<p>I really wanted a suspended recumbent but really did not want to spend $4500+. I have a friend who kept telling me to by a Tw-Bent Artifice but I was not convinced and was a bit apprehensive because they were a smaller company. I was all ready to buy a Cat until I rode the two trike back to back. I could not believe the difference a test ride made. I like the Cat for being very light but did not care for the direct steering as much as the indirect steering on the Artifice. The real deciding factor was the ride, it was a night and day difference for me. The Cat was just to stiff for me, the steel frame on the Artifice simply just did a wonderful job at absorbing the road bumps. Yes I am sure there is probably a night and day difference between the Artifice and a suspended ICE or Hp Velotechnik trike but at this point I am very pleased with my Artifice.</p>

<p>After testing and riding a number of major brands trike I personally found the ride and handling superior to all six brands I tested against. I have found the mesh seat very comfortable on long and short rides. My first trike I owned was made of aluminum and rode way stiffer than i liked where the Artifice is made of 4130 chrome-molly steel which flexes more. I currently have 2000 miles on my Artifice and am very happy with my choice and would buy the same trike again.</p>