V20 Build complete and first ride in

[Andrew Wilson]

After putting around the neighborhood for an hour with platform pedals , I made a few adjustments , put on the clipless pedals and rode another 1/2 hour. Still need to fiddle with the neck rest. I'm squirrely but am riding
It's actually easier clipped it . I'm tickled and know I'm gonna love it.

 

[benphyr]

Good for you. Not many can ride that long their first time out on front wheel drive.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Thanks, It wasnt pretty but I'm getting it. The hardest thing was starting from a dead stop, Thats a lot easier when I put the SPD's on.

 

[Bruce B]

Beautiful setup! You are going to really enjoy the ride. For now be sure to return to the basics described in Cruzbike for beginners frequently. Soon you will be riding confidently and fast.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Thanks. Will do

 

[Lief]

Andrew, one of the nicer looking Red V’s in my opinion! Congrats on the rapid skill achievements.
Looking (and sounding) good.

 

[DavidCH]

Spotless... beautiful bike. More PBs coming your way

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Thanks so much guys. I’m humbled .
Hopefully I’ll get a break in the rain so I can ride today.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

2nd ride done My usual 24 mile route on country roads and matched my average Baron speed of 18 mph. Thanks to everyone here for convincing me to buy a V20. I love it. Every mile was smoother than the last. Relaxing and not fighting it is the key. I still need to tweak the head rest. I prefer to only have it kissing the base of my head so I’m only using it to take a break. Once I get the New clamp I can fiddle with it some more. Feel free to critique my position.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

funny story, almost crashed
3rd ride yesterday, my 20 mile out and back and I was just riding easy, doing palms out drills when I reached my turnaround point. Now...on my Baron I have to unclip my left foot and coast though the 180 turn to avoid heal strike.
I knew I didnt have to on the V20 but muscle memory took over and when I unclipped one foot in the turn I almost lost control but was able to save it
Must have been a funny sight.

 

[ak-tux]

funny story, almost crashed
3rd ride yesterday, my 20 mile out and back and I was just riding easy, doing palms out drills when I reached my turnaround point. Now...on my Baron I have to unclip my left foot and coast though the 180 turn to avoid heal strike.
I knew I didnt have to on the V20 but muscle memory took over and when I unclipped one foot in the turn I almost lost control but was able to save it
Must have been a funny sight.

Old reflexes die hard! That's why learning an MBB recumbent should be exclusive for a period of time for those who also own a rear-wheel drive recumbent.

And by the way, that's a great color match for the wheels and bike

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Old reflexes die hard! That's why learning an MBB recumbent should be exclusive for a period of time for those who also own a rear-wheel drive recumbent.
And by the way, that's a great color match for the wheels and bike

Thank you, And yes. I plan on ONLY riding the Vendetta for quite some time

 

[DocS]

If you tire of it, let me know...
I can make room for it

Very nice bike!

Blessings,
DocS (Rudy)

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Thanks Doc

 

[Lief]

No critique from me: I see that position as dialed in quite nicely.

Super nit picky thoughts.
Your foot isn’t vertical at the furthest extent - if you can get it on a trainer or someone driving next to you - you might try to get some video of the stroke to see if your foot stays that way under normal conditions. That might change your resting knee bend a little bit if you intend to ride distances.
You could also go by feel (I suck at that until it’s already hurting).

Also, your arms look good bend and all but I have found myself, over time, rotating my handlebars further and further forward so my hands don’t go up as much(?) and so I may utilize 2 spots on the steering; sometimes on the the drops and sometimes kinda split across the hoods.
Plus I like getting my shifters down out of the wind.

That tends to come at the expense of a little tension/pain on the inside of my elbows tho. Could be I just have my arms too extended.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Thanks Lief, I'll watch my foot position. Thats a good point. My knee bend is right at 150 deg, but would go greater if I dont point my toes as much. My cleats are as mid sole as I can get on these shoes so I'll have to watch that.
Thanks again

 

[bladderhead]

150 is a hell of a lot of degrees. How about short cranks? A lot of Cruzbikes have short cranks. Mine has 145.

 

[Andrew Wilson]

150 deg is the extended angle with 180 deg being a totally straight leg with no bend in knee at all. Same as I run on my Baron and my Cervelo

 

[paco1961]

After a full year on only my S40 I climbed on my DF Singlespeed. Felt like I was going to go flying over the handlebars any time I hit the brakes! And took forever to get my neck, shoulders and arms back in shape. After a few mikes it got better but huge initial adjustment. Enjoy the new machine.

 

[DavidCH]

Emmm if its blowing hard... mountain bike on the trails. Good for the bones. If I'm doing 13% gradients I use the road bike. Otherwise it's the Vendetta. I think it's good to change disciplines