears. Front mid/high 40/53 Q-rings still running fine. All paved roads and trails.

date Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 7:46 AM

Degreasing the chain isn't a lot of work. Simply pop out the power link and drop the chain is a plastic juice container with a couple of ounces of citrus degreaser and shake it for a minute and rinse... done! You can chase the water out of the inside pieces by baking in the sun or baking in the oven or dunking in acetone. I haven't replaced the cassette because it performs flawlessly. Lubing an uncleaned chain chases dirt form the outside of the chain where it is doing little harm to the inside where it causes a lot of wear.

Actually what I did was put around 3,500 miles on 3 chains and then I went back to the first chain and an am now starting on the second 3,500 miles on each chain. Makes good sense if you think about it.

6.30: chain cleaner:

Best chain cleaner I found is diesel. Put an ice cream tub under the chain at the rear section, use a brush to brush it well in and rub with an old rag to remove. I do this monthly.

Remove and soak the whole chain overnight, I do this a couple of times in winter.

Remember to use snap on links for 9 speed chain.

I use a motorbike chain lube spray to re-lube.

The used diesel if allowed to stand a few days can be drained off and used again

wear gloves,

Another good cleaner is Green oil

They manufacture: Chain Cleaner, Frame cleaner, grease and oil.

To clean chain simply cote it with chain cleaner ride around for a few minutes and wash it off!

To clean frame either buy the frame cleaner and apply and wash,

or dilute one can of chain cleaner in a litre (that's 1.76 pints in Anglo saxon)of water and use it as normal. Uk stockist is Chain Reaction Cycles.

See Ctc website for advice on dismantling and reassembling 9 and 10 speed chains!

Basically these chains must be joined with the special link

as supplied by ICE or they will break whilst in use.

Have fun Regards. Ted.

8.6: co.trike/maint/[triceriders] I hate GOAT HEADS:

date Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 10:10 PM

You need some sort of protection for goat heads--period.

I automatically install True Goo in all trikes intended for regional use

and I have always used it in my personal trikes.

You can use a thick tire liner like Tuffy.

Of course Marathon Plus takes care of the problem

and, in a 1.75 size, rides well too.

Big Apples may ride well but have no postive effect on the thorn issue.

My rule when using Goo is to pump twice if a tire goes down

(after removing broken off thorns).

If it goes down a third time, -- only twice in six years on the trail,

then install your spare tube

and patch the failed Goo-filled tube at home before reinstalling it.

Chip, recumbenttrikestore.com

date Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 8:58 AM subject [triceriders] Re: Goo and Shipping:

Here's an interesting issue we found out about Goo.

We shipped our trikes (3 days, Fed Ex) with the tires deflated.

When we inflated the tires while re-assembling the trikes,

each of us had one tire with two holes in it that needed patching.

Evidently the Goo had been doing it's job blocking up the holes

and then the hole re-opened as it was shipped.

8.8: bk:

. hub `sealed (precision) bearings?

they require less service, but service is more costly .

. trice`bottom bracket likely has sealed bearings

and never needs service (low rpm = low wear)?

--

. bottom bracket uses an adjustable left cup;

it needs special splined tools .

. pedal-mashing can create chain ring flex;

your goal should be 90 rpm for reduced transmission stress .

morningstar product freehub buddy:

The Freebhub Buddy allows you to inject clean grease

into Shimano Freehub bodies, displacing dirt and old lubricants.

Thick grease may cause problems if used in very cold weather.

. chain links are 1",

the stretch is too much when 12 links measure 12+1/8 inches,

. beware veg-based oils like 3-in-1 .

8.9: bk:

. derailleur pullys: (upper : jockey, lower: idler),

. indexed deraileur controls depend on precise hanger shape

. kerosene, paint thinner or diesel fuel (adds oil),

are good solvents for thick grease grimes

-- jobs that don't clean up with dish soap

meant for light oil and particulate messes .

[ParkTools insist you use their orange chain cleaner for that]

. lube can come from auto supply:

for bearings and cables use white lithium grease,

for lighter oil jobs use 30wt motor oil .

