View attachment IMG_2835.jpegWell, starting is still not perfect, but I at least conquered my fear and got up and running. Found me an isolated parking lot in a business park this evening, adjusted the boom and handle bars, did the Fred Flintstone crawl and off and riding. Practiced some starting and stopping and that was the most unstable part of my ride today…, but it got better. Ran several laps inside the parking lot and then ventured to the perimeter road for three laps in semi traffic. Only thing majorly different is that the top of the seat hits in the upper middle of the back. I guess you get used to this. I ride a Bacchetta Bella also.
First 6.2miles on a new to me Q45
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The adventure continues. Got out again today in my neighborhood, this time with exposure to traffic. Starting to understand the process of pushing on the handlebar ends. Inclination is to pull, but now I understand that slight pressure on both handlebar ends will reveal which end needs more pressure depending on which foot is applying pressure to the pedals. Don’t have to think about it, just react. Now if I can apply that principle to starting the ride. Starts are still ugly. Also, just in case someone reads this, the stock seat top is hitting mid to upper back and kind of digging in. Is this something I get used to with time? I also ride a Bacchetta Bella and the seat is wonderful. Provides support for the shoulders. I was looking at one of the Thor seats (Carrier) and it seems to duplicate the affect of the Bella seat. Not sure how high it comes up. Anyone with experience chime in.
woodguy
Well-Known Member
I’ve been riding my Q45 since 2018 when this model was first released, and although I can start from the seated position without serious wobble most of the times I try, I almost never try. The easiest start for me is to stand, push off to get the bike rolling, slide down into the seat & start pedaling. You are correct that the best thing to do about wanting to push the handlebars is to not even think about it. Your brain will adapt after a while. It took me about 100 miles & I’ve been fine ever since.
Regarding the seat - I did a 600 mile tour a couple of months after I got the bike, and decided after that to put on a Thor. I have the Easy GS Large size with their headrest, but that is a personal preference. I didn’t have an issue with the seat top hitting my upper back, it was more of a recumbutt issue on those 70 mile days. I think the contour & length of the Thor will help both issues. I also was able to reduce the angle of my seat to about 35 degrees, which really helps the recumbutt by putting most of my 210 pounds on the back of the seat, not my butt.
Keep practicing and this will all become natural. I still do figure 8’s in the school parking lot every spring to get my balance down.
Regarding the seat - I did a 600 mile tour a couple of months after I got the bike, and decided after that to put on a Thor. I have the Easy GS Large size with their headrest, but that is a personal preference. I didn’t have an issue with the seat top hitting my upper back, it was more of a recumbutt issue on those 70 mile days. I think the contour & length of the Thor will help both issues. I also was able to reduce the angle of my seat to about 35 degrees, which really helps the recumbutt by putting most of my 210 pounds on the back of the seat, not my butt.
Keep practicing and this will all become natural. I still do figure 8’s in the school parking lot every spring to get my balance down.
