Azub Ti-FLY 26 Full Suspension Recumbent Trike

Self-stabilization

The shape and construction of tadpole tricycles, that is trikes with two wheels in the front, resemble the front of Formula 1 rather than a velomobile or a car with a monocoque body. So we thought it was pointless to create a cross member tube only to fix a McPherson type suspension on it. Thanks to extending the titanium springs transversely, we managed to create a concept that integrates the springing function with 40 mm travel and stabilization directly into the framework. Only the oil damping system remains �non-integrated�. We have replaced the cross member tube, coil springs and anti-roll bar with a pair of suitably shaped lightweight titanium leaf springs. This design is not completely new. The same principle has been used before in some sports cars axles, for example in Fiat 128 Sport or Chevrolet Corvette C5.

Ergonomics vs. control

If you want to feel nice and comfortable on your bike, it must be both easy to control and ergonomic. However, in some recumbent bikes and trikes you can also find handlebars that don�t really match with the design of common bicycle components. They are tricycle handlebars, or more precisely, the USS. For us, the reverse mounting of brake levers and grip shifters next to the little finger does not constitute a good enough solution. So we use the so called cable loops which solve many complaints that concern the incorrect mounting of grip shifters and brake levers.

Shift and brake simultaneously
A pleasant bonus of the ergonomic mounting of the shifters and brake levers is the ability to brake and change gears at the same time. If you are an experienced cyclist, you are used to adjusting your gears when braking sharply in order to be able to subsequently carry on pedaling in the right cadence. Thanks to the placement of all the elements in our cockpit, you will be able to do this even on your recumbent.

Original shifting
Individual components of modern mountain bikes and road bikes are designed to be fully ergonomic, with an emphasis on easy operation. Using them on recumbent bikes requires special approach and mounting with the help of cable loops and tunnels in handlebars. We can therefore offer you not just the cutting-edge Shimano XT shifters, but also the more economical 8-speed Shimano Alivio. So you can choose to have your favorite shifters that you are used to on your conventional bike fitted onto your dream recumbent, and they will always be placed ergonomically.

Bar end shifters
Bar end shifters, whether from Shimano, SRAM or Microshift, are very popular amongst recumbent riders, particularly on long journeys. We like the overall concept mainly for its simplicity. However, the price and the need to mount the brake levers in reverse is often a problem. We therefore offer these shifters as optional components.

Exceptions
The vast majority of bikes that are created by our experienced mechanics are custom-built according to the wishes of our customers. And although they can choose from the standard combinations of components we offer in our configurator, now and again we do get a special requirement, such as to mount the brake levers only on one side of the handlebars, etc. In these cases, we can mount the grip shifters in reverse, or combine a grip shifter with a classic shift lever. We always consult the special requirements directly with the future rider in order for everybody to be fully satisfied. Us with a job well done, and you with your new machine.

A typical anti-roll bar acts as a resilient connector of independently suspended left and right wheels. A part of the load thus gets transferred between the wheels, which reduces roll when cornering. In the titanium AZUB axle we exploit the fact that the outermost parts of our leaf spring form an independent suspension element and the central part is used by both wheels. Thus by making these parts of the spring suitably long and stiff, we have fully substituted the function of the anti-roll bar.

Why titanium?

When we want to decide which material to use for a spring, there are several options. A classic choice is spring steel which is however quite heavy. A lighter alternative is either a carbon or glass fibre composite, or titanium. Composite materials help to achieve great weight parameters, but their use is complicated due to their unreliability of connection to the rest of the metal structure, and in addition, it is difficult to manufacture blanks with particular mechanical properties.

Regarding strength, titanium, a sufficiently flexible material resistant to cyclic loading, is very similar to steel at almost half the weight. Its good weldability ensures reliable connections to the rest of the structure and its exceptional chemical resistance and surface hardness assure a permanent exclusive look without any surface treatment. Precisely for these reasons, the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V (also known as Titan Grade 5) has been used for decades in the manufacture of the most comfortable and most durable frames for road bikes, cross bikes, expedition and mountain bikes, as well as in aeronautics and modern medicine.