8.11: bk:

. gear chart uses gear inches formula:

#pedal`gear`teeth * #wheel`gear`teeth / wheel size (inches diameter)

--. but this doesn't translate well to 20"wheels

because diameter isn't directly related to gearing .

. also, another variable is crank`length .

. write your ID inside helmet .

8.12: bk:

. white lightening is paraffin-like lube (www.mtbr.com/cat) .

. some clean chain in place with

1st {wd40, lps-1}

then {lps-3, motor oil}

. like the left pedal has left handed threads

so also does the older style

bottom bracket's fixed cup (right side) .

. sweat's salt can corrode both alum and steel even when dry

and paint can be porous so that the effects happen under good paint .

. the paint can be sealed with silicon caulk

or aerosol furniture wax

. spray wd-40 on inside or with weigle's frame saver .

. another reason for shimmy at high speed is rider weighs a lot on

ultra light frame .

. imron urethane paint .

PRIMERS, AND SEALERS:

You should never spray your paint directly on the bare metal.

A primer will help adhesion of the paint to the metal surface.

Should you be painting over an existing painted surface,

a "sealer" should be used to ensure that there is no

bleed of the old paint into the new paint.

As an added note, you should never try to paint lacquer over an noncatalyzed enamel

[some other source:]

. Imron; This was popular years ago.

I would have to describe it as a rubber based polyurethane.

It was originally designed for airplanes that are subjected to extreme temperature changes

. It then was used on fleet trucks.

The stuff does not chip. Brake fluid will not damage it.

If you get a run, you can't sand it out!

This stuff is so toxic that when I sprayed it, I breathed off of a scuba tank!

You have to clean out your gun when done, or throw the gun away.

The left-over paint will bounce like a ball.

. avoid lacquers?

likely includes spray-on uncatylized "(enamels) .

8.11: todo.trike/shifting:

. should practice shifting before going into busy traffic,

not good to practice that on trainer .

[12.27: being in a velomobile makes it

awkward getting out of the way quickly

in the event of accidently stopping in too high a gear . ]

8.12: news.mobi/trike/trailer hitching:

I am contemplating getting a trailer for my QNT.

...

The standard hitch will work fine.

-- Chip recumbenttrikestore.com

8.15:

I've got a Quik-Pak. I'm not sure what else is out there like the flatbed though.

One reason for the Quik-Pak is 406 / 20 inch wheels (same as on my Trice), Burley is 16 inch. Actually the Quik-Pak has better looking wheels than my trike and Sun EZ-Sport.

Be aware that while the Quik-Pak is an excellent trailer, likely better than the Burley in many respects, there are a few assembly issues that are NOT listed in the assembly instructions as provided on their website. I documented these in a review on bentrideronline.

6.15: co.trike/maint/shimmy:

While coasting, if I remove my hands from the handlebars,

the wheels shake violently

. recommended checking the tightness of the axles

and that the brakes are not rubbing?

chip@recumbenttrikestore.com:

One or both headsets are loose

and/or the toe-in is not set properly.

. it seems worse when the trike is on big apples ?

Wider/narrower tyre will move the centre of the contact patch laterally

(making the steering more/less susceptible to bump inputs),

might also affect brake steer sensitivity?

8.14: co.trike/trice/shimmy:

On Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 8:52 PM, dthompsoncpa wrote:

While coasting, if I remove my hands from the handlebars,

the wheels shake violently.

my reply:

. I just got through reading

Bicycling magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance & Repair

and it said a common reason for shimmy at high speed

is when the rider weighs a lot on an ultra light or specialized frame .

. the trice makers warn of strict weight limits .

. that reason seems more likely on a bike than a trike;

but, I thought I should throw the group even remote clues .

8.15:

date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 2:48 PM

. I recently dialed out a wheel shimmy

with a 1/2" tweak of the rear boom length.

date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 5:09 PM

. Check your tyre pressures,

too low will cause some shimmy.

date Sat, Aug 15, 2009 at 9:35 AM

Hi, most times I've had shimmy is due to

the headsets on each wheel coming loose.

This happens quite often when new.

