RIDING YOUR RANS BIKE
If you’re unaccustomed to recumbent riding, it may take some practice to control the bike with confidence. Practice on a smooth
surface with plenty of room, free of traffic and obstacles. An empty parking lot is ideal. Itʼs important to become acquainted with
your bike before mixing with traffic.
Lean back in the seat. Relax your back, shoulders, neck and arms. Turn the handlebar left and right. Lean on one foot, then the
other to acquaint yourself with the weight and balance.
Apply a brake when mounting. If a brake is not applied when mounting, the bike may roll.
WARNING!
CONTROL OF THE BRAKE WILL BE COMPROMISED IF THE HANDLEBAR IS POSITIONED FORWARD OF THE FORK’S CENTER OF PIVOT.
Check your gear settings. Begin on a level surface in a low gear.
Now sit back and relax. Focus your attention well ahead. This helps avoid over controlling and wobbling. Try gentle turns in both
directions. Acquaint yourself with the brakes by applying them gently. Try U-turns in both directions. Try circles.
If you’re riding a short-wheelbase model, beware of striking your heels on the front wheel during sharp turns. This happens be-
cause the bottom bracket is located close to the front wheel. Learn to point your toes forward a bit when turning a tight corner.
As your balance improves, you will not need to correct your steering as much and “heel-strike” will happen much less often.
Shift and acquaint yourself with the bikeʼ’s gearing. Anticipate the need to shift down, as when approaching traffic lights, so
youʼ’ll be in a low gear when starting again.