There is a ton of misinformation out there. You can find an argument to support your view very easily, but I have been teaching new people how to ride carving vehicles for a while now and my verdict at the end of the day stands to reason that the Trikke T12 moves much easier than a T8 or comparable.

Make no mistake the T12 is a top of the line carving cruiser like a top down Cadillac. Your not working as hard as that T8 Sports Car. The T12 requires less turning and more leaning. Lean it and she will follow.

The higher center of gravity on the T12 allows the vehicle to drop into the turn easier. The deck area has more real-estate to move around on, hell I ride tandem with my son all the time. The stride is much longer and you tend to glide more.

I met a women with MS who had bought a Pink T78 Deluxe and was having trouble learning how to ride it. She was having serious trouble, working her butt off and not really having fun at it. She came to me with her husband who liked hers but wanted something bigger for himself. She watched her husband cruise effortlessly on the T12. She was convinced she could do it to. Determined, this 5’3″ lady hopped up on the vehicle ready to go. She had seen with her own eyes how easy her husband made it move. To her delight, once on the T12 she was able to glide around and carve very easily. She traded her T78D in for a Copper T12.

The sad thing is that the shorter carvers out there who want to ride the T12 just cant seem to find a fit, till now. We ran a test with Irene who stands at 5’2″. She’s about 100-105lbs, tiny right. She was having a dog of a time with riding the T12 until we tried something different. By swapping out the T12′s higher profile handlebars for the T8′s lower profile gull-wing bar, Irene was now able to get her leverage on top of the bars and ride very effectively. Even to the point where she looked very natural for someone her size.

The deck stands does stand taller by 2.5 inches on the T12. The wheel base extends to 55 inches head to toe. This vehicle is my ride of choice, Especially for the long rides. Who knows, maybe you should fit one into your stable.

If your ever in Southern California, be sure to stop into the SouthBay Trikke for a lesson and a demo.

See ya round the next turn!

The Journey is the Reward

How do you ride one of those things?

That question gets thrown at me all the time. And then it’s followed by one of two phrases, either that looks like fun! or that looks like work! The second phrase depends on you. Did you look like you were struggling or were you flowing like a graceful bird.

Learning to ride the Trikke carving vehicle is one of those things that is different for everyone. Some have a simple transition, they just get on and go. Others find this a challenge that either needs to be conquered or given up while admitting defeat, and usually the latter is not an option.

When I first learned to ride a Trikke, I was able to get on and make it move right away. I did however sit and watch others before doing so. I surf a bit and the flow was easy for me to pick up, but that was it. I went about 25feet down the street, turned around and came back. It felt more like I was dared to make it go. Then I saw my 15yr old nephew get on it and rip down the street, he was just gliding in between everyone and everything. This was a block party so the street was wide open to ride on. I thought to myself, oh hell no, bring that thing back over here. My journey was born.

Sometimes all it takes to get someone rolling is to show them what is really happening. For me, seeing and kinda studying someone doing it correctly is all I needed. Believe me when I say there are many facets and depth to the techniques that you can learn while riding a Trikke. We can teach you more than you realize, Really! I still learn new things today. This is something that is crafted over time. You are always learning and refining. With practice it just gets better and better as you carve your path.

This video has some basics things to focus on when first learning to ride a Trikke. I hope this can help someone who is struggling with making their Trikke move. If you want to learn more or join one of my riding lesson clinics, do so by contacting us via email at ride@southbaytrikke.com or by calling us at (310) 320-4553.

Ok, show me how to ride this Trikke Andy, Really!

See ya around the next turn…

Hanging with Laura

March LSM 2013

It felt good to stretch out over the Santa Clarita Valley on one of the coolest carving trails around here in Southern California.

Rene’ and I hooked up with the whole clan for the March Last Saturday of the Month Trikke Ride at the Santa Clarita Valley Sports Complex. We drove up from Torrance a little behind schedule and figured we would miss the early bird down-hill run. Well hell no! as luck would have it, we happened upon the motley crew as they were getting ready to descend the long hill they had just climbed. Irene wrestled the camera ready while I navigated the truck. We were able to get some great shots of the down-hillers and a real cool video run of Quincy cruising down the path.

