Well, I finally got to take my HP Velo SMGTe for a spin today -- around
the office!
Or, more precisely, the hallways of my floor in the building where I
work (I mail-ordered it and had it delivered to work for various
reasons). I didn't want to be stumbling all over the place out of
doors now!
What great fun! Right now, I'm more exhausted than I thought I'd be.
Must be those 'bent muscles struggling to develop! Also, I haven't
eaten all day and don't sleep much these days. But I must have done
like sixty laps around the floor...I wonder if those security cameras
work!
One thing I noticed is how much of a problem heel strike can be on an
SWB. The sharpest turns have got to be made without pedaling by the
foot on the side being turned into. Unless you're a very tall person
(I reckon 6'3" and above), heel strike is a definite possibility.
Also, the turns are very limited and not really sharp, actually. This
'bent rides like what driving a van must be like -- you have to watch
out for an oversized hood out front, and a dragging ass in the back.
Nowhere as nimble as a DF, though still nimble enough that I'd consider
urban riding and even commuting daily. Might not be as enjoyable being
a slow whale, though.
Everyone was definitely impressed by the bike, though. It is really
good looking. The paint job is fantastic, and "dormant orange" seems
the perfect color, befitting its iconoclastic spirit but muted enough
so it's not flourescent.
And I'm already riding with no hands! For all of three seconds when
going straight, anyway. Generally, the less I think about any task the
better I am -- the key to this SWB is relaxing, like Luke Skywalker
using the Force...only don't close your eyes!
So far so good. I was able to navigate corners with very little
clearance, I was able to maintain momentum and balance at speeds of as
low as 3 mph when going straight but not pedaling...
One thing, though. I've yet to try any hills, and haven't had the
chance to go full out to see how fast I can go on the flats with this
bike. I'm afraid I'll be fairly disappointed: though I've only pedaled
through short hallways, the fastest I'd been yet is a mere 8 mph! Even
so, I am feeling tired...wonder if it's 'bent-muscles trying to form a
'bent club!
But there's a lot I have to learn about this bike, and bicycling in
general. I'll post a follow-up in another two weeks or so.
As always, a very big thanks to all you fellow netizens and 'bent-heads
out there for your thoughts these past few months! This 'bent-smile's
for you: =)