If you can get hold of some old school steel locking washers

with a corrugated under surface,

these seem to hold better than the thin alloy ones.

I also locked the threads with Loctite 243.

After a year I also found that the big nuts holding the front wheels

had become loose.

The front tyres should always have the same pressure of air in them.

Check all these things,

trikes cause a lot of vibrations to all moveable parts .

date Sat, Aug 15, 2009 at 10:06 AM.

. the shimmy on his 20" Q is now cured.

there was an o ring missing in the headset.

It might be worth checking your headset against an exploded drawing?

8.16:

. same problem developed on my new QNT after only a few days.

I tried to checked the alignment,

retorque everything I could think of,

and checking tire pressure.

It improved a lot but

there is still a bit of shimmy at high speed.

So I find that headset thing interesting.

The manual says:

"After the first 50 or 100 miles,

check the steering components for signs of looseness.

The headset bearings may need to be snugged up

after they have bedded in,

and the axles should be checked for tightness as well".

date Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 7:35 AM

. ICE has been shipping (the last three trikes)

with a well greased O ring between the steering pin cap and first bearing.

.. for those who would like to try

adding damping to the steering,

one could insert--stretch and snap like a rubber band--

an O ring in this location.

The supplied ring has 1/8" thickness and 7/8" id with 1 1/8" od.

It is greased when installed.

The effect is a pressure fit between the cap and stem

which gives the steering some resistance.

date Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

. official word [on] the purpose for the O ring:

It was introduced to offset any excess steering vibration

--it is intended as a dampener.

Chip, recumbenttrikestore.com

8.18:

Phil Mix date Mon, Aug 17, 2009 at 8:10 PM

Joe, During my 7,000 miles on my Q

I didn't remove both hands at any speed above 10 mph

that I can remember.

However, I know that in breaking the two frames in,

at about 400-800 miles

the steering and tracking changed and the fix was:

tightening the loose headsets.

I am tempted to loosen the headsets as see if I can create this shimmy.

What is missing here is a root cause analysis.

Are the o-rings placed to

lessen the inevitible initial set in of the headsets?

The same retightening of the main steering bolt

was experienced in both frames.

I observed both times that removing the bolt revealed

a crushed ring of frame paint under the lower bearing,

when the crushed ring of paint was removed

and the bolt retightened,

eliminated the need for further retightening.

I have since been on some really rough macadum

and the steering is solid.

After the onetime tightening, retightening was not required.

..for some no hands stuff see me in this one ....

[ shows a trice rider can steer no-handed

by leaning into desired direction .

]

Ha Ha ..no shimmy then.....2 years ago...

Phil

8.20:

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Shimmy of this sort was once a very common problem in automobiles

of the 1920s and 1930s when most cars had solid front axles.

The axle would oscillate whenever its equilibrium was disturbed.

The addition of front brakes in the late 20s made it worse

by increasing the amount of weight on the ends of the axle.

It was the main reason for the widespread adoption of

independent front suspension during the 1930s.

My Model A Fords would develop it when their front radius rod attachments

(which kept the front axle in position) became loose.

It would happen much as described on a Trice,

when the front wheels would hit a bump simultaneously

(such as a ridge across the road) when going fast enough;

it would stop if I hit the brakes

and slowed down below the critical speed.

It is also endemic on Morgan cars,

which have independent front suspension,

but very hard springs

and practically no suspension travel.

I have previously remarked on the resemblance between

a recumbent tadpole trike

and a Morgan three-wheeler.

The crosshead of a Morgan behaves very similarly

to the cross-arm of a trike,

which similarly pivots around

its attachment at the centre

and relies mainly on frame flex for suspension.

On a Morgan, the frame flex absorbs more bumps

than the springs do (I can lean my full weight

on the front of my Morgan without compressing the springs).

On my 1970 four-wheeled Morgan

(which has the same suspension as the three-wheeler),

it happens right around 55 mph if it is going to happen at all.

The cure for shimmy on Morgans

is the same as on a Trice:

first make sure than everything is

tight and properly adjusted

(a 5 psi difference between front tire pressures

can cause Morgan shimmy,

as can wheel balance, kingpin wear,

and apparently the phase of the moon

) and then

introduce some friction into the system to dampen it.

