Showing posts with label trike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trike. Show all posts

2012-07-08

combo solid tire and tube

2013.2.21: summary:
. this chronicles my combining of a
typical pneumatic inner tube
with a Bell No-Mor Flats (solid) Bike Inner Tube .
. I now have this on both a bmx bike front wheel,
and on all wheels of a recumbent trike . 

2012-05-01

convert recumbent trike to electric

4.16: gear/trike`helmet/
head-mounted electric traffic signaling:

. having a light mounted on top of
recumbent triker's helmet
can offer the same lights a motorcycle has;
it plugs into a socket on the body
that lets you give signals by button,
without needing a hole in body of velomobile
for arm to give signals .

4.21: news.gear/trike/MagicPie Kit:
Easily Convert Trike into Electric:

builtin-shoes as toe-clips


4.16: gear/trike/builtin-shoes as toe-clips:
. Idea: combine powergrips with a heel cup
that has most of the outer half removed;they fit together
... but moot if building a shell for the trike
that is complete with a floor?
still, even if saved from catastrophe of
slipping out of pedals and breaking a leg
as your foot is dragged under the trike,
slipping onto a shell's floor
is still an annoying interruption of pedaling;
and, the new idea would mean

sealed bearings not easy to remove

4.1: news.gear/trike/sealed bearings not easy to remove:
. bearings actually quite easy to install if you do it yourself.
Just make sure you use a socket that just fits inside the hub
to seat the new bearing.
Pushing on any part of the bearing but the outside race
will distort the bearing and cause it to have
a very short lifespan.
Look carefully for the bearing # on the race.
Likely it is a 6001RS 12x28x8. 10 about $15.
Email ICE and they'll send you a video
on how to replace them.
I used the old bearings once removed
and the axle bolts to
force the new bearings to seat in the hubs.
Alternatively is to have them changed at a dealer.
I chose to change the 4 bearings for the front wheels
with ceramic hybrid bearings
of the 6001 series. [$35, $15 /each]
ICE ceramic bearings cost about $15 each.
...
Driving the old bearings out is pretty simple
from the "outside" of the hub.
...
. used the Ice method for driving out the old bearings;
After half an hour of trying and making no progress
I took the wheel to my LBS;
They said how hard it was get the bearings out
- they had to make a tool specially to get behind the casing.

2010-03-28

Jon Justice sneers at sure justice

3.24: news.pol/jon justice sneers at sure justice:
. ironic how Jon Justice radio show
sneers at sure justice:
speeder-catching cam's are
"(the gov't watching you!)
. but perhaps the real point is that
speed limits are an obnoxious democracy
imposed where consensus could have worked:
eg, consensus would be where
your taxes pay for the roads with
the speed*mass you want:
. the most practical way is to
restructure our city planning
as gated communities that minimize commuting
by use of work-based residences .
. everything you need can be biked to
or trucked in with an internet sale .
. the shop docks are at the wall to minimize truck traffic,
the walls are composed of doughnut strip malls .
. then people can drive between these gated communities
at any speed they want .

2010-03-01

cusion for trice Q seat

proj.gear/trike`seat/foam:


2.5: trike`seat/pipe`foam idea:
. looking through the mesh you can see the frame;
mark the inner edges of frame on mesh with cheap thread,
and then hand sew foam scraps to seat mesh
starting from thread guides
outward for as long as it takes foam to
do a 180 around frame .

2.19: proj.gear/trike`seat/foam:
. modified the co.trice idea of foaming seat frame
by sewing the foam to the fabric
instead of taping the foam to the frame .
. got the foam from trimming what's being used on the cot:
a backpack roll for under sleeping bag,
it's open-cell with a wavy pattern on one side,
I used 2 pieces together, so the both sides of product are smooth .
added 4 sets of stitches on either side
with carpet thread .
mis:
. see picts for how foam mis.migrated;
need to compensate the location to avoid that .

