AZUB TI-FLY 20" 8K Mile Impression
- Carl Prehn
- Jul 11, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
...---===>>> 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!
My initial interest in recumbents began in 2002 during the Cycle Oregon XV event, which took me from the Oregon/Idaho border to the Oregon coast at Florence Beach. This was both my first and last Cycle Oregon ride, and it was grueling. The rides were long, the heat was intense, and the organizers struggled to provide sufficient water for all participants. However, at the end of each day's ride, they served fantastic meals, and I noticed a group of older riders at a table who seemed more relaxed and in better spirits than the rest of us. The following day, I saw them on the route riding recumbent bicycles, which inspired me to explore them further after I returned from the event.
I researched local shops that carried recumbents and decided to visit RecumbentPDX. At that time, they offered both recumbent bicycles and those funny-looking three-wheel recumbent trikes. They featured many brands, including Greenspeed, Catrike, ICE, HP Velotechnik, and other popular recumbent brands like TerraTrike, Bacchetta, and Azub. Although I initially intended to ride a recumbent bicycle, I ended up only trying a Greenspeed. I was immediately convinced after the first ride. I went home and prepared a case to persuade my wife why I needed one.
Years later, I returned and found that Catrike had released the Road model. I ended up purchasing a Catrike Road and then a second trike for family members, a Greenspeed GT3. I loved both of them, but they were used solely for recreation.
I-84 Freeway Closure in Portland ("Carmageddon")
In 2018 Portland closed their main east/west freeway and interchange for major renovation and repaving. This closure would mean traffic congestion would be everywhere as drivers used alternative routes to commute. This also coincided with the beginning of the introduction of electric bicycles. My wife and I decided to make investment in a pair of Trek Class-3 Electric bikes. They exceeded our expectation, and we really enjoyed riding them. This had me reconsidering the role of my trike. I contacted Catrike at the time to see if they were working on releasing an electric trike. At the time they stated clearly, they were not.
Reference Email from July 2, 2018:
"Carl, Thanks for contacting Catrike. We are not supporting E-assist on our trikes and there are no plans of making an integrated E-trike. We have always proudly built Human Powered Vehicles (Our company name is BigCat HPV) and therein lies our strength. We build the world’s best performance trike and our identity is lightweight, pedal powered. If you have questions regarding the use of E-assist on your Catrike, I recommend contacting your authorized dealer to see what the options are. Happy Monday, Thijs Schutte (Catrike Sales)"
Naturally, within a year, they swiftly altered their direction and launched the e-cat in 2019. I was among the initial customers at RecumbentPDX to buy one. It was delivered in July 2020. Before the Covid outbreak, I worked as a traveling technology consultant, spending 3-5 days on the road each week. However, with Covid, all travel ceased, and I began riding daily, thoroughly enjoying the independence and long rides that an e-assist motor offered.
By the close of 2021, I had logged 10,000 miles on a Catrike Dumont featuring an E-Cat Bosch 'Active Line' drive and a Rohloff hub. While the Catrike surpassed my expectations, I discovered that I was reaching the Dumont's limits.
I spent most of those miles climbing significantly (over 560,000 feet in elevation) and commuting in the city. I had hoped to also ride on gravel service roads, but a couple of attempts with the Dumont revealed that the trike wasn't quite suitable for that.
When choosing the AZUB TI-FLY 20", I considered the following:
Need for more robust suspension
Desire for more power
Lower maintenance
I bought a stock AZUB with fenders as the only accessory. I had a T-Cycle Chain Tensioner installed until I found the correct seating position.
🕵️ First Impressions
Wrong💺seat position and a sleepy🔋battery
My first ride and impression were not positive. With the boom length set 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 in handling. 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.
By adjusting the seat, I managed to closely match the position I'd used for the last 13,000 miles on my Dumont. Although I was comfortable, I still couldn't relax. This tension in certain muscles led to pain in my lower back and hip during the ride. Taking breaks to stretch my hamstrings provided significant relief, but only temporarily. The discomfort always returned, sometimes diminishing my enthusiasm for riding.
I attributed many of these issues to riding the same trike every day for the past two years. I concentrated on understanding my experiences and pinpointing the causes. Below is a summary of the issues I identified and how I addressed them.
📐Seat Angle
On my initial trip home from the Trike dealer, the seat was positioned very upright, making it feel like sitting on a flat bleacher at a baseball game.
The fix is to just recline the seat. I favor a reclined position, so this suits me well.
📏 Seat Length
The Dumont seat is 3 inches longer than the Ti-Fly (measured from the seatback to the front edge of the seat bottom). I believe this is why I prefer a longer seat. It's not a major drawback, just something noticeable.
