rbent Forum - Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck

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Posts: 32

Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck
Jun 12^th, 2009, 1:31pm

I have read from numerous sources about "leg suck". I know it is suggested to use clipless pedals and appropriate shoes, but what else can you do to avoid it since we likely will not have funding for clipless pedals and shoes for all of our members? We were thinking adjustable toe straps since our vehicle will be a trike and you won't have to use your feet for stability. It is realized that by doing this it makes bailing out of the trike more difficult. Is this one of the only ways, or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Lesley

Oh I have so many questions Tongue

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« Last Edit: Jun 12^th, 2009, 1:31pm by UofHLesley »

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FlyingLaZBoy

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Re: Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck
Reply #1 - Jun 12^th, 2009, 3:11pm

Quote from UofHLesley on Jun 12^th, 2009, 1:31pm:

I have read from numerous sources about "leg suck". I know it is suggested to use clipless pedals and appropriate shoes, but what else can you do to avoid it since we likely will not have funding for clipless pedals and shoes for all of our members? We were thinking adjustable toe straps since our vehicle will be a trike and you won't have to use your feet for stability. It is realized that by doing this it makes bailing out of the trike more difficult. Is this one of the only ways, or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Lesley

Oh I have so many questions Tongue

Here ya go: http://bentonlife.googlepages.com/tonewtoknow%3F

And hopefully, one would never have to "bail out" of a trike... Smiley

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Opus the Poet Five Star Member rbent member Posts: 1353	Re: Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck Reply #2 - Jun 13^th, 2009, 12:21am The easiest way to avoid leg suck is a floor/belly pan. If the feet can't touch the ground then there is no risk of leg suck. the International Pedal Prix series requires a full floor board as a safety measure. http://www.pedalprix.com.au/index.php?id=326 Need I mention the aero advantages of a good floor/bell pan?
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goatstick

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Re: Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck
Reply #3 - Jun 13^th, 2009, 11:09pm

Quote from UofHLesley on Jun 12^th, 2009, 1:31pm:

I have read from numerous sources about "leg suck". I know it is suggested to use clipless pedals and appropriate shoes, but what else can you do to avoid it since we likely will not have funding for clipless pedals and shoes for all of our members? We were thinking adjustable toe straps since our vehicle will be a trike and you won't have to use your feet for stability. It is realized that by doing this it makes bailing out of the trike more difficult. Is this one of the only ways, or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Lesley

Oh I have so many questions Tongue

Power Grips work pretty good on a trike. Not cheap but you don't have to buy shoes set up for cleats. You could mount cleat supports on regular shoes like we used to have to do... (I still modify shoes to move the cleats another inch back for recumbent use) PG's aren't as efficient for pulling on the pedals as clipless, but far better than nothing or clips.

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UofHLesley

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Posts: 32

Re: Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck
Reply #4 - Jun 14^th, 2009, 3:15pm

Quote from goatstick on Jun 13^th, 2009, 11:09pm:

Power Grips work pretty good on a trike. Not cheap but you don't have to buy shoes set up for cleats. You could mount cleat supports on regular shoes like we used to have to do... (I still modify shoes to move the cleats another inch back for recumbent use) PG's aren't as efficient for pulling on the pedals as clipless, but far better than nothing or clips.

Oh cool! Those power grips look a lot like what we are thinking

Thanks for the suggestions

Lesley

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UofHLesley

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Re: Avoiding Recumbent Trike Leg Suck
Reply #5 - Jun 14^th, 2009, 3:18pm

Quote from Opus the Poet on Jun 13^th, 2009, 12:21am:

The easiest way to avoid leg suck is a floor/belly pan. If the feet can't touch the ground then there is no risk of leg suck. the International Pedal Prix series requires a full floor board as a safety measure. http://www.pedalprix.com.au/index.php?id=326 Need I mention the aero advantages of a good floor/bell pan?

Very true. That would make it difficult if your feet can't touch the ground! Wink

we will keep that suggestion in mind for that purpose and the possible aero benefits. thanks!

Lesley

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