I just ordered my first trike, a "True Quest." I'm 74-years old now, and after getting a full knee replacement and a recent back operation, I can still ride my usual two-wheeler well, but after suffering a few minor crashes prior to my surgeries, I began to feel less "safe" on my regular bicycle. The fact is, when you're riding a bike, you're going to have a spill, sooner or later. But when you get up to our age, any crash like that could break something that you very much would like to keep. I can't wait to get my new trike, where I'll be able to get my same degree of exercise, without the fear of falling. I was thinking of getting one with an electric motor, but I realized that as lazy as I am, I'd probably NEVER pedal again, so I decided to go without the electric assist. The best part is, you can always ADD the motor, later. Happy peddling!!
It's seven years since I made this video and have been peddling my trike daily ever since. Had to replace the peddle crank bearings and seat covering - otherwise just cosmetic disfigurement (as with my physical appearance). Even better part - never feel need for motor assist.
Thank you for making this. I'm a disabled Veteran whose trying to get out like this. I'm trying to work out transporting a trike as part of the package when I go for it.
You make me feel like a kid at only 76! Nice mod you did with the safety banner flapping in the breeze. I'm going to do that on my Sun recumbent trike. My other ride is a Trek 2.1 road bike, which I'm not ready to give up just yet. Plan to do the century ride this September for Ride MS. Thanks for you excellent video.
Didn't check posts on my page until now but wondered how your September Ride MS went. Also can you post a pic if you've done a safety conversion on your Sun?
Trikes are heavier than bikes and this is a particularly heavy trike, made out of high-tensile steel. However, you can make the gearing as low as you need by changing the front chainrings and rear cassette - it comes stock with pretty high "cruiser" gearing which is fine for super-flat Florida but not good for older/infirm/out-of-shape folks in hilly areas. However, because it's a trike, you can go as slow as you want without any risk of falling over, or stop any time you want for a rest and don't even have to take your feet off the pedals!
Nice video. Hopefully it will inspire some folks to get themselves a recumbent trike. The most dangerous thing you did was leaving your camera behind. I once had to convince a bike rider who picked it up the camera was mine. BTW. Do you know we how in the Netherlands call an 84yo fart on a trike?
Luckily our Stuart neighborhood is pretty crime-free and I wrap my tripod in a red skirt so it suggests it's part of an ongoing project...now 86yo fart-on-a-trike
maya-gaia 86yo on a trike we call.....lucky bastard. I prefer tadpole trike for longer rides. But deltas are better grocery getters. I miss the Sinner Comfort delta I had. Paid less then 200 euro so not the end of the world when it gets stolen. I won't risk parking the Hase Lepus at the supermarket. It's not mine but from someone in Daytona. Though we are a cycling nation, you won't see many old folks on a recumbent trike. I think they should. Much safer then those modern e-assisted bikes. People fall and break their limbs. Luckily we have plenty bike paths. If you have never been to Holland, look up markenlei here on YT. But my guess is you have traveled the world.
The problems you have with the trike on the footpath (12:00) would also be experienced by people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. You local council needs to improve this area.
Know your comment well intended - but this is not an area frequented by pedestrians so slight chance anyone would be impacted. I chose this route to show the trike handles such obstacles in stride. Our city of Stuart provides a remarkable amount of support for seniors and disabled including public transportation all over the city.
Good advice for bikers. On motorcycle, I wore a helmet and shoes but for last nine years and on my second Sun Seeker (now 94yo) no problem. Heightening visability and staying alert - way more important.
@@mayagaia4 I have exactly the same bike, color and all. Very comfortable and easy to ride. Bought it in 2004 and still try to ride daily (82yo). I wouldn’t even think about sitting on it without a helmet, and forget about wearing flip flops. It’s his business - but he should be more safety minded. He sets a not so good example.
Assuming a trike is riding responsibly as close as possible to the curb of a roadway that lacks a bicycle lane - any careful driver overtaking the trike would wait until the opposite lane is clear before attempting to pass. If they use poor judgment and drive into oncoming traffic, I'd feel guilty and sad but not legally responsible.
NOT his fault if some impatient driver chooses a risky maneuver to get around and loses the gamble. That's one of the many reasons to avoid getting in a hurry, we need to SHARE THE ROAD. Selfish and immature people usually look for a way to blame someone else for their own poor judgement. If he were swerving erratically like he's drunk, you can call the police, but that still doesn't make it his fault if you don't choose an alternate route or a safe way to pass. Two wrongs don't make a right. Driving on the left side of the road (in the USA) is justification to involve law enforcement, as is turning right from the left lane the like he did. I think his judgement may be lacking a little. Is this new? I don't find that more or less annoying than younger people who don't notice the traffic lights have changed because they're using their "smart" phones while they drive.
Thanks Geert for your excellent tip - although I've worn flip flops over the past thirty since I retired to Florida except if I'm pedaling over a few miles.
