Any of you Cat riders going to the ride Sunday, starts at SunCoast
Bicycles in Inverness, sign in time is from 7:00 to 9:00 am.  Just
thought I'd ask, my son and I are driving down from Jacksonville to
enjoy the day.

David Von Stein

You have a good point and anybody would be easier to deal with than
RBM.  The only reason I suggested it, is that Plano Cycling and
Fitness does not carry Cat.  I have tried to buy bikes from RBM for
years and was pissed off every time and purchased elsewhere.


--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "bicycle.minden"
<bicycle.minden@...> wrote:
>
> --- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "irodguy" <irodguy@> wrote:
> >
> > --- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "bowgarguide" <bowgarguide@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > >  I am a new member and was wondering  if there are any shops around
> > > the Waco TX  area that handle the Cats
> > >  Any locals that I could look at there trikes .
> > > Thanks
> > > Ron
> > >
> >
> > I would have to guess that your closest dealer will be Richardson
Bike
> > Mart in DFW.
> >
> or go to Austin.  Looks like you're about 1/2 way in between.
> Although RBM is like Alice's Restaurant because of their huge
> selection of all kinds of bikes, Easy Street in Austin is also Catrike
> gold dealer and all they
> carry is 'bents.  RBM in Dallas has one or two mechanics who tinker
> with trikes but Easy Street doesn't do anything but recumbents so it
> ought to be much better...besides, Austin has always been a better
> biking town than Dallas [in my opinion]
>
> http://www.easystreetrecumbents.com/index.html
>

The other option on sandals is Sette sandals from www.pricepoint.com.
  The settes are $29 and work pretty darn well.  I purchased a pair of
Keen sandals from REI and just found them to be to narrow for me to
ride in comfort.  I went back to my 2 year old Settes and have been
comfortable since.  I keep trying other more expensive shoes and
coming back.


--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Kluckhohn <kkluckhohn@...>
wrote:
>
> I purchased some Specialized (I believe) clipless shoes, and the
pedals that came with my Catrike 700 had the dual sided pedals that
allow you to use regular shoes on one or clipless on the other. . .  
I absolutely love riding with my shoes, and in fact can't keep my feet
on the pedals without my biking shoes anymore because of the push/pull
effect. . .  Not a lot of information, but I would recommend going to
your LBS and trying on a bunch of different pairs. . . The other thing
I've seen, is REI is carrying some biking sandals, which look very
comfortable, and I have considered purchasing those. . .
>
> --Kevin
>
> --- On Fri, 7/4/08, john70002001 <jgatl61@...> wrote:
> From: john70002001 <jgatl61@...>
> Subject: [TeamCatrike] Re: 2008 Expedition
> To: TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Friday, July 4, 2008, 7:54 PM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>             Kevin, I bought an '08 Expedition (Serial no. # CTE 338;
purple) a week
>
> ago today; just took it out for slightly less than 30 miles today on
>
> the local bike path.   I have a Trek 3700 mountain bike which is not
>
> that efficient and it was surprising to me that my best speed on the
>
> bike path with the two wheeler was 13.6 mph average and today I
>
> averaged 16.1 mph with the Expedition (20 miles round trip on the bike
>
> path plus a ride of 4+ miles each way to get there and back).
>
>
>
> And, of course, no butt numbness or shoulder tension either.    The
>
> terrain is as flat as a pancake here (Bakersfield, CA), so it's an easy
>
> ride, no hills to pull.      I could not be happier with the Exp.
>
>
>
> Have you bought any clip shoes;  if so, which brand?
>

"kkluckhohn"

You might want to check with a guy called 'Trikebldr' over on the
Catrike Forum  ( http://catrike.yuku.com/ ) as those pictures are of
his trike.  It is very difficult to get rid of all the chain tubes
with out putting some kind of protection on your frame, other (more)
idlers have been used but that tends to get expensive and noisy.
It's been proven that the easiest and most efficient way to handle
the situation is correct chain tube managment.  If you go to the
Catrike Forum and search 'chain tubes' you will probably get more
information than you need.  Or just ask the group, most are pretty
friendly.

