[python] More of my practice experience... (re-sent)
- From: Ray Schümacher <mtb@xxxxxxx>
- To: python@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 05 May 2005 07:09:55 -0700
(I didn't see this come back on the list, so...)
I had time (and energy) for some more practice on the python.
my recommendations to other noobs:
1. Have the seat as high as you can while able to touch ground, I actually
found that I didn't start with my hands down, but it is helpful many times
2. Do not use a low pivot angle, at least at first. The biggest thing against
me was the slow response of steer. When I had a 59deg. angle and lower seat I
could _not_ learn to ride it. It seems acceptable at ~65 now.
3. Wear gloves. No need for a helmet, your hands, elbows and knees will always
hit first.
4. Find a wide space. I crashed and stopped pointlessly, and often, in the
street. I even considered training wheels <gasp>. But, I moved to a set of
tennis courts nearby and was riding around them in 10 minutes.
5. I think my solid, stiff seat helps as it gives something stable to push
against with the back to pedal and maneuver.
6. I use the under-seat handlebars I just welded on, a lot, - but many don't
and Jurgen apparently has control issues with them. I try to learn legs-only as
I can. (You know, I gives me the impression of riding my Trek no-hands while
standing up with the top tube between my legs, Tricky, but do-able.) I removed
the high bars in the one photo; although the motion is less contrary to the hip
motion. With the low bars I definitely feel pushing on the right hinders my
hips swinging right when turning left.
7. Starting took me more practice than maneuvering once going.
I start by holding the brake, both hands on the bars, setting one pedal towards
me and one good push to start. I need to get up 8+km/h to feel steady. The most
important thing is starting very nearly upright and straight. A few quick
adjustments until you get up more speed might be all you need. Again, because
of the pivot angle I sometimes find the need to swing the wheel wildly if I
don't start well; this is where the bars help I think, as the feet are not yet
cycling quickly and the need to get the bike back under me quickly is large.
Going downhill I keep the rear (the only) brake dragging, it feels more stable
and prevents disasters.
I have the chain set on the middle 36 ring and the middle 22 cog. I'll add
shifters next week. A lower gear helps a lot too, it gets the feet moving
around quicker. I find the same riding upright no-hands; it's easier to do
while pedaling.
8. I look ahead about 10 meters; anything closer, it's too late anyway...
I can just turn around (usually) in one-half of a tennis court. Staying upright
with the CoG over the wheelbase is many times more finicky than my Trek.
http://www.rjs.org/gallery/ptgorge3.jpg The pencil vs. broomstick balancing
analogy is apt, and looking ahead vs. at the front wheel really make a
difference at this point.
I wonder about the wheelbase - mine could be about 16cm shorter and so have a
tighter turn radius, but then the rear-steer would also be that much larger,
making it harder to get the bike back under the CoG. Has anyone tested the
effect of just shortening wheelbase?
A few more evenings and I'll feel confident enough to ride around town some.
Ray Schumacher
La Jolla, CA (near San Diego)
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=13&Z=11&X=296&Y=2270&W=1
http://rjs.org/gallery/python_1.jpg
http://rjs.org/gallery/python_2.jpg
http://rjs.org/gallery/pivot.jpg
http://rjs.org
also:
http://rexranger.com
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