Catrike Villager Recumbent Trike

The 2020 Villager ~ a relaxing Catrike with a modest price.

“Villager” is a good name for this affordable, versatile Catrike. Urban/suburban riders will find its higher seat and upright seat back handy in traffic. The Villager’s 12.5” seat height makes it the highest Catrike and the easiest to get on and off. It is ideal for riders looking for a casual fitness or an adaptive trike. If speed is near the top of your to do list check out the other Catrikes, the Villager is relaxing instead. The seat recline adjusts from 47 to 58 degrees which is quite upright for a Catrike. The 5.5” ground clearance lets you ride over speed bumps and curb transitions without worry. To keep it stable with that high seat it is 34.5” wide, the widest Catrike.

Catrike’s Villager Recumbent Tadpole Trike

Most Catrikes share the same components. Avid BB-7 disk brakes; SRAM 30 speed gearing; 30-39-52 FSA triple crank sets, it is a nice selection.

The Villager has 20” wheels all around. This means you will have a lot of tire choices to suit your trike to your riding conditions. From 2.25” wide knobbies to skinny tires for pavement, they are available for the Villager’s common 20” (406) wheels.

Performance oriented riders will not like the high seat as it increases wind resistance lowering top speed and raises the center of gravity making the trike more difficult to control in panic stops.

My Review of the 2020 Catrike Villager

The Villager handles well. It has about the least brake steer of any trike. The higher seat makes it less stable in sharp turns or panic stops. The new removable seat pad makes it very comfortable. The seat back angle adjusts, as do the handlebars. The leg length can be adjusted without tools but you will need to change the chain length – or add a chain tensioner.

All this makes it a great trike for riders who aren’t focused on speed. If they have trouble getting into or out of a low seat due to years of inactivity or disability they may like the Villager even more. And everybody likes the Villager’s relatively light 34 lb weight.

So, what type of rider should try the Villager? Riders who want fun & comfort more than speed. That want a light weight, US made trike that won’t bust their budget.

This Catrike is easy to ride and friendly for a casual first time buyer. And best of all, it’s an affordable way to park your car for shorter trips. Human power is great for the environment and even better for your health!

Frame & Geometry
Wheel Base 36 in
Wheel Track 31 in
Total Width 34.5 in
Total Length** 69 in
Seat Angle 47/58  deg
Weight 34 lb
Seat Height 12.5 in
Seat Width 14 in
BB Height** 17 in
Ground Clearance 5.5 in
Total Height 28.5 in
Height w/ Seat Folded 24.5 in
Turning Circle 16 ft
Turning Radius 8 ft
Rider Weight Limit 275 lb
Rider X-Seam Range 39/46 in

* weight includes pedals, mirror, flag and computer mount.
** varies according to riders height.

Standard Features
  • Rear Fender
  • Flag Mount and Flag
  • Mirracycle Rear View Mirror
  • Multi Purpose Clipless Pedals
  • Computer Sensor Mount
  • Quick Release Indexing Boom Clamp
  • Aluminum Rodends
  • Low Friction PTFE Flared Chain Tube
Components
Brakes Avid BB7 Disc Brakes
Brake Levers Avid Speed Dial 7 Brake Levers
Front Derailleur    Microshift Triple
Rear Derailleur SRAM GX 10 Speed
Shifters SRAM 500 TT Bar End Shifter
Crankset FSA Gossamer Pro Triple
Bottom Bracket FSA Road MegaExo
Chainrings 30/39/52
Chainring Guard FSA Guard
Cassette SRAM 11/36 10 Speed
Chain KMC
Idler TerraCycle Sport Power Idler 15T
Headsets FSA Zero Stack
Front Tires  406 Schwalbe Marathon Racer
Rear Tire  406 Schwalbe Marathon Racer

*All components are subject to change with an equivalent substitute based on availability