DIRECT VS. INDIRECT STEERING - What Do I Choose?! - Is One Better Than The Other? - Utah Trikes

[@damonthomas8955]

I appreciate the direct, and indirect, nature of your presentation.

[@toms641]

I used to ride road bikes many years ago, but had a crash. Fractured my L4. Recently Physical Therapists were telling me my sense of balance was shot, because of the L4 thing. I thought they were crazy, but they were right. Three weeks ago, I rented a standard 2 wheel "Cruiser bike". Couldn't ride it 100 yards. Almost killed myself. So I now have a Sunseeker Ez Tad. Direct steer, as noted. The steering is some what intimidating. Thanks to you two guys for taking some of the mystery out of it. When I take it out tomorrow, I'll be thinking about what you have said. Keep the vids coming, please.

[@jaysenjohnivanturner1972]

My friend- you need a TRIDYNAMIC

[@taylordw]

I liked Kait’s presentation, very clear, concise, and well spoken; the guy with the funky beard, slurping coffee, mumbling dude- speak, and dropping tools, not so much. what were they thinking? Use the spokesperson who can relate to the most customers. sorry I couldn’t find myself spending a few grand with a stoned out salesperson trying to make the sale. I like adjustability so I would probably tend toward direct steer.

[@michaeldavid7959]

Totally agree. Keep "Shaggy" as a mech and have Kait do the talking

[@Magoo652]

Thank you for the explanation on this subject. I have a Greenspeed with indirect steering and an MR with direct steering. For me, the only negative with direct steering is long hill climbs on high crown roads. A lot more effort needed to stay riding straight. Nicer & easier with indirect steering. I don't ride bicycles anymore. Recumbent trikes are so much better. Cheers from Australia.

[@TheMechanic1213]

Ackerman Geometry is fascinating. When turning, the two front wheels don't turn at the same angle because the outside wheel when turning is making a bigger arc then the inside wheel. If I'm turning left, the right wheel is arcing around the corner wider then the left wheel. Fun fact: This effect is why the trike is powered in the rear and not the front. If you powered a front axle that had two wheels you would need a differential similar to a car. If you're powering both front wheels of a trike in a turn the outside wheel travels further than the inside wheel and have to compensate for this to avoid having the tires slip.

[@CrusaderSports250]

And should you ever have 3 wheel drive you would need a dif between the front and rear as well, an all wheel drive trike would also be rather interesting, especially if you could lock out the difs for some serious off road action!!!!.

[@merlinmagnus873]

My first recumbent was one you could swap between direct and indirect. I set it up for direct and left it that way. My current trike is direct only. Direct is definitely more responsive but also twitchy. An adjustable steering damper setup (less than $50) will get rid of the twitchyness and keep all the responsiveness.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Really ???? Never heard of it .. mmm

[@josephmiller7894]

Please do a video on the mechanics of steering. You guys (gals) are awesome.

[@josephmiller7894]

I am trying to my own very of an ebike thing (with 6-8wheels). Videos like this are amazingly helpful.

[@djgrumpygeezer1194]

My first trike was a Trident Spike with direct steering. Very responsive, would turn on a dime. Unfortunately the disc brakes on it were very grabby, and unless they were perfectly adjusted, a hard stop would make the trike go ballistic. I got thrown to the pavement on several occasions. I attribute this partly to the brakes, partly to the very sensitive steering. My current trike, an ICE Trice TNT, has indirect steering and drum brakes. Hasn’t thrown me once in three years.

[@spidennis]

Rear brake?

[@daveyJ213]

I tested a Cattrike, which had direct steering and literally almost tipped it over in the parking lot going a few miles per hour. Way too twitchy and not intuitive at all. Smaller steering radius on direct steering over indirect. The indirect steering on my Ti Fly has a much better feel in my humble opinion. Going down hill at 34 mph is smooth and easy. I don't "death-grip" on the way down the hill, but keep my hands lightly on the bars to keep the steering true, and let the suspension absorb vibration. Thanks for another great video.

[@jimmysapien9961]

AWSOME

[@La.máquina.de.los.sueños]

It's also what I've heard about direct steering. Too sensitive, rough, less stable at high speed and counter intuitive. Indirect are much better.