2.26: gear/trike/seat`foam/sheathing system:
. sewing the foam in place must be done by hand
and it must be done repeatedly if the foam gets flat;
hence, the need for a sheathing system:
. the sheath can be machine sewed, is reusable,
and old foam is quickly replaced .
. the sewing will also reinforce the binding of the straps
to the existing fabric .

shopping for velo' security chains locks

gear/trike/security

2.23 ... 2.24:

2010-01-10

idiot-proofed derailleurs

[1.10:
. this idea might actually be worth it for a velomobile,
where stalling on a forgotten downshift
can represent a non-trivial traffic impediment
due to the velo' being wider than your ordinary bike
and not easily push-started .]

4.23(2009): tech.gear/mobi/derailleur changing while still:
. did anyone try a front derailer on the underside,
one that would change gears by pedaling backwards?
. that idea would work for the rear derailer too,
but there are so many of those to do,
pedaling backwards would be an annoyance .
. these would be great for when being
caught by surprise in high gear,
and then no longer would you have to find some manual way
of getting started before you can downshift .

2009-12-29

pedgen (pedal generator) for braking

mobi/trike/pedgen

6.9: mobi/pedgen for braking:
. the best idea is to move the pedgen by chain:
if just using at home then get some extra chain for the front
and undo the chain to the rear
then have a chain ring attached to the pedgen .
. if using the pedgen as a brake on the trike,
where braking energy can also refuel the battery,
then support the pedgen on the rack
and have a chain ring attached to the disk.brake`s disk .
. still not sure of the best way to engage the chain .

10.22: mobi/trike/pedgen/wooden frame is feasable:
. pedgen can use the 1" bearing
within a wooden frame system:
. it being 1" wide there is plenty
for wood to find strength in .
. woodworking is easy so this idea is doable .
the peg fits into bearing fits into wooden doughnut shape
bolted to the rotor .
. the stator axle then has a wooden holder
like the peg does,
only while the peg's chuck is bolted together,
the axle's chuck additional embeds a metal C-clamp
that helps keep the axle from rotating .

10.24: mobi/trike/pedgen/clutch:
. pedgen brake clutch uses air tank
to avoid suddenly yanking on generator:
the tire is pumping air tank which is pumping generator .

2009-12-27

welcome to heck, bent trikers!

4.16: how some family reacted

. the new trike has no basket,
. some wonder how I can see the traffic from down there?
. it's the same posture as in a car,
just a foot lower
and it's the only way to not be
knocked over by the leaping {winds, thieves, dogs},

the converted:
. they brought up a good point..
you are looking up and around instead of down
and low-riders are easier to balance .
but teasing me about fear of dogs?
. I do cry a lot about dogs;
I should just practice martial arts
and let the confidence in!


8.15: co.net/trice/where are all the trikers?
date Fri, Aug 14, 2009 at 1:26 PM
Out of 5 million or so you'd think there would be more.
Actually saw a recumbent trike, not a Trice,
parked outside a supermarket in Skibbereen the other week,
but by the time I'd found a piece of paper for a quick note it had gone.
Come on Tricers, where are you all?
my reply:
. my family said the trike/velomobile was impractical as a car .
. my insur'rep suggested that if I
ever tried to claim that exotic trike as stolen
it might be categorized as jewelry
(they don't cover jewelry) .

cycling in tucson

8.18: proj.mobi/find places to chill:

. broadway has nice shot to river as bus lane is all yours .
. south on columbus gets sparse as approaching airport .

tucson places/trails park:
GPS: 32.226283, -110.833534
-- . fenced off space -- not for a bike ride in solitude
just off broadway's easy-biking route .
from broadway, past kolb,
Turn left at N Avenida de la Vista 0.2 mi
right at E Calle Managua 0.2 mi
-- google street view shows that once you get here, a fence stops you .
Continue on N Gateway City 0.1 mi
N Gateway City, Tucson, AZ 85710
. going at it from the north (speedway&kolb):
right at N Kolb Rd 0.2 mi
left at E Rosewood St 0.4 mi
right at N Gateway Circle
.. there is a dead-end with a nice sidewalk going nowhere .
I think what the many roads are may be a developer's earthmoving,
or from the empty lot nearby and a power generating station next door,
it might have been the old site for the generator .
. it also has the road designs of mini-airport .
. it may be closed so cars don't race on it .
the tracks look well-worn, but without veg'growth
those tracks could be ancient .

