How do you like your Catrikes?

[mpoinar]

Hi,

I'd like to know how you all like your catrikes, especially the pocket since I'd like to get one.

Does anyone feel too large for the frame? (in width)

Thanks,
Martha

[aikigreg]

I am prety broad shouldered at 6'1" and 220, and at first I thought the pcket seat was too narrow and really hurt my shoulders when I took it for a test, but then I realized the straps were loose. Once they were tightened up I felt no discernible difference between the pocket's seat and any other catrike.

However, IMO it needs bigger gears. It's definately got a great low end, but I hit top end pretty quick and find myself wanting a lot more. So did my wife when she tested it. We're looking at getting the road now for her instead, and a speed for me. We both have pretty strong legs.

We're also considering the ice QNT.

[tnbaldguy]

I have a traditional road bike and am thinking of getting a 'bent. I commute and ride on the weekends, probably 100+ miles a week. Would you recommend a bent for someone like me. I heard its a lot more comfortable and significantly faster. I am averaging around 18 including having to stop for the stop lights. Would a trike be better?

[lowracer1]

a trike won't be faster, but yes more comfortable. If you are averaging 18mph now on the roadbike, you could expect to average at least 21 or 22mph on a lowracer with the same wattage output.

Take a look at the optima baron,

Challenge Jester,

M-5.

velokraft vk-2

or

NOcom

[lilHinault]

Wow those things go *faster*?

[aikigreg]

yup, depending on the model, of course. Most recumbents are faster than regular bikes, and some recumbents are faster than others - much like a road bike is faster than a hybrid, so lowracers are faster than other recumbents.

And trikes are incredibly comfortable, while still being able to maintain decent speed.

[BlazingPedals]

I wouldn't go so far as to say that most recumbents are faster than road bikes, but lowracers sure are! By contrast, most of the low-end recumbents that most first-timers gravitate toward are the bent equivalent of hybrids or city bikes, and most mid-priced sports models are the bent equivalent of mid-range road bikes.

[atom bomb]

I just returned from a 32 mile ride on my Catrike Road. Rolling terrain - some multi-use path. 15.5 mph average - 29.5 mph max. If you are interested in speed - the lowracer advice is very sound. I CAN tell you that riding a trike is fun, reasonably fast and often exhilarating.For a total riding experience - I find it very rewarding, and I consistently get a better workout (higher HR) when I ride the trike (vs. current two wheeler: Reynolds T-Bone).

[mpoinar]

I just returned from a 32 mile ride on my Catrike Road. Rolling terrain - some multi-use path. 15.5 mph average - 29.5 mph max. If you are interested in speed - the lowracer advice is very sound. I CAN tell you that riding a trike is fun, reasonably fast and often exhilarating.For a total riding experience - I find it very rewarding, and I consistently get a better workout (higher HR) when I ride the trike (vs. current two wheeler: Reynolds T-Bone).

I got to sit on a pocket yesterday. My legs were too short to move it but my back and neck were in excruciating pain in that position. I'm now looking for a trike with a higher seat and pedaling below the seat a bit.

Any ideas?

Martha

[cjs1948]

I got to sit on a pocket yesterday. My legs were too short to move it but my back and neck were in excruciating pain in that position. I'm now looking for a trike with a higher seat and pedaling below the seat a bit.

Any ideas?

Martha
You might try to find a WizWheelz to sit on. The seat is adjustable which will give you an idea of the fit of a more upright seating position. If you haven't tried the seat of a Sun tadpole, then you need to find one of those for sure--also has a very adjustable seat. The one I tried felt weird to me but it was because the seat was higher and pedals relatively lower compared to what I ride (Logo and I've tested Janet's Pocket)--just what you're asking for. The only other tadpole trike that I think fits what you are asking for is the ICE T. It has a higher set and relatively lower pedal position. While you're looking at the ICE products, take note of the L model. It is specifically designed for smaller folks. Be sure you're not overlooking the delta trikes. The Hase Kettweisel is my favorite, but there are a couple of Sun models as well. They sit differently and provide a variation of the trike riding experience.

