New “You” Break-In 

March 18, 2025

So, you’ve been out riding, you’re new GreenSpeed is no longer “new” and you are noticing some changes; not in the trike, but in you!  You’re happier, you feel better, and you start dreaming about your next ride. Now is the time to revisit your personal comfort settings; i.e. your points of contact with your new friend Trikey (or whatever nickname you gave it).  The adjustments covered below, or additional adaptive modifications can be made with the help of your local bike shop.  And remember, there is no real right or wrong way to adjust your trike. Just so long as you don’t get injured and can continue to have many happy miles. 

The Seat – Start where it matters most; maybe why you got a recumbent trike in the first place! 

1. Hi-Lo – Most GreenSpeed seats have Hi-Lo seat positioning under the seat frame.  If you have difficulty getting in and out of the trike, keep the seat in a higher position.  But as your leg strength increases you might be able to enjoy the lower seat positions.  A lower seat position can increase stability in those fast zooming turns you enjoy, it is safer in a fast stop, and it brings your legs higher in relation to your hips for better leg drive.

2. Recline – All GreenSpeed trikes except the Aero have a recline adjustment at the seat stays. Sitting more upright can allow you to see around you better. It also might be necessary if you have back problems. Reclining the seat lowers your center of gravity for a sportier ride and is more aerodynamic for efficiency. Be aware that reclining more might increase strain on your neck. But this can be easily remidied with the help of a GreenSpeed HeadRest. Changing this setting will push you closer to, or further from, your pedals requiring a small tweak to the boom length.

We have found that as new riders get into better shape they have a tendency to lower the seat and recline it more. But it is all personal preference and there is no right or wrong.  With the seat position adjusted, now everything else can be set. 

Handlebars – The controls to your freedom! 

1. True Control width – You can adjust your handlebars’ width to whatever feels right.  If you want short quick throws into corners, narrow the handlebars.  If that feels too twitchy, widen them out.  Some people prefer the width based on their shoulder span. 

2. Tru Control angle – The handlebars angle forward and back can also be adjusted to preference.  If you have lowered your seat, you might need the handlebars pushed a bit forward. If you’ve reclined your seat, you might need them pulled back for easier reach. 

3. Cautions – With any handlebar adjustment be sure to check for clearance when turning.  You don’t want to hit your hands on the tires and you don’t want turning limited by contact with the seat.  Find the best balance for you. 

Boom – Last but not least! 

1. The custom rectangular tubing on GreenSpeed trikes (except Aero) keeps the boom in perfect alignment so you don’t have to worry about the boom ever twisting on you.  This also makes it easy to slide the boom in and out by loosening the clamp bolts or quick release levers.

2. Push the boom out if you have decided to sit more upright.  Make sure you can still keep your feet on the pedals without locking out your leg during normal pedaling. 

3. Bring the boom in if you wanted to recline the seat more.  Make sure your heels still easily clear the crossmember of the frame. 

4. Note: Any adjustment to the boom WITHOUT a ChainGobbler will require adjustment to the chain length (not part of this article). 

In the end this is all personal preference which is why GreenSpeed has some of the most adjustable personal comfort settings available in recumbent trikes. We encourage you to play with the settings whether to find an even better position or to confirm that what you have is the best for you. And don’t forget, if your riding style, physical abilities or ambitions change, consider making adjustments to match.  Have fun!