💺Seat Padding
When I bought it, AZUB only had a flat mesh seat available, with an optional pad. I bought the pad but only used it once because it made me feel like I was sliding off the seat more and didn't offer the slight support I need. Extra padding, especially on the sides and seat, would be beneficial.
With that in mind, the seat performs excellently, particularly on rough roads and when I'm exerting a lot of power. It moves out of the way and is extremely comfortable. However, it doesn't provide support that allows certain muscles to relax, which is why the review is mixed. This seat is probably ideal for others and specific situations.
🛌 A dream comes true!
Soon after acquiring the Ti-Fly, AZUB introduced a new seating option: The Dream Seat.
Switching to the Dream seat resolved all the issues I had with the standard cover. I have over 3,000 miles on the seat, and it is holding up excellently. I look forward to using it daily! A lot of thoughtful design went into this seat. The padding is perfect, providing support exactly where needed. They use two types of padding layered together: the top layer is extremely soft and pliable, while the bottom layer is firmer and offers more support. All of this is wrapped in a soft, breathable mesh that is holding up well. It's a great implementation of materials and craftsmanship that you would expect from Azub.
👟Pedals / Shoes
On the Catrike Dumont, I initially used SPD pedals from my road bike. They are a great option for keeping your foot secure on the pedals and can be quite relaxing at stops. However, I realized I needed more foot movement and different positions on the pedal to prevent knee pain. So, I switched to Power Grips. These allowed for more foot movement and made it easy to snug your foot into the straps for increased stability and power when necessary.
I bought a new pair of Power Grips for the Azub, but after some time, I experienced foot numbness. I watched Steve Greene's video on Pedaling Innovations Catalyst 1 pedals and decided to order a pair due to his excellent research and experience with them.
💪Shimano EP8 Torque Assist
The Shimano EP8 system really knows how to keep things user-friendly. With its smartly designed computer placement, you can easily glance at metrics like speed, battery life, and assistance levels without taking your eyes off the road. This thoughtful setup makes adjusting settings on the go a breeze, enhancing the whole riding experience.
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One of the coolest things about the EP8 drive is its compact design. It's packed with cutting-edge tech that not only cuts down on weight but also boosts performance. This sleek little unit fits right into boom, giving your ride a streamlined look without skimping on power.
When it comes to power, the Shimano EP8 doesn’t disappoint. The power curve it offers is super smooth and responsive, making those steep climbs and tricky terrains feel way easier. The torque assist is finely tuned to give you just the right amount of power when you need it, turning challenging rides into a more enjoyable experience. The torque is an impressive 85 Nm.
Another standout feature of the EP8 is how quiet it runs. Unlike some noisy e-bike motors that can ruin the vibe, the EP8 operates almost silently. This not only lets you soak in the surroundings but also makes it more enjoyable for everyone else on the road. Who doesn’t love a peaceful ride?
If you’re into customizing your ride, the Shimano EP8 has you covered with the E-Tube app. This handy tool lets you tweak all sorts of settings, from power levels to assist modes, and even gives you maintenance reminders. It’s all about tailoring your e-trike experience to fit your unique style and preferences.
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Energy efficiency is another big win for the EP8 system. It helps you stretch your range and cut down on battery use, so you can enjoy longer rides without constantly worrying about running out of juice. This is especially great for those epic outdoor adventures. Plus, being energy-efficient means you’re doing your part for the planet, which is a nice bonus for eco-conscious cyclists.
And about that sleepy mode...
How to release a brand-new battery from deep sleep mode? (S-6051)
The main point here is that you must fully charge the battery and/or connect to the E-Tube Project (a poorly chosen name) to activate it. Simply placing the battery in the Azub Battery cradle and powering it on from the computer head unit won't work. It just doesn't turn on.
⚙️Rohloff Speedhub
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After 8,000 miles on the AZUB Ti-Fly 20” and over 13,000 on my previous Catrike Dumont, the Rohloff Speedhub has more than proven its worth. Its legendary internal gear range, buttery-smooth shifting—even at a standstill—and low maintenance requirements make it an absolute game-changer for long-distance and daily riders alike. Whether I’m climbing steep grades or navigating city streets, the hub delivers consistent, worry-free performance. I’ve never had to worry about derailleurs getting knocked out of alignment or gears skipping. It’s sealed, rock-solid, and just works. When you’re logging serious miles, the Rohloff quietly becomes one of your best investments. It's not just a drivetrain—it’s peace of mind.
📃Misc.