My 1927 Morgan Aero has on it

a "Hooley Steering Damper"

that simply acts like the O-ring in a Trice headset.

In addition, as mentioned,

the rear end adjustment

(tire pressure, and boom length on a Trice)

can affect the front's tendency to shimmy.

Don

http://orangbasikal.blogspot.com

8.23: try the o-ring. [reinstalling what Chip uninstalls]

rgammelg@gmail.com

date Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM

I started experiencing some changes in the steering

after about 300 miles of riding.

I checked the tire pressure and alignment.

Then I tightened the headsets and noticed a slight improvement.

I emailed Chip and he suggested that I

try the o-ring. [reinstalling what Chip uninstalls]

I just inserted it yesterday

and did notice some differences.

Even with proper tire inflation

my wheels would start to oscillate back and forth

and continue to exaggerate

until I had to put my hands on the steering.

Now, with the o-ring inserted,

I am able to ride with no hands and any speed.

Prior to the o-ring,

I would occasionally notice a slight pedal steer effect.

Now that also appears to have been dampened.

It was fairly easy to install.

Just loosen the two bolts on the side of the stem

(where the handlebars pivot)

and lower the stem.

Grease and apply the o-ring over the bolt

and above the top bearing.

Pull up on the stem until it is back in the original position

and tighten the stem.

Bob

8.17: co.mobi/trike/maint/trice maintenance tools and tips:

. for those who do their own maintenance,

and have had a chance to do all the tasks;

did you find any surprises, have any favorite tools,

or favorite places to get parts and tools ?

. the first tool I'm wondering about

is a torque wrench for the pedal wrench .

. trice warns about following these instructions exactly

-- that would include a torque wrench

which involves either much cost or comments like "(ineffective) .

. are all the bearings sealed?

where do you get replacements ?

. what are the spec's on the trice cassette lock rings

[. not sent, search instead:]

torque wrench talk: (Kerry Irons)

The only thing I use the torque wrench for

is BB's and cassette lock rings.

I'm very comforable with doing everything else free hand,

but I find that [doing it free-hand] will likely not get

70 n-m torque for a BB.

The beam units are not nearly as accurate or reliable.

With the "clicker" system, you don't over-torque.

webBikeWorld on torque wrenches for motorcycles:

. our current favorite is this very easy to use split-beam type

by Precision Instruments [C2 Split Beam]

It's important to note that

figures regarding torque wrench accuracy

are usually valid from 20% up to full

of the full scale of the wrench's rated torque capacity

Micrometer torque wrenches can be very accurate;

some are rated at ±3% accuracy

(i.e., about ±1 ft. lb. at a 30 ft. lb. setting).

they can be used in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction

(although torque wrenches should never be used to release a fastener).

chain selection and sources:

8.19: co.mobi/triceriders@yahoogroups.com/trike

. I liked the idea posted weeks ago, of having 3 chains

and rotating them so that the cogs wear evenly for the life of 3 chains .

. any tips on chain brands ?

. what chains feature the most reusable master links,

vs links that must be broken apart or are very difficult ?

. do any of you in {usa, uk, euro} buy chains by mail-order?

. books disagree on solvents:

why should I use the ParkTools` orange cleaner instead of, say,

first {wd40, lps-1}

then {30wt motor oil, lps-3} ?

. Bicycle Mag's book tries to economize by using

the same stuff provided by the auto industry .

other hints by that book:

good solvents for thick grease grimes:

. kerosene, paint thinner or diesel fuel (adds oil),

-- jobs that don't clean up with dish soap

which is meant for light oil and particulate messes .

good lube:

. for bearings and cables use white lithium grease .

replies:

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 12:53 PM

Sram chains have what they call a power link.

I've never had on fail on me. -

date Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 1:31 PM

I suggest using a single chain without the expensive links.

Power-On-Cycling, for example, carries SRAM 951 9 speed chain,

[ SRAM 9 Speed (CHAIN-PC951) $17.99

Good all around 9 speed chain.

The choice of manufacturers on their higher end bikes.