. there is a green trail (bikes only) branching from broadway to
old spanish trail down to dan yersavich memorial parkway,
up to the edge of saguaro nat park .



booking for pedal.cycle tips

4.6: trike reviews

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
. 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 .
-- massive Smartguard puncture protection (580g)

4.11: security locking:
. why is Kryptonite no longer using
tubular keys?
disc style cylinder resists picking and drilling
. 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,

16mm hardened Kryptonium¨ steel shackle

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).
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
. hosting activities that increase community awareness .

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:

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

. 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
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 .


. This advanced alarm will send a page to you
within 400 metres, it even works within concrete buildings.


www.armedguard.com

. 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
One of the alarming locks I have been checking
out has been the motorcycle locks at xenasecurity.com .

5.12: quadracycles in canada

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 .
5.23:
. $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 .
The Specialist Inc. 4414 East Speedway Tucson, AZ 85712
520-795-4300
The Specialist Inc. 5602 E Braodway Tucson, AZ 85711
520-571-8500

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 .

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.
[ 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.

. 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,
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
-- 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 .

. 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.

[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 .

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

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.
and why companies misrepresent the sizes of their tires,

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)


. car takes left turn into on-coming traffic
-- almost half of all bike-car crashes,

. 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:

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.
) .


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 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!
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.
. 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.
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:


(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.

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

9.5:
. the only notable place for microfiber was the mosquito slacks;
apparently not for uppers?

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.

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:
. took the course and learned quite a bit
-- even after a life time of cycling .

2009-12-26

trike maintenance

4.20: proj.gear/trike/delivered:

. deflate front tires to add slime;
where's the valve`stem remover?
use the plastic one that's on the mako
(came with pre-slimed tubes) .

. the back is already deflated (as they said all would be)
but it also has no cap on the valve?
and it has no air-seal either!
there's a rip on the inside .
. perhaps they thought it would be
more efficient to just give me a
spare tire and a patch kit,
to warrant leaving the ripped one in place .
. they may have had some new help
who was not following the instructions about
leaving them uninflated,
or their new strategy is to quickly do tires
with tire.irons instead of carefully,
and then compensate by inflating
to see if it got pinched during the rush .

. since I ran out of slime
by the time I got to the back tire,
I decided to turn the ripped tube
into a thorn protector, by slicing out the valve,
and placing it between tire and inner tube .

I was slightly dismayed with the
quick-release on the front tires:
unlike the backtire, they are not suspended on forks,
so instead of just popping off the quick release,
you have to completely unscrew it .
but there is still an advantage to the quick release,
because you can avoid having to
torque and untorque on threads .

seat more reclined:
. if you did want the seat more reclined,
the rear body is a sliding boom
just like the front,
and it might slide far eno' back
so that the chair`back`hook could catch
the top crossbar of the chair`back
instead of the middle crossbar .
. conversely, you could keep the seat where it was
yet contract the rear boom
to use the other hole for the quick-release skewer .
. this would give you more chain,
and put more weight on the back tire .

. note damage on fender is rather inevitable:
you have to tighten it well
or it would strip during bouncy trips,
then the tightener's soft, and has tiny teeth,
as if for hand tightening,
so when it gets tightened with pliers
it looks all chewed up .

adjust boom:
. I sure am glad I got those crank shorteners,
but it means I can extend the boom further,
which is stretching the limits of my chain:
there's a lot of gears I can't reach now
(can't engage the larger rings on both the front and back
at the same time).

try shoes with toeclips(powergrips):
. tighten toeclips -- these have holes punched
for discrete increments
unlike the ones I got separately from nashbar.com;
and I'm wondering if one is more secure than the other .

test ride:
. quite a time getting used to the gearing
(being unable to push-off,
if you accidently stop in a high gear,
you'll have to get out and manually change gears)

get serial #'s .

assemble faring:
. the instructions didn't mention
how I should use the rubber strips;
but they don't fit well between
the tubes and cartilage piece,
so I put them on the upper connection,
on the upper and lower points
between the band and tubes .
. it said to reverse the directions of the band,
but I thought it was easier to tighten them
when both were on the left
(opposite the front`derailleur).
. to get the bands on more quickly,
I removed the front`derailleur .
. the fairing can sit much lower
now that I got those crank shorteners,
I don't think I'll need to see throught it,
so I can cover it with [uv-shield and insulation] .
but if I do need to see through it,
there are uv-resistant stick-on films at home depot .

