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Politics : Rat's Nest - Chronicles of Collapse

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To: Crocodile who wrote (2347)10/3/2005 4:40:04 AM
From: Snowshoe  Read Replies (1) of 24211
 
Croc, it's a very different riding experience. The upright sitting position is great for enjoying the scenery and watching out for moose, etc. You can stop and take pictures, check your map, or snack while seated with your feet on the ground. Coasting downhill feels a lot safer than it does on a regular bike. My rate of speed on this bike is somewhat slower than on my regular bikes, but I can ride it for hours with a lot less strain on my body.

The bike is heavy, and 2/3 of the weight is on the back tire so it has somewhat excessive rolling resistance. The long chain and extra center sprocket add friction, and the upright sitting position increases wind resistance. Steering takes a while to get used to. The long wheel base requires a much wider turning radius, and it's hard to maintain balance at very slow speeds. It's not so good on long steep hills because you can't stand up and put your weight on the pedals. Despite the shocks it is not an off-road bike -- you need pavement or a hard-packed trail. Note: the Bent II omits the front shock so it's a lot cheaper and requires less maintenance.

One totally unexpected thing is that kids like it. Riding home tonight I passed a family out for a walk, and one of the kids said: "Hey, that's cool!". I get that a lot from kids.
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