I have 3 questions: Has anyone in the sofrider community been able to climb 15% to 17% grade hills without the front wheel spinning out? Secondly is it possible to master riding at very slow speeds while keeping the bike very straight which is needed for hill climbing and particularly for riding in heavy traffic? Is it possible to start the bike at a traffic light in heavy traffic without any wobbling? Thanks, Don
15% hill climbing and very slow riding
- Thread starter Mark B
- Start date
Mark B
Zen MBB Master
Hi Don,
I don't own a Sofrider, but I do ride a Cruzbike. In my experience, climbing hills of that degree can be done, but require excellent technique. You need a buttery smooth spin; mashing will always get the wheel to spin. If your surface is rough and or dirty, it will be tough. You can try lowering the air pressure in the front tire a little. Even ten pounds will give you more contact patch. Then, work on the technique.
Yes, you can climb in a straight line at slow speeds. Again, it goes back to time in the saddle and practice. Your body will figure it out; you need to stop thinking about it so much. I know, it doesn't help the nerves any in the present tense, but it will get better with time.
Starts are much the same way. Practice, practice, practice. I used to wobble on starts, but can take off straight now.
In the meantime, enjoy the ride!!
Mark
I don't own a Sofrider, but I do ride a Cruzbike. In my experience, climbing hills of that degree can be done, but require excellent technique. You need a buttery smooth spin; mashing will always get the wheel to spin. If your surface is rough and or dirty, it will be tough. You can try lowering the air pressure in the front tire a little. Even ten pounds will give you more contact patch. Then, work on the technique.
Yes, you can climb in a straight line at slow speeds. Again, it goes back to time in the saddle and practice. Your body will figure it out; you need to stop thinking about it so much. I know, it doesn't help the nerves any in the present tense, but it will get better with time.
Starts are much the same way. Practice, practice, practice. I used to wobble on starts, but can take off straight now.
In the meantime, enjoy the ride!!
Mark
Peder Torgersen
Guru
I have a Sofrider V1 riding in straight lines isn’t a problem like Mark said you just need practice.
I ride also in the winter then I have to be able to ride straight because I often have to ride in frozen car tracks. They can be deep so I have to be able to be able to follow the track or I will lose balance.
Steep hills can be difficult climbing in winter and trails with lose sand can be difficult.
I haven’t measured how steep the hills that I climb but on pavement you can climb steep hills.
I have also climbed steep hills with dirt roads surfaces but many of those roads can be in bad condition and might be difficult to climb.
Starting and stopping is also easy when you have done it sometimes.
Peder
I ride also in the winter then I have to be able to ride straight because I often have to ride in frozen car tracks. They can be deep so I have to be able to be able to follow the track or I will lose balance.
Steep hills can be difficult climbing in winter and trails with lose sand can be difficult.
I haven’t measured how steep the hills that I climb but on pavement you can climb steep hills.
I have also climbed steep hills with dirt roads surfaces but many of those roads can be in bad condition and might be difficult to climb.
Starting and stopping is also easy when you have done it sometimes.
Peder
keithkling
Member
I don't ride a Sofrider either, but I ride a Silvio, and I like hills. That is the reason I got a Cruzbike, they just do hills better than other recumbents. I just got the bike at Christmas time and we have had snow here to contend with so I haven't ridden my favorite hills yet, but I have ridden up a 16% grade with it and didn't have any problem as long as I kept going. When I stopped (to check the grade on my inclinometer) I had a difficult time getting going again. I ended up starting across the road and then turning up the slope again after I got some momentum. I haven't slipped going up a hill yet except when the surface was wet, but even then I just started riding more smoothly like Mark said and I was able to keep going just fine. I need to get the technique down for starting on hills, like Mark said I need to practice. Starting without swerving is no problem, I still have to think about it, though. I can ride a straight line at slow speed without much problem. I commute to work in traffic and it isn't any worse than any other bike. I love my Cruzbike. Get one.