We parked and unloaded the arsenal. I had brought my Ape 8 for everyone to try, it’s a classic that has to be ridden to be appreciated, more on it next time. I was especially looking forward to seeing Laura and Larry from Wisconsin. I miss those guys and I cant wait to start bs’n with them. The banter is priceless and it’s done with love and spice. Good Shit. After hooking up Laura and Larry with T12′s, we all made our way to the gathering of three-wheeled carvers and began the ritual. Long time renewed friendships, regular encounters and even new carvers all coming together for one Kick Ass LSM Trikke Ride. Hugs, handshakes and plenty of “look what I can do now” confident wails. Christine came all the way from New Mexico and Chad, hell he came from Louisiana. Talk about some dedicated Trikkers.

Trikke Harlem-Shake

This was fun. we all got together and performed a Trikke Harlem Shake. The brain child of Quincy and Monica at least in the Trikke World. QuoMo Harlem Shake. Yep that’s what I’m calling it. I do believe it is the very first of hopefully many Trikke Harlem Shakes to come. This was a really cool idea and a great way to kick off the day.

This ride had many waves and I was part of the long run. The first group jumped in their cars and bailed to a starting point. We would meet with them later. It looked to be around 30 riders total and I would say 75% of those took the long roll. The air looked mild but do not be fooled. The valley is a windy place and today was no different. It was however tame to moderate. The fluffy balls of pollen were everywhere. Like a snowy December dusting.

Gina, Martin, Irene & Chad

We rolled through the back trails of the valley and up to the closed community’s with all the high-end everything. Plush neighborhood. I had to break out a TrikkeAndy Video to catch the moment. We stopped for pictures at our usual rally spot with few issues along the way, or so we thought. That’s about the time when Margarets Pon-e lite began acting up. Like a riled pon-e that had kicked her last buck. Anyway I ended up swapping out my T12 to Irene who then gave her decked out Pon-e lite to Margaret and your Daddy carved the Lite back under human power. Occasionally it would start up, I would swap out trikkes with Rene’ but that never lasted long and I was back on the lame horse.

Another great ride and finish!

The weather was awesome and the company even better. Larry was nowhere to be seen and neither was Laura. I think they both really enjoyed blasting around on the T12′s. By now we are a moving force, 20 plus strong and rolling to the final destination. The Bar! The one thing this ride is famous for is the ice cold Schooners that quench the riders thirst. And Schooners is the place where it all happens. The best, mmmm damn good beer! Ok Laura now it’s on. The banter begins and the beers are coming in all flavors and towers. That’s right I said towers. They have it and I saw it. yikes.

I did get a chance to go around and visit with everyone. What a great eclectic group I am fortunate to ride with. Always blows my mind at the diversity and the kool kats these people are. Everyone had an amazing time and the stories were all of new and old experiences here in the Santa Clarita Valley. I made my way outside to hang with WW and the amount of Trikkes we had parked outside would blow your mind, truly amazing. We are blessed to have this kind of showing.

The only real drawback to stopping at Schooners is the three miles that still need to be carved to get back to the truck. Poor planning? Not really. It actually felt nice to get that last carving sensation in before we ventured back to the South Bay. There was a nice hill-climb at the end and Rene’ had a few choice words that summed it up well. The journey is always worth the reward. Peace, See ya round the next turn!

Sean from SouthBay Trikke gives me a hand to show you just what is in the box. So lets get to it.

Don’t miss out on the T12 Roadster Assembly video. The video will walk you through the entire procedure. And if you have any difficulties, you can always call (855) 4TRIKKE (855) 487-4553.

Get a good look at what’s behind you

Keeping track of whats behind you can be made easier by mounting a mirror to your Trikke. We mounted this style right onto the front structure. The vehicle folded well and the mirror was just enough out of the way that it did not disturb the ride. These are available at http://southbaytrikke.com/accessory/mirror/.
See ya round the next turn.

Then out of the corner of your eye, you spot this crazy looking mountain bike type skki machine flowing down the mountain with stability, grace, and a cool factor times 10. You cant help say to yourself, “I have to try that, what the hell is it?

The Trikke carving vehicle comes in many flavors. The one that started it all was the body powered fitness machine. your body is fully engaged with every turn, all muscles working in unison. A workout and fun dance all in one. Trikke did not rest on their morales. The Trikke skki seemed to be a natural for the carving down the mountain slopes. Hell, the carver was designed to bomb hills in the first place.