David Von Stein


--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "Tom" <shamansdream@...> wrote:
>
> Here are some telling images:
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/7789950@N05/sets/72157604270189159/
>
> --- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "kkluckhohn" <kkluckhohn@>
wrote:
> >
> > I recently installed a TerraCycle Return Idler after one of my
chain
> > tubes 'wiggled' loose, and now the return chain is rubbing on the
> > frame.  I have come up with a temporary solution, but I was
wondering
> > if anyone else has come into this problem, and if they have what
was
> > their solution?  I am trying to stay away from chain tubes, but
if I
> > have to I will install a small piece right at the frame to keep it
> > from rubbing.
> >
> > I am considering adding an idler up towards the front, however I
am
> > unsure if it will make a large enough difference.  Does anyone
have
> > any suggestions?
> >
> > --Kevin
> >
>

If you're a Rans Recumbent Rider we would love to have you as a member
of our Group.
As Members, You choose when and how to stay in touch. Swap photos,
files, polls, calendars, links, and more with members. Quickly scan
new postings and browse detailed message archives. Plus enjoy many
more ways to show and tell - 24/7 Come join us @
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ransrecumbent/?yguid=323850713

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "irodguy" <irodguy@...> wrote:
>
> --- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "bowgarguide" <bowgarguide@>
> wrote:
> >
> >  I am a new member and was wondering  if there are any shops around
> > the Waco TX  area that handle the Cats
> >  Any locals that I could look at there trikes .
> > Thanks
> > Ron
> >
>
> I would have to guess that your closest dealer will be Richardson Bike
> Mart in DFW.
>
or go to Austin.  Looks like you're about 1/2 way in between.
Although RBM is like Alice's Restaurant because of their huge
selection of all kinds of bikes, Easy Street in Austin is also Catrike
gold dealer and all they
carry is 'bents.  RBM in Dallas has one or two mechanics who tinker
with trikes but Easy Street doesn't do anything but recumbents so it
ought to be much better...besides, Austin has always been a better
biking town than Dallas [in my opinion]

http://www.easystreetrecumbents.com/index.html

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "bowgarguide" <bowgarguide@...>
wrote:
>
>  I am a new member and was wondering  if there are any shops around
> the Waco TX  area that handle the Cats
>  Any locals that I could look at there trikes .
> Thanks
> Ron
>

I would have to guess that your closest dealer will be Richardson Bike
Mart in DFW.

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "Bill" <chipz40@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, Bill here.  Live in N.Cal above San Francisco in the wine country.
>
> I'm relatively new to recumbents.. I have (my first) an EZ Sport and
> a Easy Racers Gold Rush.  I'm seriously looking to get a Cat
> Expedition.
>
> As a question for outfitting it..  I understand that one pedal is a
> knockoff SPD? and the other is a platform?  I got this from the bike
> dealer in Portland.  I didn't ask enough questions as time didn't
> permit.. however, it seems that the Catrike website shows clipless
> pedals.  Help my interpretation here.
>
> What are you folks doing for racks and fenders.  I'll be riding a
> couple of months on wet pavement I think.. or may put the trike and
> GRR in storage and ride the Sport in the winter months.  Are the
> fenders helpful.. I'd assume so.
>
> Also, what about the bike rack.  Looks like Cat recommends and "Old
> Man Mountain" rack which is pricy and the LBS recommends the more
> inexpensive Blackburn.  Are either of these "clean" installs?  I saw
> one while surfing earlier and should have added to Favorites.. but it
> looked like it attached to the skewer ares as well as to the back of
> the headrest mount.. they said it was a good platform for mounting a
> rear fender w/o all the steel rods.
>
> Does the Blackburn work with disc brakes?
>
> Lotta questions, any help in the right direction would be great.
>
> Bill, Healdsburg, CA
> www.picturetrail.com/chips
>


I've used fenders ever since I've had my trike.  Some don't use front
fenders, but many use at least a rear fender.  They do help somewhat,
especially the rear one. But if you go quickly through standing water,
even with front fenders your arms will get wet.  But not as wet as
with no fenders.
I'd recommend going to www.catrike.com and click on "Board".  That
will bring you to the Catrike message board.  It's very active and
helpful.