4.20: proj.gear/tire pump:
. look at electric pump to fix hand pump .
the tip on the hand pump is broken,
but on the electric pump`s tip is crimped into place?
try to find a 12v transformer,
maybe easier to try getting 12v off backup power`s batt?
check the other end if hose connection,
that does screw into place,
so I can cut out the tubing along with the tip from the electric,
and then swap out the tube onto the hand pump .
. a piece of rubber fell out? stuff it back in there .
try the fixed pump:
. the piece that had fallen out was not reseated flatly,
so then its back.pressure valve would not work
and any pressure you put into the tire
would push the handle back up, leak around the handle,
and the guage wouldn't stay at the current pressure,
only during the acceleration, it would spike to higher levels .
. redoing that rubber stopper installation,
it worked ok .

4.20: proj.trike/tires pumped:
todo: hit all the trike tires again;
. what is the pressure to use? 70psi for stock tires,
but generally
it depends on what the tire says on the sidewall .

4.23: mis.mobi/trike/double flat tube set:

. back tire seems more flat than when I left it?
hope I wasn't paying attention then .
. inflate all tires to 70psi
[4.24: back tire will prove flat]

. the rear tire is leaking?
. if walmart has safety flags,
then I can get new innertubes there too;
so plan to call soon about flags .[yes!]

4.23: proj.mobi/trike/adjustments:
. vary handlebars inward and forward
to maximize turning radius tighteness .
. bring rear boom inward:
now have more chain to go in large rings
also made rear finder more sensible .

4.24: aq.gear/walmart#kolb&speedway:
. slime 16oz /8.88
4 inner tubes thick slime-filled /9.96
tire.liner slime`flat protector 2 /9.88
--[4.26: . put both on back tire since not easy to see that's flat ] .

4.25: tech.mobi/trike/foot-fall accident prevention:
. rowers have shoes built into the boat
. use some old shoe that you can
shoehorn into without lacing .
. may depend on how much floor the shell can have .
todo.mobi/trike/toe.clip`heal.strap:
. add a heal strap that is connected by
being an ankle loop that is
connected by a single strap
that loops around the toe-clipping strap .

4.27: mobi/tires/reusing the flats:
. use the 2 flats as thorn liners
split down their inside middle
to fit around innertube .

4.27: mobi/tire liners/may need some finishwork:
. melting the tire.liner` ends,
may help to reduce innertube abrasion[?] .

4.27: mis.trike/tire pumps are easy to destroy:
. crazy and awful luck with all 3 pumps!
got pump grease all over hands? reminds of dioxin threat,
wash a lot, and dried-out chala hands,

4.30: trike/seat/straps adjusted:
. adjust the seat tight
and to keep the strap ends from hanging in the chain
loop each end back through its buckle and knot it .

4.30: mis.gear/spinning rubber on the wax floor:
. spinning rubber on the wax floor was
turned the wax into a
rubber-black thick hard mess,
like liquifying the wax, adding rubber,
and then hardening it again .
todo.gear/wax: [fwd]
. floor has baked on black marks that don't soap-scrub out?
try acetone: ok, but
that took the wax off too .

5.1: proj.mobi/trike/handlebars:
. the riser bars coming out of the horz'handlebar were loose,
and I found it took pliers to tighten the quick releases eno'
so that when locked down they would actually hold the riserbars in place .
. there was some diff' in the amount of turning circle
which was due to the seat not being centered -- fixed .


