Tadpole Trike: Where Should You Feel Fatigue?
 

The weather is finally getting to the point around here where I've started riding by tadpole trike again. It's already clear that it'll take awhile for me to get back whatever stamina and speed/cadence that I ended last year on. :(

After my first few rides my legs were more sore than I expected. I happened to watch a video a few days ago which talked about proper boom length and where you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT feel soreness when and after riding a tadpole trike. The video said the soreness should be felt mainly in the quads (NOT upper quads), and NOT around the knees, if your boom length is set properly. Well, my experience is feeling fatigue mostly in the glutes and hamstrings while riding, and soreness in the knees afterwards. I really don't feel any soreness in the quads.

Many posts here mention "'bent muscles" vs "traditional bicycle" muscles without getting into specifics. So where do you feel fatigue/soreness after a ride on your tadpole? Does what I'm experiencing mean that I need to adjust my boom length and/or get a better overall fitting for my Tadpole?

Thanks!

Keeping in mind that I'm not an expert in anything, particularly trikes, I think you are capable of determining the best setting for the boom. Even a year ago when I had not pedaled for six months and began getting my legs back in shape, I never had sore legs or knees. Tired, yes. Sore, no. And my pedaling experience says knee soreness results from being in too high of a gear. Downshift to a lower gear and increase your cadence a bit. I'm not saying that will work for you, but it does work for me.

To set the boom length, sit in the seat and put the arch of your feet on the pedals. At the point where one pedal is farthest from you, you should have a slight bend at the knee. Some people recommend putting your heel on the pedal for this measurement. Check that your chain is the proper length for whatever boom position you settle on.

One issue I had finding the correct boom extension was the angle of the seat. Changing the angle meant I had to change the boom extension. I found I like the most reclined position is best for my pedaling style.

I don't know what bent legs are.

Maybe because I never used to stand up to pedal my upright DF bike, I didn't have to work to transition to recumbent tadpole. My first two rides were 13 miles, followed by 25, then 36 and by the fourth week, 42. Any potential soreness dissipated in the hot tub, I guess.

Length issues hold true for DF and recumbents - if your knees hurt on top the boom is too short, if they hurt underneath it is too far. Changes should be made in single cm increments. If your quads or glutes hurt, spin more and give it some time to see if you adjust. Also, if you are clipped in def. check your adjustments, especially if you have any knee pain on the sides. And be sure to stretch every day - esp. the IT band.

That has the ring of excellent advice. Now I have to Google the IT band.

Even after being off my trike for about 4 months due to winter, I am never sore after the first ride.

Back even when I was riding a DF bike, it was never my legs that was sore, it was always my butt after that first ride in the spring.

In fact even after my 20 to 35 mile rides every other day, I dont feel that fatigued at all, even tho I am 85. Yes I am a very fortunate person.

If you're sore in hamstrings and glutes, that probably implies you've got a good pedal stroke. You're pulling down at the front somewhat, instead of doing seated bench presses. Sore knees implies either a seat/pedal misadjustment, or that you're not spinning enough.