She, of course is Silk, one of my 2 [of seven] named cycles. I’m not sure why, except when I say Silk or Faye, others know the exact cycle, I’m referring to. [One day, I'll post a story about that]. Anyway, it has been 9 days since the disappointing 2nd arrival of a damaged [08/04 & 09/21] Goblin Cricket Tail Fairing. Likely, you’ve read the details of the 09/21 experience [post#1 & Post#2].
Well, during the last 10 days, I’ve been publishing other articles and working like mad on details of my fairing fitting to my Catrike 700. I used several days in August [first delivery] to get a good fit and then wrote about things I like and do not like about the fairing. You’ve seen the list. Now, I can add a few more dislikes and bold some of my likes. I do think the paint finish is stunning, although I see imperfections I do not recall from the 08/04 delivery.
Okay, here she is. May I call her the New Silk… [BROL Thread] & [Catrike Thread]
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Things I’ve done to the fairing since 09/21:
- Painted the inside of the fairing—It had a rough, unfinished appearance, with splotches and spots—not worthy of a beautiful creation. This is likely just me; but, it matters, and I am now satisfied. You may notice from the picture to the left below.
Replaced the gray Velcro [08/04] and the 09/21 Velcro that was received as gray & black [maybe for painting], with new black industrial Velcro, smooth surface on the inside [looks better that way]. - Touched up the edges where needed. There were some spots that were not black.
- I used the drinking tube pass though holes [with grommets that I installed when I initially received the fairing] to pass my CamelBak drink tubes. Added a guide to hold the tubes at the notches for them. The notches are positioned to allow the tube to pass over the rider’s shoulders. With my setup, I think I want them at the corners and may place them there. [Did so @ 9:00 p.m. 09/29. I like them better there.]
Applied a better [for me] solution to the stainless steel hose clamps. I’m using black nylon webbing, with a buckle. It seems secure and certainly looks much better. I’m also using a boot [sock, if you will] to protect the paint where the fairing attaches to the seat crossbar at the top of the seat. Remember, I had to shim the bar [top-left table entry] to get the fairing at a height to clear my Schwalbe Kojak Tires. - Applied the ABC Wings "Silk" graphic [remember your vote] to the fairing [pics above]. Unfortunately, I could not get one of the graphics to separate from its backing paper. So, my fairing sits with 1 of 2 "Silk" graphics in place. I’m hoping for the replacement graphic soon. [I've been holding off on taking pictures because of this. I'm still not taking full shots, 09/30. Now, I have to wait until Monday, 10/05 for my replacement "Silk" graphic.]
- Positioned a net tool bag in the left-side storage well [trunk].
Other Mods, also since 09/21:
- Adjusted the DiNotte switches that turn my DiNotte 400L Lights on & off. Positioned as they are now is a bit more functional.
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Installed a bracket for the USB external battery for my Garmin Edge 305. With the battery in place, I can ride 12+ hours on the external battery, plus the Edge’s internal battery. The bracket and battery are visible just behind the Garmin Edge 305 GPS.
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| Neck rest & flag mount | Speaking of flags |
Last, but certainly not least, is the placement of the DiNotte 1200L Headlight on the front derailleur post [article published earlier].
Even with the changes and adjustments, my CT700 is still Silk to me. You are seeing how she looks, short of the front fairing and my plans for it. I’m hoping to hear from Catrike soon with the mods I asked for their assistance on that will allow the fairing to be used with no center pole blocking the rider’s vision. To it, I’ll add a few special graphics. Then the package will be complete, at least for now…
Thanks!
Jim
P.S. I still have the fiberglass repair I plan to have done. I want a reinforcing strip along the left and right side of the fairing. On the 08/04 repair, some reinforcement was added in short strips. One of the 09/21 breaks was a the very end of a strip. Had the strip continued, I do not think there would have been a break there.
That is stunning! A would say that is a happy ending. I can’t wait to hear what differences the tail fairing makes after you get a chance to put some miles on her. Congratulations!
Thanks David. Sorry for the delay–so much to do…
Yes, I think she looks swell. I still have several task to complete. I’ll report as soon as I have ride impressions. I also have to get a bit of repair done and get the Silk graphic on the left side. Glad you like the ending. Wish I wrote stories like your brother. Take care and thanks again. You have comment #1 nailed. Glad you are the “one.” –jim
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I love it. Silk looks great. The best accessorized trike in the known universe.
I am holding off on a new trike for a while. I probably won’t get a trike until tilting delta trikes are more common. I want a streetable streamlined tilting delta trike that is not too heavy.
-Duncan
Thanks Duncan, Would a Greenspeed Glyde work for you???
I’ll soon be finished with this setup and I will be content to focus more on riding as difficult as that may be in be winter. Glad you like what I’m doing with my little CT700 [a.k.a. Silk]. –jim
I think about the glyde but the tirescub on all tadpole designs makes me hope for something better. I would love a tilting delta velomobile. Though none exist that I know of today. If Tom Hicks puts a shell on black max it will be the first such beast that I have heard of.
I think the Glyde is a beautiful and functionally designed cycle. he Trizard has caught my eye, but neither are on my want list. I’ll keep my eyes open for Tom Hicks and his black max. I’ll also watch your moves. I think you are a keen cyclist. Thanks for your insight. –jim
I love the look! I’m eagerly anticipating some night shots with Silk illuminated. (I know they can’t be far behind!) It will be interesting to get your assessment of the change in riding Silk with the tail fairing in place. The extra weight vs. being more aerodynamic will add to the conversation.
- Zeke
You are correct. I had planned for tonight, but spent more time than expected on my trip to White Oak, NC today. I’m installing the new horn now. Boy, is 122db LOUD!
I’m also instred in the same. It is difficult to pick up and ride as I’m still assembling. Plus, I’ll have to transport it to my ride site, Soon, I hope.
Thanks Zeke!!!
Jim
After all the travails, Silk is looking beautiful. Can you give any details on what mods you’re asking for your boom from Catrike for your fairing? I’m going to be running the same fairing on my 700, and one of my peeves with that fairing on my Expedition is the center post.
Again Silk is looking wonderful Jim, you’re amazing with what you’ve done.
Thanks
Kirk
Hi Kirk,
Thanks for your comments & enjoy the new horn. On the fairing, please PM me with your telephone number. Id rather give you a call to describe than type all the words to try to explain. Glad you are interested. I’m hoping Catrike comes through for me. It think it is a masterful idea. Anxious to talk to you. No time is too late for me. Happy you are one of my readers and I know you will enjoy your CT700. –jim
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