Recumbent - Windcheetah v Catrike

Anyone here use a WindCheetah? I keep looking at them but have yet to make up my mind, their price may have something to do with it. I've looked at the Catrike and there are a lot of similarities. Any insights? Thanks

My limited research led me to understand that the Windcheetah and the Catrike are only similar in that they have three wheels and are made of aluminum. There is no dealer support network for Windcheetah in North America, which could be an issue for after market service. They are an incredible trike, but the price, the almost impossible chance of ever riding one before purchase and questionable after market service led me to buy a Catrike. I have no regrets other than wishing I had more time to ride!

Mike,
Catrike "Road" 04 #589

I agree with mchell; the only similarities between a Windcheetah and a Catrike is that they're both aluminum tadpole trikes. There's ONE Windcheetah in my club. Of all the trikes in the club, it is the only one that can keep up with the fast upright group for any appreciable distance. And some of the Catrikes have pretty powerful motors compared to the Windcheetah, which uses a 65 year old math professor.

I thought the cheetahs were made with carbon fiber? no? Anyway, there are a lot of trikes. Personally I would lean toward the ICE Q for it's novel design and the suspension. Otherwise I love my Actionbent tadpole trike and it is plenty fast. When I heard of a windcheetah breaking in half at speed, it kinda stopped all the drooling. The only true unique feature of the cheetah is that it has the over seat steering. It also uses a mono bearing trailing arm, but I don't see how that makes it any better than more traditional chainstays.

I thought the cheetahs were made with carbon fiber? no? Anyway, there are a lot of trikes. Personally I would lean toward the ICE Q for it's novel design and the suspension. Otherwise I love my Actionbent tadpole trike and it is plenty fast. When I heard of a windcheetah breaking in half at speed, it kinda stopped all the drooling. The only true unique feature of the cheetah is that it has the over seat steering. It also uses a mono bearing trailing arm, but I don't see how that makes it any better than more traditional chainstays.

The Windcheetah uses aluminum tubes that are bonded into the lugs, of which there are 5 (I think) : front wheel knuckles, main cross, dropout, and bottom bracket. You can replace tubes yourself by heating up the joints to unglue them. The steering is via a joystick, which utilizes a universal joint. You lay the stick in your lap as you ride, and when you get off the trike, the joystick lays in the seat. As a result of the way the frame is made, the rear wheel is not centered in the track - that is, it is closer to the left wheel track than to the right wheel track.

If speed isn't an issue, the Catrikes are a lot cheaper.

I've heard that the Catrike 700 is nearly as fast as the Windcheetah. I'd suggest visiting the BROL forums at www.bentrideronline.com and ask your question there.

The Hypersport Windcheetahs are carbon fiber, but the regular Windcheetahs are aluminum.

I own an older "Limited Edition" SL, #96. Its and early '90's Wincheetah. I also ride with the Recumbents of the East Bay group and have seen Catrikes, Terratikes and Ices side by side and while they all have their strengths and virtures, I prefer my Windcheetah--maybe I'm just used to it.

I will say that I've never had any trouble passing the other trikes, but I'm pretty sure its a combination of narrower tires, the 26" rear tire and the impression I get that even my old Windcheetah is lighter than all of the other trikes. I find this odd, because according to the specifications they are all pretty close, but I've picked them all up and my WC definitely seems lighter.

I can't speak for the alu windcheetahs, but whatever you do, stay away from the CF ones. I know two people who have had horrible experiences with the bikes, and were not supported at all as customers by the company.

There are a lot of great trikes out there. If you're looking for speed, the catrike 700 is niiiice.

This is an apples and oranges comparision. I own a WC and have tried a CatTrike. Different seating position, different handling, different overall body position.

WC is a dream to ride but higher cost with import duty and potentially local tax you don't find out about until you get the bill from your local tax man.

Cattrike seems quick but I did not care for the more laid back body position and the overall lower riding position. Ride both and decide which you like, you won't go wrong either way.

As far as WC speed, she is quick and can cruise at 24 MPH on the flats with not a whole lot of effort. My 55 year old motor like that.