First Lesson

[mickjordan]

I finally got my Silvio build complete after waiting for a warranty return on a Shimano FD triple shifter that kept jamming in the big chainwheel position, and some late season rain to blow through. [It never rains in (Southern) California, it pours].

Some experiments on my sloping driveway convincd me that I needed to follow the instructions so I scouted out a wide road in our neighborhood with a small grade and minimal traffic. Walked the bike up there, feeling slightly embarrassed about walking when I could be riding, but it was sensible as the first roll proved. There was definitely a moment of terror when I first put my feet up on the pedals. It felt as different from a DF bike as can be. After a few more runs I began to feel a bit more confident and kept reminding myself to relax which really helped. I made pretty good progress and was able to ride home, although I didn't take any corners. So the instructions do work, but there is clearly a long way to go and I need a plan for lesson 2. I feel a bit like I did at the age of 5 learning to ride my first bike.

So far I can only start by scooting the bike into motion with my feet and then getting on the pedals. Evidently, I have to learn to do a standing start. I've seen some tips on that; basically low gearing to minimize torque steering effects and getting the other foot up as fast as possible for balance, but at the moment it seems very challenging. One of the differences I noticed from a DF bike is the very act of lifting the legs to engage the pedals has quite a destabilizing effect on the bike. On a DF the pedals are "right there" at the end of your feet!

I'm curious from an engineering perspective about the lateral forces while pedalling, and what is really happening whern experienced riders are putting the pedal to the metal. Evidently the lateral force isn't constant as the pedal rotates, I'm guessing it peaks when the leg is close to fully extended. So although the Cruzbike has a triangle similar to a DF, the fact that steering tube is between the hips and the feet means that the pedalling force always has a lateral component that must be counterbalanced by the other leg/arm. Right now I am finding it hard to believe that the bike can actually ride as straight a line as a DF (having experienced lots of wiggle just soft pedalling today), but I am sure I am wrong about that. However, I would like to hear from expert riders what they experience when they are really pushing the drive train hard.

 

[John Tolhurst]

you are programmed to adapt

Hi Mick, thanks for the note.

First, if you are not already on it, Kim Tolhurst's riding page: http://cruzbiking.com.au/firstride

The key here is the open palms, as this ensures your brain is getting clear feedback on what the counterbalancing forces - as you put it - need to be. Once your brain sees what's required, you are on your way, the brain being such a marvellous device, programmed to adapt to its environment.

 

[Kim Tolhurst]

first ride, continued.

Hi Mick,

It was good to read your post. Were you able to catch up on www.cruzbiking.com.au 'First Ride' ?

The excitement of learning to ride a two wheeler certainly returns to many in the switch to a CB. Me at 10, (full size DF) I can clearly remember my Dad calling out "keep peddling" only then to realise he was no longer running along beside me, but way back! and I fell off.

Now we know its the keep peddling that has a bicycle upright when riding.

So, in rolling and begining to peddle, open palms, push forward with your arms. The second leg can be raised, not fast or slow.
James in the video was captured with his very first roll and first roll/peddle. You will teach yourself the standing start from your own experience of the first ride lessons. This becomes a natural follow on.

Interesting too, I also tell folks, don't look for the peddles, same as a DF, just at the end of your feet.

Your last paragraph I will leave for the guns and technicos as my arena is the begining. (where the legs learn the steering1st and the arms learn to compliment them, 2nd) Any interferance with this is the differance from one person to another for their learning curve =)

great fun,
Kim.

 

[mickjordan]

FIRST RIDE RESPONSE

Thanks for the feedback. I should have been more explicit about the "insructions". I meant Kim's "first ride" which was very useful, indeed critical in getting started.

 

[ak-tux]

Hi Mick,
   While it is

Hi Mick,

While it is difficult to believe at the begining that it is possible to ride this bikes straight, you actually can and will. It's amazing what ones body and brain can adapt to. When I first tried this kind of a bike I followed the same instructions by Kim Tolhurst to the letter. It felt really strange at first. In fact I was embarassed to learn to ride it in public areas. But after a few attempts it all started to fall into place. I would take a break for a day or two in between my practise sessions and my brain seems to programme the technic into some memory or instinct. It always seemed to get better and better. We, the human beings, are truely wonderfully made.

Now about 4 months later I can ride and steer hands free. I can do fairly sharp turns and figure 8s. The counter steering has almost become unnoticeable and I can ride pretty staright and at similar speeds to an upright bike. My reflexes in emergency situations are also improving. I have never crushed on it to this day. I pray I never do.

I respect whoever had the courage to invent, experiment and actually ride this FWD MBB format without the documented instructions that we are previleged to have. Kudos to Kim for the great instructions.

 

[mickjordan]

RE WHILE IT IS

Ak-Tux, very reassuring news, thanks. Nothing like real experience. I'm on day one of this process and plan to ride some each day, hopefully with a steady progression.

Mick