[@daveyJ213]

@@La.máquina.de.los.sueños Indirect is a much better way to go.

[@La.máquina.de.los.sueños]

@@daveyJ213 indeed

[@gregwitek]

You're killin' it with these videos. All worth the effort to produce them! Animations were excellent. Really gets the points across. Lewis! Nice eye contact with the lens! Engaging. Nice little tease on the fly-by shot of the Ti-Fly in the vid. What? Like 2.5 seconds? Can't wait to meet you guys. See y'all Friday.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

We're excited to have you in the shop!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Lucky you

[@jagster574]

Very informative and as always you guys keep it from becoming boring. I still haven't decided which trike I want!

[@jimmysapien9961]

Me too I’m stuck 🤔🤔🤔

[@karendavis6838]

Have owned both. Much prefer indirect! Smoother. Tiller sounds interesting.

[@TheOrrvillian]

Another great job Kate! May I humbly suggest Utah Trikes mugs? Lewis is styling as always!

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Great suggestion! Everyone needs a good mug!

[@stephencollie9449]

@@UtahTrikesOnline hey I have a great mug it was just shaved

[@jimmysapien9961]

Lewis Always Kool 😎

[@northkyt]

Thank you. Wish I could walk into your shop and test ride a bunch of trikes with different designs.

[@terrymiller552]

I tested several trikes before purchasing a couple of years ago and ended up preferring indirect steering over direct. Loved the Cat Trikes, but the steering seemed a little squirrelly. The full suspension model added a floating feeling that made me feel even less confident. I ended up with a Trident Trekker, which has been a good choice for me. I wish you guys had a Virginia branch for me to shop for my next trike. Enjoy your videos.

[@larrybennett72]

I have a trike with indirect and one with direct steering. I prefer indirect, seems more comfortable to me and also don't feel the road bumps as much. I do suppose whichever type you have you eventually get use to it.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Which is more Stable - Strength wise ??

[@mtinshome]

Great video!! Put me down as a "yes" vote for more on steering geometry. Fascinating subject! /s/ a Catriking Nerd

[@ciberbri59]

Thumbs up on your animations and Kate's clarity of speech. I learned a lot quickly. Thanks. Coffee cup of doom. Lol

[@robertjenson4553]

Really doesn't matter which variety of steering one chooses. What matters is the ride that pleases you. Don't settle for a trike just because it's available now or the "price is right", the spectre of "buyers remorse" hangs over that decision. You need to ride, you want to ride, and if you have found the trike that fits and is comfortable to you, you will ride!! So.., try all the trikes that you can find, go to bike shops on vacation, check e-bay, other places and dicker for a ride before you buy. You will be satisfied in the long run. Same can be said for regular bikes. Most end up in the garage gathering dust because they weren't comfortable and didn't fit. It's patriotic, we need more bikes on the road - it solves so many of our urban and national problems. Ride safe!!

[@rnor3146]

Hi! Nice video, presentation, technic, as usual! Thanks! 😉👍✌

[@bmkolstad]

Yes more video on steering geometry and Ackerman arm setup. Indirect steering is my fav!

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

I have two trikes and one has direct steering and the other one indirect steering. In short, direct steering is more fun because it's more responsive, at the same time this makes it a bit less safe than indirect because you could overturn at high speeds and lose control of the trike. This should happen only if you're really drunk, though.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Well that means, I need A indirect 😭

[@MusiCaninesTheMusicalDogs]

@@jimmysapien9961 Lol! 😂

[@pmitchell7550]

I didn't see mention of brake steer difference between the two types of steering systems. If you brake the left wheel only, for example, does the trike pull / stop differently between the two systems?

[@tadijakarovic7859]

This is a good video, and good explanation of the facts, but i think most people will chose the indirect steering because, it Allows you to build certen lever or torque converter, by using tie rod lenght, spindle hich lenght, and landlebar lever lenght to tip it in favour of better handeling, and more sensible steering, considdering that the most of the weight on all trikes and my quadricycle is in front, so the weight is pushing down and making more traction. Im shore that you know that there is more to steering than just ackerman, and kingpin inclanation, consider scrub radius and caster angle, and also try to implement double whishbone suspention, since it is pretty much softer and more reliable, also takes much stress from the frame.