My rear rack is the cheapest of the cheap.  And it works great. Not
quite a "clean" install but not bad.  It nicely carries a 900 cubic
inch trunk.

Ron

Does Catrike sell direct or is there a dealer in Atlanta ?

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "bowgarguide" <bowgarguide@...>
wrote:
>
>  I am a new member and was wondering  if there are any shops around
> the Waco TX  area that handle the Cats
>  Any locals that I could look at there trikes .
> Thanks
> Ron
>

Have you tried the Cat website?  I don't know if any of these are close
to you..


http://www.catrike.com/dealers.htm

I am a new member and was wondering  if there are any shops around
the Waco TX  area that handle the Cats
  Any locals that I could look at there trikes .
Thanks
Ron

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "rick valbuena" <rickvalbuena@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello, I'm new to the group and I'm glad I found this site. Are there
> Catrike members out there who live in California?

Hi Rick.. CA is a big state.. grin.. I'm in N.Calif.. about an hour
north of SF on 101

Bill, Healdsburg, CA
www.picturetrail.com/chips

Hi, Bill here.  Live in N.Cal above San Francisco in the wine country.

I'm relatively new to recumbents.. I have (my first) an EZ Sport and
a Easy Racers Gold Rush.  I'm seriously looking to get a Cat
Expedition.

As a question for outfitting it..  I understand that one pedal is a
knockoff SPD? and the other is a platform?  I got this from the bike
dealer in Portland.  I didn't ask enough questions as time didn't
permit.. however, it seems that the Catrike website shows clipless
pedals.  Help my interpretation here.

What are you folks doing for racks and fenders.  I'll be riding a
couple of months on wet pavement I think.. or may put the trike and
GRR in storage and ride the Sport in the winter months.  Are the
fenders helpful.. I'd assume so.

Also, what about the bike rack.  Looks like Cat recommends and "Old
Man Mountain" rack which is pricy and the LBS recommends the more
inexpensive Blackburn.  Are either of these "clean" installs?  I saw
one while surfing earlier and should have added to Favorites.. but it
looked like it attached to the skewer ares as well as to the back of
the headrest mount.. they said it was a good platform for mounting a
rear fender w/o all the steel rods.

Does the Blackburn work with disc brakes?

Lotta questions, any help in the right direction would be great.

Bill, Healdsburg, CA
www.picturetrail.com/chips

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "kkluckhohn" <kkluckhohn@...> wrote:
>
> I have a 2006 Speed and one of the things I enjoy is taking the dog
> out for rides with me.  I still don't have a way to attach my dog to
> the bike that makes it safe for him and for me.  Currently, I run him
> next to the bike on a leash, but the leash has now gotten caught in my
> rear gears and have gotten a flat.  Does anyone have any suggestions?
>
> --Kevin
Kevin
I cut approximately the first three feet off of a retractable leash
(the end with the the clip attached). Then sewed a loop in the other
end big enough for the clip to pass through (you can tie an overhand
knot if you do not have access to a sewing machine). I attach the
leash on the right side of the frame just above the seat material by
passing the leash around the frame and then passing the clip through
the loop. Size the length so your dog is running next to your front
wheel. You can push the leash to the right to train the dog to run
next to you and not in front of you. For a dog like a husky or other
sled dog use a harness instead of using a collar.
I keep a separate leash with me to use when we get to town, etc.
Regards
Alan
Pocket 2007

Hello Steve... welcome to the pride!
--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <salty_hoosier@...> wrote:
>
> Hi, I just joined the group today.
> I own a 2005 Road, black and silver.
> I have added fenders and a rear rack both purchased
> from Hostel Shop in Wisconsin.  I have put a paltry 500 miles
> on it but it was a comfy and fun 500 miles!
> I really like my Catrike and think it has the most bang for
> the buck.  The fact it is made in the USA is an added bonus.
>
> Steve
>

Hi, I just joined the group today.
I own a 2005 Road, black and silver.
I have added fenders and a rear rack both purchased
from Hostel Shop in Wisconsin.  I have put a paltry 500 miles
on it but it was a comfy and fun 500 miles!
I really like my Catrike and think it has the most bang for
the buck.  The fact it is made in the USA is an added bonus.

