AZUB TI-FLY 20" First Impressions
Updated: Oct 27, 2022
...---===>>> DRAFT <<<===---...
Below is a draft outline and composition of the article I am writing. I do this as an open process as it helps motivate me to complete the article. Please feel free to comment or ask questions at any time. I really enjoy and appreciate feedback and dialogue. Cheers!
Last year I put 10K miles on a Catrike Dumont equipped with an E-Cat Bosch 'Active Line' drive and a Rohloff hub. Although the Catrike exceeded my expectations, I found myself pushing the limits of the Dumont.
I spent most of those miles doing a lot of climbing (over 560,000 feet in elevation) and city commuting. I had aspirations to also ride on gravel service roads, however a couple attempts on the Dumont showed that the trike was not quite up to the task.
I had the following in mind when selecting the AZUB TI-FLY 20"
Need more robust suspension
Wanting more power
Lower maintenance
I purchased a stock AZUB with fenders as the only accessory. I did have a T-Cycle Chain Tensioner installed until I found the correct seating position.
Below are my first impressions. I will be posting additional reviews on the AZUB as well as a comparison article and video comparing the Catrike Dumont with the AZUB Ti-Fly.
First Impressions
Wrong seat position💺and a sleepy battery🔋
My first ride and impression were not positive. Although the x-seam was correct, I felt like I was sliding off the seat. The steering was shockingly light and the handling seemed off putting. Most of this coming from the trike setup being considerably different than what I have been riding for the last 2 years on my Catrike Dumont.
Shortly after getting the trike home the battery went into a 'deep sleep' mode that took a week to identify and resolve. Not a great start. :(
Making adjustments
Fortunately AZUB's "Ideal Position System" (IPS) is the real deal. I ended up modeling the seat position and angle to come close to my Catrike Dumont. This immediately made a huge difference. By sliding the seat forward and tiling the seat back, I was able to eliminate almost all of the discomfort and awkwardness from my first ride.
Sliding the seat forward raises/lowers seat height and affects seat angle/pitch with the relation to pedals. These changes also shift the center of mass and affects the handling significantly. I highly advise trying different configurations to dial-in to what feels right for you.
With these seat adjustments I was able to closely replicate the relative position that I had for the last 13K miles on my Dumont. Although I am now in a comfortable position, I am still not...relaxed. ☹️ This inability to relax certain muscles causes my lower back/hip to ache during my ride. Stopping and stretching my hamstrings helps considerably to the point it will disappear for a while. However It always comes back. Sometimes to the point where it is effecting my eagerness to ride.
I equate most of these issues with how long I have been riding the same trike every day for the last 2 years. So I took this week to really focus on what I am experiencing and trying to identify the cause. Here is a summary of what I believe the issues to be and how I plan to address them.
Seat Angle
My first ride home from the bike dealer had the seat angle very upright. This made it feel like I was at a baseball game sitting on a flat bleacher.
The solution is to simply recline the seat. I prefer a reclined position anyway so this works.
Seat Length
The Dumont seat is 3" longer than the Ti-Fly (measured seatback to front edge of seat bottom). I suspect this is where my preference for a longer seat arises from. Not a big detractor. Just noticeable.
Seat Padding
At the time of purchase, AZUB was offering only a mesh seat with an optional pad. I purchased the pad and only used it once. It increased the sense of sliding off the seat and did not provide the subtle support that I feel is needed for me. Additional padding particularly on the side and seat would be helpful.
That being said. The seat performs great. Especially on bumpy roads and when I am delivering a lot of power. It just gets out of the way and is super comfortable. Its' just not supportive in a way that allows certain muscles to relax. Hence the mixed review. This seat is likely perfect for others and certain use cases.
Just after receiving the Ti-Fly, AZUB started offering a new seat option: The Dream Seat.
I believe this will significantly address the support and padding needed for me. I have contacted AZUB on purchasing one. I will post a review once received.
...---===>>> DRAFT <<<===---...
This is a draft outline and composition of the article I am writing. I do this as an open process as it helps motivate me to complete the article. Please feel free to comment or ask questions at any time. I really enjoy and appreciate feedback and dialogue. Cheers!
Pedals / Shoes👟
On the Catrike Dumont I started out with SPD pedals that I had used on my road bike. They are an excellent choice to keep your foot locked on the pedals and can be quite relaxing at stops. However I found that I needed more foot movement and positions on the pedal to keep my knees from aching. I switched to Power Grips. They provided more foot movement but allows you to quickly snug your foot into the straps for more stability and power when needed.
I purchased a new pair for the Azub but struggled with foot numbness. I saw Steve Greenes video on the Power Grips and ordered a pair as a result of his excellent research and experience with them.
Power Grips to Catalyst Pedals
3 pairs of Allbirds
Boom Length📏
Critical to get right length
Boom twist
T-Cycle chain tensioner
Love computer placement
Compact EP8 drive
Torque Assist💪
Power curve is amazing
Quiet
Tunable through app
Energy efficient
Deep sleep mode
Misc.📃
Fenders
Wax Emersion chain lubrication
Multi-Mount
Ride - City🛣️
Chose hard suspension option
Smooth
Bouncy at first
Eats potholes for breakfast
Ultra light steering
Riding with confidence
Off-road🚵
Outstanding and exhilarating
Quiet
Confident
Hard to find and understand its limits
Smaller rear wheel is remarkable/stiffer
Final thoughts💭
Triking without limits...
Coming:
Catrike Dumont 13K Mile review
Dumont and Ti-Fly Comparison
Moving to wax emersion chain lubrication
Chasing Bosch 530/2 Error Codes
Dumont overhaul
Ti-Fly 10K Mile review