Great rundown on affordability. You can also buy low and do add on modifications. I bought a Catrik556 for my wife, she wouldn’t ride it so I electrified it with a Bafang system when I could afford it. She still won’t ride it,… but boy do I love it!!!
I'm surprised Mickey didn't mention upgradability on the cheap trike - if you find you need a front derailleur you can pick up a cheap used mountain bike for next to nothing to swap the parts over, or do what I do and buy used or discounted higher quality parts on a certain auction site. Lack of suspension bothers you? Get some higher quality wider tyres that will run just as fast at lower pressure, to take the sting out of bumpy roads. Want a motor? There are some pretty good mid-drive and hub-drive kits at very reasonable prices.
Get a motor? It costs much less to learn to use the gears to your advantage while cycling. But I'm glad that my stroke-disabled husband finds joy on his class 1 Bosch assisted Terra Trike GT. Win win for us both!
I have a Catrike 559 that I added a Tongshen motor to. Really made a difference. But I broke my left femur in June 22 and although healed, I cannot get out of the trike without a lot of help, even with assist bars. So I bought a Hase Trigo with Shimmano STEPS motor last week. Easily accessible for me.
Just as you suggested, I went with a lesser expensive Terra Trike Rover when I first started and now use a Catrike Villager with a motor. Another nice upgrade going with the Catrike is an aluminum frame…the steel frame of the Terra Trike could survive the zombie apocalypse but it’s nice with the Catrike to not have that extra weight.
@@LaidBackCycles I absolutely recommend it! I was hesitant to get it because I cycle well on my own. But, I do want to do some trails here in Florida that have some hills. I will need a motor for that. So far, I use it getting across intersections and to go further on the trails then I have been. Well worth the investment!
I only ride to sit back to enjoy the views, I am 72 and love nature and want to sit and smell the flowers. I am sorry but going electric is to me cheating plus to darn expensive. I love my Catrike Dumont.
I'm with you, I thought the same about electric till my knee started hurting and I rode less. The power assistance has helped me ride further and hit those hills again.
I think you missed the most important difference and thst is quality of components. A quality deraileur, that shifts fast, smooth and quiet, also tends to flex less, last longer and needs tuning a lot less often. Obviously, you can have a wider range, that is more usable, with a ten or twelve speed cassette vs an eight too. Round tubing transmits a lot less vibration and if butted, does not set up harmonic vibration.
![Buying a Used Recumbent Trike [Complete Guide]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/NYtILSJnKUI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Buying a Used Recumbent Trike [Complete Guide]](/img/tr.png)
Great rundown on affordability. You can also buy low and do add on modifications. I bought a Catrik556 for my wife, she wouldn’t ride it so I electrified it with a Bafang system when I could afford it. She still won’t ride it,… but boy do I love it!!!
Steve, glad you are taking advantage of having the 559. It's an amazing trike!
I'm surprised Mickey didn't mention upgradability on the cheap trike - if you find you need a front derailleur you can pick up a cheap used mountain bike for next to nothing to swap the parts over, or do what I do and buy used or discounted higher quality parts on a certain auction site. Lack of suspension bothers you? Get some higher quality wider tyres that will run just as fast at lower pressure, to take the sting out of bumpy roads. Want a motor? There are some pretty good mid-drive and hub-drive kits at very reasonable prices.
So what you are saying is "buy" a trike for your wife, upgrade it. She doesn't use it so now its yours ;)
Get a motor? It costs much less to learn to use the gears to your advantage while cycling. But I'm glad that my stroke-disabled husband finds joy on his class 1 Bosch assisted Terra Trike GT. Win win for us both!
I have a Catrike 559 that I added a Tongshen motor to. Really made a difference. But I broke my left femur in June 22 and although healed, I cannot get out of the trike without a lot of help, even with assist bars.
So I bought a Hase Trigo with Shimmano STEPS motor last week. Easily accessible for me.
The Shimano Steps is a great motor, lots of power. Hope your femur is doing better and you are riding again. :)
Just as you suggested, I went with a lesser expensive Terra Trike Rover when I first started and now use a Catrike Villager with a motor. Another nice upgrade going with the Catrike is an aluminum frame…the steel frame of the Terra Trike could survive the zombie apocalypse but it’s nice with the Catrike to not have that extra weight.
I have the 559. Just added the Bosch motor. It’s great!
Gongrats Barb on getting the Bosch. Would you recommend it to others?
@@LaidBackCycles I absolutely recommend it! I was hesitant to get it because I cycle well on my own. But, I do want to do some trails here in Florida that have some hills. I will need a motor for that. So far, I use it getting across intersections and to go further on the trails then I have been. Well worth the investment!
Do you have the new Catrike MAX in-store yet? If not, when?
Yes, we will be assembling it this week. WooHoo!
I only ride to sit back to enjoy the views, I am 72 and love nature and want to sit and smell the flowers. I am sorry but going electric is to me cheating plus to darn expensive. I love my Catrike Dumont.
I'm with you, I thought the same about electric till my knee started hurting and I rode less. The power assistance has helped me ride further and hit those hills again.
@@LaidBackCycles but they moved easy street after Biden took office and I can't afford the electric assit.
I think you missed the most important difference and thst is quality of components. A quality deraileur, that shifts fast, smooth and quiet, also tends to flex less, last longer and needs tuning a lot less often. Obviously, you can have a wider range, that is more usable, with a ten or twelve speed cassette vs an eight too. Round tubing transmits a lot less vibration and if butted, does not set up harmonic vibration.
Great points Mark.