GuytonMike
Member
Planning to jump into V20 riding in the new year. I know it’s a little different from “normal” recumbents. What are the extra things that would make having one an easier transition?
V20 nice to have items
- Thread starter GuytonMike
- Start date
If you don't come from any other MBB, I'd use flat pedals for the start again. If you buy a new prebuilt one, it'll already come with flats, I think. (Maybe gloves to reduce abrasions when you fall over while practicing. Opinions on other protective gear differ.)
Depending on your body and experience, one of the more adjustable headrests might be good to have. I am about 6'~6'1" and coming from recumbents, but none so flat. At first I pushed the original headrest all the way in, to work as a shoulder rest and lift me up a bit. After that, I couldn't find a position that actually worked quite well. Then the old style of adjustable headrest was quite a bit of work, to get set up well, too. Haven't tried the new one. - But you might be fine with the original one.
Other than that, I can only think of bags and bottle holders and mirrors that could be a bit different than on other bikes, but you can get those later, when you are getting used to the bike and do longer rides. All the rest seems pretty normal to me.
Depending on your body and experience, one of the more adjustable headrests might be good to have. I am about 6'~6'1" and coming from recumbents, but none so flat. At first I pushed the original headrest all the way in, to work as a shoulder rest and lift me up a bit. After that, I couldn't find a position that actually worked quite well. Then the old style of adjustable headrest was quite a bit of work, to get set up well, too. Haven't tried the new one. - But you might be fine with the original one.
Other than that, I can only think of bags and bottle holders and mirrors that could be a bit different than on other bikes, but you can get those later, when you are getting used to the bike and do longer rides. All the rest seems pretty normal to me.
GuytonMike
Member
I’m planning on visiting Larry Oz in HH for his introduction class in January. I’ve registered for bike Sebring and know there will be a number of V20s at the event.
I’ve seen the mobile front wheel dolly and that looks like a item good to have.
I’ve seen the mobile front wheel dolly and that looks like a item good to have.
That ergonomic carbon seat / Ventisit and neck rest.
chicorider
Zen MBB Master
I just recently added a Garmin Varia rear light/radar, connected to a small Garmin 130 head unit to my V20c. I've used the Zefal Spy mirrors for years, echoing @Tuloose 's recommendation, but having that head unit chime when traffic is approaching from behind has really helped me relax and spend less time looking at my left mirror, more time taking in the scenery.
Bill Wightman
Well-Known Member
When you go out for a training ride try to leave some time for your last meal to settle. Some people have minor upper gastric issues with the 20 degree seat angle on a full stomach. Also when you are training, try to mix up the hand positions so that you are both pushing and pulling with each arm to try not to get locked-in habitually to just one mode. Use the backrest to react push crank loads. I got into a less efficient habit of pulling on the bars when pushing on the cranks and am trying to unlearn that. Please, always use mirrors and a quick glance back when changing lanes. Always use daytime lights and night time lights and slow strobe mode which is more effective and less irritating to motorists. My $0.10.
GuytonMike
Member
Currently ride a Rans Rifle or Rans XStream 700 so I think biggest adjustment will be MBB. Lots of investigating brought me to CB due to support and company longevity.
It might be just my feels but my sense is that Phoenix BW is soon to close up. Hope I’m wrong.
Hammer nutrition recommendations 3 hours between meal and hard ride. I’ve found that works for me.
It might be just my feels but my sense is that Phoenix BW is soon to close up. Hope I’m wrong.
Hammer nutrition recommendations 3 hours between meal and hard ride. I’ve found that works for me.
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
Patience and determination. I often read claims that the V20 is unstable, but if you'll check the beginning of this video and at 1:16:30 near the end, you can see just how stable it is. These gates are put up to prevent even small mopeds from using the bike path, and when seated the margin for error is very small. The first pass through them is at 28kph (17mph) and the 2nd pass through them is at 43kph (26.7mph).
In the next video I have my Gopro on my helmet, and when I pass through one set at 26:00 and a staggered set 30 seconds later at 33kph (19mph), I sit up and tilt the camera down so you can see just how narrow the gates are, and I have no problem getting through them on my V20.
Have you read the comments under the latest GCN video with the V20c? XD (One single account left probably 20 or more comment replies about how unstable the bike allegedly obviously is.)
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
Yeah, I saw some of them. I might have to go back and see who left so many and maybe leave a comment, but probably not. BROL is almost as bad and I am this close to either closing my account there or just removing the bookmark because if they are already in their twilight years and still displaying that unhealthy amount of hate then there really isn't much you can do.
In the beginning, I was wobbling like no one's business too. My first push off didn't even last a meter before I slammed my feet into the ground so hard I thought I would break my ankles. Now I am doing alright. When I read other rider's comments about the V20/C being unstable I kinda chuckle. It is quite obvious they didn't put in the effort to learn to ride an MBB. I got on a friends Performer Low Racer on the day he bought it and I was just as twitchy with the tiller steering. I won't be slamming Performer though because twitchiness is a "Me" problem, not the bike.
Always-Learnin
Vendetta Love
My sentiment exactly...
castlerobber
Zen MBB Master
There was a guy on BROL a decade ago who would jump into every Cruzbike-related thread to make obnoxious comments about how dangerous he thought Cruzbikes were. Bryan Ball had to kick him off the forums several times (he'd make a new profile, but couldn't keep his mouth shut for long). Kind of wonder if that's the same guy. You'd think he'd build a bridge and get over it eventually...
This guy says, he's got an Optima Baron, but it's slower than any of his roadbikes and he's happy with it, but recumbents are still shit. (He doesn't say it quite like that, it's just a summary of all the posts. - Other than the thing about Cruzbikes being obviously completely unstable and dangerous.)
Frito Bandito
Zen MBB Master
I can't say how many times I literally wrote up lengthy replies to comments of "instability" on BROL with video evidence on Youtube of me flying through those staggered pairs of steel gates at +40kph and pics showing me between the gates with about 5" of clearance even as recently as last night. I also wanted to link to a Strava upload that showed me getting PRs ascending on wet asphalt as high as 23.6% over my LiteSpeed T1, but never hit "post reply."
However, I don't want to argue, I don't want to use my time for that, I also don't want to polarize the recumbent community even more, especially with this new channel. I'm trying real hard to be cordial instead of a cynical smart A$$. I gotta tell you though, being a grumpy old man, a Marine Grunt and a Texan makes it really hard. I couldn't find the ignore button on BROL, but if someone knows were it is I'd appreciate it.
However, I don't want to argue, I don't want to use my time for that, I also don't want to polarize the recumbent community even more, especially with this new channel. I'm trying real hard to be cordial instead of a cynical smart A$$. I gotta tell you though, being a grumpy old man, a Marine Grunt and a Texan makes it really hard. I couldn't find the ignore button on BROL, but if someone knows were it is I'd appreciate it.
