Jake
Member
I can't really take any credit for this bike as I bought it used from a posting on BROL. I'd been thinking of building a conversion using an aluminum Y frame and Shimano Alfine hub gearing, but wasn't getting far with sourcing used parts, so when this one came up I saved myself a lot of trouble and cash.
The seller was very accomodating and agreed to meet me at a nearby train station. After a wobbly test ride around the parking lot I took the plunge, paid the cash, and shot off along the fortuitiously adjacent Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Managed about 20 miles touching speeds of 20 mph along the straight, flat and uncrowded trail, before catching the train back to NYC.
Back home I'm struggling to perform a hill start on the road outside my apartment, so I have to push it half a block to the crest of the hill, but there is a nearby open space that is handy for practicing figure 8s and low speed maneuvers.The hub gears are a real bonus for learning due to fast low speed / stationary gear changes.
Yesterday I rode my regular RWD recumbent to work, and it felt strange to switch between the two. I figured that to master the Cruzbike I'd have to ride it exclusivly, so I set off for the office this morning on the Trek Conversion. The first 5 miles along the bike path were fine, but the last half mile or so across midtown Manhattan were a bit shakey. Raised a few eyebrows at the office even though they're used to my experimental bike projects.
Early days yet, but I do like the feeling of direct drive to the front wheel, although I do miss a disk brake on the front. With time the dirt tires will be replaced with city 1.25s, 175 cranks switched to 155, the chain will be enclosed with a chainglider, the pedals switched to duel platform/clipless and the seat will be reclined and maybe moved further back.
Is the conversion kit instruction manual available online - all I can find is the list of parts?
Jake
The seller was very accomodating and agreed to meet me at a nearby train station. After a wobbly test ride around the parking lot I took the plunge, paid the cash, and shot off along the fortuitiously adjacent Harlem Valley Rail Trail. Managed about 20 miles touching speeds of 20 mph along the straight, flat and uncrowded trail, before catching the train back to NYC.
Back home I'm struggling to perform a hill start on the road outside my apartment, so I have to push it half a block to the crest of the hill, but there is a nearby open space that is handy for practicing figure 8s and low speed maneuvers.The hub gears are a real bonus for learning due to fast low speed / stationary gear changes.
Yesterday I rode my regular RWD recumbent to work, and it felt strange to switch between the two. I figured that to master the Cruzbike I'd have to ride it exclusivly, so I set off for the office this morning on the Trek Conversion. The first 5 miles along the bike path were fine, but the last half mile or so across midtown Manhattan were a bit shakey. Raised a few eyebrows at the office even though they're used to my experimental bike projects.
Early days yet, but I do like the feeling of direct drive to the front wheel, although I do miss a disk brake on the front. With time the dirt tires will be replaced with city 1.25s, 175 cranks switched to 155, the chain will be enclosed with a chainglider, the pedals switched to duel platform/clipless and the seat will be reclined and maybe moved further back.
Is the conversion kit instruction manual available online - all I can find is the list of parts?
Jake
