blanks.brad wrote:

> As far as disc brakes go, I believe that they come standard on the X5, if they
do not I will
> certainly add them. I also believe that they ship with a rack and rear fender
but no fronts. I
> am not sure about adding the front fenders due to the additional weight, that
will have to be
> a decision for later.

The weight of the fenders is absolute trivia, if you notice that you
need to ride more to get in shape.

I have the original Sachs hydraulic disc brakes on my GTR. Other than
the problem of finding shoes I really like them. Even on the shoes
their large shoes last a very long time.

I upgraded my original GTR rack with the Surly nice rack. It fits better
and is rated much heavier duty. If changing racks study it not all racks
fit all greenspeeds.

> I think I am going to order the headrest, I would rather have it and be able
to take it off.

I consider the headrest essential on my GTR. Only worry now is falling
asleep while riding.

> Clipless pedals. Right now I am using SPDs on my Bacchetta Corsa but I have
been looking at
> some Speedplay Frogs for the trike, I have heard great things about them.

I have found for me that I need pedals that support a wider area than
just the cleat attachment on the Shimano sandals. That rules out most
designs. Otherwise the sandals develop a fold that presses into your
foot and hurts lots. I use the Shimano PD-M545 pedals with the multi
direction release cleats. They work perfectly and provide the necessary
support for the sandals.

> I have the fastback 3.0, pump and tool kit. I like it but it is a pain to
refill. I like the idea
> about sewing the buckles on and would love a picture of your setup if you get
a chance.

I gave up on the fastback 3.0 because of the refill problem. It does
work well as a tool carrier.

I stuck a few photos on the bottom of my GTR page, scroll down:
http://wwknapp.home.mindspring.com/Greenspeed/my_gtr.html

Shown is the 70oz unbottle, the others are similar except for the 100oz
I use a second bottom strap that's on the opposite brace. I'm very
pleased with the design, gave it a good workout on BRAG this year. Rides
quietly, does not bounce around at all. And the under seat shade helps
in keeping it cool longer.

To put the straps on you have to remove the bladder, turn the insulated
cover inside out and carefully pick open the stitching. Then sew it back
with the new straps. Make sure the sewing is done well as all the weight
rides on that. It takes a good sewing machine to handle it. No problems
with mine, but I tend to do overkill on sewing like this. The straps on
the trike are removable, but I just slip the lower ones into the seat
elastic when not in use. The light stripe on the webbing is reflective,
never can have enough reflectors. The seat straps of the Fastback stuff
is also reflective.

The unbottle can be refilled by just unclipping the lower strap and
using a water bottle or hose. Or removing all three buckles and the hose
quick release is easy to take it somewhere to refill. The arrangement
does fit fine with the Arkel RT60's and Tailrider on the rear rack, you
can see that arrangement on some of the earlier photos on the page taken
during BRAG.

> As for the fairing, what brand does everyone suggest? I would not use it
during the summer
> but for winter riding I think that it would be great.

I have a windwrap I got off ebay. It works just fine for winter riding.

As a added benefit if used on a tour it provides area to place a solar
panel.

The windwrap will give me 1-2 mph higher top speed possible when used.

> Thanks for all of the great replies. I have been reading the board for a
while and was worried
> about the lack of activity, we just needed a question or two to respond to.

We are too busy smiling our way down the road...

Walt