Catrike Recumbent Trikes

Catrike made their name with simple, light weight, moderately priced trikes built in America. In 2013 they moved into a new Simple design continues in their lighter trikes, often the lightest in their price range. Some newer models have added features like folding frames and adjustable seat recline.

 

Made in the USA, and a good value too!

Efficient in-house design and manufacturing helps Catrike keep their trikes competitively priced. All Catrikes are aluminum and built in the Florida factory.

Catrikes being built in their 10,000 sq ft. Florida Factory

Because of this all Catrike trikes have several similarities:

  • They all have aluminum frames designed, cut, formed, machined, welded, painted and assembled in Florida.
  • All are Tadpole trikes with two front wheels and one rear wheel.
  • All Catrikes are relatively light.
  • All Catrikes have direct steering.
  • All Catrikes have mechanical disk brakes, one on each front wheel.
  • All Catrikes (except the Eola) have 30 speeds with SRAM front and rear derailleurs.
  • All Catrikes have less brake-steer than some other trikes.
  • All Catrikes have some pedal steer, more than some other trikes.
  • All Catrikes come with 165 mm crank arms to lower strain on your knees.
Catrike Lineup
Come to Bicycle Man and try and wide variety of Catrikes and other recumbent trikes!

Which Catrike is best for you?

at is a good question! If you are looking for an economical, simple and light trike check out their 11 speed “Eola”.  Interested in a comfy and easy to get used to trike? Try the “Villager.” Need a foldable trike? The Trail and 559 are worth a test ride. Are you petite and looking for a moderately priced, lightweight, sporty trike? The Pocket might be what you are looking for. If you ride on rough roads check out the full suspension Dumont or rear suspension Road AR. Don’t need folding and want a large rear wheel? That would describe the Expedition. Interested in speed above all else? Take a spin on the 700. Every Catrike is good at the type of riding it was designed for.

One after another of the Catrike models have won the prestigious BROL trike of the year award in 2003; 2004; 2005; 2006; 2007, 2008 and 2011!

We have been a Catrike Gold level dealer for over a decade, so we are familiar with their models.

Direct steering or indirect steering?

Catrikes and many other trikes have Direct steering. This simple setup has the handlebars connected directly to the kingpins that steer the front wheels. Other trikes have indirect steering. This design has the handlebar connected to the frame and indirectly connected to the kingpins. Some riders like the responsiveness of direct steering, other riders prefer the intuitive feel and stable handling of indirect. We think you should test ride both designs and see which you like.

Will you like direct steering?

Catrikes direct steering makes them quite nimble. At first some riders find them a bit touchy at 20+ MPH. It takes very little input to steer a direct steer trike like a Catrike. I find most trikes steer better when you relax your arms. A sneeze at high speed could be exciting… Many feel the steering on the Catrike 700 and 559 more relaxing at higher speeds. This is because these trikes have longer wheelbase. This is another reason we recommend test riding a variety of trikes before purchasing.

In our experience Catrike trikes have been more reliable than average and the company has always honored their warranty without a hassle.

Catrike Recumbent Tadpole Trikes from the Bicycle Man ~ the State’s Largest selection of Recumbent tricycles. We stock several trike models from Catrike typically including their Eola, Pocket, Villager, Trail, 559 and Dumont. Stop in for a test ride!

Catrike Owner’s Manual for the 700, Expedition, Pocket, Road, Speed, & Trail (pdf 2.95Mb)