🛍️Accessories
Azub offers an extensive selection of accessories, including pedals, fenders, cargo solutions, and various assist features. However, I intentionally opted for a minimalist setup, purchasing only the complete fender set, which consists of two front and one rear fender. Since my primary goal was to use the trike as a daily driver, I wanted to keep it as simple as possible—minimizing maintenance, reducing rattling, and avoiding unnecessary complexity for features I wouldn’t utilize.
Fender Set Review
The fender set I purchased has mixed results in terms of design and usability.
Front Fenders - The front fenders are exceptionally well-designed and constructed. A standout feature is their quick-removal system—part of the mounting mechanism stays attached to the trike, allowing for easy removal without needing to take off the front wheels. This makes maintenance straightforward and convenient.
Rear Fender - The rear fender, unfortunately, falls short in comparison. Its design is simple and functional, relying on thin aluminum support poles to hold it in place. While practical, it presents a significant drawback: the forward section of the fender is directly mounted to the trike, meaning removal requires taking off the rear wheel. Over time, vibrations from regular use on various road surfaces led to one of the support poles breaking at the attachment point on the fender—a frustrating issue that underscores the need for a more durable and flexible solution. Ideally, a redesigned rear fender should incorporate a quick-removal mechanism similar to the front fenders, eliminating the need to remove the rear wheel for adjustments or repairs. [Picture needed]
In the future, I’d love to see Azub introduce a more robust rear fender design that balances durability with ease of use. A revised attachment system that eliminates the need for wheel removal would be a significant improvement.
Rear Suspension
For the rear suspension, I chose the DNM DV-22 instead of the FOX Float CTD-Air. I’ve had the FOX Float Air on my Catrike and have been very satisfied with its performance and reliability. However, I had never used a basic coil spring shock before and wanted to experience it firsthand for comparison.
So far, I have no complaints and actually prefer the softer spring action that the DNM DV-22 provides. The coil spring offers a smooth and responsive ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively.
Additionally, while the FOX Float Air’s variable compression adjustment is often praised, I believe it is somewhat overrated in practice. Even though the ability to fine-tune air pressure is a nice feature, I never found the need to adjust it on my Catrike. I set it once and never changed it. In contrast, the coil spring suspension eliminates the need for air pressure adjustments altogether, making for a hassle-free and predictable experience.
Overall, while air shocks have their advantages, I’ve found the straightforward, plush ride quality of the coil spring suspension to be more enjoyable for my needs.
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Brakes
Brakes are essential, and I decided to try something new with the Sturmey Archery 90mm drum brakes. My main interest was their low-maintenance design, which has certainly lived up to expectations. While they require more hand strength and take some getting used to, I don’t consider them a bad option at all.
So far, I haven’t needed to replace the brake pads, and I’ve heard they can last over 20,000 miles before requiring maintenance. This is a stark contrast to the Avid BB7, which typically needs pad replacements every 3,000 miles. I’ve had frustrating experiences with the BB7s—their cheap construction, difficult pad replacements, and constant adjustments throughout their lifespan make them a hassle. If possible, I’d strongly recommend avoiding BB7s and opting for hydraulic brakes instead, which offer better performance and reliability.
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🛣️Ride - City
Suspension Options
One of the key choices when purchasing an Azub is selecting the front Titanium leaf spring suspension. There are two options available. The standard soft front suspension provides the signature magic carpet ride, giving a smooth, floating sensation. Alternatively, the hard front suspension, which I chose, is ideal for touring with heavy cargo or for a tighter, more responsive feel. The harder suspension enhances downhill handling and improves control in sharp turns, making it well-suited for riders who enjoy climbing and navigating varied terrain.
After logging considerable miles, I am very pleased with my decision. While I doubt I would have been unhappy with the softer suspension, I have found no reason to reconsider. For anyone unsure, I highly recommend trying both options firsthand before making a final choice.
The harder suspension delivers a smooth ride and easily absorbs road imperfections, handling potholes without issue. However, it does introduce a bit more bounce, whereas the softer suspension glides effortlessly over uneven pavement. Both setups excel in their own way, and no matter which you choose, you really can't go wrong.
Steering
One of the biggest adjustments was getting used to the ultra-light feel of indirect steering. Its crisscross linkage design allows for effortless control—you can practically steer the trike with a single finger. Coming from a Catrike with direct rudder post steering, the Azub initially felt unfamiliar, even slightly off-putting. However, it didn’t take long for my reflexes and instincts to adapt, and soon the responsiveness and nimbleness became second nature.
That being said, I wouldn’t necessarily say I prefer one system over the other. Each provides a uniquely different riding experience. The Catrike’s stiffer steering gives a strong sense of connection to the road, while the Azub’s indirect steering complements its laidback, floaty ride style. Both have their merits, and regardless of which system I’m using, I always feel confident and in control.
🚵Ride - 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...
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