[@outandaboutontherecumbents]

After having trikes that had both types of steering systems. I prefer in-direct to direct! I'd like to see your more in-depth video on Ackerman set up for both types as my trike is in-direct but the wife's trike is direct steering. Thanks for the enjoyable video!👍😁😎

[@drivestorage1779]

Good chuckles. Guy with the coffee and his personality is funny.

[@deanrobbins8102]

I had those same checkered Vans back in '83!

[@mikegalinac1427]

Great Video. Very helpful. Oh and "Indexing Teeth" I believe is a Hirth Coupling.

[@d.e.7467]

I've got joystick steering and it took a couple of rides to acclimate myself. I do really like it, but admittedly I've never tried two-handed steering trikes.

[@Joerides7]

I prefer indirect steering. For me and my riding style, indirect is more stable at high speed and virtually no pedal steer.

[@azopene]

Totally agree. I've had both and in my opinion indirect is an order of magnitude better. With direct steering hitting a twig in the road at 25 mph is very scary since it can send you into the oncoming lane faster than you can react. My experience.

[@sbvera13]

4:38 I think that guy works at my local bike shop too. Also the one up the road. Also the one out in the burbs. Actually, I think every bike shop has one of him.

[@r.h.rickcarey4037]

I've been riding high end upright bikes (but switching to recumbents due to age and injuries) since 1976, and I disagree. The best mechanics at the best bike shops were like artists, maybe a little different - but the best were extremely talented. They work alone all day long in the back of the bakeshops with little to no recognition. Give them a break, and get some counseling for yourself. (From a counseling psychologist...)

[@rcpmac]

@@r.h.rickcarey4037 and that’s where they belong, in the back of the shop, not staring in some video that requires a modicum of selflessness.

[@Bassplayingypsy]

Hey Kate. When are you guys gonna sell / carry Terratrikes? I'll be ordering a Catrike expedition soon. Might do the hub motor thing if cost is not too outlandish. Keep these videos coming. Very informative and fun. Thanks😊

[@duncanmarks1590]

Hi, good presentation , thank you for the effort involved. Bye Duncan

[@gooberpaul]

I have the best of both worlds on my trike since it has a center pivot (al la indirect) and highly adjustable handlebars attached to the spindles (al la direct).

[@derekpirie9188]

Kait. You are Steering us to make a ''Direct'' or ''Indirect' decision'on which Trike to buy. Keep on Triking...

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Haha! Well said Derek - Kait

[@jimmysapien9961]

I know I don’t know Which to buy now 😭

[@brauljo]

8:16 Most brake levers and shifters are designed for horizontal handlebars, so it makes sense.

[@wornoutwrench8128]

I can't weigh in on the discussion. The only trike I have ridden is the Expedition I own. I do like the ability to be able to move the handle bars around to get the best feel for me. I will agree that it can be a bit twitchy but I have gotten used to it. I used to have huge issues with pedal steer but that has also gone away. Guess I need to find a trike shop in my neck of the woods and try something else out. I still have a Dumont on my shopping list but in a year or two. Hey Kate, a few months ago you let slip that Utah Trikes was working on a suspension package for a Expedition. How is that going? Inquiring minds want to know Lewis, your the best. You make me laugh. Thank you.

[@jimmysapien9961]

They are all Awesome

[@kennykendall5709]

I am new to the Trikeosphere, this was really helpful!

[@shamanic1]

Between the odd music, and the trippy Mechanic, I had to work at it, to stay the course; but some info got through...thank you.

[@johnheiam5706]

I like the steering on the Greenspeed Aero the best. I have owned both Catrikes and AZUB and I liked the steering on both.

[@averagerider92]

Here for kate. Great vids!

[@chucklewis8640]

You did not offer any negative feedback on the Indirect steering. Unless it's that it doesn't offer the same feeling of direct? Are there any negatives besides what you don't feel from direct steering? Thanks.

