Utah Trikes - Catrike Quad Conversion by Utah Trikes

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Catrike Quad Conversion by Utah Trikes

We have been wanting to make a Quad option for the Catrikes for a long time. The Quad platform gives you the maximum utility, traction, and stability. The Quad platform allows the easy adaptation to power assist and can convert the tadpole trike into a true pedal car. There are several special considerations I have focused on while creating a Quad Conversion for the Catrike.
1. The Quad Conversion should be a high-performance solution. This means that the conversion should enhance the performance of the Catrike without detracting from it. Lightweight and performance oriented.
2. The rigid aluminum Catrike frame needs to be isolated somewhat from the rear axle to prevent undue stress. While the isolation method will act as a suspension, the main focus is road handling and tolerances will reflect that instead of off-road.
3. The stock wheel mounting position should be used to mount the middrive. There are several benefits to doing this. The stock chain line can be used and strength is added to the wheelstay area.
4. Stock derailleur hanger should be used. Keeping the derailleur hanger allows us to maintain the adjustability of the boom. It also allows us to use a standard cassette and derailleur for a lower-cost and high-efficiency middrive.
5. Use a wide range of middrives. While I want to keep the axle as close as possible to the dropouts (to minimize leverage against the stock dropouts) I want to allow enough room to be able to use the larger options like the Nuvinci or BionX electric solutions.
6. The rear axle assembly should have provisions for brakes and fenders.
7. The Quad Conversion should use the stock (or Catrike-compatible) hubs and wheels on the back to allow for a consistent look and easy availability.
8. The Quad Conversion should fit as many Catrike models as possible. All models with the exception of the 700 have the same width dropouts, so that is our goal. The main provisions will be to accommodate the different track widths of the 20-inch models. We also want a 26-inch wheel version for the Expedition. With this I also want the Quad conversion to be a bolt-on setup that does not require any modification of the Catrike frame.
9. Powered options. In addition to the Bionx middrive option I would also like to have provisions for a gas engine or electric motor that functions independently of the middrive choice.
10. Cargo options. The main loads should be carried on the Quad's rear axle assembly. Options such as racks, basket, platform, trunk should be easy to mount.

Click to view larger image.

Click to view larger image.
One of the things that I wanted to make sure we incorporated from the beginning is the stock rear-wheel mounting position for the middrive and the derailleur hanger to allow for adjustment of the boom. This will also allow us to use a standard derailleur-based middrive for the best performance.

Click to view larger image.
The Quad axle is mounted to the Catrike frame using 4 elastomers. The elastomers act as a suspension and isolate the wheelstays from the frame twisting affect during cornering on the road.

Click to view larger image.
On the Catrike Quad we are using the Samagaga differential and splined axle system. The axle is held inside of the axle cage with the use of high-strength circlips. We have spaced the axles and splines so that there is 3mm float of the differential laterally to allow for minor chain movements.

Click to view larger image.

Click to view larger image.

Click to view larger image.

Share your comments below:
Neat. There is only one bar to step over to reach the seat....nice!
Posted by Annie
04/22/2010 11:35:42 AM

Innovative! Smokin! Just do it!
Currently I have a delta but this will be my next toy.
Posted by Jake
04/22/2010 05:01:19 PM

It is coming.
Posted by Ashley

for optimal results, i reccomend shipping an entire quad to my address. i'll test it thoroughly and email the results plus pics. in exchange, i get to keep the quad. if you recognize that as a great deal, email me for my mailing address
Posted by cheezy
04/22/2010 07:48:05 PM

Good one! That actually had me laughing.

Oh, uh your serious.

Well, hmmm, I'll have to think long and hard about it.

:)
Posted by Ashley

YESSS!

Posted by Benterati
04/22/2010 08:21:42 PM

I want one, downunder in Australia, but for 2 people dide by side.....any thoughts?
Posted by Yippee
04/22/2010 10:17:32 PM

We have no plans on a side-by-side catrike.
Posted by Ashley

Great graphics. What CADD program are you using?
Posted by Designer
04/23/2010 05:00:08 AM

We use SolidWorks 2010 Premium.
Posted by Ashley

I know this may be weird question, but would this work with Terracycle's Cargo Monster as well? I was supposing that would be the ultimate SUV/pickup/cargo van.
Now, I can't make up my mind between either cargo configurations. With electric assist.
What I would like to do have a photo chase cycle to shoot lead celebrities in charity group rides. I would prefer mounted camera(s) so that I can maintain control of my cycle. Or have a rear facing photographer in back.
Just thinking out loud.
Posted by DJ
04/23/2010 07:50:14 AM

This will not be compatible with the CargoMonster.
Posted by Ashley

what's your target width? narrow - Pocket, Speed -- mid - Road, Trail -- wide - Villager
Posted by jimali
04/24/2010 07:21:49 AM

We will have different widths for different models.
Posted by Ashley

I envy your cad skills. Have you built one up yet or is still a concept? You seem to have answered most of the problems I would forsee with this conversion. Now I just want to see one running.
Posted by atlbike
04/24/2010 04:04:24 PM

We are working on our third prototype now.
Posted by Ashley

just make sure the trike is a good host to a power - electric or gas - assist guest ...
Posted by zveloyak
04/26/2010 09:24:52 AM

Electric hubs will work as a middrive.
Posted by Ashley

Who'da thunk a CatQuad?
Yer on a roll, don't stop to smell the roses; keep on keepin' on!
Posted by Earl
04/26/2010 01:24:27 PM

I bought Bryan Ball's Quad. I'm now building a car out of it based on Fargo "Cycling Experiences" project. I pull a lot of weight on bikes. I also own a Catrike Pocket and Boom Flex is an issue when pulling a trailer with 60 lbs. An option for a re-inforced (different material) boom would be ideal, maybe a thick one that goes around the outside of the Catrike frame instead of inside the tube. I love Utah Trikes!
Posted by CargoGuy
04/28/2010 07:23:19 AM

could a seat with a suspension system be used perhaps something like the hase kettweisell ride uses
Posted by big james
05/26/2010 08:00:49 PM

The seat is integrated into the Catrike frame, so adding another seat would be a little clunky.
Posted by Ashley

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