Learning to ride the Silvio and set up questions

[backley]

Hello fellow Silvio riders,
I received my new Silvio and my local bicycle dealer assembled it with parts from my old Fuji Team bike. I am not really competent mechanically beyond brake adjustments, changing tires, and adjusting the length of the steering wheel so I let my trusted local mechanic do the work because he knows more about what the mechanical aspect of the bike than I do. Now, I am trying to learn to ride the Silvio. I can report that I am able to shift gears and ride in a straight line so with a little more practice, I will be out on the road.
I have a triple sprocket in the front and 10 speeds on the lower (or rear derailler). I still do a little wobble on some turns or stops but I am gaining confidence.
I can get started on an incline or a flat spot without a problem but I need some pointers about how to start on a hill. If you have any riding tips, I would appreciate hearing your ideas. I have found that you must steer as much with your legs as you do with your hands - is that what others have experienced as well?
I like the bike and it seems to draw quite a crowd when I display it in public when I am hauling it around on the back of my car.
I have some other questions as well that I have detailed below:

RE: Serial #
Can anyone tell me where on the bike that I might find the serial #? I need it for insurance purposes. I looked under the seat, under the frame, etc and I cannot find any kind of number? I do not see a number on the certificate of authenticity either.

RE: Rack
Do you know of any other rack besides on the one on the website that will fit the Silvio? Which model in particular is the one that some folks are recommending on the website? At $129.00, it seems a bit spendy.

RE: Metal shavings on the upper side of the front rubber over the shock absorber
I have small metal flecks on the upper side of the rubber housing the front shock absorber? This is right below where the handlebar extension attaches to the main boom. Is this normal or should I bring this to the attention of my dealer because we have missed something in the assembly?

Thanks for your help forum members,
Blaine

 

[Mark B]

Hi Blaine;

Welcome to the Silvio club! There is no serial number on the Silvios, just the COA. What I would do is stamp or engrave an ID number in it myself and give them that.

Racks, I don't know. Haven't put one on. I'm more inclined to find a bag like the radical bag that Jack put on his and modify it so I can take if off one bike and use it on another.

The shavings situation is one that should probably be addressed by your assembler.

Starting on hills is tricky. If the tire slips, yank back on the pedal and push again and again until you get enough momentum and or the tire bites and you can pick your other foot up. This is assuming you are using clipless pedals. Obviously, this won't work with flat pedals.

Good luck and most of all, have fun!

Mark

 

[backley]

Thanks for your advice, Mark. I have found the forum users like yourself to be most helpful folks and I have learned a lot from reading your posts - keep up the good work and best of luck on your Silvio #2.

I will try the bag idea - it is intriguing and presumably easier to install and has the added benefit of low cost so I am with you there all the way.

I have checked with the dealer on the metal shavings and we cannot figure out where they might be coming from. So, I am going to clean the surface of the rubber and see if the shavings are a continuing problem. If the shavings appear again, then we must search for the source and I will need your help once more.

It may not sound like it but I am having fun and I feel more confident with each ride. What is the longest ride you have taken on your Silvios and how did you feel afterward?

Back in the saddle again,
blaine

 

[defjack]

I have done 65 miles the legs got a little sore but I'm no kid.Just keep riding it and you will be surprised how hard you can push a Silvio. Jack

 

[Mark B]

backley wrote: What is the longest ride you have taken on your Silvios and how did you feel afterward?

Back in the saddle again,
blaine

85 miles and I felt fine. This past weekend, I did over 100 miles total and felt like crap, but that was on account of the flu coming on. It's been three days and I'm still scared to fart. :shock:

Mark