[@jimmysapien9961]

I’m lost 😞

[@leonsiedark]

Buddy has a 700, I have a VTX. We both agree the VTX indirect is much easier to turn in tight corners. You can cut it hard on mine standing still with little effort, his it's like pulling your arm out of it's socket.

[@rowgler1]

I want to know about lean steer or tilt steer. Where all three wheels bite into the corner evenly and bear the centrifugal force in the perfect performance for a tripod in speed. Resounding silence.

[@Topsiekku]

It always hurts the soul when I watch gokart building videos on youtube and other videos that have no thought of guidance at all. No åckerman angle or caster at all, or kpi angle is straight down. This video girl knows more than an ordinary girl;)

[@sciam2000]

Great video!

[@lancerudy9934]

Great video 😊

[@billh3860]

Yes BUT…. Which is ‘lighter’ to steer? ie My arm strength is compromised severely so I’m steering straight-armed and from my shoulders (with Lou Gehrig’s disease).

[@spidennis]

Tiller steering on e quad? Please. More information please.

[@GMiller75]

Should state "recumbent" trike. Would have been good to see the delta upright manual trike being compared as well with the pros and cons of both.

[@shadow-wulf]

thx very much for your vid, this is the first iv e seen, im going to go look your stuff up

[@dandare1001]

And may I mention the steering dampener. Is it there to make the steering damp? I think you meant damper.

[@roberthagood4770]

As always a great video. Has Lewis considered putting his coffee in a camel pack? That would give him nonstop capacity for his whole day. 😁😁

[@nickyl9040]

I'm going to have to buy a recumbent trike for medical reasons Is it possible `to operate a recumbent w/o constantly gripping the steering arms?

[@brauljo]

13:35 The subtitles say "queue B-roll", but in this context it should be "cue b-roll".

[@richarddeneen1897]

Cool video kait you're beautiful, Lewis you are funny but indirect steering feels better to me !😎

[@jimmysapien9961]

Roses are red violets are blue Utah is by far tha best Trike Store .

[@BrendanGM]

Lots of great info, thanks for that but I have one question. Kate, do you roll on Shabbos?

[@badrinair]

thank you. DO you guys ship overseas ? to ireland ?

[@clayguinard3651]

I think it would be kick ass if you guys had travel mugs for the trucks and that every truck that was bought a mug would go with the trike he had an option one that you mug that you keep at home or a mug that you can bring out on the trail with you one or the other

[@jamespickering3001]

Just a question and if your too busy to respond do not worry. I am curious as to the cost of an Ice Adventure HD, rolhoff rear end (high speed), pennine drive in the front, ergo lux seat, rear rack, driver’s seat bags, lighting and computer systems and if you can fit them on 2 batteries and at least a 1000 watt electric motor and I would like it to still fold. You may think me crazy but I am curious, colour to be as vivid an orange that you have. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[@driewiel]

Indirect steering is when there are rumors that someone heard you have to steer.

[@paulkonhaus2567]

Does the indirect steering affect ground clearance, when startling a rock?

[@angrydragonslayer]

not really afaik, the rod that connects the sides still exists at roughly the same height.

[@markowsley4954]

I have only been able to try direct steering catrikes and noticed quite a bit of pedal steer. Several people have commented about lower amount of pedal steer with indirect steering. Is there much of a difference in the pedal steer. I’m a very smooth high cadence rider but the way the catrikes were riding would put me off even attempting to own a trike.

[@clayguinard3651]

I have cxs and definitely like the direct steering definitely wouldn't have anything else

[@kalongerber]

Really nice mug. Makes me want to play some Doom.

[@jaeric]

What about trikes that tilt to steer?

[@brokenmedic9133]

Can I test drive trikes when the time comes to buy one? No clue what one would feel "right", just need an electric assist, I am partially paralyzed. (Obviously a flight in would be needed.)

[@josephlashley9459]

Do you have trike trailer hitch carry?

[@davidhenry4356]

What about self centering?

[@lol224455]

What height person is this recommended for?

[@johnyang1420]

You guys sell velomobiles?

[@nosefirst]

Think I need a road trip to Utah after my other knee is replaced.

