New User - Testing Silvio 2.1

[jwloach]

Hi all. I've been riding a Catrike Dumont recumbent trike for six years and love it, but I'm feeling a little bit stodgy on it. I got wind of Cruzbike and thought it would challenge me and offer a bit more excitement. I'm 68, and missing the right hand. Not a disability - rode regular bikes until getting the trike.

I purchased an old Silvio 2.1 on eBay and have been riding it in the school yard for about a month. Relatively straight line now, wobbly but sort-of-controlled turns, and starting on level ground is fine. Only two instances of 'forget it - I'm selling this thing', and only one minor crash early on.

I'm thinking that the geometry of the Silvio is holding me back. The front end is heavy and protudes 'way out front. I'm 6'2" which puts the weight a long way forward. This seems to exagerrate the wobble, as a small bit of off-balance gets multiplied. My brain is compensating pretty well now, and I suppose the effect will go away eventually, but it's frustrating. Also, the recline of the seat may be a bit more than what I need as I'm not speed-hungry.

Would a Q45 give me a shorter front-end and possibly reduce the wobble effect? It looks like a more suitable solution. Also - the 1 x 11 gear setup would be great for one-handed operation.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Thank you!

John

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Hi John,
Welcome!
I haven't ridden any of the Silvios or Vendettas but I do have quite some experience with the Q45 by now. I have the impression from reading the board that the Q45 will have more stability both because of the geometry and because of the viscose headset. I don't think there is much difference in the length of the front-end; the Q45 and the S40 use the same front-triangle. I believe that there were different length chain stays for the Silvios but not sure how much difference that would make, it would just change the rise of the pedals.
When I started on the Q45 I had wobble as well as it is a new skill to learn to ride a Cruzbike, however within the month I was happy to ride one-handed and soon after gently going free-handed. First just downhill but slowly but surely also pedalling. Also the wide bar helps a lot with the stability.
As for one-handed shifting, the 1-11 shifter sits on the right by default but I guess that you are used to making those adaptations.
Best thing would be to find a way to try out a Q45. I love mine that's for sure.
HTH
Ted

 

[castlerobber]

I purchased an old Silvio 2.1

Over the past 10 years, I've had a Quest 2.0 (grandfather of the Q45) and a Silvio 1.5, and test-ridden a V20. I currently own an S30 and a 2022 Q45.

The Q45 has a Cane Creek Viscoset headset, which will slow down the wobble some. It takes corners the best of any of the Cruzbikes I've owned., and is the easiest for me to ride no-hands.

You might also consider the S40, depending on what type of riding you want to do. Same damping headset, same front end, lighter bike, no suspension. The Q45 has a bit of adjustment in the seat angle, where the S40 has a fixed seat like the Silvio 2.1.

 

[cranky cyclist]

Hi all. I've been riding a Catrike Dumont recumbent trike for six years and love it, but I'm feeling a little bit stodgy on it. I got wind of Cruzbike and thought it would challenge me and offer a bit more excitement. I'm 68, and missing the right hand. Not a disability - rode regular bikes until getting the trike.

I purchased an old Silvio 2.1 on eBay and have been riding it in the school yard for about a month. Relatively straight line now, wobbly but sort-of-controlled turns, and starting on level ground is fine. Only two instances of 'forget it - I'm selling this thing', and only one minor crash early on.

I'm thinking that the geometry of the Silvio is holding me back. The front end is heavy and protudes 'way out front. I'm 6'2" which puts the weight a long way forward. This seems to exagerrate the wobble, as a small bit of off-balance gets multiplied. My brain is compensating pretty well now, and I suppose the effect will go away eventually, but it's frustrating. Also, the recline of the seat may be a bit more than what I need as I'm not speed-hungry.

Would a Q45 give me a shorter front-end and possibly reduce the wobble effect? It looks like a more suitable solution. Also - the 1 x 11 gear setup would be great for one-handed operation.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Thank you!

John

You can get a wedge for the Silvio that will increase the angle of the seat to about 45 degrees. Much cheaper than buying a new bike. Just go to the Cruzbike store and find it under accessories.

 

[IyhelM]

What’s the length of your chainstay? Is it the standard one or does it have an extension (a picture of the front triangle would help if you’re not sure).
I found my Silvio 2.2 easier to handle than my Vendetta 1.0 thanks to the shorter chainstay (2-3 inches) that brings the BB lower and more forward for the same x-seam.
I’m 5’11 and tend to sit lower than most.

Like most things better handling comes with hours and miles; after 2.5 years I can ride no hands below 5 mph without wobbling.

 

[jwloach]

The Silvio doesn't have a chainstay extension. I'll keep working on it as it seems a tiny bit easier each outing. Today I'm venturing out of the schoolyard a bit because it seems I need a few continuous kilometres instead of the short laps the schoolyard offers. I should let the Toronto police force know so they can clear the area for me.

I'll definitely try the seat wedge, and will order the springloader bike stand as well.

Many thanks to you all for your tips and encouragement.

BTW - I've never seen a Cruzbike in Toronto!

John

 

[Adventurelover2000]

Welcome

 

[jwloach]

Thank you! I rode about 2kms today and it's beginning to feel sort of OK. Returning home there was a long stretch with a slight incline. It took me three tries to get going, and then I felt the push and pull on the handlebars for the first time. Very cool. Next practice will be up and down that stretch to try to improve the handlebar action.