During the development and testing of our suspension, we could rely on the vast experience of people who have dedicated their whole lives to working with titanium. Taking into account the manufacture of titanium bicycle frames, Svatopluk Zatloukal has made a significant contribution with his top know-how from the aeronautical field. This gave rise to the creation of unique titanium frames and components called Morati, at the time used by many top riders at the Cyclo-cross World Championships and XC races at the Olympics. Among the most interesting Morati frames is the XC softail frame, where the flexibility of titanium substitutes the rear suspension pins. Other technical gems include metal cranks (titanium) � the lightest to this day, or one of the very first road bikes with disc brakes (also made of titanium of course). This knowledge is today reflected in the production of Czech frames FESTKA, whose bicycle won the prestigious NAHBS, and now also in our TiFly suspension.

During the development, key components of the front suspension kept undergoing rigorous testing at high cycle fatigue. The leaf spring on the test machine must reach maximum travel without damage a million times. Successful accomplishment of this test should guarantee virtually infinite lifetime of this key component. A different type of testing was carried out by Broňa Nagel who completed two journeys spanning thousands of kilometres around Europe with a fully loaded trike. And more expeditions are on the cards.

Smooth adjustment of the seat

Ever since we started back in 2000, we have always thought that a bike should adapt to the rider and not the other way round. That�s why we used an adjustable seat for our first bike, in which both the angle and the pedal distance were adjustable. With each further development stage, we introduced a more accurate adjustment, until 2013, when we reached a stage of adjusting without positions. This concept is based on a sliding sleeve, which we produce in a straight version for our tricycles and some bicycles, as well as in a curved version for recumbents.

Reinforced with glass fibre
The sleeve is made of durable, glass fibre reinforced plastic which we opted for in order to prevent scratching of the paint even during frequent use.

Perfect fit
It is extremely important for the seat to be secure whilst riding, which is why there are two small hard-anodised aluminium parts attached to the lower part of the seat. They fit onto a three-part stainless steel insert that is fitted within the sleeve itself. When you tighten the quick release, everything slots together nice and tight.

Speed and simplicity
Adjusting the seat is very easy. The upper quick release is used to secure the seat and when you release the lower one, the grip around the frame loosens and the seat can be moved. If you are a heavy rider, the lower quick release must be tightened really firmly.

F2F U - Fold to flat ultra

In addition to folding the front part, you can also rotate the rear fork which is designed to fit neatly just below the rear of the frame. This will turn the tricycle into an incredibly small package which you can easily fit into the boot of a small car or into our carry case should you wish to take the trike for example on a plane. And the whole maneuver will take you no more than 5 minutes without the need for any tools.

Note - To enable this feature, the rack and mudguards must be removed. Only the Lowrider rack can be folded along with the rear fork. In this case, you will need some basic bike tools and folding the trike may take a little longer.

Folding mechanism

In 2015, we introduced a new folding mechanism we are really proud of. We wanted to create a folding tricycle that would be adequately stiff and whose folding mechanism would be smooth and easy to operate. The feedback from hundreds of AZUB riders has confirmed that we have definitely accomplished what we had planned. XXL lever

The folding mechanism has a large ergonomic lever. By large, we really mean large. It is located on the top of the frame so that it would be easily accessible without having to stick your fingers in hard to reach places. This lever makes folding our trikes a doddle.

Large diameter
The large diameter of the folding mechanism and the long axle placed in maintenance-free sleeve bearings increase the overall stiffness of the entire folding frame.

Foldable or separable
You can choose whether you want a folding tricycle for easy transport or parking, or a separable one. Our folding mechanism is not integrated into the frame, it is a separate part that is screwed into the frame. It can therefore be machined with very high precision and finished in a high quality surface finish. And more importantly, the mechanism can be replaced if necessary.

Adjustability
There is only very little need for adjustments, but now and again, you should adjust the clamping force of the mechanism. It�s easy to do and all you need is an Allen key.

Made with precision
The entire folding mechanism is completely made on a CNC machine. Therefore all the parts fit together perfectly and there is no friction. Precision was a requirement we were not prepared to compromise on at all.

Precision with anodizing
Since the machines do so well to produce parts with such high precision, it would be a shame to dip them in paint which does not deliver precise results. Therefore, the surface is anodized to increase its mechanical resistance and to preserve this precision. Here too, we have gone a step further and opted for PTFE anodizing that is often used in the firearm industry. Its mechanical properties are perfect and it minimizes friction, which is absolutely crucial when folding a tricycle.

