About two years ago I bought my first trike, a Catrike Dumont. I test rode their 700, Villager, 559 and Dumont. I also the chance to ride a couple models of Terra Trike, sorry I don’t remember the model names, but one had fat tires, I almost flipped that one because if it’s high seat position. I rode the Catrike 700 just before I rode the Terra Trike, and took a corner a little too aggressively. The 700 blew through the corner like it was on rails, the Terra Trike just isn’t built for that kind of riding. The trike I tried was an HP Scorpion, nice trike, but way out of my price range. I also have the 559 and Dumont E Catrikes test rides. Funny fun to ride, both they make riding fast and breeze. (Pun intended) cost and was the main reason I didn’t go with an E trike version, down the road, I can always add a Bosch motor. The 700 is a rocket, ya it’s a race car, not a bad ride, but like sport or pony car you feel every bump. But if need speed it’s fun. The Terra trikes and Villager for me anyway would be good for casual riding, there’s nothing wrong with fit and feel, the Villager has a nice ride, but it’s slow, if you just like to ride around park or the neighborhood, are looking for a short trip trike, short being something under 10 miles and speed isn’t a concern for you the Villager would be nice, but it wasn’t for me. Then I trying the 559 and Dumont. Nice rides both of them. The 559 a bit harsh, more like the sports car feel. But both are easy to pedal, for me again, I’d say they are similar to pedaling a mountain bike or gravel bike with 26” wheels. Both are moderately easy to get in and out of and both have a quick and responsive feel. I ended up buying a Dumont. It’s the Cadillac of trikes with the gel seat and full suspension, it really is like riding in a nice sedan with great suspension. As far a pedaling difficulty, it’s comparable to pedaling a mountain bicycle or gravel bike with 2” road tires. I’ve had my Dumont for two just going into my second season with it. I’m 62, use to ride road bikes in 20s and early 30s and I’ve done a couple cross the country bike tours. I use to take off every a week ever summer for a week long bike tour. But for the last 6 years age and out injuries caught up with me. Riding a diamond framed bike became to painful, numb hands and feet the would last for days after a few miles of riding, painful back and sciatica pain, put me off bikes altogether. Then I discovered Catrike. The Dumont with its full suspension eats up all bumps and vibrations that were causing my pain. I’m now riding about 20 miles a day averaging 16mph, I know nothing to brag about, but you gotta start somewhere, without pain. The only things the the Dumont doesn’t have, or you want to upgrade are front fenders. One rainy day ride, and you’ll wish you had them. The pedals that come with the Dumont are OK, they are Shimano compatible, but a pair of real Shimano pedals are nicer, get a pair of platform pedals with some from of heel lock system. You do not want your foot slipping off the pedal as speed, leg suck is not good for your legs and knees. And I wish the head/neck rest was better. Catrike’s neck rest is OK, but it could be better. Other than these suggestions the Dumont is a great ride, good for long distances, gas reasonably speed and easy of pedaling. For me it’s the trike I’m planning a week long trip with later this summer. Assuming I get my distance back up to at least 60 miles a day. My Dumont has put the fun back into riding. 😎
I'm 73 and own a Catrike Dumont and love it, I went with Kampway Pedals, no locking in and I removed the straps and only use the heel strap. Works great. With the Clipless Clits and expensive shoes the Kampway Pedals have paid for themselves. Besides walking around with those shoes, I felt like I was on a roller bearing, now can wear any shoe even flip flops and sandels. I don't miss the neck pain, shoulder pain, wrist going numb, back pain, lower back pain, butt really hurting and the scary part, the Bruising between the legs. Also balance issues. I am no speed demon and like seeing nature and historical places so I may go 15mph or 2mph but want to smell nature. Enjoy your Catrike Dumont. I got one of those rollers for the rear tire so I can pedal in the house during the Illinois winters. Got off eBay for $50 and everywhere else they want between $260 & $310, crazy.
@@SFCRambo60nice set up. I’m still on Shimano SPF pedals but with the Bontrager mountain bike shoes, walking is not an issue. But it’s very nice to ride pain free and I find I cruise around about 15, 16 mph and taking in nature is all part of the ride. I couldn’t find a used SportCrafters trainer and ended up buying new. But the shop gave me a deal so it wasn’t so bad. Still hate riding inside, but is best not riding at all. The one legged windmills on the trainer really helped smooth out my cadence. But they are still ugly to do. But it’s helped develop my hamstrings, balanced my leg muscles and when I remember to push on the top stroke as I pull on the back stroke, I can generate some serious power with very little effort. It also stops me from fish tailing. But ya the trainer is a must have item.
Had a 700 and loved it. Got sick and ballooned up to 350 pounds. Wouldn't attempt riding my 700 because of weight limit and it was so low. Was working on losing weight so I could ride it again, and decided that was crazy. At 63 years old, getting in and out of a 700 again was unlikely. Traded it on a Max. Now I ride every day and am down 50 pounds so far. SO happy to be back on a Catrike!!
My favourite bike ever made, that I made the massive mistake selling was the Catbike Musashi. I wish I could convince them to build me a custom one - I loved that bike, and there has never been anything like it since.
A folding Max and folding Villager would be killer bcs they would have higher seats, adjustable seat angles, easy ingress/egress bcs of design, easy transport bcs folding.
❤ very cool great job excellent presentation! The folding catch right is definitely interest. I just bought a 2024 Toyota Camry. My other folding truck would not fit in the trunk which really sucks. I wonder if the cat trikes or any better fit please let me know if you have any information about this.
I have road with a triple crank set up front with a nuvinci 360 in back from you guys , now that I am 66yr Old l want a motor and something a little higher off the ground
Currently have a Catrike e-Max which I love. Just turned 1000 miles after 9 months and just local riding. Because I'm old and abit unstable am considering an e-quad (with 2-in, rather than 4-in wide tires.) Does Catrike produce such a vehicle; and, is a trade-in in the mix?
