Suggestions for upgrades on new Catrike Villager
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Suggestions for upgrades on new Catrike Villager
I am purchasing my wife a new Catrike Villager. Any suggestions for upgrades?
I had thought about adding a right mirror, a back carryrack, and of course back and front lights.
Second question, I assume we will need to adjust the boom length if she let's me ride it
.
When you adjust the boom length, do you also have to adjust the chain length and if so,
how much trouble is that?
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions,
Scubaquarius
I had thought about adding a right mirror, a back carryrack, and of course back and front lights.
Second question, I assume we will need to adjust the boom length if she let's me ride it

When you adjust the boom length, do you also have to adjust the chain length and if so,
how much trouble is that?
Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions,
Scubaquarius
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First, yes on the chain length depending upon how much the boom length is altered, especially when lengthened for a taller rider. A short chain can be disastrous and can cause damage to the rear derailleur and even the spokes in the rear wheel.
Another option is a chain "gobbler" for a trike used by different riders with large differences in leg length. https://www.catrike.com/_p/prd2/4586...hain-tensioner
Another option is a chain "gobbler" for a trike used by different riders with large differences in leg length. https://www.catrike.com/_p/prd2/4586...hain-tensioner
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I find that on our Catrike Trail that if I fully recline the seat and my wife rides in the most upRight position that we don’t need to adjust the boom. But we’re only a few inches different in height so that may or may not apply to your situation.
we have a rack on our Trail, but it rarely gets used. The seat back storage pocket is decent for what we carry, which isn’t much.
we have a rack on our Trail, but it rarely gets used. The seat back storage pocket is decent for what we carry, which isn’t much.
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Get fenders. The wheels spray right on your hands.
I found a fat rear tire on mine to be a huge improvement. I think it was a big Apple plus.
i found bar end mirrors too low while riding and irritating while parking, and wished for something more like a motorcycle’s. I think I’d be in a minority here.
To avoid the worst with the boom and the chain, put the gears in big/big before you adjust it. On my Terra Trike it seemed like the system was setup at L and did ok shortened from there
I found a fat rear tire on mine to be a huge improvement. I think it was a big Apple plus.
i found bar end mirrors too low while riding and irritating while parking, and wished for something more like a motorcycle’s. I think I’d be in a minority here.
To avoid the worst with the boom and the chain, put the gears in big/big before you adjust it. On my Terra Trike it seemed like the system was setup at L and did ok shortened from there
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 08-21-20 at 11:20 AM.
#7
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One of the customer's trikes, I worked with a couple years ago, had some handrails on the frame near the 2 front wheels,
To make it easier to get up out of the seat, & lower himself down..
To make it easier to get up out of the seat, & lower himself down..

Last edited by fietsbob; 08-21-20 at 11:52 AM.
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+1 for a wider rear tire. I put 20x1.95 Maxxis Hookworms on the back of our Catrike Trails. They're tough and excellent on crushed limestone or sandy trails. They are also heavy but on a 30+ lb. non-racing trike who cares?
Don't know if your Villager has a neck rest but they were nice additions also.
Don't know if your Villager has a neck rest but they were nice additions also.
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