--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "gordonKoppang" <gordonkoppang@...> wrote:
>
>
> I've owned a Villager since April. My riding buddy just bought a Trail.
Check the specs – the Villager is not simply a Trail minus the front derailleur.
The Villager is wider, sits three inches higher and the Villager's seat back is
5 degrees more upright than the seat on the Trail. If you have neck problems
the more upright seating position will probably be to your liking.
>
> Two days ago my buddy and I completed a 40 mile loop and there were only a few
times when I wanted a higher gear. If the area you plan to ride in is "fairly
level", as you say, the stock gearing will probably serve you well. I'm pretty
sure you can order a Villager with a triple chainring installed at the factory.
The Schlumph is nice, but it weighs around 900 grams. The forward weight bias
and the higher seat height make the Villager more prone to stoppies than trikes
with lower seats. I wouldn't want to add two pounds to the nose of my Villager.
>
> Gordon
> CTV 151
>Checkout the Utah Trikes website for photos and info about the Villager with
added Schlumpf drive. Go to the Articles section and choose Villager review and
also the article on the Schlumpf drive(the slight additional weight is
discussed). For me the extra few ounces is a non-issue and of course the
Schlumpf is physically smaller than a triple chain ring- I guess it boils down
to whether you enjoy coasting whenever you come to a downgrade or having the
ability to fly by all those annoying cyclists (two wheeled variety).
Incidentally - what's a "stoppie"?