Catrike Pocket Recumbent Trike

Catrike Pocket
The Catrike Pocket Tadpole

The pocket is the smallest trike Catrike makes. It is designed to be a performance tadpole trike with good fit and weight distribution for riders from ~5′ to ~5’8”. Riders near the shorter end of that scale may need shorter cranks than the stock 165mm arms on the pocket to eliminate heel strike on the frame. The Pocket’s narrow track makes it the easiest Catrike to get through a door or to ride between the “no cars here” posts on a bike path. The Pocket’s narrow track and shorter overall length make it the most easily transported Catrike too.

The Catrike Pocket Recumbent Tadpole Tricycle

Being the smallest Catrike also makes it the lightest Catrike at 29 lb. I’m 6’2” so I can’t tell you how it handles from a first-hand experience. As always I’d recommend test riding to see how you like it. Its 20” rear wheel means a wide variety of tires are available for the back and it has a decent high gear. The two 16” (349) front tires allow a good turning radius even with its narrow track but they limit your tire choices a bit too.

I don’t like the twist shifters much on any USS (Under Seat Steering) recumbent. The twist shift is designed for a mountain bike where it is operated by your stronger index and middle fingers. On a USS recumbent bike or trike with vertical handlebars, you must shift with your less robust pinky and ring fingers. On a direct steer trike, it can take some practice to just twist shift without turning. We have had several customers who find their hand strength is not up to the task. Not to worry, we can install Shimano Dura Ace bar end shifters and a Shimano LX rear derailleur on a new Catrike Trail, Pocket for $145.

So, what type of rider is the Pocket for?

Riders under 5’8” looking for a lighter, smaller trike for a reasonable price.

Technical Data:

  • Wheels Front 16″ (349mm)
  • Wheel Rear 20″ (406mm)
  • Weight 29 lbs (13.2 Kg)
  • Wheel Base 35″ (889mm)
  • Wheel Track 27.5” (699mm)
  • Total Width 31.5″ (800mm)
  • Seat Height 8.25″ (210mm)
  • Turning Circle 14′ (4.27m)
  • Turning Radius 84″ (2.13m)
  • Gear Inch Range 18” to 90”
  • Ground Clearance 3” (76mm)
  • Total Height 22″ (559mm)
  • Total Length 70″ (1778mm)

Fit & Ergonomics:

  • 45 Degrees Seat (from horizontal)
  • Rider Weight Limit 225 lbs.
  • Seat Width 14″ (355mm)
  • Bottom Bracket 14.5″ (368mm)
  • X-Seam 36 to 43″(Not Recommended for riders over 5’8″ because of the weight distribution that this trike has been designed for, ideal for short riders )

Components:

  • 27 Speed Drive Train
  • SRAM SX5 Half Pipe Twist shifters
  • SRAM long cage SX5 rear derailleur 1:1 Ratio
  • Avid BB5 Mechanical Disc Brakes
  • Avid FR5 Flat Pull Brake Lever
  • Truvativ Touro 165mm arm Triple Power Drive Bottom Bracket
  • SRAM PG 950 11-32 cassette
  • KMC X9 Chain
  • Standard Colors:
    • Silver Cat or Lime Green
  • Optional Colors:
    • Basic: MSRP $99 (White, Yellow, Red, Blue or Black)
    • Neon: MSRP $129 (Lime Green, Pink)
    • Sparkle: MSRP $149 (Orange, Red, British Racing Green, Blue)

Features:

  • Primo Comer high-pressure tires with Kevlar belt and reflective stripe
  • Presta valve tubes
  • Primo Comet Tires
  • New Boom Clamp System
  • Clipless Pedals
  • Ackerman Compensation
  • No Brake Steer
  • Self Centering
  • Mirror
  • Computer Sensor Mount
  • Aluminum Rod Ends
  • PTFE Chain Tube
  • Double Bend Frame
  • Ergo Seat

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