Catrike Expedition Recumbent Tricycle
The Catrike Expedition Tadpole Trike

Catrike Expedition
First off let me reveal my bias: I like the Expedition. It is rugged
enough for commuting or touring but it as faster than some more
expensive “performance” trikes. With a 26” rear wheel it has high gears
(25” to 130”!) with standard size chainrings that will shift well. I
think the big rear tire also gives a bit less rolling resistance,
certainly on rougher roads (chip seal) or gravel bike paths. It also
gives a bit smother ride, never a strong point on a Catrike due to their
rigid frames. The 26” rear, 20” front tires are probably the most widely
available sizes found on a recumbent. You can find replacements at any
bike shop. They may not have the tires you really want but they will get
you back on the road. (700c is the other most available size.) All this
and its 2008 price of $2550 is less than some heavier, slower carbon
fiber trikes. Like all Catrikes the Expedition has direct steering. Now
before you say “direct steer is twitchy at high speed” try the
Expedition (or the Catrike 700.) I think the long wheelbase of these
trikes gives them very good high speed stability, the best I’ve felt in
a direct steer bike and better than many indirect steer trikes, in my
opinion. The longer wheel base also helps eliminate brake steer which is
already low on a Catrike. The size of the Expedition makes it the ideal
Catrike for larger riders. The frame has a 275 lb warranty weight limit,
like many of the other Catrikes.
The seat recline is not adjustable but at 37 degrees from horizontal I
find it nice, not extreme but comfy and pretty aero. The lumbar curve on
the Expedition is a nice addition, I really like it. The Catrike seat
cover has many buckles which allow you to in effect adjust the amount of
lumbar curve but tightening and loosening them. The “space” neck rest is
a nice one but I don’t like neck rests much myself. Another nice
addition is the Teracycle chain idler. Quiet, smooth and durable, it may
be the best idler in the business. It even has 4 ¼” of ground clearance,
not bad.
Now the downside (every bike/trike has them.) This is a large trike,
about 80” long. It will be harder to fit in a car than most trikes. Like
all Catrikes the Expedition does not fold, but the pedal boom can be
removed if you have to. Like all Catrikes the seat-recline is not
adjustable. Like almost all tadpole trikes I feel it is too low for
riding safely in heavy traffic.
So, now you know I like the Expedition. Try one for your self and see if
YOU like it too!

"I took my new 2008 Expedition out for a short ride
yesterday.
I agree with you, this is one sweet trike. Gonna be a
fun summer!"
John in Rochester NY
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TECHNICAL DATA |
FIT & ERGONOMICS
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COMPONENTS* |
FEATURES |
|
• Wheels Front 20"
(406)
• Wheel Rear 26" (559)
• Weight 35 lbs (15.9Kg)
• Wheel Base 43" (1092mm)
• Wheel Track 29” (737mm)
• Total Width 33" (838mm)
• Seat Height 10.0 " (254mm)
• Turning Circle diameter 18' (5.49m)
• Turning Circle Radius 108" (2.74m)
• Gear Inch Range 24” to 123”
• Ground Clearance 4.25” (108mm)
Length Overall
~80” (set for 6’ rider) |
• 37 Degrees Ergo
Seat (from
horizontal)
• Rider Weight Limit 275Lb.
• Seat Width 14" (355mm)
• Bottom Bracket 16" (406mm)
• X-Seam 39 to 46"
• (Option Extra Long Boom Up to 53") |
• 27 Speed Drive
Train
• Shimano Dura Ace Bar End Shifters
• Shimano LX Rear Derraileur
• Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc Brakes
• Avid FR5 Flat Pull Brake Lever
• Truvativ Elita EXO 165mm Triple Crankset
• SRAM PG 950 11-32 cassette
• KMC X9 Chain
Standard
Colors: Silver Cat or Bengal Red
Optional Colors:
Basic MSRP $99 (White, Yellow, Blue,
Black)
Neon MSRP $129 (Lime Green, Pink)
Sparkle MSRP $149 (Orange, Red, British
Racing Green, Blue) |
• Marathon Racer
tires
• New Boom Clamp System
• Clipless Pedals
•Ackerman Compensation
•No Brake Steer
•Self Centering
• Mirror, Computer Sensor Mount
• Aluminum Rod Ends
• Double Bend Frame
• Ergo Seat
• Space Neck Rest
• Terra Cycle Pulley
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MSRP Complete & assembled, $2,550 PLUS SHIPPING TO DEALER. Price as of
03/01/08

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