I'm glad to see you are well into the chase. Fortunately there are many more trike offerings than when I started looking. There is surely one out there for you. Good luck.

Chip

[mpoinar]

Thanks for the recommendations and the good wishes, Chip!

Martha :)

[JenM]

Does anyone want to sell a used Catrike?

[JenM]

My dog loves his!!!

[Slo Joe Recumbo]

I have a traditional road bike and am thinking of getting a 'bent. I commute and ride on the weekends, probably 100+ miles a week. Would you recommend a bent for someone like me. I heard its a lot more comfortable and significantly faster. I am averaging around 18 including having to stop for the stop lights. Would a trike be better?

There are tons of choices today with everything from low racers to trikes to high racers and all kinds of configurations. As a starter read the FAQ's at these sites:


www.hostelshoppe.com
www.bentrideronline.com
www.recumbents.com
www.bicycleman.com

We're all going to recommend "our" bent as the most enjoyable, simply because we like what we ride. :D Two years ago I would have said "V REX". Today I'll say Bacchetta Strada or any of the high racers for riding typical to what you woulda done on your DF. YMMV

[BuckyYuen]

My dog loves his!!!

I don't have an extra Catrike to sell ya (keeping my Speed), but I'll take the pup and let him ride mine... and that'll free you up to ride yours! Or... you can get pup a Bob trailer to ride in.

[JenM]

I don't have an extra Catrike to sell ya (keeping my Speed), but I'll take the pup and let him ride mine... and that'll free you up to ride yours! Or... you can get pup a Bob trailer to ride in.
Thanks, but the dog is too into pumping those leg muscles to ride in a trailer! ;)

[Siu Blue Wind]

Hey JenM your puppy looks like he's waiting for someone to pull him. "Wanna go wanna go wanna go!!!!"

[jeff-o]

You all should be ashamed.

Today I called a bike rental co. in my area and rented a Catrike for a whole day this weekend. See what you've done to me? You've set desire in my heart, and as is usually the case, my wallet can oft not afford what my heart desires... Shame on you all.

[JenM]

Hey JenM your puppy looks like he's waiting for someone to pull him. "Wanna go wanna go wanna go!!!!"
Pull him?!? Are you kidding? That dog's middle name is "Energy", and the trike actually belongs to my dad (that's his knee in the picture), and the dog pulls HIM!!

[jeff-o]

OK! I just got my rental Catrike, and had a chance to go on a tiny 20 minute run before having to leave for a different engagement. The model I got is a rather old one, it's white with a blue seat to start. I noticed a few other things, though...

1. When you all say that you use a different set of muscles, you're not kidding. Ow! This will take some getting used to, I think.

2. The handlebars will adjust on their own if you push on them enough. I suppose this is because they're secured using a standard headset. I don't like this, has it been fixed in 2004/2005 models?

3. The steering mechanism is quite close to the bottom of the seat, so much so that I can almost feel it. Also, the seat isn't too comfy to begin with... Has this been changed?

4. The wheels can rub on the seat if turned far enough in either direction.

5. The steering is squirrly! I always feel like I'm moving side to side, though I suppose I have to learn how to synch my legs and arms to compensate. But still...

6. My legs get tired from being elevated. Does this go away after a while.

7. One foot went numb. I was using clipless pedals, and it really does feel like it would be more efficient if the clip were in the heel, rather than the balls of the feet.

I'll admit that 20 minutes is hardly a long enough test run. However, I do hope that some of these concerns have been corrected in later builds. If the guy who's renting this trike offered to sell it to me, I'm not so sure I'd go for it. Anyway, more testing tomorrow (I have this thing for a week), maybe it will be better....

Oh yeah, and the metal flexes quite a bit. Are the new trikes stiffer?

