Post by Paul
HELMETS AND GOGGLES – Whether to wear a bike helmet is a personal decision people need to make. It is nearly impossible to fly forward off a tadpole trike and then hit your temple or back of your head as on a DF. But it is possible to roll sideways and hit the side of your head. There are no helmets, therefore, specially made for trikes. Even though helmets are not shaped for my need on a trike, I wear one on my rides.
Since a trike lays the riders face at a laid back angle unlike the bent forward angle on a DF, the rider has air blowing under his sunglasses drying out the eyes. It is then advisable to wear goggles that protect the eyes from the wind.
LIGHTS – We will be riding west to east. Because of this, we will be riding into a morning sunrise. Traffic approaching from behind will be facing a bright sun. The use of lights in the morning and when under tree overhand will help drivers see our trikes better, as is our use of the headlight in the late afternoon if we are still riding. I made a riser for my tail light so that it is at eye level so cars that are following can more easily see us.
MIRRORS – Most of my riding is on US and state highways that have a shoulder and I need to clearly see traffic approaching from behind. Most trike mirrors require glancing down to see what is behind. Since it is easier to see what is happening if the mirrors are closer to eye level, I raised my mirrors. To do so I used old aerobars from my road DF. They are slightly over eye level so I can look above my panniers to view what is behind and help better see cross traffic on crossroads.
PANNIERS AND BAGS – Panniers come in different price ranges and those that will stay dry are more costly yet. I purchased some affordable ones that will keep my equipment dry. The use of ziplock bags will ensure dryness. Also, I will use a ‘day bag’ for ready use. This will hold my tools, daytime needs, and a small knit laundry bag for drying clothes in the wind while riding.
ATTENTION COLOR – Manufacturers mainly produce dark or black equipment for bikes. The purchase of bright and easily seen equipment is generally expensive. Since retiring I look for the least expensive way to create visibility. Trikers don’t need expensive bike clothes to be cool. Bright shirts and reflecting equipment are accessible in the market (read WalMart) at a reasonable price.
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