Roger St. Pierre's "The Hub" column in the June issue of Cycling+ contains a marvelous photo on page 18 of a group of riders cycling up the road with great vigor and enthusiasm. The time period is apparently the early 1950's and 3 of the lads, with no wounds or other injuries visible, are astride trikes. On the next page, Listmember Hilary writes eloquently about a Higgins tricycle. I know we discussed trikes briefly a few months ago, but could someone with experience please comment on the dynamics of these?
A friend of mine bought a Franklin trike a few years ago. It is very well made and has good quality 700c road wheels, a disk brake on the front, and what appears to be some kind of differential. I rode it up and down the hill after rolling into the grass repeatedly trying to pedal out of the driveway and I have to report that the thing is bloody diabolical. It appears to steer completely opposite from a 2 wheeler and will steadfastly point the front wheel downhill or off camber.
So, I am wondering (and I am truly desperate, now, since my friend will probably insist I "take it for a spin" again), how does the rider make a trike proceed in the direction desired?
Rick Chasteen, Kansas City