PPP. My first ride
I picked up my new (second hand) Pashley PDQ on saturday - it was a nice trip out to Oxford and back, whilst listening to the football on Radio Five Live. I got back saturday afternoon and decided to leave looking at the bike until sunday, as the rest of the football was on Radio and TV.
The bike needed a bit of a clean, and the chain and cassette needed degreasin as they were in a pretty poorly state - I also had to reduce the boom length as the bike was set up for a 6 foot rider whereas I am 5'10". After that, the bike was ready to ride! And then it started raining.
So, my first ride out has been this afternoon - did my usual training ride which comprises a couple of nice hills but mainly `rolling countryside`. It's about 14 miles total, and I felt that I could do it even though this was my first ever time on a recumbent.
After a rather shaky start, I got to grips with the steering - I had been warned that taking off would be quite hard, but I found this OK. The steering is the worst part for me, as I found it hard to take either hand off the handlebar - the one time I tried to grab my water bottle, I actually ended up in a heap on the grass verge - I didn't hurt myself fortunately.
I know that I am quite fit for cycling - and yet, right now I feel awful. Riding a recumbent definitely uses a different muscle set than a normal bike. The back of my legs are on fire.
The other thing to contend with is that everyone, and I mean *everyone* stares at you like you are from Mars. I'm guessing that recumbents are so rare that once seen, never forgotten.
To be fair, this is my first ride - so I'll give it another few weeks to see if I can get used to it - if not, I'll stick the PDQ on eBay. I must admit that my first impression is not very positive, but I will persist for a while.
Having said all that, I did break my record for cycling my training route, by about 30 seconds or so - considering this was my first ever go on a recumbent, you can see that this type of bike is obviously quite aerodynamic - it's the only thing I can attribute as the gear set seems about the same as my usual bike…once I get to grips with it, I'd say it should be possible to shave at last another 5, perhaps 10 minutes off my route time.
Comment by Chance — October 30, 2006 @ 10:09 pm
Several years ago in the US a fly-by-night bike manufacturer marketed recumbent bikes to the elderly citing the decreased back strain, better for the knees angle, etc. It came complete with streamers on the handlebars, a HUGE windshield, and a huge padded foam seat. That, and it only came in "look-at-me-I'm-old" bright red for the color.
I've only seen one, and it had an 80 year old man on it- he also ended up in a heap on the side of the road.
I understand that your bike is not the "elderly approved" model, but I still imagine you looking like an 80 year old grandpa riding around the English countryside.
I personally think this post would not be complete without pics!
Comment by SarahG — October 30, 2006 @ 10:54 pm
Oxford? heh am just 20 minutes away from there at my parents (we've moved in with the lack of ADSL at home!). I swear one of these days we'll meet
Comment by Chance — October 31, 2006 @ 12:32 am
It won't be hard to spot Burt- he'll be the guy on the silly looking bike.
/runs
Comment by ash — November 1, 2006 @ 3:44 pm
How much did you pay Burt?
I already have various different kinds of bikes (DH, XC, Trials, street etc) and Id like another!
Comment by burt — November 1, 2006 @ 8:47 pm
Ash; I paid £400 for it. New, they are about £900. I'm still persisting with it, but it is really hard work.
Sarah; I was this side of Oxford. As JC says, I'll be on the weird bike
Pics to follow - maybe
Comment by ash — November 2, 2006 @ 8:59 am
I am intrigued. I have emailed a few Taiwanese manufactures of recumbent bikes, hopefully the price isnt too high.
Burt - I have to ask - being at exhaust level isnt a little dangerous? Can cars even see you from behind? Im sure you would have to give them a good few meters either side. I be scared shitless of being destroyed by a taxi driver.
Comment by burt — November 2, 2006 @ 10:28 am
Ash, you're not at exhaust level - you're at almost the same level as a car driver! I'll get my SO to take a couple of pics later…
Comment by ash — November 4, 2006 @ 4:19 am
didnt know you had a SO!
When your not busy, could you have him post up some pics?!
Comment by burt — November 4, 2006 @ 12:42 pm
LOL. Sure