The Handlebar - Vision R82 Owner's Manual

Chapter 3: Riding your VISION Chapter 3: Riding your VISION
Chapter 3: Riding your VISION Chapter 3: Riding your VISION Chapter 3: Riding your VISION
Riding a Vision recumbent tandem is no more difficult than
riding a traditional diamond frame tandem, or a single rider
recumbent. If you are new to cycling, you'll find it easy to learn
to ride on a Vision. If you are an experienced rider, you'll have
to learn some new habits, but the benefits of riding a recumbent
far outweigh the small learning curve involved. Either way, it's
important to spend a little time adjusting to your new bike before
riding in traffic or committing to a long ride.
In this chapter I'm going to discuss some things that will make
the transition to recumbents, or learning to ride on a recumbent,
easier. We recommend that the captain take the Double Vision
out solo for the first few rides, to get adjusted to the handling
characteristics of the bike.
First of all, be sure to read the previous chapter about set up of
the bike. To ride well you have to be comfortable, and to be
comfortable you need to be sure that your Vision is adjusted to
fit you properly. The seat angle is adjustable, and really affects
how you feel on the bike. If you're just starting out with
recumbents you will probably want to set the seat as upright as
possible. Later you can recline the seat incrementally until you
find your own ideal position.
If you're comfortable on your bike, it's time to go riding. First
and foremost, the most important part of riding any bike is to
wear proper safety equipment. We discussed safety equipment in
Chapter 1, but I will repeat it here. It is essential to wear a
helmet, all the time, anytime you ride. It's also very important to
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Chapter 2- Set-Up & Adjustment Chapter 2- Set-Up & Adjustment
Chapter 2- Set-Up & Adjustment Chapter 2- Set-Up & Adjustment Chapter 2- Set-Up & Adjustment

The Handlebar

The Handlebar The Handlebar The Handlebar The Handlebar
Your VISION handlebar has been installed on your bike at the
shop. The underseat handlbar is attached to the bike at the stem
tube on the back of the fork. The above seat handlebar is in-
serted into the fork steerer tube. This bar does fold forward to
facilitate mounting and dismounting the bike. There is an adjust-
able stop that limits it's rearward travel. Set this stop so when
you pull the bars back toward you they stop at a comfortable
distance from your body. The resistance of the above bar's fold
can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the hex headed bolt at
the bottom of the riser. Do not leave this adjustment too loose.
The Seat Fabric The Seat Fabric The Seat Fabric The Seat Fabric The Seat Fabric
For the first few weeks of use, the seat fabric will stretch a bit
and appear loose. Simply tighten the fabric as needed — it will
stabilize after about 100 miles or so. The back tension is set
with the Velcro straps, and the seat base tension is set with a
web strap. Check the seat before each ride for abrasions, tears
and tightness.
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