Thanks so much for this review. I'm a big guy, 64 years old, and have decided to transition from the Specialized Sirrus bicycle on which I've ridden thousands of miles over the last 8 years to a recumbent trike. I live in south Mississippi and finding a dealer, especially for Catrike and Greenspeed (nice to hear your thoughts on Greenspeed in the video), has been a challenge. But I just discovered Rocket City Trikes a few hours before watching your video, and it turns out our son and his family live in Huntsville and we visit often. Hearing your endorsement of Rocket City Trikes makes me think it might be worth giving them a try.
Thanks, it’s been almost a year and I’m still really enjoying my Max. Since you’ll be in town anyway I really encourage you to visit Neil and Kathy at Rocket City Trikes!
Your storage pockets, the large one on the back is for tire repair kit and spare tubes and to carry things like your wallet and ID. My Dumont has a pocket that looks to be about half the size of yours and I can stuff everything in need including tubes, an alien multi tool CO2 cartridge tire pump tire levers, house keys tire repair kit and still have for my ID and and some money. The other pocket on the right is for a compact air pump. You should look under the right side of your seat as well. Unless Catrike changed things up, you probably have a cell phone pocket on the under side of the seat as well. If you have one it’s surprisingly easy to access while riding.
My son & wife just purchased a Catrike Max e-Cat this week. We have asked to have a tensioner (chain adapter) to meet the needs of both their heights. The boom will also need to be cut. We also added a rear rack, side bag mount, and an extra 500 W battery for longer rides. I've owned 2 different recumbent trikes and a handcycle over the past 8 years. I added Tannus Tires to my current HP Velotechnik Scorpion + FS26. But the tires for the Max are 20" 2.0 (width). Tannus "no flats" do not come in that width. So we settled on the Tannus Armour for Max e-Cat extra protection. We can't wait to ride together. It will be the first trike for both of them.
Hi Mark. Just got my Max from the fine folks at Rocket City Trikes. Kathy and Neil are great! I'm also in the Huntsville area. I enjoyed your video and look forward to more. L8R.
Excellent! Please join us at our little Facebook page. Several of us here in the Huntsville area it use it to keep up with one another and plan group rides. 'Tennessee Valley Trikers." facebook.com/share/g/wvQRHkaCRLiQ786u/
Very nice and complete review of the Catrike MAX ... thanks for taking the time to show us! I was curious why the cable to the rear derailleur is so long. I definitely agree that Catrike took the cheap way out with regards to the front single ring crank ... they should change that to the typical single cranks found on trikes like the HP Velotechnik Scorpion, which has the side protection edge around the circumference of the ring. Not only would it look much better aesthetically, and help keep a rider's pants off the chain, but it would also keep the chain on the ring if for some reason it went slack if the tension loosened up in the rear (it would not derail). steve
@@Trikes-Trails Glad to hear you finally got a chain guard. The new MAX trikes come with one, which Catrike should have been doing from the start in my opinion. I just posted my review of my new MAX on my channel today. Yes, these are great trikes! steve
The little "pocket" on the right hand side of the seat is for one of those small tire pumps like Topeak sales..There is a just above where your hand was to help keep it in the pocket...I have the Catrike 559 and have been riding them for a few years now..The ecat boom with the Bosch motor you would love...And it is just a fast boom change..And if you want even more speed you can order it from Utah Trikes with a class 3 Bosch..28mph :) ..I have the stock Bosch(20 mph) on mine and get around 75-80 miles on eco(lowest setting) and cruz at around 13-15 mph on level trails and roads..Really a great system.
No I’m sorry we are not. We live about 5 hours away in Southwest Virginia. We found Neal and Kathy at their Piedmont store and bought our first set of trikes from them there. These were delta trikes and thought we’d try the tadpoles. My wife got a used Trident that she loves and I came back to Neal for the Greenspeed. You know the rest of the story. There is nowhere nearer to us that sells recumbent trikes so that we had to look further away. Thanks for the invite, we would love to ride with you sometime.
Hello. Just ordered my Max from Neal. I too tried the Greenspeed Magnum but was concerned about the same issue as yourself but also had problems with seat angle. I purchased mine just a few weeks before the announcement of the Max. I had an EBO rear hub assist on the Greenspeed which Neal is installing on my Max. I enjoyed the video, it’s nice to see others with similar concerns. Thanks so much for your input.
Looks really good this Catrike. I own the Greenspeed GT20 and I must say, for what it is, it's a pretty good recumbent trike (the only thing I don't like is how heavy it is to cycle uphill....almost impossible even in the lowest gear, unless you go over the hill with a fairly high speed). Other good points of the GT20 is the square pole, ultra responsive steering and that it's foldable and fairly light. I think the dream trike is an ICE VTX (but the price is too high for me).
Congrats on the Max! I bought the Greenspeed Magnum XL because it was a bit wider than the normal Magnum and I wanted something that I could felt wouldn't break easily over long term use. It's been a great trike to ride! Surprised that I've already worn through a set of tires! I got it with electric assist pre-installed and have been very happy with that decision. When I'm out riding my local lake trail, I normally turn the e-assist down so I get the benefit of the exercise time, but I turn it back up for the street sections to get to and from my home faster. It helps provide more confidence on the road, deal with the large hills where I live, and adds to my ability to stay out and ride longer/farther.
