Short answer: The Catrike 700 is a fast-feeling, road-focused recumbent trike that combines a supportive mesh seat with efficient aerodynamics. It is most at home on paved flats and descents, where its low 25-degree seat, slick tires, high gearing and 700c rear wheel help it carry speed. The trade-offs are equally clear: the rigid chassis passes bumps directly to the rider, the low seating position reduces visibility, hills are harder without the option to stand, and its 82-inch length requires a realistic storage and transport plan.
What the Catrike 700 is
Catrike describes the 700 as a low, aerodynamic performance recumbent trike. Its vertebrae-style spaceframe uses interlocking triangles to create a light, strong chassis, according to the manufacturer. The design puts the rider close to the ground in a reclined position rather than providing the upright view and body movement of a conventional bicycle.
| Specification | Published figure or equipment |
|---|---|
| Listed weight | 34 lb (15.4 kg), Catrike 2024 specification |
| Rider limit | 275 lb (125 kg), Catrike 2024 specification |
| Seat angle | 25 degrees |
| Total width | 31 in (787 mm) |
| Total length | 82 in (2,083 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4 in (102 mm) |
| Fit range | 39–46 in (99–117 cm) x-seam |
| Rear wheel | 700c |
| Drivetrain | SRAM GX 10-speed rear derailleur; 30/39/52 chainrings; 11/36 cassette |
| Tires | Schwalbe Durano |
| Brakes | Avid mechanical disc brakes |
One independent road test measured a 37 lb (16.7 kg) ready-to-ride weight in 2018, compared with the 34 lb listed figure. The difference can reflect equipment, setup or measurement method, so treat the published number as a specification rather than a guaranteed scale reading for every build.
Is the Catrike 700 comfortable on long rides?
For many riders, yes. New Atlas reviewer Ben Coxworth spent a couple of weeks riding the 700 and reported that the mesh seat and neck rest remained comfortable on extended rides. He reported no pain or numbness in the seat area, neck, lower back or palms. A recumbent position also removes pressure from the hands and distributes support through the back and hips instead of making the rider lean on a handlebar.
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- 3-Wheel Recumbent Bike – Enjoy the outdoors with this adult tricycle for women and men. Designed for cruising and exercise on flat paved surfaces and gently sloping terrain
- Low Impact Exercise – Get a cardiovascular workout with minimal stress on your back and knees. Reclined seat provides evenly cushioned support. An outdoor tricycle for seniors and all adults who prefer a more stable, comfortable ride
- No Balance Required – Low centre of gravity provides maximum stability. Dual-joystick steering offers smooth manoeuvrability with simple hand movements
- Large & Small Riders – Easily adjusts to fit adult and youth riders from 4’2” to 6’3” and weighing up to 250 lbs.
- Durable Design – Hi-Ten steel frame. No-maintenance chainless design. Free-wheel single gear hub with calliper brakes and safety flag.
Where the comfort ends
The 700 has no suspension. Because a recumbent rider cannot stand on the pedals and use the legs as shock absorbers, impacts that a bicycle rider might partly unload are transmitted through the trike. Three separate wheel tracks also give the vehicle more chances to meet a pothole, broken pavement or road-edge defect.
The result is excellent long-distance support on smooth pavement but a distinctly firm ride on rough streets. Tire pressure, seat adjustment and line choice matter, but they cannot turn the unsuspended chassis into a compliant touring platform.
How fast does a Catrike 700 feel?
The available road test calls the 700 “quite peppy on the flats and downhills.” That is a description of acceleration and momentum, not a published top-speed test. No standardized speed figure is established for this model, so claims of a specific maximum speed would be misleading.
Several design choices explain the fast-feeling character:
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- Aerodynamics: the 25-degree seat puts the rider low and reduces the frontal area compared with an upright bicycle.
- High gearing: the 52-tooth large chainring and 11-tooth smallest cassette sprocket give strong upper-end gearing for cruising and descents.
- Low rolling resistance: Schwalbe Durano tires are narrow, slick road tires rather than high-volume rough-road rubber.
- Wheel and weight: the 700c rear wheel carries speed efficiently, while the light rear-drive package supports quick response.
Think of the 700 as fast-feeling and performance-oriented, especially on paved flats and descents, rather than as a machine with a verified top-speed number.
Can it handle hills and rough roads?
Climbing
The 30-tooth small chainring paired with the 36-tooth largest cassette sprocket provides a useful low gear, but the trike’s riding position still changes how hills feel. Cox specifically missed being able to stand and put body weight over the pedals. On a steep grade, a bicycle rider can rise out of the saddle for leverage; a Catrike 700 rider must remain seated and spin or push from the reclined position.