As your journey begins, check out www.southbaytrikke.com for some help and guidance. That’s the Trikke Andy promise. See ya round the next turn!

Summer Trikke Ride in Southern California

Brand New Affordable Trikke T7

Originally published in TrikkeWord Magazine

In the beginning when Trikke started out, There were four main versions of the carving vehicle. We had the T5, T6, T7 and the timeless T8. The numbers represent the wheel size with a frame to match. A size for everyone in the family.

They were all polished aluminum beauties. There weren’t any color choices, except for the wheels. Over the years many of these models either changed or were replaced. With all the current carving vehicles in the Trikke line-up, It seemed now was the time to fill a gap. What gap you ask? A gap that brings performance, versatility and affordability to the entry level consumer. While there are a full line of standard fold-able Trikke’s available, one model that faded into the history books, the T7, has come back to us with a whole new look.

This Trikke T7 is now features an all solid steel frame, sports seven inch poly-urethane wheels and has no folding mechanism to speak of. You can still fold it, but you will have to remove the main axle every time you do it. The T7 is available in three designs, all having white as its base color. The accent details include black, blue and red. One will suit you just fine. My favorite is black. Also a plus with the T7, is the ability to run everything for 6-8 poly wheels and air tires. Now that’s versatility.

The fact that there is no folding mechanism means that this is one solid machine. I put this carver through the test and found it to be everything I could ask for and more. Sturdy through the turns, no flex in the frame and a smooth ride all together. Carving was just plain awesome.

I brought this carver to one of our LSM rides here in Southern California and let everyone get their hands on it for a test ride. The sound off was unanimous. “I like it”, “Sweet”, “Muy bien” and “Take off baby” to name a few.

Typically most models simply add the front fork and off you go. The T7 comes packed in a smaller than the average box and requires you to assemble every appendage. Assembly requires a bit more than we are used to with Trikke but no worries “How to Assemble your Trikke T7” is available in article or video form. Setup is simple, straight forward and thanks to the easy to read manual, a breeze to put together.

The T7 is a fun little cruiser even for a big guy like me at 6’3″ 220lbs. I highly recommend this carver and the fact that you can add air tires to it, makes this machine very versatile. I did make one modification to my T7, I mounted T78CS handle bars and found them to be more comfortable for someone my size. All in all, I give this Trikke carving vehicle five turns out of five. Nice job Gildo.

Originally published in TrikkeWorld Magazine

Get your hands on the new Trikke T7.

The all-new Trikke T7 is a fully convertible model that can accept 6-8 inch poly-urethane wheels and 8.5 inch air tires. This carving machine is presented at an affordable price from $169 to 179. Assembly requires a bit more than what we are used to with Trikke, but one needn’t fret.  The Trikke T7 shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to set up (and that’s being generous).

For those with a phobia against assembly manuals, check out the video, (Trikke T7 “What’s in the Box” Assembly)

For those who need further clarification, here’s a step-by-step guide to building your new dream machine.

1. Lay out all the parts from the box. Account for the fork, handlebars, front structure, two trailing arms, three wheels and one main axle. You will also receive a tool kit consisting of two 5mm and one 3mm hex wrenches. Remove all zip-ties and packaging. Review the manual before starting, it only takes a couple of minutes. Once the parts are laid out, accounted for and tools are ready.
2. Assemble the front fork unit first by removing the axle from the fork and set the wheel in place. There are two spacers, fit one on each side of the wheel. Loosening the two upper mounting bolts, will allow the fork to spread open, making the spacer installation easier.
3. Do the same with the rear wheels. If you are having issues inserting the wheel axle, slip a wrench in the opposite end of the wheel to center the spacer in-between the wheel bearings. While you are doing this, try to slide the axle through the wheel. Make sure your spacers ore in place and bolt up tight.
   

