Updates to BJ's Sunseeker Eco-Tad SX Trike

Thought I'd let you all know that I've updated my Sunseeker Eco-Tad SX from the stock 7 speed, 38 tooth single chain wheel and 13x32 Freewheel, set up to a "9 Speed", 32 tooth single chainwheel and 11x40 cassette set up!  First I had to find a new rear hub/wheel so I could mount a cassette as you can't find a 11x40 Freewheel!! I got lucky, Utah Trikes was selling, "NEW" take off,  Catrike rear 20 inch. (406) rear wheels that could use a 9-speed cassette, got the wheel for "$20.00" and $15.00 for shipping, a absolute STEAL of a price!!  :)

Next was a 9-speed 11x40 cassette, Sunrace had one for $60.00  a new Long Cage rear derailleur (Shimano RD-M370) for $40.00 and a new TT take off 32 Tooth chain wheel and crank arms for $15.00. $35.00 for a 9 speed trigger shifter, The one expense I didn't count on was having to buy a specific "9 speed" chain as 9 speed cassettes have a narrower spacing than 7/8 speed cassettes or freewheels. :(  That was $65.00 and finally LABOR to have my LBS put it all on, $90.00.  $340.00 total and now I have a trike that can "CLIMB" serious hills easily!!

Sounds like a lot of bucks and yea it was but it's LOT cheaper than buying a upgrade trike and I still would have had to pay extra for "triple chain wheel with 22x32x44 gearing to give the upgraded trike the "climbing" ability my upgrades gave my Eco-Tad SX.  The 9 speed cassette gearing steps are MUCH more useful than the stock 7 speed freewheel gearing steps so I'm VERY happy!! :)

Rode the Rock Island Trail

On Saturday June 16th. we rode the Rock Island Trail, this is the main West to East trail here in Colorado Springs going from towards down town to out to the far east side of Colorado Springs. This trail is laid on the old tracks of the Rock Island Railroad that came into Colorado Springs from Chicago but the line was closed in the 1980's. There's one small part of the trail that's still not hooked up from the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail to Jackson/Weber St. where the trail connects to Shooks Run Trail heading south. The trail is 6.5 miles long heading east to it's current ending point at Powers Blvd. Some day this trail will hook up with the dirt trail heading out East into the eastern plains of Colorado.

It was gray and cloudy, 80F+ and in some places WINDY! This trail has many sharper uphill grades in places so it was a great place to test the "upgrades" I made to my trike, (upgraded to a 9-speed 11x40 cassette and shifter system) and they worked great to make the ride even more enjoyable! We rode out to the end then headed back for the round trip of 13 miles back to the park were the van was parked, loaded up and drive over to the "Drive Inn" again for lunch! :)

Shooks Run Trail

We had a very busy Saturday on June 9th. so we decided to take a mellow ride on Sunday, June 10th. We loaded up the van and took out the trikes to ride the Shooks Run Trail. The trail heads south thru the center of Colorado Springs, CO. for 8 miles and ends at a old railroad tunnel bridge. It was sunny and warm but windy in places. 16 mile round trip, the route has a lot of little island parks and picnic tables! :) We stopped at the "Drive Inn", (one of the two, of three original Tasty Freeze's left) for a grilled hot dog and COLD Root Beer, as it's got it's own connection to the Trail! :)

Rode the Templeton Gap Trail

On June 2, the wife and I rode the Templeton Gap Trail, here in Colorado Springs, CO. A very HOT day at 95F but sunny with a med. breeze. This is a local area rail trail that sadly isn't finished but from the junction of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, heads north-east and has some nice views. 18 miles round trip. :)