Catrike 700 - First Ride

After looking for a used Trike to get started back into riding, I finally found the right deal. I purchased a very slightly used (less than 200 miles) Catrike 700. After getting it adjusted to my size and adding a few accessories, I took it out for my first ride.

A little about myself and my riding location:
I am 54 years old, in ok shape physically but out of shape aerobically. My knees are prone to aggravation from old body building stress from years ago. I live in South Florida, so I plan on riding this on the road. In my area the roads are paved pretty well. I am planning on building my endurance and hopefully, eventually riding for about an hour or so 3-4 times per week and then doing a longer 3 hour ride on the weekends.

My first impression of the 700:
I have never ridden or seen any trikes in person other than the Villager prior to buying this trike. I was concerned with the seating angle being a little to low and aggressive for comfort. I was WRONG. I find the seating position and seat extremely comfortable. I think the look of the trike is very cool. It is long and lean and kind of high tech looking... not your Grandpa's trike, thats for sure. Mine is all black, which in pictures I didn't think would look that good, but to my surprise I really like. I think it adds to the high-tech look of the machine. The 'Villager', the only trike I had seen or ridden prior to this one, had twist grip shifters. I definitely prefer the bar end shifters that come on the 700.

Impressions of my first ride:
Yesterday my trike was finally ready to go. I took it out around 4:00 for my 'break in' ride. Breaking me in that is, not the trike. I knew the trike was ready to go, but not sure about me and my body. I ended up doing about an 8 mile ride. I know it is only a 'warm up' for most of you, but hey, a guy's got to start somewhere.
I was really impressed with the 700 but of course I don't have any reference point for any other trike. It is very responsive speed and steering wise. My plan was to take this first ride fairly easy and just get used to the movement. The ride went great. I was extremely comfortable and everything went fine. The only issue I had was that I was feeling it in my knees and legs. I expect the legs to feel fatigued until they build up. I am hoping it is the same case for my knees.
Because the 700 does not have suspension, the seat is mounted directly to the frame, and I have the original tires on it which are meant for speed (Schwalbe Durano S on the rear, and Schwalbe Kojak 16's on the front) you definitely feel the road and any of its imperfections.
I noticed peddle steer right from the beginning although it did seem to lessen toward the end. I am assuming it is due to rider inexperience.
My first ride was a little over 16 hours ago. My legs are sore! A good kind of sore... the kind I am used to from working out int he gym. My quads are a little sore, my hamstrings are very sore, and my gluts are sore. I am actually very happy about this because ultimately my lower body will get built up and in better shape!

All in all, I am thrilled with the 700 and looking forward to riding it alot.

 

FU QUESTIONS FOR 700

In an effort to learn and improve, I have a few questions for those of you who have the experience and are willing to share:

Peddle Steer: What can/should I do to improve this?

Road Cushioning: I am interested in eventually getting tires that don't get flat and soften up the ride, without increasing rolling resistance too much. I know the Marathon Plus are 'bullet proof' but they supposedly are heavy and slow.

Knees: Are there any techniques to employ to lessen the strain on the knees.

Accessories: Does anyone know how to mount a Cappucino machine to this thing?

 

Excellent, thank you.

 

You will also learn to counteract the pedal steer with slight steering corrections.
Schwalbe big apples seem to be the tire of choice for comfort without too much speed loss.
Congrats on the trike. I had a 700 for a while, REAL nice trike. The seat just didn't work for me or my wife.

 

Thank you

 

You didn't mention what pressure you are running the Kojaks at but here's my take:

Kojaks run at reasonably low pressures like 85# or so are cushy enough for me on my 700. Many people want to run them at 100+ and they can become pretty harsh. Mine also wear faster at those pressures.

 

I will check today to see what pressure they are at. What do you run on the 700c wheel and at what pressure? Also, with your setup (tire models/air pressure) what is your experience with flats?

Thanks

 

I'm running a Michelin Pro Race 700x23 on the rear at 100# but I've run Duranos too. I've had very good luck in the flat department. The only flats that I've had are on the right front wheel, probably because it runs furthest to the right of the road which is the dirtiest.

 

Flat proof tires

This is probably a stupid question but does anyone have experience with the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires on something like the Catrike 700? I know the bike is built for speed and the Marathon Plus tires would probably slow it down... but by a little or by a lot?

Sure would be nice not to have to worry about flats!

 

Heavy, ride like bricks, most difficult to install.
Slow riding.

 

I had Marathon Racers on my trike when I first got it. I felt like they were reasonably light, they rolled easily, I found them to be very durable, and they were very easy to get on and take off. In 3000+ miles, I had one flat on each front tire, due to goat heads. I decided to try a higher pressure tire so I changed out the front tires for Duranos. These have been very durable and have about 1500 mies on them now, but their ride is a bit harsh compared to the Racers. Because I found the Duranos to be more difficult to put on, I left the original Marathon Racer on the back. Running at 5 LBS less pressure than its maximum, it continued to give me a nice slightly cushioned ride until I got a wheel extension for my trike and a 26" wheel. Now I have a Marathon Supreme in the back. Haven't had it long enough to know how durable it will be but it rolls well and has been a good ride so far.

 

Run a bit fatter tire at a bit lower pressure,,,
a bit more resistance ?
Get stronger...

The Knee's and the spin advice, good good.. I'd like to add....
Hydration Is key,,

Remember this : Hydrate the day BEFORE you ride ! The water you drink today will help your body tomorrow..
1 part Gatorade to 2 parts water is good.

Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Spin Let this be your Mantra..........

It took me about 200 miles, say 20 at a time to start getting 'Bent Legs'
Spinning was the single biggest factor in my quest for speed and pain free
knee's on my Oh so comfy Easy Racer Tour Easy LE

That recumbent got me back on my mountain bike at 54 years old..
Because I took the spinning advise from forums like this one I can
ride hard in the single tracks.

I love my Tour Easy, Thanks Mr Martin

 

I got the organic energy chews, many flavors,, LUV em I do..
http://www.honeystinger.com/
http://www.rei.com/product/773849/honey-stinger-organic-energy-chews

$1.99 a bag at my LBS