[cjs1948]

OK! I just got my rental Catrike, and had a chance to go on a tiny 20 minute run before having to leave for a different engagement. The model I got is a rather old one, it's white with a blue seat to start. I noticed a few other things, though...

1. When you all say that you use a different set of muscles, you're not kidding. Ow! This will take some getting used to, I think.

2. The handlebars will adjust on their own if you push on them enough. I suppose this is because they're secured using a standard headset. I don't like this, has it been fixed in 2004/2005 models?

3. The steering mechanism is quite close to the bottom of the seat, so much so that I can almost feel it. Also, the seat isn't too comfy to begin with... Has this been changed?

4. The wheels can rub on the seat if turned far enough in either direction.

5. The steering is squirrly! I always feel like I'm moving side to side, though I suppose I have to learn how to synch my legs and arms to compensate. But still...

6. My legs get tired from being elevated. Does this go away after a while.

7. One foot went numb. I was using clipless pedals, and it really does feel like it would be more efficient if the clip were in the heel, rather than the balls of the feet.

Oh yeah, and the metal flexes quite a bit. Are the new trikes stiffer?

It sounds like you are riding one of the origianl Catrikes. If so, EVERYTHING has changed. Your legs shouldn't hurt so much--it sounds like the pedals are too close to you. If you put your HEEL on the pedal at full extention your leg should be straight. My legs don't get any more tired from being elevated on a trike than on a recliner. For numb foot be sure the cleats are moved all the way back in their slots. If you're feeling flex, I'd say virtually all new trikes of major brands don't do that. Again, if this is an original Catrike, it will not be representative of new trikes in general of any brand and certainly not of Catrike.

You have to start somewhere. I hope you get to ride some others of more than one brand and in contemporary models. It is the best way to get a true feeling for what you may want.

Chip Stern
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO

[jeff-o]

Yeah, I figured that new trikes, of any brand, would have quirks like I described worked out. Unfortunately this was the closest Catrike for 100km, and in reality I don't think I'll be able to afford one for a few months at least. Unless, of course, I find one for sale that has hit the magic $1500 mark...

[BuckyYuen]

The Pocket is still $1495 until May 31st.

[jeff-o]

The Pocket is still $1495 until May 31st.

Um, I should rephrase that to say, "$1500 CDN for a Catrike Road." That changes things a bit, eh? ;)



But!! I have good news! I went out for a longer ride today, and before I left I did some tune-ups. First of all, the right disc brake was rubbing on the pad! No wonder I was so pooped, pushing that around! I fixed that problem, and centred the left one for good measure. One unfortunate design flaw with this model is that the right disc brake hits one of the steering columns, making it impossible to adjust perfectly. I got it close enough, though. I also moved the cleats on my shoes, and that helped a bit as well. Not perfect, but closer. Climbing hills is NOT as bad as I thought it would be, in fact I stayed in the biggest front gear for the entire ride...

Heh, one thing I would like to see (though I don't think it's practical) is the ability to go in reverse. That would be better than having to unclip and push with your feet to do a 3-point turn. ;)


And now, for the most interesting thing of all: I've been studying the reactions of all the people who see me. I didn't see any small children (or at least they didn't see me). Teens and adults, for the most part, think that it's the most rediculous thing (or waste, as they put it) ever. What surprised me when I visited my opa's retirement village is all the POSITIVE reactions I got! They thought the catrike was the most fantastic bike they'd ever seen. I'm sure if they could bend down far enough, they'd have taken it for a ride. I always knew old people were wiser than all... :D

[cjs1948]

I have good news! I went out for a longer ride today, and before I left I did some tune-ups. First of all, the right disc brake was rubbing on the pad!
Heh, one thing I would like to see (though I don't think it's practical) is the ability to go in reverse. That would be better than having to unclip and push with your feet to do a 3-point turn. ;)

And now, for the most interesting thing of all: I've been studying the reactions of all the people who see me. I didn't see any small children (or at least they didn't see me). Teens and adults, for the most part, think that it's the most rediculous thing (or waste, as they put it) ever. What surprised me when I visited my opa's retirement village is all the POSITIVE reactions I got! They thought the catrike was the most fantastic bike they'd ever seen. I'm sure if they could bend down far enough, they'd have taken it for a ride. I always knew old people were wiser than all... :D
Whenever I rent a bike I allow some time for tuning. Actually, whenever I buy a NEW bike I do the same thing--some things are always out of proper adjustment.

