making a silvio purchase and will be a first time buyer

[mountainraine]

Well it's time to make the switch from an upright to my first recumbent! I've done a lot of homework and I'm very interested in purchasing a Cruz Silvio, in fact am headed to dealership in Florida this weekend to test drive and if I love it as much as I feel like I will hopefully purchase. This will be my fist time on a recumbent ( medical issues forcing me to make the switch from my upright) and I undestand for those used to a recumbent this one handels different so take's some getting used to but I'm hoping since I don't have that as my experience I may not have that as a handicap. Is the 2.0 version on the market to purchase or is it still the 1.0 at this point? Anyone know what the price difference between the two would be?

 

[Kim Tolhurst]

First Ride

Last weekend I had the pleasure of giving a man and his wife their first recumbent experience following closly the 2 lessons as given, First Ride, www.cruzbiking.com.au The man was a cool calm dude, listened and followed directions exactly then was rolling and peddling about in 10 mintues. His wife was more excitable and nervous though still copied, yet took a little longer to relax in the roll. After rotating and doing some straight lines she decided the next best practise would be with no one watching. They left with a Cruzbike each, new Sofrider,(boxed) in the trunk and a semi folded Quest V1 on the back seat of their sedan.

Withyour choice of the Silvio, being layed further back than the more up seating position of other CBs may I suggest you get a good rolling practise going befor your erge comes to peddle. Its our bodies that work out we are on a bike....... smile.

best,

Kim.

 

[Charles.Plager]

Hi,
I highly recommend Kim's

Hi,

I highly recommend Kim's videos (that he posted above). Watch them now and then watch them before getting the bike. I spent 30 minutes in my (very long) driveway and then I was ready for (very quiet) roads.

I have a unsubstantiated theory that says that non-recumbent riders take to Cruzbikes better than recumbent riders. I rode a LWB bike before my Cruzbike, but never a SWB bike (even today, the only SWB recumbent bikes I've ridden are Cruzbikes).

You can read about my learning experience here.

Cheers,
Charles

 

[John Tolhurst]

Who are you heading in to

Who are you heading in to see, mountainraine?

 

[Plazebo]

Start small I say

Without knowing anything about your situation I think you should start small and buy a Sofrider. Maybe even something second-hand.

The Silvio 2 looks kind of advanced and will likely take longer to master than starting on an entry-level CB. Also, a CB might not suit you (sorry John). I remember learning to surf on an intermediate surfboard and it took way longer to become proficient than it should have. You've got to earn a Silvio!

If you then decide to buy a high-end then you'll have a loaner bike for anyone that says 'can I have a go?'. And you'll have a trail / wet-weather bike.

Of course I might just be totally jealous.

 

[Ian Smith]

START SMALL

I totally agree here. I've started off with the conversion and it's definitely an adventure. I took my first wobbly trip down the street this week until I realised the quill wasn't tightened sufficiently in the handlebars. I reckon that if I totally destroy the hard waste donor bike in the process:- So What! I'll simply convert another one. At least I can reward myself with a higher specified bike at a later date when my riding proficiency has improved.

 

[jwitten]

For the first time buyer, I'd

For the first time buyer, I'd go with a Quest. It is an awesome bike! Several pounds lighter than the Sofrider, and more adjustment in the seatback angle. I am loving mine! Maybe not quite as fast as the Sivio with the 700C wheelset, but if all-out-speed is not your #1 priority, go for the Quest. I have the smaller 451 wheelset, and even at 6 feet and 200 pounds, I find it extremely comfortable. The shorter bottom bracket also places the feet a bit lower and offers a bit more of an inclined riding position... which I tend to like for just cruz'n around.

 

[Andrew 1973]

I'd go for the Silvio

Yes, it is a different experience with a bit of a learning curve; you'll not likely hop on and ride off, especially if you've not been on a recumbent before. Even a typical rear drive recumbent will take some time to get used to. Most of your cycling skills will transfer over, but it takes time to master the subtleties of riding any recumbent.

Many Cruzbike owners decide upon their bike without ever seeing one. They understand there will be a learning curve, but they've done their research and have made an informed decision on what they want. Since you're transitioning from a performance road bike, it's quite likely that you want your Cruzbike to have the same features and level of performance. The Sofrider, Quest and conversion kit all have merit, but having ridden the Sofrider and the Silvio, I know that my tastes and riding style lean toward the Silvio. I wouldn't be as happy on anything else. If you're certain of what you want, then it may make sense to pull the trigger and order a Silvio.