   Parts to assemble upside down

4. At this point, lay the trailing arms and front structure (steering assembly) parts upside down to make your job easier. With the cambering mechanism yolk already mounted on the front structure, slide the trailing arm into place with the appropriate washers on either side of each cambering bushing.
5. Apply a dab of white lithium grease on the yolk ends, this allows the bushing less resistance while installing. Once the trailing arms are mounted, flip the trikke over and lay the brake cables underneath, keeping them out of the way for now. Raise the front structure to align the main axle bore. Insert the main axle through the bushings of the first trailing arm, front structure and the remaining arm. Use the provided 5mm hex wrenches to tighten the axle. Again it’s a good idea to dab the main axle with the white grease for easy installation. Note – If things are tight, loosen the yolk retaining bolt a few turns. This should allow the path of the axle to line up perfectly. Once the axle is in and bolted, retighten the yolk bolt.
6. Now that things are taking shape, insert the front wheel onto the steering end by aligning the push pin and tighten the two bolts with a 5mm hex tool.
7. Mount the handle bars slightly angled forward at about 30-45 degrees. Make sure the push pin on the fork is facing forward and wheel axle is behind the fork. Rotate the brake levers forward to a comfortable riding position.
   

   Final Brake Adjustment

8. Lay out the brake cable so they cross over each other, on opposite sides of the front structure, above the trailing arms. Route the cable around the front structure to the brake lever. Fit the brake cable head into the lever slot, making sure to associate the correct side. Slide the cable housing into the guide stay mounted along the backside of the front structure.
9. Turn your Trikke upside down to finalize the brake adjustment. Run the bare cable through hole on the canti-lever brake pad. Loosen the retaining cap with a 3mm hex tool. Remove one bolt and slip the cable under the retaining plate, then snug down the two bolts. Pull the cable tightly. The wheel should not move because the brake pad is making contact with the wheel. Bolts are slightly loose in order to pull the pad away from the wheel about an 1/8 of and inch. Now lock down the bolts.

Yesterday, police in Hawthorne, CA, hosted a meet-and-greet at a local McDonald’s, giving area residents a chance to get acquainted with the latest addition to the department’s lineup of patrol vehicles: three Segways.

Naturally, we at SouthBay Trikke thought this was the perfect opportunity to pay a visit to our South Bay neighbors, courtesy, of course, our own brand of ultralight electric vehicles, the Trikke Tribred Pon-e.

So bright and early in the morning, Sean Tice and I mounted our 48-volt Pon-e’s and carved our way towards Mickey D’s in Hawthorne at Rosecrans Boulevard, near the 405 freeway.

Once there, we cruised around the lot a few times, giving us a chance to make a grand entrance while scoping out our competition. Next, we tied off our three-wheel Pon-e’s adjacent to the two-wheel Segways and entered the joint like cowboys entering a wild west saloon.

“I knew you guys would be here!” said one Sergeant Chris Cognac after spotting us immediately. Sean and I smiled at one another. Did the Trikke gods send messages of our pending arrival? Had a secret society been at work behind the scenes? Or had someone been reading the Daily Breeze, the local paper that had just published a story about the Segwayed cops (complete with comments from SouthBay Trikke and some of our fans).

Right away, Sgt. Cognac wanted to see what these carving machines were all about, so we headed back outdoors, where the Segwayed cop met the Trikke. We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of both vehicles, agreeing that each had its own learning curve. Then Detective John Dixon, another Segwayed cop, joined us to add his perspective.

Both officers took me up on my invitation to mount the Pon-e and both found it to be comfortable and stable. All the while, passers-by ooo’ed and ahhh’ed at the array of electric assist vehicles. These machines caused quite a scene.

To show off the Trikke’s capabilities to the Hawthorne PD, I took a few spins around the parking lot, at one point hopping over the curb onto the sidewalk—a move the Segway dare not try, according to Detective Dixon.

Examining the differences in the two cruisers, the officers said their needs where best met by the Segway. To them, the Trikke’s ability to turn around in a tight space was up for debate. Hastily, I mounted my three-wheeler to show them the Pon-e was up for the job.

Whatever their flavor, the electric vehicle is here to stay and will be welcomed with open arms by both municipalities and consumers.

After a cup of joe and a muffin, we shook hands with the officers and said our goodbyes. As Sean and I mounted our electric thoroughbreds to head back to SouthBay Trikke, we couldn’t help wondering if we might someday see policemen on Pon-e’s, patrolling the streets of America.

Andy Pliska is president of SouthBay Trikke, official local dealer of TrikkeWorld.
Photos by Sean Tice, Trikke trainer from SouthBay Trikke.

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