SoCal Vendetta or Silvio rider to chat about bike?

tmctguer

New Member
I am looking for someone in Orange County, CA or San Diego, CA who owns a vendetta or Silvio who will discuss the bike with me. I am strongly considering buying my first recumbent and the Cruzbikes seem to be a very nice ride.
 

Charles.Plager

Recumbent Quant
I'm not from there, but I'd

I'm not from there, but I'd consider widening your request to talking to any Cruzbike riders (even if you know you want a Silvio or a Vendetta).

Good luck!
Charles
 

ak-tux

Zen MBB Master
I second Charles.
 The


I second Charles.

The technique needed to ride all cruzbikes (with the exception of the Sigma, which is not a MBB) is the same. The only difference being the degree of recline and the height of the bottom bracket.

Once you can ride a softrider or a quest, adopting to a Silvio or the Vendetta should be very quick.
 

defjack

Zen MBB Master
  Tom Roberts is in orange

Tom Roberts is in orange county the Silvio he has for sale is a really nice bike. I spend a lot of time in San Diego riding the bike paths down there. What is your X seam? My Silvio is set up for 41 -42. Jack
 

Tom Roberts

Active Member
Happy to Talk About Cruzbikes

The Silvio is sold, but I still have the Vendetta and the Sofrider. I would be happy to talk with you about the bikes. The Sofrider is already in Texas (moving there). The Vendetta is with me in OC, however, I will be moving soon so if you would like to see the bike just let me know. Excuse me it's time to go for a ride. It's hard to keep this Vendetta in the stall.
 

tmctguer

New Member
Tom: I bought your Silvio yesterday!

Tom: you wouldn't know it by my handle, but I am the one who bought your Silvio yesterday!

I commuted to the office this morning on the bike (15 miles, a few 6% grades), and it was an adventure to say the least. It took me about 5 miles before I could keep the bike in a straight line in the bike lane. By mile 12, I was riding in a straight line on the flats and was only struggling with starting from a stop light.

The center of gravity feels very high (compared to my road bikes) and the rotating bottom bracket provided ample opportunity for me to swerve. At some point, I got into a groove where I was offsetting the motion of my feet with a motion of my hands. I can't explain this precisely, but it just felt like a rhythm between my legs and arms. i felt good on all the short climbs, and was able to keep a straight line even when they were steep.

I am pleased with the comfort af the ride, and am looking forward to the ride home from the office.
 

Tom Roberts

Active Member
Good Job!

I wondered if this might be you Rick, but as you said, I couldn't tell from your handle. Well you are a brave soul for getting out like that on your first day with the bike. It certainly took me longer than that before I was ready to take to the streets. It sounds like you did great. One thing I thought I should have mentioned and didn't is I think it would be best not to switch back and forth between the Sivio and your DF bikes while you are learning to ride the Cruzbike. This is just a suggestion, but I think it would shorten the learning curve. Once you are completely comfortable on the Silvio don't be surprised if your other bikes become dust collectors. It is a lot fun to ride these Cruzbikes, not to mention the absence of pain in the back, neck and rear end. I am impressed with your progress to say the least!
Good job.
Tom
 

Charles.Plager

Recumbent Quant
One thing I thought I should

One thing I thought I should have mentioned and didn't is I think it would be best not to switch back and forth between the Sivio and your DF bikes while you are learning to ride the Cruzbike. This is just a suggestion, but I think it would shorten the learning curve. Once you are completely comfortable on the Silvio don't be surprised if your other bikes become dust collectors. It is a lot fun to ride these Cruzbikes, not to mention the absence of pain in the back, neck and rear end. I am impressed with your progress to say the least!

I agree with all of this. First, it sounds like you've gotten very used to this bike impressively quickly. Nicely done. Second, I second Tom's suggestion that you try to only ride the Silvio for a while as switching back and forth now will probably lengthen your acclimation time.

If you haven't already, take a look at Kim's videos. There are still useful pieces of info, even given that you can already ride the bike. (You can read about my experiences learning on my Sofrider here).

Congratulations and nicely done!

Charles
 
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