That makes gearing, cadence and route planning more important. The 700 can climb, but riders whose routes are dominated by long or steep grades may prefer a design with an easier low range, electric assistance or a riding position that allows more body movement.
Rough roads
Four inches of ground clearance helps avoid some low obstacles, but it does not provide suspension. Expect potholes, expansion joints and coarse chip seal to be felt directly. Smooth bike paths, well-maintained roads and paved touring routes suit the 700 better than broken urban pavement, gravel or trails where wheel impacts are frequent.
Practical drawbacks to understand before buying
- Low visibility: the seat height can make it harder to see into intersections, while drivers may fail to notice a low trike. Defensive positioning and conspicuity equipment are essential.
- Three wheel tracks: you cannot avoid every road defect with one steering line; each front wheel may meet a separate pothole.
- Hand-control clearance: the front tires sit close to the hand levers. Check finger placement and steering clearance during setup, particularly if you have large hands or use gloves.
- Transport: an 82-inch-long, 31-inch-wide trike will not fit many ordinary bicycle racks or compact vehicles without a dedicated plan. Measure the storage doorway, vehicle opening and rack capacity before purchase.
- Weight variation: the listed 34 lb figure and the 37 lb measured test weight show why accessories and configuration should be included in transport calculations.
Safety essentials for the Catrike 700
Catrike warns that the trike can tip if it is turned too sharply for the speed. The low center of gravity does not eliminate rollover risk, so reduce speed before corners and avoid abrupt steering inputs.
The manufacturer also warns that the microSHIFT parking-brake actuator on the 700 must not be engaged while the trike is moving. Use it only when stopped.
- Secure both feet to the pedals; use SPD-compatible pedals or another retention system only after you can release your feet reliably.
- Use the supplied safety flag and rear-view mirror, and add front and rear lights when riding in traffic or low light.
- Apply equal force to the two front brake levers so braking remains balanced.
- Approach intersections defensively, assume drivers may not see the trike, and wear a properly fitted helmet.
Fit and setup checks
The published 39–46-inch x-seam range is a starting point, not a substitute for a test fit. Confirm that the boom and pedal reach allow a slight knee bend at full extension, that the mesh seat supports your back without pressure points, and that the neck rest does not force your head forward. Verify that your fingers clear the front tires and brake levers through the full steering range.
Because the seat is reclined and low, spend time practicing starts, stops, tight turns and looking over traffic before riding busy roads. The handling and visibility feel different from both an upright bicycle and a higher touring trike.
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Its value depends on whether you will use its strengths. The Catrike 700 recumbent trike makes a strong case for riders who place a premium on a comfortable mesh seat, low aerodynamic posture and efficient paved-road speed. It is a weaker value for someone paying mainly for plushness, effortless climbing, compact storage or high seating visibility.
Current pricing, component substitutions, dealer stock and online availability vary by market and were not established in the available specifications. Compare the complete delivered configuration—including pedals, mirror, flag, lights, shipping and any transport equipment—rather than judging value from a bare frame or an old listing.
Quick Recap
Who should choose it—and who should look elsewhere?
A good match
- Riders who want recumbent seating support for long paved rides.
- Strong recreational riders who value speed on flats and descents.
- Owners with secure storage and a vehicle solution for an 82-inch trike.
- Riders comfortable with a low position, defensive traffic riding and a rigid chassis.
Consider another design if you prioritize
- Suspension comfort on potholes, gravel or rough paths.
- An upright view into intersections and easier driver visibility.
- Standing on climbs or an especially easy low gear.
- Frequent car transport, apartment storage or quick folding.
How to compare alternatives
| Decision axis | What to examine | Where the 700 stands |
|---|---|---|
| Speed efficiency | Seat angle, aerodynamics, gearing and wheel configuration | Road-oriented: low 25-degree seat, 3×10 drivetrain and 700c rear wheel |
| Ride compliance | Suspension, tire volume and chassis response | Rigid and direct; no suspension |
| Visibility | Seat height, flag, lights and intersection sightlines | Low seating requires deliberate conspicuity and defensive riding |
| Climbing practicality | Low gearing and ability to stand | 30/36 low combination, but no standing option |
| Transport | Length, width, weight and folding mechanism | 82 in long, 31 in wide, 34 lb listed; folding mechanism not stated |
| Fit | X-seam, boom adjustment, seat angle and pedal reach | 39–46 in x-seam range; confirm personal fit in person |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