PC-951 has gray outer plates.

PC-971 and

PC-991 have silver outer plates.

Each box includes 114 links and a power link.

Most recumbents will take 2 to 3 boxes to make a complete chain

9.2: SR-PC971 $30 -- sram PC-971 chain

-- SRAM made some minor tweaks to the PC-971 to

enhance shifting performance with Truvativ chainrings

while continuing to offer accurate shifting in SRAM or Shimano drivetrains.

Nickel-plated outer plates for durability with grey inner plates.

Gold PowerLink master link included.

[but one on amazon said it didn't work so well with shimano]

cut to length, one piece.

Add postage and it will be less than DF shots of chain.

Add say 6" for fitting to your needs.

Besides bulk chain will prove to be a discount to you

as the dealer buys it by the 1000 ft roll.

Carry those quick links for emergencies on the road.

8.20:

date Thu, Aug 20, 2009 at 4:39 AM

If you are the [lube it on the bike] type

a ten foot chain isn't a problem

but if you want to maximize the life of your drivetrain

you would do well to take the advice of Sir Sheldon and Jobst Brandt.

Never apply lube to a dirty chain.

The dirt on the outside is doing very little harm

but when you apply lube

it is carried into the inner parts where it forms

the equivalent a grinding paste. This kills chains.

Every 200 miles take it apart

and shake it in a container containing citrus degreaser

then rinse well and dry in the sun or oven.

You can expect at least 6000 miles out of a chain,

and if you rotate 3 chains

you can expect at least 20,000 miles

out of your cassette and chainrings.

8.30: my response:

. follow up on leads .

. what is power link vs quick links?

web:

. here's a story of trouble with power link .

. secret of the SRAM PowerLink removal .

. Park Tools makes a special set of pliers (tool #MLP-1) $15-$17,

that works great on any master link.

Simply insert the specially sized jaws into the masterlink

and squeeze the handles, while pinching the sides of chain .

You need to squeeze the plates together,

but if you squeeze them too hard, they will bind against the rollers

and the pins won't want to move toward each other.

. to make this tool yourself,

bend a piece of stiff wire(old spoke) into a Squared off "U"

[then any pliers can press on the wires to press on the links]

. precede with slight WD-40 flush .

else

take a pair of pliers and set them in the wide position,

then "Z" the chain so the link is the "/" of the "Z"

You can now push the opposing plates

with the pliers angled so each jaw only touches the outer plate.

another success with Z:

Grab the links on either side of the power link

and push together until the powerlink is 90¡ to the chain.

Pinch the side plates of the powerlink with one hand

and push one of the adjacent links to slide the powerlink.

.the Chain Hook.

[wire bent to form pliers with hooked jaws

that can hold chain ends together ]

Taking the tension off the piece of chain you're working on

makes removing a rivet or a PowerLink much easier.

. use a chain tool to push the powerlink pins just a hair farther out.

Removal takes a matter of seconds.

I have done this to countless powerlinks for years with zero failures.

prevention: [I tried this]

. before you install the link,

fiddle with it off the chain a little

to figure out the double action.

Then try it on the chain while not on the bike.

Then go for the full installation.

" I remove my gold powerlink

at least once a week for chain cleaning

" The SRAM links cooperate with me

but the KMC links don't.

" Money saved on KMC/Nashbar chains went towards a Park tool.

" I have found that the silver Powerlink

is MUCH more difficult to open when new

than the *gold* powerlink that comes on narrower (9-speed) chains.

8.30: web.gear/trike/chain:

chains at utahtrikes.com:

KMC X9 9-Speed Chain w/Master Link - $69.95

KMC Z72 8spd Chain w/Master Link - $39.95

KMC Z9000 9 spd Chain w/Master Link - $49.95

9-speed chain recumbent ? Nashbar

Recumbent 9speed Chain 232 Links

Replace your recumbent chain with ease with our really long chain!

Fits most LWB, and SWB A bents.

Compatible with both Shimano and Campagnolo 9 speed systems,

includes a quick link .

