TerraCycle’s Longbikes Slipstream Idler Kit

 
TerraCycle offers a Longbikes Slipstream Idler Kit that looks very nicely made. It replaces the rubber idlers seen on most recumbents with coged idlers that have high quality bearings. TerraCycle claims that the better idlers provide improved efficiency and quieter operation. This improvement is not inexpensive, $154 for the kit.
I agree with TerraCycle’s explanation of why [...]

How to remove Shimano HollowTech II Cranks

 
I have my new shorter cranks but so far haven’t been able to get the Shimano HollowTech II cranks that I am replacing off. Every time I start this job I find that I am missing another tool. Here’s a nice set of instructions with a tool list so you won’t have the same problem.
INSTRUCTIONS [...]

How to Replace Crank Arms

If you are replacing your crank arms with shorter cranks this video shows you how. Don’t forget you will need a crank puller, the standard tool is a Park Crank Puller.
You can also find this great video at  How to Replace Crank Arms at BikeTutor.com.   
If you also have to replace the bottom bracket, here’s a great video on [...]

How to Replace a Cartridge Bottom Bracket

I have been investigating steps needed to install my short cranks when they arrive. Here’s how the UN54 68/115 (or 118) BB for the Slipstream will install.
Make sure you have  the special  tool needed to install the BB before you start.  I use a Park BBT-2 Bottom Bracket Tool for Splined Bottom Brackets.
Good video How to Replace a Cartridge [...]

Short Cranks with Q-Rings

macpublish suggested in yesterday’s comments that I consider Q-Rings if I am changing cranks. I rode Shimano Bio Pace in days of old so really haven’t paid much attention to Q-Rings, the stories sound the same to me.

So you want shorter crank arms - now what?

 
Continued from Are your crank arms too long?
Ok, I have decided that I want to replace the standard 170 MM  cranks on my Slipstream with 155 MM cranks more appropriate for my Hobbit legs.
So I Googled and found almost nothing. Looks like the shortest commercial Road and MTB cranks are 165 MM. There are 155 [...]

Are Your Crank Arms Too Long?

Note: There is some feedback that calculated lengths using this tool are too long (3 MM from feedback). I would not take the calculated lenghth too literaly and lean toward shorter lenghts. I also think that recumbent riders should consider shorter cranks because of seating position.
I have been thinking that I should shorten my crank [...]