psychling
Well-Known Member
The V seat angle is 22.5 degrees from horizontal. That's a `healthy' recline.
I've always been disappointed with myself in that I felt unsteady and nervous at that recline when riding.
Finally, in error, I concluded that I just didn't have the talent to ride at that recline angle. I added padding to the seat and increased it to about 28-30 degrees from horizontal. Not surprisingly, it was a breakthrough experience for me. I was able to navigate the very twisty switchbacks and steep inclines much better; in fact, with ease.
My nervousness vanished.
But I still felt `defeated,' assuming a lack of cycling road handling ability.
Lately, though, I've found some (precious) flat and straight roads unimpeded with dangerous traffic. I've been training on this terrain a fair amount and find that I can get rid of some of the extra seat padding and recline to the bike's design, i.e., 22.5 from horizontal.
This is very, very encouraging to me. Generalizing (correctly, I hope), I conclude the following:
It sure is good to have made this discovery. It dramatically increases the opportunities to race, train and ride the Vendetta. And I'm out the door in a few minutes to ride/train on both kinds of terrain. And I'm not the least bit nervous.
Slow learner, I am. But persistent.
I've always been disappointed with myself in that I felt unsteady and nervous at that recline when riding.
Finally, in error, I concluded that I just didn't have the talent to ride at that recline angle. I added padding to the seat and increased it to about 28-30 degrees from horizontal. Not surprisingly, it was a breakthrough experience for me. I was able to navigate the very twisty switchbacks and steep inclines much better; in fact, with ease.
My nervousness vanished.
But I still felt `defeated,' assuming a lack of cycling road handling ability.
Lately, though, I've found some (precious) flat and straight roads unimpeded with dangerous traffic. I've been training on this terrain a fair amount and find that I can get rid of some of the extra seat padding and recline to the bike's design, i.e., 22.5 from horizontal.
This is very, very encouraging to me. Generalizing (correctly, I hope), I conclude the following:
In mountainous, twisty and dangerous terrain the body requires a center of gravity that is different than on flat and straight terrain.
Given the need to lean into curves, remain upright at speeds below 6 mph (on steep inclines), a lesser angle of recline adds control and balance.
On flat roads with decent surface the forward motion (speed) does `something' to add balance and control, permitting a greater angle of recline.
It sure is good to have made this discovery. It dramatically increases the opportunities to race, train and ride the Vendetta. And I'm out the door in a few minutes to ride/train on both kinds of terrain. And I'm not the least bit nervous.
Slow learner, I am. But persistent.
), they had an option that let you change the seat angle (very slowly) while riding? 
