How to Adjust a Recumbent Trike
Recumbent cyclists enjoy a riding position with the upper body in a straight position instead of bending forward on a traditional bicycle. The other difference is the trikes, as the name implies, have three wheels. The style with two front wheels is a tadpole trike, with delta trikes have two wheels in the rear to create high-speed stability with more rear support near the seat. Recumbent trikes are adjustable for each rider in the length of stride, the handlebars for upper body and arm length and the headrest for the rider's height.
Instructions
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1
Insert an Allen key in the screw head on the left handlebar. Turn the key counterclockwise to loosen it, and adjust the handlebar's height to accommodate a comfortable position. Repeat this process to adjust the right handlebar to the same height.
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2
Turn the small handlebars out to create an easier turning radius, or to offer better aerodynamics while riding.
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3
Pull the handlebars off and switch the left and right handlebars for lower handlebars with a lower grip area Tighten each Allen screw clockwise to hold the handlebars in the preferred position.
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4
Loosen the pinch bolt on the right and left side of the boom. Sit on the trike wearing the shoes for riding and extend one leg. Push the boom back into a vertical position and tighten the pinch bolts to adjust the boom for the rider's body length. The correct length is when the leg is fully extended without having to lock the knee to turn the pedal.
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5
Stretch a measuring tape from the outside of one wheel to the other just above the boom. Measure the outside of one wheel to the other just above the seat. The rear measurement should be 1/16" longer than the front to provide toe in for easy steering. Loosen the large nut on each wheel in a counterclockwise direction to adjust the toe. Tighten the nuts clockwise to maintain adjustments.
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6
Place an adjustable wrench on the bottom bolts of the neck rest. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Slide the neck rest up or down to adjust to the preferred position. Tighten the bolts clockwise after adjustments.
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Place an adjustable wrench on the top bolts of the neck rest. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Move the neck rest forward or back to adjust the angle of the neck rest. Tighten the bolts in a clockwise direction after adjustments.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjusting a recumbent trike with more than 1/16" toe in will make the tires turn with the sidewalls on the ground. This is called scrubbing, and will wear the tires out quickly.
Tighten all bolts firmly after adjusting a recumbent trike to prevent falling accidents while riding.
