h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I just received my second 'bent and once I learn to ride it, I should be able to easily ride hands free.

I may have mentioned to you before that I have a BikeE, which is very similar in configuration to your PDQ, except with a longer wheel base (front wheel beyond crank).

Well, now I have to learn to ride all over again. Seriously, this new bike tosses out all previous muscle memory and knowledge of riding. I got a Flevobike. So far I haven't had much time to try it out, maybe an hour broken up over two evenings. It truly is like learning to ride a bike for the first time all over again. So far I've only managed to make it to the end of the driveway. Tomorrow though I'll be on it most of the day until I've mastered it. If you're not familiar with the Flevobike, it's a Front Wheel Drive, Mid Frame Steering configuration. The steering joint is under the rider rather than over the wheel. The handlebars are under the seat, but rather than using a linkage to the front forks, the bike is pivoted mid frame. I'll include a video link below featuring someone showing off hands free.

It also has an interesting feature with which the ride height can be altered. http://youtu.be/26i_ucuoFKQ

I'm really looking forward to some long rides on this one.

The Flevobike in action: http://youtu.be/84GN-42StJc

The Showoff: http://youtu.be/QjvUpZ__3bU

Wow. This is the way it's going all right. I wouldn't count on going no-hands that soon though!

Front-wheel drive makes a lot of sense: short chain, not in the way. The Cruzbike has been breaking records with this setup. Incredible turning circle too.

Several searches I've done on Flevobike returned Cruzbike as well.



I'm still amazed at that fellow in the first video above bringing the bike to a near stop... that's fecking magic!

Oh, and I doubt "this is the way it's going". As far as I know, my and my friend's two Flevibikes (his is the racer version) are the only two in the greater Houston/Galveston area if not the entire state of Texas.

There's a reason I had to order mine on eBay from Germany.

The learning curve is high and the sales are very low.


I like running outside of the herd.

Let us know how you progress! No-hands by February?

Definitely.

Between work and weather and other engagements, I haven't had as much time to ride as I would have liked. I went out for a few 10 - 15 minute rides last week. Today I managed to squeeze in 10 miles before the rains arrived. I took every street, court and cul de sac in the neighborhood nearby. I took several opportunities to ride tight, slow circles and figure 8s. My hands are basically just resting on the handlebars until needed. I feel more comfortable taking a hand away to signal, adjust my pants or glasses and wave at passers-by. I even tested hands free by opening my grip a few times, even in a turn and I feel confident I can do it.

The learning curve is high, but worth it. It does handle well (with learned confidence) and the lower profile makes it much more pleasant in wind than even my bikeE.

Yes... I meant my trousers, my jeans.

No, that's fine, you were understood ... we read and hear a lot of American here

This is certainly impressive. Will I be tempted away from my beloved PDQ?

Oh, I dunno...

That learning curve is pretty high.

I'm not getting rid of my BikeE. But the Flevobike is a fun ride.

And today I rode hands free.

And it was easier than I expected. I would have tried it sooner, but the weather has been dreadful for the last two weeks.

I am impressed, envious, tempted.

I thought you might enjoy seeing my bike all kitted out.

http://i.imgur.com/KfwHeqs.jpg

Oh my. That is sexy, pure and simple.

This day gave me the opportunity to test it on some reasonable inclines. Previously, I had only tested it once on a short and very steep semicircle at my local boat ramp. I was going too slow and stalled. This day I went up a few ramps and rises at speed and from a crawl (sharp turn at the bottom of the ramp climbing out of this bayou trail). I now know with a bit of momentum and proper gear choice it does well on climbs. I now know that using granny gear from a stop can cause the front wheel to spin as the suspension bounces. I now think I can get up and over our highest "peak".


http://pics4.city-data.com/cpicc/cfiles38924.jpg

I thought you might enjoy this.

As I mentioned, learning to ride the Flevobike was like learning to ride all over again.


Here's a wonderfully interesting video about someone literally learning to ride a (standard) bicycle all over again... twice.

http://youtu.be/MFzDaBzBlL0

That is utterly fascinating! Thanks! I'm putting that up on boofcake.