With a lower first gear then you climb slower so the back wheel slips less.
I like Big Apple's because the rubber thicker on them so I have more life out of them before getting down to the carcass.
I get roughly double the wear from them versus other tyres I've tried.
On a trike you'll have a bigger speed range than on a bike, so a double or triple up front helps even with a Rohloff.
I'd aim for the first gear very close to the lowest recommended size then extend the range back upwards with more chainrings.
With a Rohloff then 2 gears is a x1.3 difference between chainrings and 3 is a x1.46 difference.
I find it easier with my Rohloff if I try and match the chainrings to these gaps.
For example a 38/56 front double will give you exactly 3 more gears, a 30/40/52 triple matches up with 4 more and a 26/38/50 triple will give you 5.
A 26/38/56 will give you 6 but you need to mod (extend) the front derailleur cage for it to work .....
![facepalm :facepalm:](/forum/Smileys/classic/facepalm.gif)
If you have a 20" wheel with a 16t sprocket then a 38/56 double will work, 12.4"-96" and with a 26" wheel then the 30/40/52 triple also works.
You can always fine tune your gears by changing the back sprocket.
I run a 38/55 double simply by the fact that the chain with a 56t big ring catches on my chain guard when I shift chainrings.
A Schlumpf HSD matches up well with a Rohloff because it gives you an extra 7 gears.
But the extra drag in the overdrive mode means it's only really useful for going downhill fast.
I hit the overdrive mode on mine at 20 mph .....
![Grin ;D](/forum/Smileys/classic/grin.gif)
How short do you want your shorts.
For very short tight shorts then look at swim wear .....
![Tongue :P](/forum/Smileys/classic/tongue.gif)
You can always wear longer compression type shorts under them.
Plus they dry fast.