[@jimmysapien9961]

Me tooo 1st Stop Utah Trikes 👹

[@ashg9023]

Do any trikes utilize a tilting front axle to accommodate sharper turn?

[@budsbustbi6339]

i wanted to get into rideing about 10 years ago but when i went to bike shop they treated my like i was just dumb! no i did not know any of the stuff they takled about but i did not want to spend years riding Walmart bikes tell i learned! so i got your to dumb and old or dont worry about knowing why just buy this one! i had a bad injury now and want to get into riding again! so i watch lots videos to learn the whats what!

[@promello9994]

i'm 12 and i'm making my mom a trike can i have the tire and how much i only have $102 will that work

[@markjepsen7255]

I wonder if Ethan? have her been introduced to the mellowing qualities of certain herbs. Just a hunch, but I'm thinking he might be a fan, if not already so. Also I'm 65 and I think I want to come to Utah to work in your shop. 👍

[@stompindakka3222]

Sweet video

[@midknight2K]

Is there much difference between Delta frame and Tadpole frames when it comes to steering

[@big_icky]

Don't get a delta if you value your skin

[@stevepittman2735]

I prefer direct steering, myself

[@josehurtado5636]

How are you how can l get some bicycle masses with dise brake with ln saw chile

[@rccarter7576]

How much do these contraptions cost ?

[@TcupsYorkiesAvailable]

Hi, can you send me the link to buy the sun seeker handle bars

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

These are the horizontal bars: www.utahtrikes.com/PROD-11619978.html

[@firsttpt]

Lots of good info, but very hard to watch. (2x speed helps)

[@ManMountainManX]

TY. /

[@icecatrikehpvelotechnikazu5299]

Catrike because they are made in the USA, uses direct because its the cheapest, easiest to make. But, there is a price to pay. Indirect steering is way better.

[@MrSaemichlaus]

Content begins at 01:55

[@Neosuburban]

I bet if you checked today that there would be far more trikes without motors still being used.

[@tonyallen4265]

I think Triot Trikes has an even different type of indirect steering.

[@rossbrumby1957]

Dude comes across like Charlie Sheen's character in Ferris Bueller's day off.

[@monkeysuncle2816]

Now all I can think about is coffee. 😂

[@sylvain65]

Kate where are you 😢

[@mickeysalter4906]

Had to bale out, too much coffee drinking

[@promello9994]

the tires

[@barretharms6948]

You're right you answered nothing and made things more complicated when you should have been talking about more complicated staring like leaning

[@pigletofgreed7747]

CastEr..not " castor". (Beaver in French)

[@patrickmckowen2999]

👍

[@Pushyhog]

tank steer

[@whatyoudo9773]

damn you guys make some wacky videos

[@stuarthumphrey4446]

why is every thing i want out my price range ffs

[@youtuuba]

Geez....this video comes off like a textbook example of turning a simple question into both a mess and a commercial. It should have been answered in five minutes....the gal did a decent job of mentioning the Ackermann steering, then the zoned out dude was allowed to self indulge for a long time without in any way answering the question, then finally the gal managed to sort of answer it near the end. I expected a lot more from Utah Trikes. What is everyone smoking there? Weirdness and lack of preparation don't make for a professional video that represents the company very well.

[@UtahTrikesOnline]

Lewis was not supposed to answer the question. He was supposed to show adjustability of different types of handlebars, which he did, albeit very much in Lewis fashion. Based on your channel it looks like you make a lot of informative videos. Maybe put one up on direct vs indirect steering in recumbent trikes. We'd love to see it.

[@youtuuba]

@@UtahTrikesOnline , I certainly don't object to Lewis giving extra information about hand grip adjustability. But you are a business that has put up a video with a title promising an answer to the direct/indirect question, and after the preamble (which does not address the key question) we viewers have to endure the long self-indulgent Lewis stuff (and we cannot even fast forward past it because maybe he might answer the key question somewhere, which he does not) before finally having the question sort of answered a long time later. This is why I objected and wrote my comment. I am not an expert on the key subject....I went to your channel because it promised to answer a question that I had. Yes, I could make a video myself, but with only one Catrike to show and discuss, it would have turned out to be even less useful that your video.