Cruzbike Quest 559 experiences and modifications
1.Initial thoughts
After following Cruzbike for some time on the internet I bought a Quest 559 and took my first swerving rides along the country lanes around where I live. This was certainly an interesting experience but my knees were clashing with the handlebars and also with the Dualdrive shifter although I am normally sized and proportioned.
There was also a continuous light pinging noise that came from the spokes (as on Billyk's Quest). This faded with time.
2. Changes up front
I first tried reversing the stem and although this did give me enough knee clearance I did not like the 'praying hamster' position. More had to be done.
The stem was changed to one with a 45deg rise and the bars were changed for ones that on a normal bike would give both a pulled-back and raised hand position. They are called 'Parade Bars' by some. These were mounted so that the hand positions were forward of the stem giving maximum knee clearance.
The bottom bracket sits further above the front wheel when adjusted for shorter riders (I am 5'8"). To make the most of the advantage of lower pedal height on the MBB design and maximize knee clearance I lowered the BB position by 50mm. This was done by rewelding the tube attached to the BB shell so that it was opposite the tabs that hold the hinge (I also void warranties!). This reduced wheel clearance would limit the extension possible for longer legs, but I was only thinking of me!
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The DualDrive gearing was replaced with a single front chainwheel with a 36x11-34 set up. This was because I like simplicity and because I could lose the shifter on the bars. The downside is that I lost the smooth motion of the Cruzbike oval 42 tooth chainwheel.
The gearing covers most of my cycling needs although on the steepest hills, being unheroic, I get off and push!
My knees no longer clashed with the bars and the riding position now felt right for me.
3. Wheels
I changed the tyres to Marathon Racers. I feel happier with a little more air between me and the bumps. The tyres did not quite give enough room for fitting a front mudguard.
Nevertheless mudguards were fitted. The front fork crown had to be filed slightly (!) to give enough clearance.
4. Changes at the rear
I have made wooden seatstays. This makes the seat less easy to take off but I don't fold the bike anyway. This then allowed the fitting of a bag tucked in behind the seat and out of the breeze. The bag was an old orange rucksack from which I cut a small hole in the base to allow the seatstays to pass up into it. The bag is clamped between the top of the stays and the seat. The sides are held tight to the seat by glued on poppers although they will pop off when the bag is tightly filled - bigger poppers needed! The volume of the bag is compromised by the internal seatstays but is enough for some shopping or clothes.
5. What would I like to see on the Quest Mark 3?
• 10mm more wheel clearance and mudguard stay anchor points on the front fork.
• A lower position for the bb when set for shorter riders. Perhaps a 'J' shaped front tube like that seen on the Vendetta would work.
• A rear seat support to allow the fitting of an aerodynamic seatbag.
• I think the bike would look aesthetically better with a 700c rear wheel. The larger, easier-rolling wheel would also create no more drag as it is mostly in the aerodynamic shadow of the seat.
6. Conclusion
I am now enjoying the ride which is different, comfortable, a bit swervey and rather addictive. Although I prefer a standard bike for urban riding the Quest 559 is my mount of choice for rural rides.
1.Initial thoughts
After following Cruzbike for some time on the internet I bought a Quest 559 and took my first swerving rides along the country lanes around where I live. This was certainly an interesting experience but my knees were clashing with the handlebars and also with the Dualdrive shifter although I am normally sized and proportioned.
There was also a continuous light pinging noise that came from the spokes (as on Billyk's Quest). This faded with time.
2. Changes up front
I first tried reversing the stem and although this did give me enough knee clearance I did not like the 'praying hamster' position. More had to be done.
The stem was changed to one with a 45deg rise and the bars were changed for ones that on a normal bike would give both a pulled-back and raised hand position. They are called 'Parade Bars' by some. These were mounted so that the hand positions were forward of the stem giving maximum knee clearance.
The bottom bracket sits further above the front wheel when adjusted for shorter riders (I am 5'8"). To make the most of the advantage of lower pedal height on the MBB design and maximize knee clearance I lowered the BB position by 50mm. This was done by rewelding the tube attached to the BB shell so that it was opposite the tabs that hold the hinge (I also void warranties!). This reduced wheel clearance would limit the extension possible for longer legs, but I was only thinking of me!
The DualDrive gearing was replaced with a single front chainwheel with a 36x11-34 set up. This was because I like simplicity and because I could lose the shifter on the bars. The downside is that I lost the smooth motion of the Cruzbike oval 42 tooth chainwheel.
The gearing covers most of my cycling needs although on the steepest hills, being unheroic, I get off and push!
My knees no longer clashed with the bars and the riding position now felt right for me.
3. Wheels
I changed the tyres to Marathon Racers. I feel happier with a little more air between me and the bumps. The tyres did not quite give enough room for fitting a front mudguard.
Nevertheless mudguards were fitted. The front fork crown had to be filed slightly (!) to give enough clearance.
4. Changes at the rear
I have made wooden seatstays. This makes the seat less easy to take off but I don't fold the bike anyway. This then allowed the fitting of a bag tucked in behind the seat and out of the breeze. The bag was an old orange rucksack from which I cut a small hole in the base to allow the seatstays to pass up into it. The bag is clamped between the top of the stays and the seat. The sides are held tight to the seat by glued on poppers although they will pop off when the bag is tightly filled - bigger poppers needed! The volume of the bag is compromised by the internal seatstays but is enough for some shopping or clothes.
5. What would I like to see on the Quest Mark 3?
• 10mm more wheel clearance and mudguard stay anchor points on the front fork.
• A lower position for the bb when set for shorter riders. Perhaps a 'J' shaped front tube like that seen on the Vendetta would work.
• A rear seat support to allow the fitting of an aerodynamic seatbag.
• I think the bike would look aesthetically better with a 700c rear wheel. The larger, easier-rolling wheel would also create no more drag as it is mostly in the aerodynamic shadow of the seat.
6. Conclusion
I am now enjoying the ride which is different, comfortable, a bit swervey and rather addictive. Although I prefer a standard bike for urban riding the Quest 559 is my mount of choice for rural rides.