[every chain gets bad reviews! no overview is here:]

what does shimano recommend for the capreo ? CN-HG73 (1.83/5 -- bad)

mtbr.com reviews for 9-speed chain

(item, #reviews, grade/5)

SRAM PC-99 (9 speed) 90 3.41

SRAM PC-69 (9 speed) 34 3.56

SRAM PowerLink $5.00 44 4.02

Wippermann 9x1 Chain 21 2.71

Wippermann 908 Chain 15 3.27

Shimano HG-93 9sp $16.00 21 2.29

KMC Z9000 $20.00 21 1.95

SRAM PC-991 Hollow Pin 19 2.79

Shimano HG73 Chain $15.00 30 2.93

I'm willing to bet being a former bicycle mechanic

(and still doing work on the side)

that the chains are not being installed properly

with the Shimano replacement pins.

The replacement pins are a PITA[pain]

but a very simple remedy is a SRAM Powerlink or Connex Connector...

both of which I have used with success

on this chain (I've used two now).

The chain has been reliable, smooth shifting,

and long term durability has been on par with

others at or above its price range.

Having broke both PC69 (now the PG971) SRAM chains in less than a year...

I would highly recommend it over that chain.

I've run HG93 and CN 7701 chains in the past

and I am pleasantly surprised at the quality of this chain.

8.20: bk:

. threads should be oiled; large threads should be greased;

torque values assume this .

. parktool`cl-1 chain lube has a nice drip bottle .

like a syringe but by squeeze .

. before oiling threads, of course nylocked's don't need it;

but, also check that the female threading is not nylocked .

conversions for torque measuring systems:

in lb/12 = ft lb;

nm * 8.85 = in lb;

8.21: mobi/trike/prep like short trips could get long:

. on even short trips, take plenty of water

since being chased by a dog turn it into a long trip .

8.20: co.mobi/trike/trice/maint/tire sizing:

. tyre manufacturers have cleaned up their act a lot in recent years.

In addition to the old 'nominal OD' marking,

which can be hugely misleading,

nearly all modern tyres also carry ISO size markings.

EG 40-406 for a nominally 20-inch Marathon Racer

or 35-406 for a Kojak.

The second number is a direct measurement of the bead seat diameter

(as per cars as stated above

Bike tires are sized by the nominal outside diameter,

not like car tires which are sized by the diameter of the inside of the bead

(where they seat on the wheel).

They often are not the size they are marked. )

while the first denotes the width of the tyre.

The width figure may not be 100% accurate in every case

as it can be affected in a minor way by the width of the rim it is fitted to,

but it is a whole order of magnitude more accurate than the old nominal system.

Using the marked ISO numbers as a basis,

and taking the width marking as height,

normally yields an accurate enough result

for setting a cycle computer.

The ISO sizes are a more reliable guide to what tire will fit your wheel

(there often being several different incompatible sizes

called by the same inch designation),

but not necessarily to the actual size of the tire.

See article on tire sizing

and why companies misrepresent the sizes of their tires,

and an article about the actual measured inflated sizes of Schwalbe tires

compared to their nominal ISO sizes.

Schwalbe does seem to be fairly accurate.

A 20 inch Marathon Racer is 40-406, giving a radius of 24.3cm.

Assuming the ISO figures to be correct (they are normally pretty close)

9.2: Christine Mattheis` the five most common bike-car collisions.

. car takes left turn into on-coming traffic

-- almost half of all bike-car crashes,

according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC).

. cyclist hits an opening car door .

. car exits a driveway into the path of cyclist.

. car turns right without first being in right lane

cutting off the cyclist who is the right lane .

. car hits a slower cyclist from behind .

[

. the chances of this are proportional to

the difference in speed;

if a car is drifting into your lane,

a fast-moving cyclist can counter-drift into another lane .

. then again, speed kills anyway,

as sometimes the reason for the drift

is because the driver has been startled by something falling

reflexively attempting to retrieve it,

and creating a jerk in the steering wheel at high speed .

. this may be difficult to avoid

-- best to stay on low-speed roads .

9.4:

. then again,

a significant number of traffic deaths

are within a few miles of the victim's own home

-- too short a distance to put on their seatbelts,

they assume .

