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6. Your First “Hazard-Free” Cruzbike Ride
Picking the spot: When you buckle on your helmet and go for your first familiarization ride on your
new bicycle, be sure to pick a controlled environment, away from cars, other cyclists, obstacles or
other hazards. A wide area, such as a parking lot or cul-de-sac is ideal because new riders often
need extra space to the left and right as they get used to the pedal-steer effect. New riders are
steering with their feet on their very first ride, which may be an unexpected experience.
Mounting the bike
There are three recommended ways to get on (mount) a Cruzbike. Choose one that fits your style
and degree of flexibility.
If you have been riding a regular upright bicycle, you may be used to a
leg swing
technique, and
some tall and/or flexible Cruzbike riders still prefer this technique. It requires swinging one leg over
the top of the backrest, which is approximately 41 inches (104 cm) above the ground.
The most popular way to mount a Cruzbike is to
step over
the seat while holding the handlebar with
one hand and the top of the backrest with the other hand. This requires your foot to clear the seat
cushion, which sits approximately 26 inches (66 cm) above the ground. If you have difficulty stepping
over the seat, it may help to tilt the bike toward you slightly before stepping over.
If you prefer or need an even lower vertical clearance, use the
lay down
technique. Simply, lay the
bike gently on its left side on the ground. The top edge of the seat will be only 14.5 inches (37 cm)
above the ground. Step over the seat so that you are straddling the bike. Reach down and gently
bring the bike to a fully upright position as you sidle to the right. Dismounting is simply the reverse of
mounting.
Adjusting the Telescopic Front Tube (TFT): Once you are comfortably sitting on the bike, you will
need to adjust the distance of the pedals for your leg length. Loosen the quick release clamp on the
TFT and firmly grip the outer TFT. Keeping at least one foot on the ground, push or pull the tube until
the pedals are at a distance where you can reach them with only a slight bend in your knees when
they are farthest from you. Now tighten the quick release clamp securely once the TFT length is right
for you.
WARNING
: Failure to tightly secure the clamp on the
Telescopic Front Tube (TFT) could
result in a serious
injury by allowing the tube to separate while pedaling.
Getting used to the feel
Because the Cruzbike has front-wheel drive, the front-end weighs more than you are probably used
to. While sitting on the seat, walk the bike around in circles or figure-8’s, and practice turning the front
wheel side-to-side. Note how the steering feels heavier than you are used to. Now push the bike a
little faster with you feet on the ground and then sit on the seat and “coast” with your feet barely
above the ground. Do this a few times, trying to coast a little faster each time.
Pedaling for the first time
Once you can coast comfortably, you are ready to pedal. This is best done for the first time on either
flat or slightly downhill terrain. While straddling the bike, get the bike rolling, sit on the seat, and gently
bring your feet up to the pedals and begin pedaling. Accurate placement of the feet squarely on the
pedals seems to help with the balance. As you pedal, do not be surprised if you veer off to the left or
right. You have a lifetime of riding rear-wheel drive bicycles. It will take a little time for your brain to
adapt. If you feel you are about to fall, simply apply your brakes and put your feet down (you will
probably do this instinctively). If you are like most people, it will only be a matter of minutes before
you can ride in a reasonably straight line without putting your feet down. Once you are doing this, you
are on the way to gaining the experience you need to ride safely and competently.
