randyspann
Well-Known Member
I've been riding conventional roadbikes for a few years. Three years ago I developed a shoulder rotator cuff problem that made riding very painfull. I ran across the silvio on the cruzbike site, I thought maybe a recumbent would solve my problem. But the price tag and some very un-encouraging comments from other recumbent riders made me hessitant to take the plunge. Then last year the pain grew to the point that I didn't ride at all. I didn't want to give up my love for bicycling, I was heart broken. Finally I purchased a used silvio from a fellow cruzbiker on this site.
First couple of rides were just parking lot sessions. I live in New Hampshire, ie. no flats, all mountains! So next I found a one mile secluded stretch and rode up and down for about 10 miles. Pretty ugly, but no falls and kept it between the ditches. My first "real" ride, I went to one of my favorite 7 mile training loops. I hadn't mounted my computer and it seemed very slow, and I couldn't climb...anything! I was beginning to think I had made a big mistake, (was I that far out of shape, or was the silvio just a pipe dream?). So I mounted the silvio in my trainer and worked out for a few days getting my legs back. Then this Saturday I rode 22 miles at 13mph average, probably better than my conventional bike for early get-in-shape runs. The silvio is deceptively fast. I am elated! No shoulder pain, and I am able to hold a straight line. Even passed a couple of other riders. And yes I got the 'looks', not many 'bents around here. No, my legs are not ready for the long climbs, but I didn't do too bad considering it's my first real test. So for only 38 miles on my computer, I think soon I will conquer the hills, and pickup speed.
So if there are other riders out there "on the fence", give cruzbike another look, I think you won't be sorry. The comfort, the total body workout (I can even feel it in my butt muscles!), the cruzbike quality, make so much sense.
First couple of rides were just parking lot sessions. I live in New Hampshire, ie. no flats, all mountains! So next I found a one mile secluded stretch and rode up and down for about 10 miles. Pretty ugly, but no falls and kept it between the ditches. My first "real" ride, I went to one of my favorite 7 mile training loops. I hadn't mounted my computer and it seemed very slow, and I couldn't climb...anything! I was beginning to think I had made a big mistake, (was I that far out of shape, or was the silvio just a pipe dream?). So I mounted the silvio in my trainer and worked out for a few days getting my legs back. Then this Saturday I rode 22 miles at 13mph average, probably better than my conventional bike for early get-in-shape runs. The silvio is deceptively fast. I am elated! No shoulder pain, and I am able to hold a straight line. Even passed a couple of other riders. And yes I got the 'looks', not many 'bents around here. No, my legs are not ready for the long climbs, but I didn't do too bad considering it's my first real test. So for only 38 miles on my computer, I think soon I will conquer the hills, and pickup speed.
So if there are other riders out there "on the fence", give cruzbike another look, I think you won't be sorry. The comfort, the total body workout (I can even feel it in my butt muscles!), the cruzbike quality, make so much sense.
