Carbent Commuter...using the wedge...

[mike]

Several events have forced me to make some changes in my rides.
In July, a left had turning woman decided I was far enough through the
intersection that I was invisible...while she was talking to her
mom...and hit me. I was riding my Bacchetta giro 26. Bent seat
frame, glide stem and a crack at the seat stay main tube weld left my
having to choose another ride.
Since then, I have ridden a trike, a rans rocket, an epx speedster
(hybrid), and the Carbent.
In the meantime, chronic back and neck issues showed themselves
again. I could only ride the Rocket without arm pain and weakness.
But in spite of my pain and weakness I took the obvious choice, my
Carbent, to the local senior games. I did well enough to qualify for
the States. But the position of speed is ok only for a ten k. Not
enough to get out and enjoy every day.

So I began looking at ways to improve my position on the Carbent. I
have discovered several ways to get the effective seat angle to where
I can ride it!
1. My 20 liter dry bag with my clothes and tires and tools behind
the foam bag gets me up to about fifty degrees, and is pretty
comfortable.
2. A plastic shoe storage box behind the foam is another way to have
storage and increase the seat angle.
3. Pink foam insulation in layers built up to bring the seatback up
has been a great way to see where the build up is most beneficial
The layers could be glued together to form an appropriate shape and a
male plug for a more permenant wedge.

It has proven to be a fun experiment. I commuted today using the dry
bag wedge. I rode last night with the shoebox wedge. While crude,
these have allowed me to see the carbent in a different perspective.
I have had to do it to ride, but encourage you to try someting
different. Use a wedge and change your seat angle to a less aero
position. It feels like an entirely different bike as you increase
the seat angle. You can pick up a steralite shoe box for about three
dollars. A little velcro can keep it in position.

You may be fortunate enough not to have to adapt to continue to ride.
But have some fun. Try a little different position.

Mike