7075
Both halves of the folding mechanism are made of 7075 aluminium which has significantly better properties than any other weldable aluminium.

Perfect connection
In addition, both halves of the folding mechanism have precisely shaped lugs which lock into each other and increase the torsional stiffness of the whole frame. And the stainless steel lock which holds both halves together is machined to a high precision as well.

IGUS bearings The fluidity with which the two halves of the frame move during the actual folding is truly exceptional, courtesy of the sleeve bearings made by the world renowned manufacturer, IGUS. We just love these small grey pieces of durable plastic. Their functionality is absolutely incredible.

Folding handlebars

It took us hours and hours of thinking and discussions before we thought up and then designed probably the most sophisticated folding handlebars in the world of recumbent tricycles. We would rather not mention the number of prototypes we have made... Feel the groove

The principle of the concept lies in the grooves that fit together exactly. The ones in the central part of the stem are made of stainless steel and those on the individual halves of the handlebars are made of chromium-molybdenum steel and are painted.

Always the same position
Thanks to the fact that the grooves are large enough, you will always be able to place the handlebars in the same position as they were before folding whilst keeping them symmetrical.

Ye shall not budge
It does not matter at all how much force you will put on the handlebars when getting on or when braking suddenly. The handlebars will not move, not forwards, nor backwards. They will hold their position like a stubborn mule.

Superb stiffness
The handlebars are made of chromium-molybdenum steel that makes them very stiff and almost impossible to bend.

Internal lines
In order to get the position for the shifters and brake levers ergonomically perfect, we use internal cable routing. This solution is neat and effective.

Ergonomic seat

The seat is crucial not only for the comfort when riding a trike, but it will also determine how fast you will be able to corner, whether you and your trike will become true friends and whether you will get the right response from the road that will be running under your wheels. That is why we have devoted so much time to its development as well.

Design is everything
The shape of the tricycle seat is based on the shape of a human back and on the position that the rider adopts. We have spared no expense in getting the bends just right. The seat cushion is long enough to prevent slipping, in the lower back part it copies the proportions of the body, and the curve at the top makes the shoulders and neck bend just right to allow comfortable view of the road. What is more, the length of the seat is sufficient and really supports the rider�s shoulders, which is invaluable on very long trips.

One size fits all
Our seats compensate for the differences in people�s heights by the mesh cover which can be stretched with straps located at the back. The cover can therefore be adapted to the shape of your back, and if you feel any discomfort, you can adjust it yourself by straightening up the relevant parts.

Setting the tightness
In production, the seat cover is set really tight, though it will loosen a little after several trips. Only then will you experience the feel of its correct side steering, so important during fast cornering. However, the cover should not be loosened too much so that you would slouch, and not too tight since in some places it could be uncomfortable for your back. You can adjust the tightness of individual sections with the straps at the back of the seat.

Additional padding
If you are looking for maximum comfort and excellent ventilation, then we highly recommend you get additional padding for your seat, the Ventisit Classic. This 2 cm thick Ventisit seat pad is made in the Netherlands, it is UV resistant, it keeps its shape even on long journeys and it lasts almost forever. In the recumbent world, Ventisit is one of the tried and tested accessory suppliers that you can, literally, lean on.

Interchangeable dropouts

For the rear forks of our suspension tricycles with 26" wheels, we have opted to use interchangeable dropouts, common in touring and bikepacking bicycles. This way we can optimize some selected components according to your requirements and take into account the conditions you will be riding in. Syntace X-12

The 157 mm wide rear hub and the through axle greatly increase the stiffness of the rear wheel and thus also the riding properties of the tricycle when cornering. The hub was the main reason we have opted for the interchangeable dropouts.

Motors and gearing
We are aware that there are riders who prefer hub gears or hub motors, so we have kept the option to have a standard 135mm wide rear hub fitted as well. Depending on your shifting system or motor, we will choose the correct rear dropouts. And if you decide to change your mind in the future, no worries, it can all be changed, both the rear wheel and the dropouts.

