Recumbent - Front wheel shimmy on Catrike Road

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Onus
09-17-09, 02:00 PM
I believe I've got a minor alignment problem on my Catrike Road. If I take both hands off the handlebars, the wheels will almost immediately begin to shimmy to the point I need to quickly grab on again (e.g. I wouldn't have time to pop the top on a soda can while moving). I searched the forum and didn't find an answer, although at work I can't access the videos in some links. My wife does not seem to have this problem on hers; she can let go and the wheels stay "quiet" and straight, so I'm thinking I've got a minor adjustment problem. I have not noticed a lot of tire wear, although I doubt I have any more than 200-300 total miles on my trike.
I consider myself reasonably competent with hand tools (I build PCs, dabble in electronics, enjoy the usual fix-it projects, etc.) so I believe I could probably handle this if it isn't too involved. Any guidance would be appreciated.


altozwei
09-17-09, 07:08 PM
I have an '08 Road that developed the same problem shortly after I began riding it. There are a number of lengthy discussions on the Catrike Forum about what causes this. It can be caused by incorrect toe-in (alignment) , improper tire inflation, or loose headsets with incorrect torque BUT the #1 cause for most people was a bearing issue in the upper headsets. Catrike came out with teflon bushings that replace the bearings and correct the problem. You did not indicate what year model you have but this may very well be your culprit. If your trike is a 2009, it could have either the bushings or the older bearings depending upon date of manufacture. The Catrike folks should be able to tell you if you contact them. Prior to 2009, all the trikes had the bearings. Not everyone has this problem (such as your wife) but it is a simple, quick fix to change these parts out and it makes a huge difference. I got mine directly from Catrike by contacting them. My steering is rock solid and dead straight now.

Pockets
09-17-09, 07:51 PM
Altozwei hit the nail on the head. I would just echo what he said. Do a search on the Catrike board-key word Shimmy


Onus
09-18-09, 03:38 AM
Thank you; I will do that. Although they are both 2008 models (#1119, #1173), I believe I have the bearings, and she has bushings.