Saturday, May 1, 2010

Common Questions About the Trikke




The Trikke provides a full body low to no impact high aerobic workout that can only be described as sheer addictive FUN! Capital Trikke is dedicated to helping you choose the right Trikke for you, helping you learn how to ride your new Trikke, and getting you out and getting involved in Trikke communities! Get fit while having fun. How often can you really say that?

Come on….Get on a TRIKKE and get Fit!

Frequently asked questions about the Trikke….and we do mean frequently asked!

How do I ride a Trikke?

Think of riding a Trikke a little bit skiing…a little bit inline skating. The Trikke moves with the very subtle forward motion of your body that comes at the same time as you’re turning your front wheel to gain momentum. Add to that a smooth side to side, lean and you’re swerving in no time. If you ever see us out showing people how we ride you’re likely to see one of us off the Trikke running beside people almost dancing to show the glide of the Trikke. That and singing “Good Vibrations.” Don’t laugh. It helps more than you know!

Do I have to push and kick it all the time to keep going?

Once you learn proper Trikke riding techniques you shouldn’t have to get off the Trikke to start from a dead stop. It’s about momentum and harnessing that into forward momentum with your body and riding technique. Because of this you shouldn’t have to push or kick off on the Trikke repeatedly. Remember, you are at least 8 inches off the ground. A repetitive downstep to kick off can be very painful and lead to Achilles tendon bruising and injury. Getting technique down should have you either starting firmly planted on your Trikke or with one slight push off. With technique and conditioning you should be able to ride for longer and longer periods without putting your feet down.

Won’t I fall off of it?

There are two sure fire ways to fall off your Trikke: Putting all of your weight to the rear of the foot platforms and leaning back will pull you backwards into a wheelie. Not good. Second, if you turn your front wheel too sharply to the right or left, the forward motion will be halted and the Trikke will skip and you will fall off. As with any rolling vehicle, if you hit curbs, ditches, holes etc., you risk falling. However, if you are aware of these risks, wear safety equipment such as helmet and gloves, and “learn before you burn,” you should be fine. The 3 wheeled Trikke with breaks on both rear wheels is actually very stable!

I have a knee injury, will I be able to Trikke?

Many people ask this question! Only you can be sure what your body will respond to which is why you should try the Trikke out several times before you buy. That said, many people with older injuries are able to ride the Trikke. The bigger question is whether you are fully recovered from your injury! Never begin a fitness program without discussing it with your doctor or physical therapist.

One of the great things about the Trikke is the riders ability to compensate and create a riding style that’s perfect for their body and their needs. You can ride on a flat surface such as a greenway or street with reduced leg motion if you’ve focused on building up and utilizing your upper body. Depending on your fitness goals and physical abilities, a workout can be created for you to address your specific needs.

Can I really lose weight?

Yes! If you dedicate yourself to a Trikke regimen which includes regular Trikke riding at least 3 times a week (40 minute minimum) and proper diet. You will lose weight over time. You’ll have a great time doing it too! The Trikke is a full body low impact fat burning machine! A 150 pound person can burn up to 240 calories in 30 minutes of steady riding. That’s more than swimming, cycling, golfing, walking, and bowling.

Can it go up hills?

A well conditioned and technique driven Trikke rider is capable of going up inclines of 15-18%. Smaller inclines such as those typically found in neighborhoods or greenways are easy to handle with proper Trikke technique.

Where can I ride it?

This depends on your skill level and imagination! The trikkers dream is a probably a long smooth greenway that goes for miles. If you can’t find that, your neighborhood will be fine, just consider that you’ll need flat areas to learn on and as you get technique down and get more fit, inclines and sidewalks will blend into your repertoire. Many riders take greenways. Many enjoy parking lots for endurance and fitness workouts. Some like the urban environment and love rides on city streets.

How fast can it go?

Top speed for a Trikke is around 18 mph for a rider sprinting on a “flat “surface. Consider though, that the Trikke is self propelled with no gears or chains . So the question is really-“how fast can you make it go?”

Don’t I need a lot of space to ride?

Yes and no. Lots of riders love the wide turns swerve that is so soothing with a Trikke. Yet, the Trikke can be ridden comfortably on an average sidewalk width when you need to. A good rider can pause, start up, and manoeuvre around pedestrians at will.

Which would be best for my child?

There are two models designed for the younger set. The T5 is for younger beginners ages 5-8. The T67 is designed for older kids up to preteens as well as some smaller adults. Some preteens comfortably ride the adult T78 and will grow into it even more so. The best thing to do is call for a try before you buy experience to find which fits your child now and in the future.

How much are they?

The child and preteen models vary from $79 for the T5 to $189 for the T67. Adult models range from $250 to $599.


What’s the difference in the adult models?

The T78 CS ($249) has a steel frame (23 pounds) and has two polyurethane wheels in the rear. These wheels are similar but larger than skate wheels. Many find them easier to learn on, but they’re not great for distance rides because of wear and vibration. They also have far less traction and are difficult for inclines. You can upgrade to air wheels for an additional $50 if your riding needs change.

The T78 Deluxe ($369) has a steel frame (23 pounds) and air wheels all around. It is close to the T78 in body style with a few exceptions, one being the handlebars are more heavy duty (good for longer rides) and the grips on the bars are cushioned and leather like for better grip.

The T8 ($499) has an aluminum frame (20 pounds), and has a longer distance between the handlebars and the foot platforms. This increases your ability to power your way up inclines and reach greater speeds due to the amount of energy you are able to expend from your core. Heavy duty handlebars and grips help you out as well. Think of as the mountain bike version of the Trikke. Good for workout trails and distance rides.

The T12 ($599) has an aluminum frame (30 pounds) but boasts 12 inch tires (other models have 8 inch tires) and a more advanced breaking system. This is the top end of the Trikke models and is the ultimate ride. Imagine 4 more inches of turning power with the same effort and you can imagine how the T12 can eat up the pavement.


How do I get one?

Capital Trikke provides you with Trikke authorized sales, warranty service, and Trikke Certified Training. Order off our website for free shipping on most models and in most cases no sales tax. Same day order processing. Or, email us at order@CapitalTrikke.com with your order questions. Order early during holiday seasons!

No comments: