Daniel (SquareCorners) has a friend that purchased a Cruzbike Quest a while back, and basically found it impossible to ride, despite significant attempts -- so it's been sitting in his garage.  I've tried a FWD/MBB a couple times, and even with professional help (Jonathan Garcia of Rose City), couldn't ride it more than about 50 feet...  but, all these killer rides that Maria and other CB riders are accomplishing on Vendettas have kept me intrigued.
 
Daniel brought it over a few days ago, and I've been playing on it a bit.  The first couple attempts were RIDICULOUS, and I put it away.  I tried it again yesterday, briefly, and remembered what Jonathan told me - PUSH with your hands, instead of pulling.  That definitely helped, and after a few false starts, I was able to ride it about 200 yards around our cul-de-sac -- but my triceps were telling me about it, very quickly.  Steering into a turn is also very weird - and forget pedaling when turning.  It feels like if I try to actually STEER, it goes crazy.
 
But, 200 yards is a lot further than I expected -- so I'm going to play with it some more...  but how the hell do you climb a hill on this thing????  Gawd.....

I have been riding a Cruzbike for going on 4 years now. First was a home built conversion then my Silvio for the last 2 years, thanks to Jay letting me test ride his around the lake. I can say the toughest part is learning. Patience and what Jerry said. Those learning tips are immeasurable. I went to the park many, many days before I got out on the roads. I can ride anywhere, anytime and love, love, love this bike. I would not change it for anything. If you want to make it work best advice I can give is don't get on any other type, bent or DF until you master it. Lots of folks have echoed that as well. Once you get going and comfy in a straight line you will never go back. See at the MS150!

I've heard that the "Cruzbike Learning Curve" tends to be biggest for those who previously rode non-moving-bottom-bracket recumbents.  
 
I learned to ride my Silvio fairly quickly.   I felt like I was ready for the open road after a few hours with it in a parking lot.   But it was the first recumbent that I ever rode.    Now, I also have a Vendetta and a SoftRider (which is the easiest of the 3 to ride, in my opinion, but it's also the slowest).
 
I'd probably be all over the place if I ever tried to ride a rear wheel drive recumbent!

HI Ron,
 
Davis --  
 
 
Long time no talk too -- I'm still around though I had about a 10 year hiatus due to some medical issues.   I'm still no where near as strong as I was in the past.   Anyway --   I   Still have the 1 of the 2 streamliners, the original white one was donated to my grad schools engineering program.    The carbon fiber front wheel drive one is in storage.  I've been mostly riding 3 wheeled streamliners .. aka velomobiles lately  
 
It would be great to see you and catch up on a ride again sometime soon assuming you are in the area?  
 
Quote from cucharared on Dec 3^rd, 2016, 9:09pm:

Ah, Doug Davis. Glad you're still around. Sorry you've had medical issues.  Yeah, I'm still around but got some knee and hip injuries on my dirt bike and haven't ridden pedal-power consistently in a long time.  I'm trying to rectify that now with the trike.  Good to hear from you.
 
Quote from MrWizard on Dec 4^th, 2016, 5:04pm: