Catrike Eola: new for 2019 recumbent trike model

Catrike introduced some tempting views of the Eola, a new recumbent trike model that will hit the streets sometime in 2019.

Like the 2018 redesigned Catrike 700, the Eola will depart from the traditional standard components used on most other Catrike models. Instead of having multiple chainrings and a front derailleur and shifter, the Eola will use a single chainring and have an extra-wide 11-42 cassette on the back.

Taking many hard-learned lessons from the years that Catrike has been manufacturing recumbent trikes in the USA, the Eola is designed for streamlined production time and resources. Examples include:

• a trimmed down 3-color palette accented with neutral hard-anodized gray.
• single-part, fixed-camber, fixed-reach handlebars designed for most people
• derailleur-less boom
• fixed-angle seat-back

The Eola will also come with many standard features that might otherwise cost extra, including rear flashing taillight, rear fender, integrated carrying bag, and two-sided SPD-compatible clipless pedals.

All specifications and components for the Eola are subject to change, but the preliminary look suggests that the Eola will have:

• all three wheels 20" (406 ETRTO), probably equipped with Schwalbe Marathon Racers
• 1x11 drivetrain with FSA hollow-axle bottom-bracket, 42T chainring and 11-42T cassette
• Catrike seat-pad
• Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes

There might be a temptation to call the Eola an "entry-level" trike, but, if so, it will certainly be one of the best entry-level trikes on the market.

At first blush, the Eola might look similar to a Catrike Pocket, but will the Eola will have a higher seat, more upright seat-back angle, and wider track.

The Eola is clearly laid out to compete head-to-head with the HP Velotechnik Gekko model lineup.