5.1: proj.mobi/trike/parking brake:
. the brake has a problems with the pads being crooked when a clip is inserted?
try it without, and it straightens out?
remove the clip for now, and pict an markings to find the manual online .
. with the pads straight the action can be very tight,
so the brake works as intended:
it has a lock button on it that keeps the handle depressed
so you can use it as a parking brake without strapping it down with the velcro .
(that is the way the maker provides for one of the stock brakes
to serve as a parking brake)
5.1: clip removed:
. mov strange clip from parking brake to parts box/pump nozzle bag .
5.1: clip reinstalled:
. edit picts to get info about
. find disk brake (avid bb5) manual: Disc Brake Pad Installation BB5 (pdf)
. there is a clip that was removable and which caused
one of the pads to be noisily angled;
that clip is called the pad spreader,
and on either side of it are red handles that are part of each pad .
. I found the name of the brake on this red button,
and to remove the pads, rotate that red button counterclockwise,
then when the pad spreader is removed,
the pads can be removed one at a time (push on their handles) .
. they said it was very important to reinstall that pad spreader clip;
but commenters to a review said these are great brakes
except for taking a 1000+ miles to stop being noisy .
. at high speed, without the clip,
would it make the pad flutter against the disk?
keep it in, even if the action will not be as tight .
. giving it a little bend so it had less spring,
I was able to get it right .

proj.mobi/trike`deraileur/spoke guard:
5.5:
. since I didn't trust that some accident
wouldn't push the chain off the lowest gear and between set and spokes
-- grinding the spokes and costing a new wheel build --
I tried nailing the limit screw all the way
so that the lowest gear would serve as the chain guard .
. this does work:
there is so much variability that it's nicely alligned
with the next-lowest gear .
5.10:
. the trike doesn't have rear deraileur guard
for in case the chain gets pushed over the lowest gear
but this can be made fabricated by
repeatedly winding rope round the spokes, and up,
until building up the right thickness:
creating a shelf that stops the chain from being wedged
between the spoke`base and the cogset .
5.12:
. see if there's a chain guard on the shelf before making one,
and if making one,
can replace woven string idea with foam like for the hubs .
. spoke guards are commonly called spoke protectors .
. real men pay attention to tuning,
is why it's often not std .
. here we see styrene and zip ties being used .

5.11: proj.mobi/trike/steering adjust:
. move trike rear brake control,
re-adjust handlebars to get tightest steering .
re do:
. can the cables be made to stay out of the way?
they are not easily tied down wo lengthening the cable
or stopping full steer .

5.27: proj.mobi/trike/rear.reflector:
. replace the trikes stock sticker with usa's usual reflector .
. the fender is very soft, so drill the bolt hole by
rotating a utility knife .

6.19: mobi/trike/maint/chain/needs a master link not a chain tool:
. the chain I have now is not like past tech:
it can be super-narrow only because it puts a head on each rivet,
but that means the use of a tool chain will destroy the rivet:
the tool chain is now useful only for shortening the chain;
connecting the chain requires a master link .

6.24: proj.gear/mobi/trike/transmission has mystery noises:
. the transmission is making funny clicks that seem related to front chain
but I couldn't find a problem,
maybe help if some other rides while I look at it .

proj.gear/mobi/trike/front derailleur adjusted:
. from trying to use the trainer
I discovered that the front derailleur had gotten to a state
where the high gear was not reachable,
so to make it usable again,
I read the manual, and changed both its position on the post,
the limits, and the cable position .

proj.mobi/trike/maint/pedal`bearings exploration:
8.17:
. did find 8mm, but truvative bottom bracket bearing has unexpected design,
. my bottom bracket is loose;
and, I've never fit the chainset to the bottom bracket bearings;
because, my dealer did that for me .
. ICE says the BB comes already installed,
but the left cup of this one is loose .
. it's spline-shaped with dimples;
like it uses a special tool to tighten it .
[park`bbt9 tool = truvativ gxp tool]
. when I unscrew the hex bolt on the right crank arm,
there is an over-hanging edge that is
not letting the bolt come out;
perhaps this is meant to act as a crankarm puller ?
[yes, that's the crankbolt assembly's self-extractor;
a 10mm bolt that screws on top of the 8mm bolt]
so if I keep unscrewing the bolt, the crankarm will be removed .

