I know--another newbie with questions! What do you consider to be essential accessories for a new triker? After the initial outlay for the Rover, I'm trying to keep expenses at a minimum. I did buy a helmet, safety flag and a water bottle, but I'm seriously considering mirrors (I'm hearing impaired and really find I'm at a loss without some visual support). A bag of some sort for carrying ID, phone, keys, etc.? Basic tools? Air pump?
Also...on my first trip out I encountered a potentially nasty pit bull roaming loose. Stare-down worked but I was definitely shaken. I need a deterrent. Halt? An air horn?
Any suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated!
Comments
Important:
• Headlight & Taillight - I refer the Bontrager line-up for their warranty and light output. Everyone has their favorites. If staying safe is your main purpose, then I recommend the Ion rechargeable with irregular daytime running strobe ($98) and Flair rechargeable ($64). They do make a significant difference, and the headlight doubles as a portable flashlight.
• At least one mirror - Mirrycle mirror stuck in the left handlebar or (better) Versa Bar
• Quality Safety flag - Not them orange triangle things, something with varied colors and a lot of reflective qualities. ~ Would strongly suggest a SoundWinds Day/Night Flag with a free bracket (have to ask for one) mounted vertically - soundwinds.us/bike-flags/
• Cargo Rack and Pack: Carry an air pump, spare tube, bug spray, valve tool, tire irons, patch kit of you don't use Slime (www.slime.com/us/products/bike/), lightweight battery recharger pack for USB (phone, lights), small tube of chain oil & lubricant, spare flashlight (never know).
• Foot retention: Whether it be heel slings of SPD pedals, latter is preferred.
Recommended:
• Versa Bars - Makes getting in and out much easier. Also gives more area to mount things & much better place to mount mirrors. (shop.terratrike.com/product-p/versa-bars.htm)
• Seat Bag: Great for storage, hydration bladders, or places to store items. (shop.terratrike.com/Seat-Bag-p/tt600134.htm)
• Headrest: Takes a while to get adjusted, but if you lay back get one of these. (shop.terratrike.com/Headrest-p/tt600048.htm).
• First Aid Kit: Put in a pack or bag.
• Cycle Computer: Unless you prefer a smartphone app like Strava or CycleDroid.
• AirZound: Dog and car determinant. (www.ebay.com/itm/like/391189032871?chn=ps&dispItem=1)
You probably won't upgrade with everything, or anything, real fast. It's been nearly a year for me getting this far and upgraded the tires too. Speaking of which, get your wheels checked for proper alignment first off. That may save you money down the road.
Past that it's more of finding what suits your wants and needs. Consider joining TerraTrike Owners group if you do facebook. Way more helpful people there, and of much more variety. (www.facebook.com/groups/terratrikeowners/)
Enjoy the riding!
My second is upgrade to Schwalbe Marathon tires. They are a high pressure tire that makes the trike roll sooooo much smoother.
Jeff "Chonk" Yonker
Marketing Dude @TerraTrike
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretsky
I thought about the "hard" response until a friend suggested a better fix.
A hot dog in my jersey.
After tossing that critter a hot dog a few times, instead of him/her (I didn't look at the time), wanting to chew my leg off, the gnashing of teeth turned to a wagging tail.
Even when I stopped being Frankfurter Fred, he never again went after me.
How mechanical are you ? Can you fix a flat on a trail ? If so buy a patch kit and basic tools and pump.
The rest is dependent somewhat on how far, how frequent and where you ride.
Ease into the equipment as you experience your rides.
You could easily spend an additional $1000 on stuff once you start buying things like computers or GPS, other tires, fenders, racks, bags, gearsets and on and on so take everything you read as advice but not necessity.
Worse case take $20, a cell phone and I'D. on your rides. Call someone to get you or pay someone $20 to get you home or back to your car. The I'd is for the cops.
So when will fenders be available for the 24" Rambler AT?
I bought exactly what you listed. If you riding on roads, I suggest two mirrors. It's good to see on both sides behind you. And mace is good protection as is a horn of some type.
One of Terra Trikes new teardrop flags is pretty awesome, also.
Take an ID and your insurance card just in case there is an accident.
There are so many things I could say but, because I'm new, I'll hold my tongue ;-)
bell $12 http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11619403.html
tool kit $23 http://www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-195.html
tire pump $13 http://www.monsterscooterparts.com/mini-tire-pump.html
quikstik http://shop.terratrike.com/QuikStik-p/tt600078.htm
pouch $20 http://shop.terratrike.com/product-p/tt600342.htm
you can probably find all this stuff cheaper at amazon.com
terratrike store, utah trikes, hostel shoppe will give you a pretty good overview of general trike add-ons.
dogs understand a stick. velcro a few feet of 1-inch oak dowel to the side of the seat.
I'm with you. A couple of very aggressive dogs I have encountered over the years, the hot dog would be the dog's desert.
You could get a TT Seat Bag and put all your "stuff' in there also.
If you aren't familiar with fixing /working on a trike at least learn to fix a flat, as you will have one one day; depends where you live. I "goat Head Country" you will have a flat. You can use slimmed tube or put slime in your tubes and then I suggest "Mr. Tuffy": a tire liner. Or go tubeless with sealant inside the tire.
Read online and watch You Tube videos to learn to perform minor repairs, adjust the chain, gears, lube the chain, etc.
Wish you lived close by I'd tell you to bring it over and I'd teach you how to work on it. Best wishes and fun, safe triking!!
No word on the 24" AT Fenders yet
Jeff "Chonk" Yonker
Marketing Dude @TerraTrike
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretsky
3 chunks of dog poo the rear wheel flung at my head.
FENDERS. (But also helmet)
I'm a big guy, have Marathon Plus tires. Have yet to be bothered by any wetness. And as hot as it has been (and to be again) it is refreshing. Road debris? Not noticed any yet. Doggy land mines, no issues here. Road apples left by horses, and cow patties, now that is different story but not so much.
Wished was a volume discount for item purchases. Newer mesh seat, Front fenders for the cool factor, and considering the BB7 brake upgrade.
Need to lose a lot more weight before getting additional bags. And Mr Chonk teasing us with e-assist upgrades now ... !
If had something I made that was interesting... could probably offer a trade in trades for a discount maybe. Like that guy who makes Prickly Pear jam! Sadly I have nothing to offer 'cept maybe a barely used concert ukulele. Didgeridoo are way easier to play.
soon and have to swerve to miss the horse fudge in da roads.
LOL - ROTFLMAO
Snow and possibly mud