. you've got to be inspecting traffic all the time

and be prepared to take a sharp exit

-- sometimes from crazed drunks that mean to hit you!

]

43,000 are killed in usa crashes every year,

including 5,000 pedestrians

and 700 cyclists per year.

In other countries,

they've been more active about taking those words seriously.

The United States has the highest

traffic-death rate (15 per 100,000 residents)

of all developed democratic countries.

Several European nations over the past few decades,

- Austria, Belgium, France, Germany,

the Netherlands and Switzerland -

have slashed their annual traffic-fatality figures

largely through "traffic-calming" measures

that forcibly reduce the speeds of motor vehicles.

In places such as Germany and the Netherlands,

traffic regulations are actually biased in favor of

cyclists and pedestrians

-in the event of a bike-car collision,

the legal burden is on motorists

to prove that they weren't at fault,

and Dutch drivers are financially liable

even if cyclists are at fault.

(in the Netherlands,

almost half of all local travel is done by bicycle) .

Dutch and German children are schooled in

safe cycling practices

and, when they grow older and learn to drive,

are taught how to avoid even collisions caused by

lawbreaking cyclists.

Peter L. Jacobsen` 2003 "Safety in Numbers"

. Jacobsen found from studying cities internationally

that cars hit pedestrians and pedal-cyclists less

when they see more of them on the road every day .

9.5: news.trice/safety/dog.guard/Bear Pepper Spray is more potent:

"(note #1: Bear Pepper Spray might be applicable -

use only approved spray specifically formulated for bears

- more powerful spray and more potent.

It's more expensive than that made for people

- using people spray may only enrage the bear

without deterring an attack.

) .

Bear Pepper Spray arizona law

www.azgfd.gov:

If a black bear attacks,

fight back with everything in your power: fists, sticks, rocks

and E.P.A. registered bear pepper spray.

Guard Alaska

Guard Alaska 20% ultra hot bear pepper spray

has proven so effective repelling bears,

it is the only one registered with the EPA

as a repellent for ALL SPECIES of bear!

$35:

. superior 20% concentration

This formula is a scientifically proven superior 20% concentration,

. endorsed by the Alaska Science & Technology Foundation.

. Sierra Club criteria for effective bear deterrent

The Sierra Club wants the Forest Service to require

everyone who enters a national forest in grizzly bear country

to carry bear spray.

Spokeswoman Heidi Godwin said in a news release,

"The proper use of bear pepper spray

will reduce human injuries caused by bears,

reduce the number of grizzly bears killed in self defense,

and help promote the recovery and survival of the grizzly bear."

. shoots 20 feet and contains 9 oz. -- 9 one second shots.

8 3/4 x 2" diam.

Environmentally safe and EPA approved.

(One of the only non-Canadian brands

to be approved for sale in Canada)

Quote from the Yellowstone National Park Website:

"

Bear pepper spray is similar to

the pepper spray police officers carry,

but the canisters designed for bear encounters are much larger.

Park rangers recommend that hikers carry the bear spray

as defense in the event of a bear attack.

Bear pepper spray has proven very successful

in stopping attacks,

although one or two people are still injured each year

by Yellowstone's bears.

"

. University of Calgary grizzly bear expert Stephen Herrero:

. bear pepper spray was found to be 94% effective

in deterring aggressive bears.

W. Bellant "Gamer Geek" (Renton, Wa ).

. pit bulls charged me but I had bear spray .

9.2: co.trice/chain tubes:

date Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 11:21 AM

I have TerraCycle Over Under idlers installed

and have removed all the tubes except for

a 6 inch piece that protects my right calf.

This short piece is anchored by a couple of wire ties.

I went with this arrangement because, last winter,

The tubes filled with frozen road slush

and the chain would bind so badly

that it was difficult to peddle forward

and I couldn't back peddle at all.

9.3: co.trice/maint/chain tube vs dry lube:

> Don't use oil to gather dirt and dust to wear the chain out faster,

> so our chain is relatively clean and not a problem.

. anyone had experience with white lightening or other dry lube's?

. I read some also degrease the chain

and soak it in hot paraffin .

joe`reply:

I personally, prefer either Pro Link, or Bosheld T9.

