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Cha
Cha
pter 3:
pter 3:
Riding the
Riding the
Cha
Cha
Chapter 3:
pter 3:
pter 3: Riding the
Riding the
Riding the VISION
foot, but keep the strap nice and
loose to start with. Swing the crank
around until your foot is in a
"cocked" position; somewhere
close to the top of the pedal stroke.
This spot is different for everyone,
the key is to find the spot where you
feel best about putting a lot of
power into the pedal. It helps to
hold the bike from rolling with ei-
ther brake.
When you're ready, release the brake, and push forward firmly
on the pedal. As you start moving, lift your other foot up and
keep peddling. At first you probably will wobble a little, but don't
panic and tense up! Just relax and concentrate on making small
corrections with the handlebars. The most common beginners'
error is to overcontrol the bike, ending up steering a set of "S"
curves down the lane. If you relax and let your hands sit lightly
on the handlebars, you will find it easier to avoid this syndrome.
Lean back! You are probably trying to lean forward, to mimic
that "other" type bike you've been riding. Another common first
time mistake is to stare at your feet — after all, you've never seen
them before! Look ahead, see the scenery you've been missing.
Once you're riding smoothly in a straight line, it's time to prac-
tice looking around. Now don't laugh, I'm not being funny nor
condescending. Compared to a traditional bike you will find your-
self looking at the world from a whole new perspective, a com-
fortable one. The biggest problem you will face is keeping your
mind on the road. Since you are riding in a relaxing reclined po-
sition it's all too easy to forget about everything except the scen-
ery in front of you. Looking behind you is not difficult, but it
does take practice. As you ride in a straight line—and are sure
20
20
20
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VISION
VISION
VISION
VISION
R R R R R ead me Fir
ead me Fir
ead me Fir
ead me Fir
ead me First! (cont.)
Check your bike carefully before each ride
* The wheels should be straight and not wobble.
*Squeeze each brake lever to make sure there is no binding and
the brake pads press hard enough on the rims to stop the bike.
The brake pads should be adjusted so they are 1/16" (2mm) away
from the rim when not applied. The brake pads should be cen-
tered on the rim and not touching the tire itself.
*The seat quick release skewers should be closed with at least 20
pounds (14kgf) of force (see the skewer diagram on page 4).
*Sitting on the bike, swing the handlebars from side to side check-
ing for binding or interference. Check to make sure the attach-
ment bolt is tight.
*If you are unsure of the condition of your Vision recumbent, Do
Not Ride It until the problem has been corrected. If you have
any questions at all, see your Vision dealer.
Wear gloves
With its low center of gravity, you don't fall very far on a recum-
bent, but you will touch down with your hand first! A set of
bicycling gloves will protect your skin.
Wear eye protection
Riding down the road at speed is no time to get a bug or dirt stuck
in your eye! Goggles, glasses or both can save your sight.
Practice riding your Vision
Before you mix it up with traffic, spend enough time on your
recumbent on a parking lot, driveway or other open area to get
used to its unique riding position and handling characteristics.
st! (cont.)
st! (cont.)
st! (cont.)
st! (cont.)
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