. trying to find the manual,
utahtrikes.com says the type of truvativ BB I have is a firex,
(truvativ FireX 48/36/26 170mm)
[8.18: to see that for myself,
I would have had to remove the pre-installed crankshorteners ]
and with that I can google for the

GXP (Giga X Pipe) external-bearing BB system

8.18:
. doesn't mention type of grease unless your BB is titanium,
then it needs titanium anti-seize;
a recent other source suggested white lithium
was the prefered automotive-sourced grease .

bk"sram 2008 manual (includes gxp ref)/cranksets with gxp BB:
. gxp needs park`bbt9 tool or any truvativ tool equiv' .
8.18: however,
. the parktool`bb-t9 is not a module that can be
plugged into a torque wrench .
. one that does plug in is

. both sides of the crank bearings are torqued to 34..41 nm (301..363 in*lbs) .
then the crank bolt is torqued at 48..54 nm .

-- 2004.10.27 rev 5;

bk.mobi/trike/maint/BB:
. bbt-19 allows use of torque wrench
73mm bb shell width and clamp-on deraileur type means
cups get one spacer on left side .
-- that is what I have in place .
proj:
. explore broke tool fixed loose
but need tool to finish .

8.25: gear/pencil magnet (for rear hub servicing):
. to get bearings out (not needed for sealed bearings):
. make pencil magnet by adding strong magnet to
allen wrench or metal rod .

8.25: bk:
. instr's for rear brake tell torx bolt size for bits needed,
13,15 mm cone wrenches for rear .

8.26: capreo shimano manual:
. needs 17, 15mm spanners .
. strange, after viewing this (www.ice.hpv.co.uk/pdfs/
Instructions-for-stripping-ICE-custom-rear-hub.pdf)
-- how to grease the cassette`ratchet mechanism --
it appears there's no way to grease rear hub's bearings
... it looks like a sealed-bearing hub; because .. it is !
(www.ice.hpv.co.uk/pdfs/ICE_Trice_flyer_2_09_web.pdf)
. when the ICE`manual (www.ice.hpv.co.uk/pdfs/qt_susp_manual.pdf)
says the rear hub requires greasing
they are not referring to bearings
but instead the interface between the cassette`body`ratchets
and the hub`splines that catch the ratchet teeth .
"( If the wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn,
you should lubricate it with grease.
Do not apply any grease to the inside of the hub,
otherwise the grease will come out again.
...
Replacement of the freewheel body [cassette`body]:
After removing the hub axle,
[ie, after removing the rear wheel from the frame;
and/or removing the quick-release skewer from the axle
]
remove the freewheel body fixing bolt (inside the freewheel body),
and then replace the freewheel body.
Note:
Do not attempt to disassemble the freewheel body,
because it may result in a malfunction.
[ -- ICE does the opposite of this:
they leave the [freewheel body fixing bolt] in place,
and then instead disassemble the freewheel body ]
[!] pict: (
. shows the the [Freewheel body fixing bolt]
being unscrewed from hub to release the [Freewheel body]
with the "(10 mm Allen key (TL-WR37))
and "(Tightening torque : 35 - 50 Nám {305 - 434 in. lbs.} )
)-pict
)-shimano
. it seems like shimano and ICE are talking about diff'nt versions:
. the shimano pict drawing shows the [Freewheel body fixing bolt]
to be something that screws into the axle,
whereas the ICE photo's show the same part appearing to be the axle .

8.28: web.gear/trike`tools:
summary:
. torx needed for trice are T8, T25 .
. consider places to buy -- includes www.toolsource.com
with better prices at www.sjdiscounttools.com;
do window shopping for wrench, calipers,
and 3/8" Drive Metric Hex Bit Socket Set .
[8.30: later realize I need to check bbb] .

torx needs:
. minoura dura bottle cage has torx bolts? t8:
. torx t25 7nm torque at disk rotor

torque wrench suppliers:
(with notes of what else they provide of what I need)


8.30: who can you trust?

. need to find an on-line dealer with bbb membership:

www.toolsource.com:
no but bbb grades them (A)
www.sjdiscounttools.com:
www.mechanicstoolsupply.com:
Name: Mechanics Tool Supply, Inc.
Phone: (888) 987-4853
Fax: (888) 987-7007
Address: 879 Joliet St # 324 Dyer, IN 46311-1920
a winner!

