The Trail has most of the good points of a Catrike: 27 speeds, dual mechanical disk brakes, direct steering, and a light welded aluminum frame. At 32 lb it’s still lighter than most $3000 trikes.

The 2011 Catrike Trail Tadpole Tricycle

The seat is a bit higher than on the Catrike Road, and new for 2011 the seat recline is adjustable from 39 to 53 degrees from horizontal. For riders who want a tadpole trike, they can get in and out a bit more easily and sit more upright. This is good. If you are focused on lowering your wind resistance or enjoy high speed turns, it is not as good.

The Trail’s shorter wheelbase and higher center of gravity make it a bit less stable at high speeds but then it is not intended for speed freak riders. Not that this is a slow trike. In its price range it is pretty fast. And it isn’t tippy for casual riding, just high-speed tight turns or panic stops.

Among Catrikes it is among the low-performance models. It is still suitable for longer rides, and climbs well. It also has a fair amount of ground clearance. The Trail has three 20” wheels so you can find a few tires to fit at most any bike shop, and a large selection at any recumbent shop. At 32 pounds it is certainly the lightest trike in its price range, but it is not foldable.

Like most (all?) trikes in its price range, the Catrike Trail has twist shifters. I don’t like 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 or Pocket for $200.

So, what type of rider is the Trail for? Recumbent Trike Riders who want fun & comfort more than speed, who don’t want a heavy trike, an import or a budget buster.

A Budget-Priced multi-purpose Catrike

Its light weight and friendly ergonomics make it a great trike for novices and fitness riders.

Technical Data:

• Wheels Front & Rear 20”(406)
• Weight 32 lbs (14.5 Kg)
• Wheel Base 36″ (914mm)
• Wheel Track 29” (737mm)
• Total Width 33″ (838mm)
• Seat Height 9.25″ (235mm)
• Turning Circle 14’4″ (4.37m)
• Turning Radius 86″ (2.18m)
• Gear Inch Range 18” to 90”
• Ground Clearance 3.5” (89mm)
• Total Height 23.5″ (597mm)
• Total Length 71″ (1803mm)

Fit & Ergonomics:

• 39 to 53 Degrees Seat (from horizontal)
• Rider Weight Limit 275Lb.
• Seat Width 14″ (355mm)
• Bottom Bracket
• Height14.5″ (368mm)
• X-Seam 39 to 46″
• (Option Extra Long Boom Up to 53″)

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

Features:

• Patent Pending Catrike Space Frame
• New Boom Clamp System
• Roomy cockpit
• Cane Creek Headsets
• Very Stable
• Ackerman Compensation
• No Brake Steer
• Self Centering
• Clipless Pedals
• Mirror
• Computer Sensor Mount
• Aluminum Rod Ends
• PTFE Chain Tube
• Upright seat
• Primo Comet Tires
• Presta valve tubes

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