cranky cyclist
Guru
Wow, this is a great forum. Everyone has been so helpful.
Silvio
- Thread starter cranky cyclist
- Start date
Robert O
Well-Known Member
I've got the opposite. I have right turn issues at low speed. I always unclip with the left foot, and this leaves me hesitant when turning right with my right foot still clipped in. If I don't concentrate, it can get downright scary. Okay, just for me; comical to the onlooker on solid ground!
cranky cyclist
Guru
I am improving with riding my Silvio. The big thing that I still have difficulty with is getting the water bottle back into the holder behind my head. I can do it easy enough on the trainer but out on the MUP, I can't get it back in without nearly crashing or stopping completely. Anyone have any hints? Is it just practice and practice some more?
SamP
Guru
It took my a while, I think about a month or two before I could get water bottles in and out reasonably reliably and safely. For awhile I had a water bottle mount taped on the front of my bike.
ratz
Wielder of the Rubber Mallet
That's one of those things that one day just becomes easy
Jeremy S
Dude
Same experience here. I gave up, it just didn't feel safe. I am now using a hose and bottle system (which is a bit low on capacity).
hoyden
Well-Known Member
I don't do water bottles but I do do more confident overall riding. After upending Silvio's handlebars, and 3 months riding, I find my focus has moved away from the bars, mbb, and the immediate trail, to down the trail to where I want the bike to go. At a turn I trust the bike goes where I want it to go. Even sharp, slow u turns are getting better although I always unclip just in case things go sideways.
castlerobber
Zen MBB Master
I strapped a Twofish Quick Cage on top of the boom. I'm not quite to where I can pull the bottle without thinking about it, but I don't wobble all over the path any more. Replacing the bottle is much easier. I've always had trouble with my trapezius muscles cramping when I reach down and back to pick something up, as I'd have to do when using a seat-back bottle cage, so that option is out.
Attachments
cranky cyclist
Guru
I think I wobble because I am trying to concentrate on putting the bottle back in the cage. I do feel more confident on the bike but when you add something else and can't concentrate wobbles happen.
ratz
Wielder of the Rubber Mallet
One trick everyone over looks is practice reaching for the bottle and NOT grabbing it; just practice the motions; focus on the horizon while you do this; the natural reaction is to look to the side or at your feet; which does not help.
3WHELZ
Guru
I started riding a two-wheel bike when I was four years old. When I received my Silvio 1.0, it was like being four years old again, but a further distance to fall. 
At some point soon, there will be a defining moment when it becomes natural. My advice is not to over think it, it will come to you naturally. Ratz and others have given you some excellent advice and reference training material. Welcome to the tribe from an early adopter.
At some point soon, there will be a defining moment when it becomes natural. My advice is not to over think it, it will come to you naturally. Ratz and others have given you some excellent advice and reference training material. Welcome to the tribe from an early adopter.
trapdoor2
Zen MBB Master
Some time ago, I learned the 'horizon' trick...esp. for threading the needle between trailhead bollards. Whatever you do, don't look directly at the bollards!
I probably look like I'm doing reclining calisthenics sometimes. I practice 'letting go' and slowly evolve into waving my arms around...then reaching out to touch various stuff on the bike...then holding on to stuff, etc. I don't have any bottles to grab but I work on it anyway. On the V2o I'm to the point where I can comfortably reach around with my left arm/hand just about anytime. Right hand off is still a tad wiggly. I can let go and wave my arm around but my 'corrective action' instincts for the left arm steering aren't up to snuff just yet. Weird...riding the V2/k, I can flap about like a lunatic with either arm. Simply going to take a little saddle time.
ratz
Wielder of the Rubber Mallet
Some time ago, I learned the 'horizon' trick...esp. for threading the needle between trailhead bollards. Whatever you do, don't look directly at the bollards!
I probably look like I'm doing reclining calisthenics sometimes. I practice 'letting go' and slowly evolve into waving my arms around...then reaching out to touch various stuff on the bike...then holding on to stuff, etc. I don't have any bottles to grab but I work on it anyway. On the V2o I'm to the point where I can comfortably reach around with my left arm/hand just about anytime. Right hand off is still a tad wiggly. I can let go and wave my arm around but my 'corrective action' instincts for the left arm steering aren't up to snuff just yet. Weird...riding the V2/k, I can flap about like a lunatic with either arm. Simply going to take a little saddle time.
There's another aspect to that that I should probably add to the figure 8 drill instruction. Like an ice skater you have to lead with your head. So when I do figure 8's I turn my head "at least" far enough in the direction I want to go that my chin touches my shoulder and I look "past/wider" than the spot I want to go; then the bike just goes there. We see beginners try figure-8;s and they look at their feet; which of course does not work. Your head needs to be 10 seconds ahead of your feet and front wheel and then really tight turns become much much easier.
cranky cyclist
Guru
I have been doing slow speed practice drills for 10 to 15 minutes before each ride. I will try the head turning trick. I have a 90 mile race left to do on my DF bike and then I am really going to concentrate on the Silvio. I have been doing small amounts of road riding but still feel most comfortable on the MUP.
