Utah Trikes - Idler Kit: TerraCycle High Performance Idler Kit

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Product Category: Catalog -> Idler Kits View all TerraCycle products
Idler Kit: TerraCycle High Performance Idler Kit

Price: $249.95 full version/$149.95 Upgrade
This item is currently in stock!

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With recumbent cycles there is typically a need to use a long chain to get power from the front pedals to the rear tire. To route the chain from the front to the rear there are different ways to do it using idler wheels or special tubing. Our stock TerraTrikes use two sets of idlers that run along the power side and return side of the chain at two points. The stock idler configuration on the Terratrike works well for most people, but has a few issues that are not optimal for high-performance triking.

We've Decreased Chain Drag
The more idlers that the chain runs through the more drag there is. This is especially true with idlers running on the power side of the chain. We've significantly reduced the drag on the chain by changing the power-side chain routing to use just one idler. The TerraCycle Power Idler is the best in the industry and is available in both Aluminum and Titanium versions (The full kit comes with the Titanium idler, while the upgrade will use whichever version you purchased with the Front Idler Kit). On the return side we use two TerraCycle Return Idlers to guide the chain with minimum friction.

Chain Angle
The stock WizWheelz front idler mounting runs the chain along the bottom of the frame in front of the crossmember. When using the large chainring this can put a lot of stress on the stock idlers, and wastes energy that could be used to propel the trike. By moving the power side idler back, we can now run the power-side chain over the front crossmember which gives us a much more efficient chain line.

Better Shifting
One of the problems with using a standard over/under style idler in the rear, is that the power and return idlers are connected together, side by side. For a derailluer to work properly both chains need to be able to float around somewhat so they will line up with the derailluer and the appropriate sprocket. This is especially noticeable when shifting around in the high gears and the sideways chain angle is more extreme. With our new chain routing we no longer run the chains side-by-side and have implemented a sliding idler axle so the chain is always perfecty lined up. This makes shifting much smoother and consistent.

Is Our Performance Idler Kit For You?
We realize that in some situations there may be some drawbacks to using this new chain routing, but for the performance seeker the positives will usually outweigh the negatives. If the new routing will not work for you, the next best thing is our Front and Rear TerraCycle kit. So, in an effort to promote full disclosure here are the pros and cons:

Pros
- New chain line improves efficiency
- Improved shifting due to idlers being able to move side-to-side
- TerraCycle Idlers are the best in the industry
- Only one power-side idler means less drag and more power to the wheel
Cons
- You will have to break the chain and remove some links to establish the new routing.
- With some seat positions and seat angles the power side chain may rub the bottom of the seat when using the biggest rear sprockets. (Furthest forward and most leaned back.) We do include a seat guard to prevent damage to the seat.
- The new front chain routing exposes more chain in the front and may be more likely to rub you depending on your chainring size.
- Not currently compatible with the Commuter Bag:)

Our Performance Idler Kit works with the following TerraTrikes: Cruiser, Tour, Access, Sport, and Race. It comes standard with the Utah Trikes TerraTrike Commuter. It will NOT work with the Zoomer, Zoomer Elite, Edge, or Tandem TerraTrikes. It is available as a complete kit, or as an upgrade for customers that already have the TerraCycle Front Idler Kit.

The High Performance Idler Kit Comes Stock on The Commuter
The TerraTrike Commuter comes with our favorite drivetrain components. Of course, it includes the High Performance Idler Kit.

Works With Internal Hubs or Standard Derailleurs
The rear idler setup can accomodate standard deraileurs by running the chain over the top. For Internal Hub equipped trikes, run the chain along the bottom.

Share your comments below:
The 3 performance idlers with reduced angle looks like a much more efficient design that the standard 4 idler setup on my TT Tour. Does the chain interfere with the water bottle mount? Has anyone fashioned a chain guard?
Posted by Don
05/10/2009 12:00:34 PM

The front power chain runs right next to the water bottle cage. A guard could be made fairly easily, but no one has made one that I know of.
Posted by Ashley

I have been running this setup on my TT Tour for about 6 months now and I love it. It does make the chain seem to move a lot easier and smoother. It did take a little tinkering to get the derailleur cage in the right place and adjust things, but now it runs great and I am very happy with it.
Posted by terraFirma
02/26/2010 06:36:19 AM

I wish there was a set up that would work on the tandem.
Posted by Tandempair
06/02/2010 06:03:13 PM

We have different setups for tandems.
Posted by Ashley

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