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Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles of Orlando, Fla., used iglide plain plastic bearings and igubal spherical rod ends from igus Inc. on its Catrike Speed recumbent tricycle. Recumbent tricycling is the fastest growing category in bicycling today. These trikes alleviate the stress and pain felt in the knees, back and buttocks on upright bicycles. If a rider has trouble with balance, a trike is the ideal solution. Recumbent tricycles deliver comfort, ease-of-use and speed.

When developing the steering component of the Catrike Speed, Catrike creator and company President Paulo Camasmie, first used metal bearings. He changed to igus igubal rod ends based on their lighter weight and better dampening qualities. “The igubal bearings do a much better job of absorbing vibration from wheel to arms. We also can use a really large rod end without increasing the weight too much. This in turn enables us to use a stiffer rod which produces better wheel alignment.”

The igubal bearings are an integral part of the direct steering component. Two igubal rod ends are used on the tricycle. Each bearing connects one of the two front spindles (or steering knuckles) to a tie rod. The handle bars used to steer the trike are attached directly on the spindles. This provides lighter, cleaner and more reliable steering for the rider because there are fewer moving parts than with conventional indirect steering.

Another benefit of igubal plastic bearings is their complete corrosion resistance. Unlike metal bearings, they never rust or need to be replaced due to wear. Unsightly rust or discoloration will never detract from the aesthetics of the Catrike Speed or any other equipment employing an igubal bearing.

Iglide J was also used to replace ball bearings on the headset for a self-aligning front wheel with smooth and frictionless movement.

To learn more about Big Cat Human Powered Vehicles, visit www.catrike.com.