I don't know where you live, but the Denver area kids and teens always seem to like our trikes (maybe because they are later and zoomier looking than that early Cat). The last one we stopped to talk with was a curious BMXer with six-pack abs and large ear disc piercings, etc. He thought the trikes were VERY cool pieces of equipment.

I was out giving a test ride to a 67 year old lady today. I had to suggest that for the season we may need to get her an oral bug screen. She didn't even realize that she had been grinning broadly the whole time. She was one thrilled rider. Her new trike will arrive in a couple of weeks.

The last two WW trikes on eBay went for under and well under $1400. Both late models, mint, and a stunningly good buy for someone. Worth keeping an eye out.

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO

[jeff-o]

Yeah, I saw a terratrike 3.3 go for $1150 a while ago. How do they compare to the Catrikes? If I'm looking for a Road, which WW should I get? What's the latest year/version that would be worth my while?

Hmmm, the rental place has TerraTrike, maybe I could try that one as well... ;D

[cjs1948]

Yeah, I saw a terratrike 3.3 go for $1150 a while ago. How do they compare to the Catrikes? If I'm looking for a Road, which WW should I get? What's the latest year/version that would be worth my while?

Hmmm, the rental place has TerraTrike, maybe I could try that one as well... ;D
I preferred the seat on the TT to that on the Speed that I tested--I've not been able to get close enough to a Road for a sit or ride. I've heard good responses from the owners of 3.3s. We had a 3.4 and 3.5. Both were great rides and trouble free.

Your testing experience will be incomplete unless you get a chance to test a couple of different brands. On the other hand, I bought my first trike sight unseen (TT) and had no regrets whatsoever. There are still plenty of trikes I've not been on. I'm thinking I need something to record a notch on each time I get near a different, new to me trike. They're still so hard to find my notches won't need a very long stick.

Chip
The Recumbent Trike Store
Denver, CO
303-618-5711

[jeff-o]

Well, today was my last day with my rental Catrike. As I was waiting for the guy to come by to pick it up, I rode up and down my short street, basically showing off. It's funny because I was perfectly in sync with the street lights at one end, so that each time I reached them I had to stop. This gave me an opportunity to pose on the Catrike to the cars stopped beside me. I'm not sure why, but it was incredibly fun to ride down my street, stop for the cars, then turn around and do the loop over again! I must have done that a dozen or more times before the guy finally came to take it away.... *sigh*

I really want to love my Trek (which is less than 2 months old), but the Catrike (and a trike of any sort) is just so much more FUN! What will I tell my wife??

[cjs1948]

Well, today was my last day with my rental Catrike. As I was waiting for the guy to come by to pick it up, I rode up and down my short street, basically showing off. It's funny because I was perfectly in sync with the street lights at one end, so that each time I reached them I had to stop. This gave me an opportunity to pose on the Catrike to the cars stopped beside me. I'm not sure why, but it was incredibly fun to ride down my street, stop for the cars, then turn around and do the loop over again! I must have done that a dozen or more times before the guy finally came to take it away.... *sigh*

I really want to love my Trek (which is less than 2 months old), but the Catrike (and a trike of any sort) is just so much more FUN! What will I tell my wife??
The truth. And then tell her what a great woman she is. Before she can say anything, be sure to get in the part about how understanding and supportive she is.

Good luck!

Chip

[jeff-o]

She'll say, "great, but we can't afford one."

Which is true.

Why must they be so expensive!?!? Argh!