Steve

I have no serious expertice on problems with pulling to one side so I
offer this as a possibility.

There are only a few things that can make a trike pull to one side or
another predominately.  One is brake drag, one is bearings, one is
offset weight to one side.  Barring any of the obvious, I'd look at
the headsets.  A tilted or damaged race is quite probable.  Catrike
Expeditions have had problems with shimmy and one of the solutions
was to pre-load the headsets at 70in/lbs of torque before tightening
the steering arms.  This is higher than rated by Cane Creek, but
Catrikes has a custom solution [I think they are two tops instead of
the normal set].  It has also been reported that there was a bad
batch of headsets that came to the factory and dealers were
authorized to replace them if they felt there was an issue.  I'd say
you have an issue.

One test you could do if you were so inclined is to remove and swap
around the headset parts.  This would at least tell you if it is the
trike or the headsets.  It should change its character when you've
done this.  And as the other poster alluded to, maybe it is simple a
seating problem.

Anyway, I would recommend you bring it back to the Richardson Bike
Mart and have them make it right.  I know a strong pull to one side
or the other is very annoying and is not the norm for a trike.

Good luck.

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, Bicycle Minden
<bicycle.minden@...> wrote:
>
> I bought an 2008 Expedition about a month ago and cannot seem to
adjust it so it doesn't pull to the right.  I have noticed this while
riding on crowned and flat roads as well as parking lots and have
even crossed over into the oncoming lane on crowned roads [making
sure no vehicles were approaching], loosened my grip on the
handlebars, and had the bike slowly drift back to the right.  I have
no adjustment left in the tie rod so I guess that means that there is
neither toe-in or toe-out.   I was having problems with low speed
shimmy but that is almost gone since I switched to a more narrow set
of tires.
>
> I bought the bike at Richardson Bike Mart but the day I went over
for test riding, their Catrike mechanic was working an event.  The
guys in the shop got things close and I expect my local mechanic can
take care of the other adjustments once we figure out what to do.  I
wish this model had the same tie rod system as my 04 road...it was
much easier to adjust.
>
>  Charles Rathbun
>
>
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> "It's a beautiful day out there.
> What are you doing inside?
> Turn off the computer and
> GO RIDE YOUR BIKE!"
>

Here are some telling images:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7789950@N05/sets/72157604270189159/

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "kkluckhohn" <kkluckhohn@...> wrote:
>
> I recently installed a TerraCycle Return Idler after one of my chain
> tubes 'wiggled' loose, and now the return chain is rubbing on the
> frame.  I have come up with a temporary solution, but I was wondering
> if anyone else has come into this problem, and if they have what was
> their solution?  I am trying to stay away from chain tubes, but if I
> have to I will install a small piece right at the frame to keep it
> from rubbing.
>
> I am considering adding an idler up towards the front, however I am
> unsure if it will make a large enough difference.  Does anyone have
> any suggestions?
>
> --Kevin
>

I had the shimmy on mine to start with as well.  It turns out that the
front wheels had loose spokes.  It did "bad things"  I happened to be
in Florida and ended up going to big cat.  They went over both front
wheels.

This fixed most of my problem, but I found that on strong down hills
that I still had a small amount of shimmy.  When I rode tour Dallas
and hit a big bump I felt the head set in and no longer had any
problems at all.  Since then I took my bike back to Mark @ PowerOn for
a checkup and everything is perfect.

I recently installed a TerraCycle Return Idler after one of my chain
tubes 'wiggled' loose, and now the return chain is rubbing on the
frame.  I have come up with a temporary solution, but I was wondering
if anyone else has come into this problem, and if they have what was
their solution?  I am trying to stay away from chain tubes, but if I
have to I will install a small piece right at the frame to keep it
from rubbing.

I am considering adding an idler up towards the front, however I am
unsure if it will make a large enough difference.  Does anyone have
any suggestions?

