I’m about to set off for my first (test) ride. How do I ride this thing?
Riding a 260cm long bicycle with a box in front and the front wheel steered through a linkage is strange at first… for about 30 seconds, until your mind/body get used to it. After that you forget why it ever seemed difficult.
Here’s how to best deal with those first wobbly meters:
- Set the saddle at a comfortable, a bit too low position.
- Familiarize yourself with the brakes and gears before pushing off.
- Begin where you can ride straight and have enough room to wobble safely.
- If you’re a nervous type its easier to first begin without the kids in the box. Its one less thing to think about.
- Set the shifter to a medium gear, perhaps 3rd since riding very slowly is actually the most difficult part.
- When you push off just look forward to the horizon and pedal. Don’t look at the wooden box or headlamp/front wheel since they’ll just confuse you.
- Quickly pedal to a moderate speed and just ride down the street. After perhaps 30 seconds you’ll adapt to the steering and then you can make U-turns and other maneuvers.
