Decided to do an experiment today and set the seat all the way back and did 8 miles of hill climbing up an average 2%.
Because i know this will rear bias my weight, i also let approx 5psi out of the front tire and shock.
I took off the front bag and crosswind stability improved
massively. I need to rethink my storage.
I was able to pedal from a stall and hold 23mph for half a mile. I only gained 1 mph.
I think my loose clothing is holding me back from realizing higher speed. But that speed is pretty good for a clydesdale
Down a 0.5-1% grade, the bike is
terrifyingly fast. I'm riding the brakes a bit and not daring to pedal, keeping it below 35. Maybe a little too aerodynamic
NVH was barely tolerable on a 90PSI rear tire. The front was quite jittery. This is no surprise, but it's improved notably since i went to a semi fat front tire.
A few serious irregularities on the sidewalk at a mere 15mph felt like they nearly pinch flatted both tires, and actually upset the rear ( this is hard to do ).
Super concerning.
The bike needs better bump compliance, especially in the rear, where drama is more dangerous than on the front. This experience cements my choice to use 22" x 2.4" in the rear over the lighter 21.75"
I'll see if i can get some more weight off the front wheel. I believe it's possible, and a lot easier knowing that an aerodynamic shape doesn't matter as much for defeating crosswinds. 200g still matters, and it is worth doing.
Regardless of the issues, it was a fun ride. I was climbing 7-13mph the entire time,
Going downhill in fully laid back mode without regenerative braking and poor NVH is for psychos, so i'll be moving the seat back to the middle position so that i have less of both problems.
Another problem with maximum recline is that the handlebar doesn't have enough reach.
You can't lean back fully due to this, otherwise it's too hard to steer the bike.
Yet another problem with maximum recline is that the bike is hilariously unstable until you hit 7mph. You have to hold the outer edges of the bar to get good stability... or you are not getting started from a stop.
The idea is the same on semi recumbents as mountain bikes. The wider the handlebar position, the more leverage, the better the control at slow speed.
During this ride, i had really long handlebar grips that forced my hands inwards, which caused me to hold the edges of the bar for slow speed stability, at the expense of not being able to grip the brake.
I cut a little over half an inch off, and now with my hands on the edge, i can access the brakes and also the ideal leverage point.
Should improve low speed stability in maximum recline, and slightly improve it in medium recline ( not that it needs it )
I think maximum recline is only unlockable with a +13mm rear shock upgrade, the pendulum pedals getting me 7mm forward, and the longer swingarm reducing drama in the rear end.