Here is a list of accessories we chose to equip our touring ICE recumbent trikes:
Suspension
ICE Trikes offer full mechanical suspension, which relies on the compression of a cylindrical elastomer. As explained on the ICE website, “the rear suspension can be adjusted by a combination of selecting one of three different hardness and five different fitting positions for the elastomer. The front suspension can be adjusted by selecting one of three different hardness elastomers.”
What we like: Recline when it’s windy and decrease wind resistance. In traffic a more upright seating position gives you better visibility, it also helps to keep rain from splashing your face and running down your neck. The mesh breathes and dries quickly. It is also comfortable and supportive with multiple straps to adjust the tension along the entire seat.
Steering
Adjustable steering for both width and angle.
What we like: Steering can be adjusted to ensure an ergonomic position thereby reducing fatigue. Also part of steering and breaking, ICE trikes geometry eliminates any brake steer. Which means if you press hard on the right brake the trike continues to go straight. (Tadpole trikes have a left and right brake.)
Drum Brake
Sturmey archer drum brakes are located in the hub of each front wheel.
What we like: Being enclosed they are protected from dirt and moisture. They also require very little maintenance and can last a very long time. ICE states that “the drum brakes on your trike (…) shouldn’t ever need replacing under normal use. We have yet to see a worn-out set of pads.”
Short Arm Crank and Chainring for Short People
A 152mm crank is used in place of the 170mm crank fitted with 22/32/44 tooth chain rings giving shorter riders a lower gear spread.
What we like: More gears in the low range making it easier for smaller people to ascend steep hills. A shorter crank matches the reach of a shorter persons legs = more comfort. Cher, being 5'2 tall, finally can ride comfortably.
Short Arm Crank and Chainring for Short People
A 152mm crank is used in place of the 170mm crank fitted with 22/32/44 tooth chain rings giving shorter riders a lower gear spread.
What we like: More gears in the low range making it easier for smaller people to ascend steep hills. A shorter crank matches the reach of a shorter persons legs = more comfort. Cher, being 5'2 tall, finally can ride comfortably.
Shifting
Choose either bar-end or twist grips shifters.
What we like: Everyone is happy. Don’t even bother researching which is better. Out of 100 reviews it’s a 50/50 split. I’ve already wasted enough of my life to know it’s what you prefer. We have one of each. One of us likes the length the other the girth.
Tire
Swalbe Marathon 20 x 1.75
What we like: Fantastic puncture resistance. I have ridden 800 mile so far and haven’t had one flat. The large width decreases road vibration. Also, all 3 of our tires are the same size, meaning we only need one size of spare tube and or tire. 20 inches is a common size, many BMX and folding bikes use 20-inch tires.
What we put up with: These are not racing tires and have a high rolling resistance. Their max pressure is only 70 psi or 5 bar, (a small trade off, imho, for durability and puncture resistance).
Rear Rack
A heavy-duty rack capable of carrying 55 pounds (26 kg)
What we like: Designed by ICE to work with your existing suspension, ensuring a smooth ride when loaded. It doesn’t rattle either. You can also fold the trike without taking it off.
Mud Guards
They prevent mysterious liquids from spraying you in the face.
What we like: Also made specifically for ICE trikes. The two front mudguards are easy to remove, which we do in order to protect them when bagged for flights. You can fold the trike with them on. They don’t rattle.