--Kevin

I have a Catrike 700, and am working on improving my chain. . . I have
installed a return Terracycle Idler, and am considering (so that I can
remove the chain tubes) adding a front return idler that will clamp
onto my boom.  Does anyone have any experience doing such a thing, or
suggestions?

--Kevin

For the Speed, you could go for a 62T chainring at Hostel Shoppe for
about $50-.  It will add quite a bit to the top end.
For the 700...  24T chainring and a 11-34 PG-970 SRAM cassette [you
can mix and match your PG950 cogs if you want].

Learn to use the late Sheldon Brown's gear calculator to get some
bearing on what gear changes mean on a particular drivetrain:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears/

If you want to learn more about gearing a trike, see my blog at:
http://phattkatt.blogspot.com
I have two useful entries related to safeguards and general
information on gearing.

Enjoy

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "James Graham" <cattryker@...>
wrote:
>
> I had an 05 Speed and went to the 700. On the Speed I was running
55/42/30
> Rotor Cranks. I changed the Rotors over to the 700 and I had to
change them
> to 53/39/26 to get close to the ratio I was running on the Speed.
Not
> exactly the same but real close.
>
> James
>
> Catrike 700 #41
>
>
>
>
>
> From: TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of kkluckhohn
> Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 12:07 PM
> To: TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [TeamCatrike] Catrike 700 Gearing
>
>
>
> I have a 2007 Catrike 700 and my uncle has a 2006 Catrike Speed. We
> went for a ride last week, and noticed going up a hill, that I was
> working much harder up the hill than he was with his speed, and I
was
> in 1st gear all the way around, while he wasn't. . . However, going
> down hills, I didn't max out and had several more gears that I could
> utilize, while he was maxing out. We are looking for gearing
> somewhere in the middle, so that I am able to 'spin' a bit more up
the
> hills, and he can really crank into the peddles down the hills.
>
> Has anyone changed their gearing, and if so what would you
recommend?
>
> --Kevin
>

I have a 2007 Catrike 700 and my uncle has a 2006 Catrike Speed.  We
went for a ride last week, and noticed going up a hill, that I was
working much harder up the hill than he was with his speed, and I was
in 1st gear all the way around, while he wasn't. . . However, going
down hills, I didn't max out and had several more gears that I could
utilize, while he was maxing out.  We are looking for gearing
somewhere in the middle, so that I am able to 'spin' a bit more up the
hills, and he can really crank into the peddles down the hills.

Has anyone changed their gearing, and if so what would you recommend?

--Kevin

I did some extensive chain tube upgrading on my wife's '06 Road...
affectionately named PhattKatt...  the trike... not my wife!

Have a look at my blogspot on how I accomplished reliable chaintube
management on the Catrike:
http://phattkatt.blogspot.com/2008/02/another-day-of-surgery.html

I used a time tested true PTFE chain tube... 1/2" ID x 1/16" wall that
is used on Actionbent bents.  After 2 years+, not a single scratch
inside the tubes; flexible; quiet; and super tough... slicker-n-sn@t.

The only place that advertizes Teflon chain tubes is Hostel Shoppe.  I
haven't seen it so I can't say if it is the same or another hybrid
mix.  Their price is about right for what true PTFE tubing would cost.

The goal was to minimize chain tattoos.  I commute in slacks and full
length tubes is the only way to go [for me].

--- In TeamCatrike@yahoogroups.com, "kkluckhohn" <kkluckhohn@...> wrote:
>
> I went for a ride yesterday and hit a ton of bumps. Long story short,
> my chain tubing became loose from it's bracket.  I am considering
> removing the tubing all together and replacing it with an idler.  It
> looks like it already has a Terracycle Idler for the chain going to
> the front cogs, and then just a bracket for the return chain.  I've
> seen people change the bracket out for an idler.  Does anyone have any
> suggestions?
>
> --Kevin
>

I went for a ride yesterday and hit a ton of bumps. Long story short,
my chain tubing became loose from it's bracket.  I am considering
removing the tubing all together and replacing it with an idler.  It
looks like it already has a Terracycle Idler for the chain going to
the front cogs, and then just a bracket for the return chain.  I've
seen people change the bracket out for an idler.  Does anyone have any
suggestions?

--Kevin