I'm sure that there are many good lubes out there.

These are the two I've had the best experience with.

my response:

web for spelling: ProLink Chain Lube

. will not let dirt and grit stick to your chain

-- in wet or dry conditions. It greatly reduces friction and wear,

allowing smoother operation of your chain and cables,

and it will keep your chain and drive train area clean and seemingly drag free.

ProLink is a thin-bodied lubricant that uses MFR technology,

a molecule which bonds to the metal surface.

It does not build up or become tacky

because it contains no solids like Teflon, wax, moly, graphite or plastic.

Boeshield T-9 by Boeing Aviation

as a corrosion inhibitor for aircraft components.

safe on paint, plastics, and vinyl.

Boeshield T-9 is a combination of solvents, lubricants and waxes

designed for penetration, moisture displacement, lubrication, and protection.

Boeshield T-9 dries to a thin waxy film that clings to metal.

Because it adheres to metal so well,

it works directly on exposed metal surfaces.

The product can be used in two ways to prevent rust.

A thicker coating works in places where additional protection is helpful

such as on hinges, chains, undercarriages, cables and on items put into storage.

9.3: web.trice/maint/chain lubes:

"(. I'm using DuPont Teflon Dry Film Lubricant )

www.bikeforums.net:

(ProLink (my all-time fav), White Lightning, Park lube, and Rock n Roll).

But we all agree that wet is out.

. the driest lubes I have found

have been purple extreme if you let it dry

and honda's chain lube -- lasts a bit longer in the rain.

.

1 part Mobile1 10w30,

3 parts mineral spirits;

clean and relube every 100-150 miles.

sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Most of the contaminants on a chain are thrown up by the front tire.

This lands on the outer side of the chain.

For this reason, you should always oil a chain on the inner side,

the side that faces the sprockets.

The best way to apply the oil is with a drip-type oil can,

along the top of the lower run of the chain.

This applies the oil to the cleanest part of the chain.

Phil Wood Tenacious oil.

mosquito proof's from cycle.wear:

9.4:

. citronella oil helps repel flies from horses;

Lafuma Mosquito Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's (citronella treated)

. lycra? spandex -- gives body aerodynamics

http://www.bugshirt.com/ -- made of microfiber?

9.5:

. the only notable place for microfiber was the mosquito slacks;

apparently not for uppers?

Railrider's Eco-mesh pants in summer.

Regarding the Eco Mesh pants, they have side zippers to reveal the mesh material

(similar to their shirts).

9.24: co.trice/maint/tires for reduced bounce:

. go lighter tires, likes 95psi 1.35" wide kojaks .

9.27: co.trice/maint/tire pressure:

The damping has to come from the suspension.

Trice suspension is wonderful compared with nothing

but has a weakness in this regard.

> http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/images/TireDrop.pdf

I believe there is danger about

using the linked bicycle chart for three wheeled trikes.

Bicycles do not have side forces on their tires.

The Trice Q has a fairly even weight distribution on each wheel.

My total weight of 240 lbs/3 =80 lbs/wheel...

The article would suggest 35 psi for a 406x35 Kojak.

This is way under the recommended tire pressure by Schwalbe of 55 to 95 psi.

One would run the dangerous risk of a tire rolling off the rim in a tight corner

with only 35 psi in your tires.

Consider you may be in a tight cornering situation on "two wheels".

Schwalbe's tech rep recommended 95 psi for the front Kojaks on my ride.

I have been saved several times in near rollover cornering situations

including one on very rough macadam at over 30 mph.

Schwalbe: "actual tire pressures should never be higher or lower than

the maximum and minimum inflation pressures marked on the tire sidewall."

9.26: trice/safety/surprised by heel.strike:

. another way legs can get caught under trike

when not using clipless or shell with floor

is heel strike causes surprise-bouncing out of pedals,

and then being surprised lets foot fall to the ground

which then grips the shoe and drags it back .

10.4: news.trice/safety:

. safety course from League of American Bicyclists Traffic Skills

. took the course and learned quite a bit

-- even after a life time of cycling .