u/Abe677

Coastal North Carolina, USA home. 28 years old. Built 1998. 1800-1900 sq ft.

I'm in the process of getting quotes to replace a 2-zone 3-ton heat-pump. One zone doesn't cool very well and I'm asking for quotes that solve that problem. Some companies are suggesting inverter variable-stage systems. (I know there are various opinions on this more modern tech.) Another company suggested I not use a inverter variable-stage system, and warned that my current R4 ducts (in the attic) will sweat if I do. I have no signs of sweating now. Internet search results also suggest sweating might be a new problem for me. I'm interestedin hearing from people who've actually seen this happen with a variable-stage upgrade?

A friend and I took a trip today to see a few recumbent trikes at a bike shop. The two men working there were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I took a short test ride in the parking lot. My first impressions are “mixed” and I’m wondering if I’m missing something.

I received instructions on how to mount the trike. I backed over the pedals from the front. After trying this maneuver a few times I started to wonder how much chain oil was going to end up on my shorts every time I got on? The bottom of my shorts skimmed the top of the front gears and derailleur every time I got on and off. I’m going to assume I’d either learn to mount more carefully, or deal with oil on clothing.

Sitting down in the seat was unsettling because I’m an older guy and it was like sitting on a very small toilet. A long way down. Getting up was easier. I’d probably own a trike with larger front tires and a higher seat, so I assume this gets better over time.

The actual ride was the worst part, and it’s difficult to explain. The parking lot was typical pavement, in pretty good shape. I could feel the rough pavement in my back-side and it was a strong feeling of rough road. I ride a bicycle every week and don’t get that feeling at all. I know the touch points are different. I really didn’t like this feeling on the trike. It wasn’t seat discomfort. It was road vibration being passed to my bottom, back and neck. The ride was fine other than the rough ride feeling.

We talked about the possibility of my son and I sharing a trike. My son’s taller. I learned that chain length is an important part of the trike fit. I also learned about something called a chain gobbler, which would solve the chain problem and let us share a trike.

I’m interested in a trike because I have some discomfort with my bicycle after an hour or so. I’m still working through that problem. I expected the trike to feel like a couch compared to my bicycle, but it didn’t feel great actually riding the trike. I’m guessing a trike with suspension would help – maybe.

EDIT: I believe I test road a TerraTrike Tourismo, which explains the lower seat. I'm on the US east coast and there are very few "revere tadpole trikes" being sold around here. None that I can find in my city. We drove about 2 hours to find the shop we visited this week.