Anodizing for precision
We just love it when two things fit perfectly, so we also love CNC machining and aluminium anodizing. That goes for the interchangeable dropouts as well. And what is more, we have them anodized in beautiful red so that their uniqueness just shines.

Rohloff OEM dropouts
There is none other professional solution to fit the Rohloff hub gear than the so-called OEM dropouts. They feature an extended left groove for the hub to which the torque bar is attached. So there is no Rohloff Torque Arm or Speedbone which would get in the way. Rohloff OEM dropouts are fitted as standard on all our bikes.

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We firmly believe that a bike should adapt to the rider and not the other way round. Therefore, when Ale� designed his first recumbent bike back in 2000, he already tried to make it as adjustable as possible. And today, all our bikes and trikes are like that too. Adjustable features greatly help when learning to ride recumbent. Because when you buy your first recumbent bike, you have no idea if you will prefer sitting more upright or more reclined, you will only be able to decide after many hundreds of miles. With our bikes, adjusting your seating position couldn�t be easier.

Millimeter by millimeter
Two struts with special threads allow you to tilt your seat exactly to the position you want. No matter if you need it set extremely upright or truly reclined. The stability of the whole setup is ensured by two ergonomic locknuts with rubber inserts, and the laser etched markings on each strut make the adjustment very easy.

Smooth adjustment of distance from pedals
The distance between the pedals and the seat can be set not only with the so-called boom, which we usually do according to your height when the bike is built, but also by moving the seat itself. Therefore, when there are two of you taking turns with the bike or when you want to get your friend to try the amazing feeling of reclined riding, you can adjust the seating position on the bike very easily.

Fantastic range of positions for handlebars
The handlebars can be set to an extremely wide range of positions. The way they are set in the stem is the same like in a classic bike. In recumbents with ASS, it is also possible to set the tilt of the stem and the distance of the handlebars from the body, in short, to create the most comfortable seating ever.

Sliding sleeve for the seat
The sliding sleeve is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. You can set your seat with millimeter precision and it will only take a few seconds as everything is controlled by two red anodized quick releases. Easy, fast, functional.

Syntace X-12 through axle

Poor lateral stiffness of rear forks is a problem for most tricycles with a 26" rear wheel, especially those with suspension. This has a negative effect on the riding properties. When cornering, the rider can feel his bottom gliding a bit. This is due not only to the lesser stiffness of the rear wheel (compared to 20" wheel) but also due to the longer rear fork. We have eliminated this weakness by coming up with several design solutions, including a very short rear fork and a wider hub in combination with a through axle. The result has amazed not just us, but also many professionals.

Wider and stiffer
By its very nature, a bicycle is unable to withstand high lateral load. Cyclists usually lean to the sides which means their bikes get affected more or less by vertical force. However, it is different in tricycles. One way to help is to use a wider rear hub to achieve better angle of the spokes. That is why we use 157mm rear hubs that are commonly mounted on downhill bikes whose load is quite extreme indeed.

Through axle
Unlike a conventional quick release you know from most classic bikes, here the wheel is attached to the fork by a large diameter through axle which is itself screwed into the thread on the right side of the fork. The bearings and the rotating hub are then mounted directly on it. On the left side of the fork you will find a precisely machined cone. Together with the axle, the fork forms a very stiff whole. The German Syntace brand is a tried and tested solution and in our opinion, it is extremely effective. That is why we have chosen it for our tricycles as well.

Built-in tools
It is as simple and easy to remove the rear wheel with the trough axle as it is with a quick-release, all you need is an Allen key. And wonder of wonders � it�s hidden inside the axle itself. You will therefore never forget it at home and you will never have to remember what size key you actually need.

MTB technologies
Through axles are pretty standard in the world of mountain bikes. Nowadays, any good quality mountain bike has a through axle at least in the front suspension fork and most also have them in the rear as well. Hence, the effectiveness of such a solution has been confirmed by millions of satisfied bikers. We have therefore drawn on this knowledge and experiences. After all, it is a world that develops a bit faster than our recumbent one.

Commonly available
Even though downhill is a minor part of cycling, the parts you need for it are commonly available not only on the Internet but also in specialized stores. So it�s not a problem to get a 157mm wide rear hub with a through axle as a spare part. And if you cannot find it, contact one of our dealers or us directly.