Thanks! After I finished the video I noticed the little velcro tab above the pocket. I downed on me then what it is for. My hand pump now resides there.
This was the most informative video as I look into the Max with a Falco rear hub motor. I have owned a Greenspeed Magnum since 2011. After a knee replacement and back issues, I motorized the Magnum with a Bafang BBSHD 1000 Watt motor. At the time, I summered in Stowe Vermont, and later in Landrum SC (both VERY hilly areas). Now I split my time in Florida and Ohio, and will check out the Max in the flesh in Lisbon Ohio. Ohio is hillier than Florida (!) so I am looking into the Falco (the Bosch is a 250 watt mid drive motor, the Falco is a 750 watt rear wheel direct drive motor). Did you ever motorize your Max? Let me know if I can help you, as you have helped me!- Moo
Thanks for your comment! My Magnum had a Bafang 750w. The Bafang is a great system for the money. I have since added a 750w CYC Photon to my Catrike Max. I love it! It is torque sensing like the Bosch and Shimano system but is more powerful and also has a throttle and is less than half the cost. It is easy to install with a similar installation to the Bafang system. Check out the Photon if you have not done so yet.
Hello Marc You once rode with a greenspeed magnum, which is narrower than the Catrike Max. Was it the regular magnum you owned or was it the magnum XL, which is also wider and has a wider seat. I would like to compare this with the max. The Magnum XL has a seat with many positions.
Mine is the standard Greenspeed Magnum, not the XL. The Magnum is an excellent trike and can take up to 400lbs, but it was just too narrow in the cock pit. My legs would rub against the accessory mounting posts.
Thanks so much for this review. I'm a big guy, 64 years old, and have decided to transition from the Specialized Sirrus bicycle on which I've ridden thousands of miles over the last 8 years to a recumbent trike. I live in south Mississippi and finding a dealer, especially for Catrike and Greenspeed (nice to hear your thoughts on Greenspeed in the video), has been a challenge. But I just discovered Rocket City Trikes a few hours before watching your video, and it turns out our son and his family live in Huntsville and we visit often. Hearing your endorsement of Rocket City Trikes makes me think it might be worth giving them a try.
Thanks, it’s been almost a year and I’m still really enjoying my Max. Since you’ll be in town anyway I really encourage you to visit Neil and Kathy at Rocket City Trikes!
Your storage pockets, the large one on the back is for tire repair kit and spare tubes and to carry things like your wallet and ID. My Dumont has a pocket that looks to be about half the size of yours and I can stuff everything in need including tubes, an alien multi tool CO2 cartridge tire pump tire levers, house keys tire repair kit and still have for my ID and and some money. The other pocket on the right is for a compact air pump. You should look under the right side of your seat as well. Unless Catrike changed things up, you probably have a cell phone pocket on the under side of the seat as well. If you have one it’s surprisingly easy to access while riding.
My son & wife just purchased a Catrike Max e-Cat this week. We have asked to have a tensioner (chain adapter) to meet the needs of both their heights. The boom will also need to be cut. We also added a rear rack, side bag mount, and an extra 500 W battery for longer rides.
I've owned 2 different recumbent trikes and a handcycle over the past 8 years. I added Tannus Tires to my current HP Velotechnik Scorpion + FS26. But the tires for the Max are 20" 2.0 (width). Tannus "no flats" do not come in that width. So we settled on the Tannus Armour for Max e-Cat extra protection.
We can't wait to ride together. It will be the first trike for both of them.
Hi Mark. Just got my Max from the fine folks at Rocket City Trikes. Kathy and Neil are great! I'm also in the Huntsville area. I enjoyed your video and look forward to more. L8R.
Excellent! Please join us at our little Facebook page. Several of us here in the Huntsville area it use it to keep up with one another and plan group rides. 'Tennessee Valley Trikers." facebook.com/share/g/wvQRHkaCRLiQ786u/
Very nice and complete review of the Catrike MAX ... thanks for taking the time to show us! I was curious why the cable to the rear derailleur is so long. I definitely agree that Catrike took the cheap way out with regards to the front single ring crank ... they should change that to the typical single cranks found on trikes like the HP Velotechnik Scorpion, which has the side protection edge around the circumference of the ring. Not only would it look much better aesthetically, and help keep a rider's pants off the chain, but it would also keep the chain on the ring if for some reason it went slack if the tension loosened up in the rear (it would not derail).
steve
I have since added a CYC Photon to my Max. It is a great E-assist system and comes with a chain guard :)
@@Trikes-Trails Glad to hear you finally got a chain guard. The new MAX trikes come with one, which Catrike should have been doing from the start in my opinion. I just posted my review of my new MAX on my channel today. Yes, these are great trikes!
steve
If you take the reflectors off your peddles the is a little set screw to adjust your clip on shoes it can be loosened or made tighter
The little "pocket" on the right hand side of the seat is for one of those small tire pumps like Topeak sales..There is a just above where your hand was to help keep it in the pocket...I have the Catrike 559 and have been riding them for a few years now..The ecat boom with the Bosch motor you would love...And it is just a fast boom change..And if you want even more speed you can order it from Utah Trikes with a class 3 Bosch..28mph :) ..I have the stock Bosch(20 mph) on mine and get around 75-80 miles on eco(lowest setting) and cruz at around 13-15 mph on level trails and roads..Really a great system.
