Reviews of three folding, recumbent trikes with suspension

You wouldn't think there would be a whole lot of choice of folding, recumbent, suspension tricycles but these are starting to become quite popular. I have injured my shoulder and it looks like it may never recover to the point where I can ride a 200k so I'm looking for ways to keep cycling.

I used to own a recumbent Bacchetta but I was never comfortable pulling away, especially uphill. I also found the seat to be incredibly uncomfortable and, as you can't stand to take the weight off, I had to stop and stand for a few minutes every 20 miles or so. Lastly, I now own a Prius so a regular recumbent is impossible for me to carry.

The trike solves the pulling away issue and I hope the suspension solves the backside issues. The folding feature allows me to easily stow the bike in the back of the car.

I went to Bent up Cycles in North Hollywood. The owner, Dana, takes appointments only but as I'm a repeat customer and an old riding buddy he was happy to fit me into his schedule. He had the three bikes we had discussed ready for me to try. You will notice they all have 26" rear wheels and long wheelbases which is supposed to make them more comfortable than all 20" bikes.

The first was a Catrike Dumont - I liked the yellow one but it comes in quite a few different colors. This is the bike that my online research drew me to.

Catrike Dumont

Dana showed me how it  folds down. It takes about two minutes. You pull the seat off (velcro) and unlock the seat quick release which also controls the seat angle. Then you release the quick release on the main hinge and fold the bike in half. It locks into a folded position and has travel wheels and a kick stand so it doesn't fall over. Set up is just as quick as easy. The hinge is at 45 degrees which means the rear wheel turns as you fold it. All three bikes folded similarly.

I grabbed my helmet and jumped on. Dana joined me on an HP Velotechnic Scorpion, and we went for a test ride.

The first thing that struck me about the Dumont was the stability. I could pull away at any speed I wanted and my line was perfectly straight. You might be able to tell from the photo that it comes with a rear-view mirror. I've never found a mirror for a bicycle that worked for me. It was always too difficult to get the bike or my helmet perfectly aligned for me to see what was behind me. But the trike is so stable that once I adjusted the mirror it was always perfectly aligned. Finally a mirror that works.

I was concerned the extra weigh might make it significantly slower but the more aerodynamic position largely compensates for this. We rode on a flat street, and I'm sure the hills would be more work, but this will fly down them. I would be OK with 10% slower rides - better than not being able to ride at all. Dana suggested replacing the tires with something a little more slick when they wear out. That's a good idea.

Some of the standard features on the Catrike are a rear mudguard, a flag holder and flag, a pump pouch, a tool pouch, a rear view mirror, reversible SPD pedals, computer mount, and wrist supports.

Half way through the ride Dana and I swapped so I could try the Scorpion. I found the Scorpion's steering was too sensitive although that might have simply been because the pedals were too close to me. We quickly swapped back.

After five miles we were back at the store and I tried the ICE sprint.

ICE Sprint

I immediately noticed the seat was not as comfortable as the Dumont or Scorpion and the turning circle was larger. Unlike the Dumont I could not do a u-turn in the alley behind Dana's store. Dana confirmed there was no upgrade option on the seat, so I ruled it out. However I have to say it was very stylish.

What I'd really like to do now is take the Dumont out for an extended ride. Twenty miles up and down the bike path would be idea. I'm also going to have to look for good bag options.

If I can't fix my shoulder to the point where I can ride a 200k I will be buying a Catrike Dumont. They're not cheap, but I made my current bike last 20 years so I'll get my money's worth out of this one too.

Here's a quick summary.

Catrike Dumont
Pros: Made in USA, lowest price, many extra's included, stable steering, manouverable
Cons: Minimal front suspension, no rack option

HP Velotechnic Scorpion
Pros: manouverable, good front suspension
Cons: Made in Germany, expensive, twitchy steering? Everything is extra

ICE Sprint
Pros: Good front suspension, stylish
Cons: Made in UK, uncomfortable seat, poor maneuverability, expensive