Potholes are best avoided by placing the pothole between the front wheel and the centre of the frame. If unavoidable potholes are best hit with the front wheels rather than the back, as it transmits less shock back to you, and the frame.

Punctures can be a nuisance, but with a few hints, life can be made slightly easier.

Front wheels are the easiest as they don’t need to be removed. To save kneeling on the ground, tip the trike on its’ side to put the wheel at an easier height to work on (fig. 22). You can either replace the tube or patch it depending on your preference.
fig. 22

Hint we try and place the labels on the tyres in line with the valve to make finding where the puncture came from a little easier. By finding what either caused the puncture, or the puncture itself, place the tube on top of the tyre with the valve in line with label. You then look across and either find the hole in the tube or what caused it.

Rear wheels can be a bit trickier but if you prefer to patch tubes have you tried repairing it in place? Instead of removing the wheel, just remove the tyre and repair it in place. As there is no rim brakes etc it makes this process fairly easy.

To replace the tube put the hub gear into third and quick release the toggle chain cable clasp on the 3x7, or remove the click box on the Dual Drive hub, and drop the chain into top gear (smallest sprocket) and undo the axle nuts. Drop out the wheel and replace the tube. Reverse the process and you are on your way.

While touring, don’t forget to utilise the space under the seat, as this can hold a fair amount of luggage when strapped to the back of the seat.

We recommend carrying at least the following tools when riding.

  1. 15mm spanner (wrench) or shiftable wrench
  2. Full set of Allen keys to suit your trike
  3. Puncture kit/spare tube
  4. Pump
  5. Coupling wrench (if required for your model of trike)