No I’m sorry we are not. We live about 5 hours away in Southwest Virginia. We found Neal and Kathy at their Piedmont store and bought our first set of trikes from them there. These were delta trikes and thought we’d try the tadpoles. My wife got a used Trident that she loves and I came back to Neal for the Greenspeed. You know the rest of the story. There is nowhere nearer to us that sells recumbent trikes so that we had to look further away. Thanks for the invite, we would love to ride with you sometime.
Hello. Just ordered my Max from Neal. I too tried the Greenspeed Magnum but was concerned about the same issue as yourself but also had problems with seat angle. I purchased mine just a few weeks before the announcement of the Max. I had an EBO rear hub assist on the Greenspeed which Neal is installing on my Max. I enjoyed the video, it’s nice to see others with similar concerns. Thanks so much for your input.
Thanks, Keith! Are you in North Alabama? We have a small group who get together for rides occasionally. Our FB page is "Tennessee Valley Trikers"
Looks really good this Catrike. I own the Greenspeed GT20 and I must say, for what it is, it's a pretty good recumbent trike (the only thing I don't like is how heavy it is to cycle uphill....almost impossible even in the lowest gear, unless you go over the hill with a fairly high speed). Other good points of the GT20 is the square pole, ultra responsive steering and that it's foldable and fairly light. I think the dream trike is an ICE VTX (but the price is too high for me).
Congrats on the Max! I bought the Greenspeed Magnum XL because it was a bit wider than the normal Magnum and I wanted something that I could felt wouldn't break easily over long term use. It's been a great trike to ride! Surprised that I've already worn through a set of tires! I got it with electric assist pre-installed and have been very happy with that decision. When I'm out riding my local lake trail, I normally turn the e-assist down so I get the benefit of the exercise time, but I turn it back up for the street sections to get to and from my home faster. It helps provide more confidence on the road, deal with the large hills where I live, and adds to my ability to stay out and ride longer/farther.
What electric assist package are you running?
Since buying the MAX I've added a CYC Photo kit. It is a great torque sensing system but half the cost of Bocshe or Shimano Steps
That one pocket is to hold a small hand air pump.
Thanks! After I finished the video I noticed the little velcro tab above the pocket. I downed on me then what it is for. My hand pump now resides there.
Wax the drive chain, no grease on clothes! Extends chain life also. Look at Silca
This was the most informative video as I look into the Max with a Falco rear hub motor. I have owned a Greenspeed Magnum since 2011. After a knee replacement and back issues, I motorized the Magnum with a Bafang BBSHD 1000 Watt motor. At the time, I summered in Stowe Vermont, and later in Landrum SC (both VERY hilly areas). Now I split my time in Florida and Ohio, and will check out the Max in the flesh in Lisbon Ohio. Ohio is hillier than Florida (!) so I am looking into the Falco (the Bosch is a 250 watt mid drive motor, the Falco is a 750 watt rear wheel direct drive motor). Did you ever motorize your Max? Let me know if I can help you, as you have helped me!- Moo
Thanks for your comment! My Magnum had a Bafang 750w. The Bafang is a great system for the money. I have since added a 750w CYC Photon to my Catrike Max. I love it! It is torque sensing like the Bosch and Shimano system but is more powerful and also has a throttle and is less than half the cost. It is easy to install with a similar installation to the Bafang system. Check out the Photon if you have not done so yet.
Nice video. I hope you enjoy it!
I was wondering what Rocket City Trikes was like.
You can convert your pumps to dual valves by replacing the pump head...
Hello Marc
You once rode with a greenspeed magnum, which is narrower than the Catrike Max. Was it the regular magnum you owned or was it the magnum XL, which is also wider and has a wider seat. I would like to compare this with the max. The Magnum XL has a seat with many positions.
Mine is the standard Greenspeed Magnum, not the XL. The Magnum is an excellent trike and can take up to 400lbs, but it was just too narrow in the cock pit. My legs would rub against the accessory mounting posts.
@@Trikes-Trails Mine is the Magnum XL with a mesh seat with some height adjustments. (see my other post in this thread)
I have a question about shoes. I wear a 11.5 - 12 men's shoe and I've had a heck of a time finding shoes that fit.
I wear 14s and found some on Amazon. They are a cheap pair that were on sale ($22), but I'm sold on the concept. I'll invest in a better pair soon.
May I ask what brand of shoes you wear. I have long narrow feet (size 15 or 50) and your shoes look like they might fit.
Small pocket is for an air pump.
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