Fujin to Old Weston

As I hoped in 42: Challenge Fujin, first proper ride I did ride my Challenge Fujin to the service at Old Weston tonight.

I have mentioned this ride before, it is around 20 miles altogether. Gently rolling and very quiet.

The Fujin suspension impressed again. I have not tried adjusting the rear suspension yet, I have not noticed it bottom out, maybe I should try adjusting it until it nearly does so, although the current comfort level does not encourage me to bother. The front suspension clunks occasionally, normally I think this is when it become unweighted when you come off a bump.

No idea about speed as still no computer fitted. You get a different view of speed though when higher up on two wheels. I am quicker up hills I think, while slower and more cautious on bends, downhills and where there might be gravel on the road.

Q: Why are recumbent trike riders slow up hills?

A: Because we can be!

Coming home the B&M front light off the Schmidt Hub dynamo was excellent, very bright and I guess the slightly higher postion compared to my XXL helps it light the road.

I do slightly prefer the seat on my XXL, the Fujin is slightly on the short side when wearing my jacket (due to the kink up for the shoulders) but a think a little padding to reduce the bend a little will help.

I am getting better at the steering and spend nearly all the time on where I want to be (position on the road wise ;-)

One incident illustrated the pros and cons of bike (with full suspension) compared to trike. Between Keyston and Bython I use a short stretch of bridleway to avoid the A14 (it has a bridge), this is clearly a farmers road joining two halves of a farm separated by the A14. It is concrete with joints every few meters and is not very smooth. The trike is fast, fun but shakes you up on this. The Fujin is far, far smoother which makes it easy to take the straight bits fast but I slow down a lot for the corner onto the bridge due to fear of slipping on the loose gravel and animal waste. So Fujin for comfort and smooth speed, trike for feedback and fast fun. However, at some places there is a joint in the concrete running length ways. I caught a tyre in that on the Fujin today and stopped dead and just caught myself from a fall as my left foot instinctively came unclipped. On a trike these things are non issues even if you don't think about it or take care, on a bike you can't disengage brain in the same way.

Currently I have no plans to use my Fujin to tow the Trets trailer bike. I do appreciate the freedom from concerns about balance etc when I have a child with me. But I will be trying to get the miles up on the Fujin as well. It is nice to be able to choose between two great choices.

Comments

[Oliver]

Hi Dave, Have you thought of putting a rev. counter on it? sorry....;-)

A tip on steering your Fujin, try to hold the bars as little and as lightly as possible. Fingertip touch is better than a whole fist-grip, as ANY movement you make in your upper body can get transferred into the handlebars if you are holding too tight. Also, try to 'think' yourself round corners rather than 'steering', letting your handlebars go enough to let them follow you round the corner. Does this make sense? If it does it will help smooth out your steering alot.
I must admit though, that when I first started on two wheeled recumbents I had the same road wandering tendencies.

Oh, and while I'm here...if you dont have disc brakes on your Fujin, then I would not advise towing your Tretts with it at all. Scary thought.

Best ragards,
Oliver