Veltop...What's it really like? Yet another update!

I've just been told by Cyclo-System that their test recumbent Veltop will be here in time for the Wem Trice Weekend T2.  I really hope this product generates lots of interest amongst recumbent trike riders.  It should be noted that the Veltop is designed to fit many different types of recumbent trike, however the fixing kit provided for my product review will be specific to ICE/Trice machines.

Veltop...What's it really like? Another update

I haven't heard from Cyclo-System in France, so I contacted them this morning.  I've asked that, if possible, a recumbent Veltop be made available for the Wem Trice Weekend T2 on 3/4 July.  It would be great to have a Veltop at Wem for other trike owners to see and try...Who knows, it may even generate sales!  If it is fitted by then, I am happy for other owners to test ride my machine if they wish...

Wem Trice Weekend T2

PROVISIONAL BOOKING CANCELLED
An update - We've been over to the proposed venue this morning and it looks ideal for a Trice event.  We will be staying about 1.5 miles from the small town of Wem, at a campsite called Lower Lacon Caravan Park.  They have showers, a shop, a swimming pool and even hot food!  The place is large, clean and friendly and the staff we talked with were really helpful.  A provisional booking has been made for a 2-night stay commencing Friday 2nd July.  So that they know just how many people to expect, the campsite have asked that we provide numbers within ten days of today (27/05/10) - Please let me know if you are interested.
PROVISIONAL BOOKING CANCELLED

Possible Trice Event

With the help of a friend, I am currently planning a Trice event over the weekend of 3/4 July.  This will take place at a campsite in Wem, Shropshire.

Weekly mileage log

I have decided to try and keep a weekly mileage log.  Hopefully this will start shortly and include maps compiled from GPS data and the occasional picture.  Details of my journeys and any trike maintenance issues I encounter may also be added.  The plan is to travel, almost exclusively, along the many quiet country lanes around my Shropshire home.  My current weekly average is just under 40 miles (64Km) per week.  With good weather just around the corner, will this improve?  You will have to read the blog over the coming months to find out... 

Veltop...What's it really like? An update

I have just been told by Stéphane Delery at Cyclo-System (the Veltop manufacturer) that they are happy to provide the recumbent trike version for review.  The test Veltop will come complete with fixings for my ICE QNT and should arrive sometime in the next few weeks…Watch this space for details!
Copyright of the included image remains with Cyclo-System.
Please do not use without permission.

Peter Ross Interview

Paul Lowing's illuminating interview with Trice designer Peter Ross is now published on the Tricerider blog.  Please click here to read this page.

Veltop...What's it really like?

I've just found this interesting piece of kit from France.  As far as I can tell, there are versions for both upright (Upwrong) bicycles and recumbent trikes.  I'm not aware that a recumbent bicycle version is available at this time.  I'd love to test the Veltop with my ICE QNT...Does anyone have the recumbent trike version that I can borrow for a road test and product review on this blog? 

Crystal Engineering

I am trying to research the history of Peter Ross and Crystal Engineering.  Unfortunately, there seems to be very little information available on the Internet.  If you have details or pictures of Peter and his machines, either two or three-wheeled, please get in touch.  I also require details of the later Orbit produced Speed Ross recumbent bicycle...Many thanks

'Not too impressed with the Video Bar!

For now I've finished the Tricerider blog revisions.  Generally I'm quite impressed with the new look, but I'm a bit hacked-off with the provided Youtube Video Bar.  The videos go in a circle, which is to be expected because I chose to link to two separate channels.
However, what I didn't expect was "undefined" content.  One of these undefined videos is a lady with a rather prominent cleavage.  Unless someone can suggest a solution which will effectively block content of this kind, I plan to remove the video bar in a very near future.  Doing this would be a great shame because the featured Trice videos are excellent…

500 days with a Trice

I have now owned a Trice* for just over 500 days. As of four days ago, it has covered 2717 miles (approximately 4300 Km). This equates to about 5.5 miles per day or 38 miles ridden for every week since purchase. I don't think this is a bad average, but it does have a downside. As we all know, the downside of using pedal power is the wear and tear that can be inflicted on the machine, it's component parts and the rider! So last week and purely out of necessity, I replaced the tyres and drive chain. My total spend was 60GBP (90USD or 70EUR). Costs were kept to a minimum simply because the chainset and derailleur block are still quite serviceable.

Helping to keep expenditure down was the fact that back in September 2009, I purchased two complete sets of almost new Schwalbe Marathon Racers from ICE designer Chris Parker. The cost of these tyres was negligible (5GBP per tyre including inner tube) so what hurt, was the cost of a new recumbent drive chain. Bought directly from ICE in Falmouth, this essential item set me back almost 46GBP (67USD or 52EUR) excluding postage. Initially I did think this was a lot to pay for a chain. However when I sat and considered the situation, I realized the chain had actually cost less than 1.7p for every mile of use. Apart from a Trice, or any other recumbent trike for that matter, where else can you have so much fun whilst getting fit for less than 2p a mile?

*My trike is a 2005 model ICE QNT which carries no Trice branding