8.30: aq.gear/www.mechanicstoolsupply.com/order:
torque wrench 3/8-Inch Split Beams Scaled in newton-meters C2FR68N / $123.99
OTC6170 7-Piece Metric Hex Bit Socket Set OTC 6170 OTC6170 / $20.99
Freight: $11.20
[. they made me sign to accept the socket set only
as if it included the torque wrench,
and then had the wrench-make send the wrench direct
which didn't pay for must-sign shipping service .
2010.1.6:
. perhaps the signature was simply to get some verification
that the guy who used my credit card
was actually signing for things at the indicated physical address .
(I was thinking the point was guarding against
theft after delivery to front door) . ]

8.30: web.gear/bike-specific tools:

. no bbb or whois on Harris Cyclery-West Newton, Massachusetts Bicycle Shop
but trust it anyway? ok;
however, they are out of a key tool:
. they do have:

9.9.1:

9.2: web.trice/tools and chain:
. a nashbar.com sale on the chains I already use:
Nashbar Recumbent 9speed Chain 232 Links
. Park Tool Cyclone Chain Scrubber PT-CM5 $24.95
-- but this might get solvent inside the hub .
[no, put it on the smallest gear and have a rag on exit?]
9.4: horn:
. rechargeable boat horn called the Ecoblast
is better than what nashbar has .
9.7:
. finished up at nashbar:
lube may have a reusable drip bottle
for applying spray lube in drips to chain .

9.3: tech.trike/keep degreaser out of the rear hub:
. remove back wheel, [hanging the trike rear by ?]
then clean the chain while running the chain on
just the derailleur cogs .

9.19: proj.trice/{BB, crank`bolt} fixed:
. find tools, find spec's (mis: one log`note
was confusing {BB, crank`bolt} torque values) .
. redo crank bolt,
retighten bb bearings to spec .
9.30: bk.gear/trike`maint/parktool`cyclone chain scrubber#CM-5:
. parktool#RBS-5 is replacement brush set .
. fill to line with chainbrite park tool cb-2 cleaning fluid;
repeat with water and dishwashing soap .
. the sponge is removable for cleaning .
. don't keep the cleaning fluid stored in the scrubber
(it may degrade parts in addition to being air pollution)
. reading cleaning fluid instructions for disposal .

9.30: bk.gear/trike`maint/park tool# BBT-19:
. I don't have italian threads in BB,
the drive side (right side) was turning left to tighten
. made from investment cast steel for long life .
. works with 3/8 torque wrench .

10.3: proj.trike/chain brite in glass jar,
10.6: proj.trice/maint/chain:
. degrease other new chain
drip-dry 1st chain by inverting its jar .

10.7: proj.trice/maint/chain:
. grease with dry lube .
. cln and dry 2nd new chain .
removed old from trike:
. removed old chain,
found it's more than 2ft longer than stock recumbent chain,
need to use original chain halves to extend the new chains .
todo: [done]
. the old chain is 2 parts but one is shorter,
so see if that shortest can extend a new chain to needed length .
finish clean & lube:
... yes, shorter part is usable (but, dont need to measure:
try the shortest, else need to set aside and buy new one ) .
mis:
. the chains were hanging from a portable clothes hanger
parked in the garage, and for the last chain
I was lubing really heavy
thinking the chain was still wet,
and it might take a bit to get in .
. the chains were well cleaned,
but the lube that dropped did stain the garage's cement .

reinstall:
. not sure if this chain tool was meant for 9-speed chains;
they have wide headed rivets,
and hand force wasn't doing it .
. I first tried cutting the chain but the chain pin was tenacious;
then I tried using the chain tool again:
using a diamond file to narrow the tool's pin .
. while trying that without initial success,
I then tried getting some leverage on the hand tool,
driving it's handle with pliars, and that did it .
mis:
. this rear derailleur has a lot of loops to weave through!
fortu'ly, I was having an easy time of using the master link .
10.8: cleanup after lube:
. soap garage chain drip .

proj.trice/maint/chain/master link/practice link:
. ok, glad I read about how to
avoid problems with this .