Always-Learnin
Vendetta Love
Let me begin by saying that my new journey could not have begun without the excellent customer service which I received and continue to receive, from Mr. Robert Holler with Rose City Recumbent Cycles
(https://www.facebook.com/RoseCityRecumbentCycles). Suffice it to say that he went the second mile and beyond to get me into a Silvio 2.0 and for that I am extremely grateful. When I upgrade, I will again turn to Mr. Holler (but don't tell my wife).
Ok, so, I went out for my first test ride this morning. I live in a peaceful neighborhood with a 2.2 mile loop, no hills, just flat ground with a number of WIDE turns.
I know that nothing I'm going to say about acclimating to the bike will be original since all you experienced Cruzbike riders have already gone down this path, but, it's new to me so bare with me.
I do have a couple of observations I'd like to share:
1. I am brand new to two wheel recumbent riding having purchased a 2001 Rans Rocket back on May 28, 2014. (I did have a 2010 Catrike Expedition but didn't like not being able to keep up with my DF friends.) I knew after the first month of riding that I was going to want something, well, a little more sexy. I thoroughly researched and read everything I could find about recumbent bikes and brands, and decided that I wanted a Silvio 2.0. There is a recumbent shop in town but they only sell Bacchettas and trikes so this was a bit of a leap of faith.
2. I was concerned about the seat angle and comfort but after I adjusted the arm and leg reach, and got out on the bike, I was actually surprised by how comfortable I felt in that narrow seat. If you are thinking about a Silvio 2.0, don't let the seat angle dissuade you.
3. About getting on the bike...I know that there is a recommended path to working up to relaxed riding, but, come on, really, I just had to give it a try. The bike was just sitting there in my garage, begging me to take here for a spin. I thought about level 1 - Flintstoning but I'm too old and fat and am not flexible enough to do that. Maybe after I while I will be able to do that.
4. So I get on the bike, brakes on, cycling sandals, stock flat pedals (no clipless yet), and I sit there for a moment allowing myself some time to take in the ambience. Then I decide it's time to move.
5. I learned very quickly that the easiest way (for me) to get going since I can't Flintstone, is to get my right foot on the pedal, look straight ahead down the road (NOT AT MY FEET), give a little push on the right pedal while applying forward pressure to the left handle bar. This got me started and off I went. Immediately I was introduced to Mr. Pedal Steer. It was an abrupt introduction and I'm not sure that we will
be able to continue the relationship into the future.
6. I read over and over again about the importance of relaxing the upper body and placing the open palms of the hands on the handle bars. As a former flight instructor and pilot, I had learned early about the importance of introducing light, minimal inputs into the flight controls. With this foremost in my mind, I began my "self talk" process and kept my upper body fairly relaxed, but forget the open palms, at least for now. So down the road I went...wobble, straight, wobble, straight, wobble, straight.
I only made two loops (4.4 miles) and it is obvious that I am going to have to concentrate on relaxing more. I am inadvertently introducing forces into the handle bars and pedals. I am also going to have to find a vacant parking lot and work on basic cycling skills. That said, I am encouraged and excited about my new Siivio and look forward to the journey ahead.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Silvio Forum. You have all helped me tremendously.
Excelsior!
(https://www.facebook.com/RoseCityRecumbentCycles). Suffice it to say that he went the second mile and beyond to get me into a Silvio 2.0 and for that I am extremely grateful. When I upgrade, I will again turn to Mr. Holler (but don't tell my wife).
Ok, so, I went out for my first test ride this morning. I live in a peaceful neighborhood with a 2.2 mile loop, no hills, just flat ground with a number of WIDE turns.
I know that nothing I'm going to say about acclimating to the bike will be original since all you experienced Cruzbike riders have already gone down this path, but, it's new to me so bare with me.
I do have a couple of observations I'd like to share:
1. I am brand new to two wheel recumbent riding having purchased a 2001 Rans Rocket back on May 28, 2014. (I did have a 2010 Catrike Expedition but didn't like not being able to keep up with my DF friends.) I knew after the first month of riding that I was going to want something, well, a little more sexy. I thoroughly researched and read everything I could find about recumbent bikes and brands, and decided that I wanted a Silvio 2.0. There is a recumbent shop in town but they only sell Bacchettas and trikes so this was a bit of a leap of faith.
2. I was concerned about the seat angle and comfort but after I adjusted the arm and leg reach, and got out on the bike, I was actually surprised by how comfortable I felt in that narrow seat. If you are thinking about a Silvio 2.0, don't let the seat angle dissuade you.
3. About getting on the bike...I know that there is a recommended path to working up to relaxed riding, but, come on, really, I just had to give it a try. The bike was just sitting there in my garage, begging me to take here for a spin. I thought about level 1 - Flintstoning but I'm too old and fat and am not flexible enough to do that. Maybe after I while I will be able to do that.
4. So I get on the bike, brakes on, cycling sandals, stock flat pedals (no clipless yet), and I sit there for a moment allowing myself some time to take in the ambience. Then I decide it's time to move.
5. I learned very quickly that the easiest way (for me) to get going since I can't Flintstone, is to get my right foot on the pedal, look straight ahead down the road (NOT AT MY FEET), give a little push on the right pedal while applying forward pressure to the left handle bar. This got me started and off I went. Immediately I was introduced to Mr. Pedal Steer. It was an abrupt introduction and I'm not sure that we will
be able to continue the relationship into the future.
6. I read over and over again about the importance of relaxing the upper body and placing the open palms of the hands on the handle bars. As a former flight instructor and pilot, I had learned early about the importance of introducing light, minimal inputs into the flight controls. With this foremost in my mind, I began my "self talk" process and kept my upper body fairly relaxed, but forget the open palms, at least for now. So down the road I went...wobble, straight, wobble, straight, wobble, straight.
I only made two loops (4.4 miles) and it is obvious that I am going to have to concentrate on relaxing more. I am inadvertently introducing forces into the handle bars and pedals. I am also going to have to find a vacant parking lot and work on basic cycling skills. That said, I am encouraged and excited about my new Siivio and look forward to the journey ahead.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Silvio Forum. You have all helped me tremendously.
Excelsior!
