Catrike

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Catrike
Manufacturer Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles
Cycle line Tadpole style tricycles
Introduced 2000
Status In production
Models 9
Website www.catrike.com

Catrike is a brand of lightweight tadpole-design recumbent tricycles manufactured by Big Cat HPV, LLC, which is based in Orlando, Florida, United States. The company was founded in 1999 by Paulo Camasmie.[1]

Catrike riders have an annual factory-sponsored rally in March.[2] Big Cat builds more trikes equipped with direct-steering than any other manufacturer in the world.[3]

Models

2006 model Catrike Speed
2006 model Catrike Speed
2009 model Catrike Trail

The 2012 Catrike line consists of six models, the Expedition, Pocket, Road, Trail, Villager and 700. All Catrikes have heat-treated aluminum frames, front disc brakes and a nylon mesh, non-adjustable seat. Steering is via direct side levers with Ackerman compensation. Rider size variations are accommodated via a telescoping boom that mounts the pedals.[3][4]

Road
The Road was the first Catrike model and was introduced in 2000. As a result of experience developing the Speed model, the Road was redesigned in 2003. The new version became available in 2004. The 2005 model introduced indirect steering, which proved more difficult to set the toe-in on and so in 2006 direct steering was reintroduced. The Road has 20 in (51 cm) wheels and is designed for general recreational use and touring.[3][5][6][7]
Speed
The Speed was the second Catrike model introduced and was first available on the market in 2003. It has a 20 in (51 cm) drive wheel and 16 in (41 cm) front wheels and, while it is designed to be fast, reviewers have also found it suitable for touring. The Speed was discontinued in 2011.[8][6][9][10]
Pocket
The Pocket was introduced as a 2005 model year. It has 16" front wheels and a 20 in (51 cm) rear wheel with a 37 in (94 cm) wheelbase, shorter than that of the Road or Speed models. It is described as a "light trike that is compact and easy to transport." Reviewer Bryan Ball termed the 2005 model Pocket: "a light and spunky little trike with good handling and good comfort." It is especially intended for riders shorter than 5' 8" (173 cm) tall. The Pocket has a 45-degree seat angle.[11][12][13][14]
700
The 700 was introduced as a 2007 model year. It is a performance trike with a 700C rear wheel and 16 in (41 cm) front wheels. It is the most reclined of all the models, with a 27-degree seat angle. It is also the most expensive model.[15][4]
Expedition
The Expedition was introduced as a 2007 model. It is a recreational/performance/touring trike with a 26 in (66 cm) rear wheel and 20 in (51 cm) front wheels. It is the largest trike Catrike currently makes.[16][4]
Trail
The Trail was introduced in the 2007 model year is a recreational/touring trike. It has 20 in (51 cm) wheels and is smaller than the Road but larger than the Pocket. In reviewing it Bryan Ball said: "It’s quick, it feels light and responsive and it didn’t give me any nasty surprises."[17][4][18]
Villager
Introduced in 2008, the Villager is designed for urban settings with increased ground clearance, a higher seat of 12.5 in (32 cm) and a 50 degree seat angle. The Villager has 20 in (51 cm) front and rear wheels. The 2008 model was introduced as a nine-speed with no front dérailleur. The 2009 model included the option of a front triple crankset, giving 27 speeds.[19][20]
Dash
The Dash was introduced in 2009, is designed for children and has 349/406 wheels. In reviewing the Dash, Parker Ball indicated that it is stable and that the rear wheel stays on the ground in fast stops. The Dash was discontinued at the end of 2011 due to low sales volume.[21][22][23]
Musashi
In early 2010 Big Cat HPV introduced their first two-wheeled design, a short-wheelbase recumbent bicycle marketed under the Catbike name. The Musashi was discontinued at the end of 2011 to concentrate on trikes.[24][23]

Achievements and awards

  • The first Catrike to complete a transcontinental crossing was a 2007 Catrike Road ridden by Lucinda Chandler in the spring of 2007 (58 days from California to Florida).[25]
  • BentRider Online Trike of the Year, 2003.[1]
  • BentRider Online Trike of the Year, Readers Choice 2004 - Catrike Road.[26]
  • BentRider Online Trike of the Year, 2005.
  • BentRider Online Trike of the Year, 2006.
  • BentRider Online Trike of the Year, 2007.

See also

  • List of bicycle manufacturers

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Big cat HPV (2005). "History". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  2. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "2008 4th Annual Catrike Rally and Factory Tour". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Ball, Bryan (2006). "2006 Catrike Road". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Big Cat HPV (2007). "Catrike Owners Manual 2007". Retrieved 2009-09-23. 
  5. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Road". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Big Cat HPV (March 2006). "Catrike Owners Manual 2004". Retrieved 2009-09-23. 
  7. ↑ Varney, Larry (2004). "Catrike Road - Deja Vu All Over Again". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  8. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Speed". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  9. ↑ Varney, Larry (2005). "Yes, It Is – the 2005 Catrike Speed". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  10. ↑ Varney, Larry (2003). "Catrike Speed - Long Term Test". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  11. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Pocket". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  12. ↑ Big Cat HPV (2005). "Catrike Owners Manual 2005". Retrieved 2009-09-23. 
  13. ↑ Varney, Larry (2005). "Catrike Pocket...And It's Even My Favorite Color". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  14. ↑ Ball, Bryan (2005). "2005 Catrike Pocket". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  15. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "700". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  16. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Expedition". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  17. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Trail". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  18. ↑ Ball, Bryan (October 2007). "Catrike Trail". Retrieved 2009-10-03. 
  19. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Villager". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  20. ↑ Varney, Larry (November 2008). "A Fairytale Fable in Florida - the Catrike Villager". Retrieved 2009-10-03. 
  21. ↑ Big Cat HPV (undated). "Catrike Dash". Retrieved 2009-09-18. 
  22. ↑ Ball, Parker (September 2009). "Catrike Dash Video Review". Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Big Cat HPV (14 September 2011). "Catrike Product Updates". Retrieved 6 April 2012. 
  24. ↑ Big Cat HPV (2010). "Catbike Musashi". Retrieved 2010-03-02. 
  25. ↑ Grabert, Rafaela (undated). "Lucinda Chandler (Pink Panther) Interview". Retrieved 2009-09-21. 
  26. ↑ Ball, Bryan (2004). "2004 Readers' Choice Trike of the Year - Catrike Road". Retrieved 2009-10-03. 

External links

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