One Comment

1. Terry [tytrike ] says:

   Jim, no clear answer from me on your specific question…CAT or TT?
   I started researching trikes in the summer of 2003 – looked at 41 models on some 50 characteristics – in Oct 2005, when it came down to buying a trike to suit my known needs, Trikes have come a long way since then. It was down to an ICE-T from their custom shop, a TT-Tour, and the Easy Racers Sun-Tad CX. The ICE was about to cost over CA$8000 The Tour seating was that adjustable and the rear fork joint was suspicious. The Tad was $800 less. By the time everything was retro-fitted (only the king-pins are as it came) the CC was under CA$3000. then CA$1=US$0.85 … which to me is a one of a kind ,life-time purchase.
   TT Trikes are much better now. ICE closed it Custom Shop. Greenspeed (GS) then was a little skinny for the price. Recently GS had a really nice custom touring tike … but they have closed their custom shop.

   Here is an upgraded criteria list for choosing MY trike.
   Trike Specs for Remote Touring
   Higher, more-upright seating (view, safety, uphill power)
   Comfortable body fitting seating
   Adjustable seat base fore and aft
   Adjustable seat back angle
   Chrome Moly frame
   Rated for over 300 Lb Net Wt.
   Triangulated rear fork
   Reinforced middle X-joint
   Adjustable length, stiff boom
   Longer wheelbase
   Little pedal-steer nor brake-steer
   Strong wheels| triple 406 (20″) 14ga, 3X, double wall / wide rims
   Tires bear loads | wide, variable pressure, puncture proof
   USS indirect steering
   BB7 or better mechanical disk brakes
   XT / XTR or equivalent mountain bike component group
   Granny as low as 8 GINS, with optional high Downhill 120 GINS or much higher.
   Traveling is easier with flow if climbing hills is not a punishing chore.
   1. driver at trim weight has trained fitness for the rigorous climbs
   2. A very common granny for remote travel is 12 Gear Inches (GINS).
   Here are other lows
   GINS Riding condition
   12 Bail Out
   11.4 Days End tired
   10.7 Short Cranks installed for easier spinning
   10 Weather comes up
   9.5 Wind comes up
   9 Rough Road
   8.4 Off Pavement
   8 Steep
   7 Fully loaded with 3 1/2 days water

   So far I have over 8,000 miles camping from a DF and 6,000 on the Trike.
   On roads with rumble strips, a single track DF with BOB trailer has a better chance of traveling out of traffic. Except on wide shouldered / narrow rumble strips, the 3 track Trike generally has to cope with being in a traffic lane — tiring if not nerve racking. Converting to a 2 track QUAD is going to be a relief!
   SO the Monster on a Trike looks very promising – but rumble strips will still interfere with a pleasant and orderly life of the driver.
   THEN I saw Nancy’s SKP as she circle America and think of your SKP or Crank Forward with the Monster …. hum?

   Anyway, CAT’s are not on MY list for HEAVY touring (heavier than Mr. G’s)
   So I’m thinking a Cro Mo TT or a Greenspeed, but haven’t checked ICE lately.

   Thanks Terry!

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