I would say that I would prefer to learn on a v1.5 as opposed to the new v2.0 due to the less-reclined seat angle of the v1.5. I am more comfortable with my style of riding in a more-upright position. Perhaps in time that will change and the Silvio 2.0 will be my next bike. It is easier to learn a recumbent that seats you more upright, but you'll have to find what is best for you.

As far as I know, the v2.0 is at the same pricepoint as the prior model, but there may be opportunities to score a previously-owned v1.5 at a good price as v1.5 owners look to upgrade.

 

[Romagjack]

We should be getting some


We should be getting some reports soon from new Silvio2 owners as it just started shipping. It wouldn't hurt to see how it is received and then decide. I went to several bike shops and tried several rear wheel drive recumbents (all very boring) before trying a Cruzbike. The first few times riding a Cruzbike are a challenge, but after a few figure 8's in an open parking lot and a little confidence building, you'll wonder why your first bike wasn't a Cruzbike. I've enjoyed the Quest2 as a great all around bike with the dual drive hub and the ability to change seat angles. It's very comfortable and I've done several century rides and felt great afterwards. I've had 3 spinal fusions (too many years on a mountainbike) that forced me to give up biking altogether until I found Cruzbike. I'm also looking at the Silvio2 as I'd like to get a few more mph! Keep us posted on your decision making progress.

 

[Bruce B]

I Bought A Silvio First

I agree wholeheartedly with Andrew's comments above.

My first ever recumbent is a Silvio 1.0. Bought sight unseen.

That Big Single Step to the Silvio worked for me.

 

[mountainraine]

I bought my Silvio

Thank you everyone for sharing your thoughts. I went to John and Jacquie's, Vite Bikes Shop in Sarasota, Florida. They we're both so wonderful and easy to deal with. I may in fact have been their very last customer at that shop location as they now have a new and bigger business location so I look forward to checking that out the next time I go that way.

They had a few different recumbents set up for me to test drive, a Giro 20, a Rifle Ran and then the Silvio. I found both the Rifle and the Giro quite easy to balance and the Silvio more challenging but I expected that and I actually liked that. Perhaps it's because I am also quite challenging! Ha. I loved the look of the Silvio. To me it was cute, compact, solid, curvy (versus the stick). So I took it and the Rifle outside and rode one and then the other, back and forth for a couple of hours, comparing features. I really loved the way my hands rested on the handle bars of the Silvio, felt very natural. I loved the height of the bike and the fact both tires are the same size so I won't have to carry two different size inner tubes. I really loved the comfort and the angle of the seat. The fact that it doesn't recline doesn't bother me as I'm happy with exaltedly where it's at. Getting started out, I'm sort of hit and miss at it but that didn't bother me as I know it's like anything, it'll come.

So in the end when I thought about leaving the Rifle behind it didn't bother me but when I thought of leaving the Silvio behind I felt, well sad and that is what I ended up basing my decision on. Instinct, at my age I've learned to listen to it.

John got the bike adjusted for me, took a while as he's very intent of getting everything just right! pays attention to every little detail. , I felt very confident that when I walked out their door that my bike was customized just to suit me.

I'm well pleased with my purchase! I wished while I was there that they might have had a vendetta put together! But then glad they didn't as who knows if they had of I might have fallen in love with it and have less money left over in my pocket! Ha. I think for where I am right now in regards to my riding, I choose the perfect model for me. I've had health issues that have prevented me from riding much for a little over half of a year so for me it feels like my life has just been given back to me, as riding is my passion.
Proud to have joined the Cruz family and looking forward to getting to know all of you through the forum! Raine

 

[Andrew 1973]

Congratulations on your Silvio purchase

I have to say that was a pretty fast decision. I have been on this forum a long time and wanting a Silvio; it's been just about a month now that I've had mine. It is the most amazing bike I have owned and the more I ride it, the more I want to ride it. Be warned, however, the need for speed becomes an addiction and you'll soon find yourself spent after each ride. You can't help but want to push the bike and your body to their limits.

I also have had health issues which kept me off the bike for better than a year for the most part. With the Silvio, I can also once again regain my ability to ride like I used to. It's only going to get better.

You got a great bike and this is a great place to come for support and just to hang out. Welcome to the Cruz family