[python] Re: US home built front power

Two of my friends made some home made versions of the Cruzbike kit.  I tried
riding one once before, before getting confident on the python, and I found
I couldn't ride it.  After about 2000km on the python, when I tried the two
built by my friends, I got on them and rode them no problem, even though
they were built for much smaller riders and I had to ride with my knees
leaned way out to the sides to clear the handlebars.  I think the python
skills definitely came into play.

As for how they handle, they can be ridden with only using your feet, but it
takes a little practice on them first.  The first thing you notice is that
there is a lot of pedal steer, but you can actually use the handlebars to
counter steer and reduce/eliminate the effect.  Once you find out how much
countersteer to add with your arms, while you'r cranking with your legs,
you're riding no problem.  Then, it's just a matter of time in the saddle to
fine tune your and smooth out the pedalling technique.  Not everyone could
ride these FWD swing-boom bents.  Interestingly, after more than 10 minutes,
some people gave up trying to learn, but on the PC2, 5 people learned how to
ride the python (some of the same riders too) in about 10 minutes or less.

As for the swing-boom being a good trainer for the python, I don't know
because I learned the other way around - python, then swing-boom.  Easiest
way to find out is learn to ride a swing-boom, then ty a python.  If you
pick up the python in a few minutes, then it quite likely helped.  Some
aspects of both bents are similar with regards to leg generated steering
input, but other aspects like the arm counter-steer are definitely
different.


> Hello Brian,
>
> > A large number of these so-called cruzbikes are on the roads of the USA.
> > Claims are that they are very easy to learn to ride and many have done
200
> > or more km in a day.
> > Would such a machine be an easy stepping stone to learning to ride a
> > python ?
>
> The fact that they are easy to learn tells me that
> they are quite different ;-)
> Cruzbikes as well a  TT-bikes provide similar lever arms
> for legs and for arms, which means that both limb groups
> act similar during the steering process.
>
> The python has a very big lever arm for the legs and almost
> nothing (if any at all) for the arms, which means they are
> legs steered only.
>
> That is quite a difference, but maybe if you try to steer
> the cruzbike by feet only there is a chance that you learn
> the python easier.
>
> BTW: I added some cruzbike pics on
> http://www.python-lowracer.de/modifications.html

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