Steer With Legs - Otherwise Fight

[Trekster]

At my stage of riding and familiarity with the (FWD-MBB) Quest, I'm always on the lookout for additional information and riding techniques from others with more experience than myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkwRuoMp6So The other day I "stumbled" upon this video, wherein the author was describing a FWD-MBB recumbent that he made from aluminum. It is a bit rough and boxy looking compared to my Quest. Nevertheless, I was especially interested in a specific comment he makes at about 2:00 in the video. He states; ...always remember you must steer with your legs; otherwise your hands and arms will always fight the actions of your legs.. " "...and your legs are much stronger".

This fellow is obviously of Russian decent, and his accent is quite noticeable - however, his message was still very clear.

His assertion has left me in a quandary about my own learning curve and progress towards fully being acclimated to the Quest. After almost a month riding my Quest, I am starting up on the level and slight inclines with no problem. Also, am riding roads and trails with nearly zero wobble. And, my turns are getting tighter, although I can't seem to make right handers quite as tight as lefts.

Having said all that, I really feel like my learning progress has plateaued, and yet I am no where close to being able to ride with no hands - not even for a second or two.

So... is the guy in the video correct, and unless I can ride some distances with no hands, I really haven't learned the FWD-MBB yet? And, really all I'm doing is fighting my leg action with my hands?

Or, do all riders, with lots of experience, eventually get to the point where they can ride "some distances" with no hands - and they eventually learn "the secret" to keep the hands from constantly fighting the legs. Is there a short-cut to acquiring this level of skill, or is it merely a long time coming?

 

[Charles.Plager]

Riding with no hands is a

Riding with no hands is a useful technique for mastering pedal steer, but not so important in itself. And you've still only been at it for about a month, so even though you feel your learning has plateaued, I'm betting that it hasn't.

It really is just work on pedaling smoothly. First, open palms, then a single loose hand, next just a couple fingers and soon, you're there. I'd really only worry about the first two (open palms and a single loose hand) while pedaling nice smooth circles (I find slightly up-hill is easier).

Regardless of all of this, I think your progress is quite good. Just keep riding and stop worrying about making progress, and you'll make the most progress (not that it sounds like you have far to go).

 

[Trekster]

Questions

So... are you quite capable of riding no hands for short distances? What did you think about the comment made by the fellow in the video?

 

[Charles.Plager]

Yes, I can ride with no hands

Yes, I can ride with no hands for short distances (I've gone a few tenths of miles deliberately to see how far I can do it - I should try again).

First, the headtube angle on his bike is much more shallow than on Cruzbikes, so they will handle quite differently. I didn't listen to the whole video, but it is definitely possible to ride without using your upper body - meaning you shouldn't have your arms fighting your legs.

 

[chrisblessing]

hands free

Trekster, when I first started riding my conversion I felt as though I was missing something significant if I couldn't ride hands free. Now, I almost wish hands free wasn't part of the discussion about mastering FWD-MBB. I may or not be able to ride hands free, but I don't much care. I'm aware now, 1/2 a year in on my bike, that my feet do a bit more steering, under some circumstances, and that my hands and arms do less fighting, in most circumstances, than at the beginning. But I never set out to achieve either of these.

It sounds as though you've done well, so stay focused on your success. Don't over think it, and just enjoy the ride.

 

[speedipu]

challenges of pedalling with artificial feet

I haven't been on a recumbent bike in over 20 years, but I remember how easy it was to pedal, now that I'm a double-below-knee-amputee, recumbent bikes are looking even more attractive. I rode vertical bikes for twenty years before either amputation, and i miss bikes. Have looked into adult trikes, which are easier for my legs than my old Fuji or even older Schwinn. Are any cruzbike models tricycular? How can I find out more about the bikes or trikes cruzbike actually sells to riders?

 

[Charles.Plager]

To find out about the bikes,

To find out about the bikes, just click on the word bikes at the top of this page.

There are not currently any CruzTrikes, but there have been rumors and many of us are hoping.

Cheers Charles