Unlike the derailleur gears, the hub gears may be changed while stationary. As the three speed hub lever is moved, the ‘dog clutches’ inside the hub may not necessarily be lined up, so it is a good idea to back pedal when changing the hub gears. They can also be changed while pedalling, but ALL load must be taken off the pedals – again, back pedalling a fraction will help.

The large chainring and second (direct) gear in the hub is the most efficient combination and gives a useful range on the rear cluster. Using this combination gives you the option of a hub change down while stationary, if you have to stop quickly, without having the time to wind the derailleur gears down. Also having the option of an overdrive (third gear in the hub) for down grades and tailwind’s can be a godsend. The middle chainring (and first gear in the hub) provides low gears for steep hills, and the small chainring provides extra low gears for climbing very steep hills!

Trikes are inherently stable but can be tipped over if cornered hard, without leaning into the corner. Remember to always lean into the corners on faster corners. We find riding in a large car park, basketball court etc around in circles, slowly increasing speed, to find the limits of stability and your abilities. Note wear protective gloves. With practice you might be able to ride on two wheels! Just remember once you start to fall, turn to the direction you are falling which will simultaneously correct your balance. You may also use the brake as a device to correct your balance. Note Try to resist taking your hands off the handlebars if you feel yourself falling. This skill can be useful for mounting gutters, avoiding obstacles or showing off - skilled riders can perform figures of eight on two wheels in both directions!

Remember braking in a corner with only the inside brake will not slow you down as it is unweighted and will lock up. Try and use both brakes in an emergency situation. We have heard stories of people cornering at speed with their drink bottle in one hand, having to brake mid-corner, and finding they have very little brakes to slow them down.

Sliding can be great fun when mastered. Weight distribution is an important tool in achieving your goal of the perfect slide. By leaning further forward you un-weight the rear wheel causing the back to slide more. If you lean back the front will slide causing the rear to regain grip. On long corners, gravel or wet road etc, a combination of leaning forward and back you can achieve awesome three wheel slides.

Try not to carry heavy loads high on the rear of your trike, as it will make it unstable. If you have no choice, take it very slow around corners. Your trike is not designed for people carrying on the back. Child trailers etc should be no problem, but as always, find the limit of stability before you leave on that journey be it short or long.

Changes in road conditions can also effect how the trike will react. For example turning on an off camber corner or halfway down a steep hill will make your trike more likely to tip up than a banked corner or turning part way up an incline. Just think of a velodrome as the ultimate cornering situation because it is already leaning you into the corner, but riding along a slope and turning suddenly up the slope you are already leaning outward.