Two "bike" ride experiences

[W.S.-2]

Stretching the term "bike", during the last couple of weeks I've first-timed
on two:  

o  Having my interest piqued by MCN's Fred Rau, I poked around to find
Coleman's FC carries the reverse-trike Bombardier Spyder - 2w in front, one
trailing ("the Y Factor").  So, always looking at options, took a test ride.
Around the lot a few times and an escorted 5mi ride, easily and courteously
arranged.  Thoughts:  
        Homework included: Rau's article talking about suspension
adjustments and unique riding feel; and a review of the operators' manual on
the website (*very* informative).  
        A comfortable fit, perhaps a little forward for me.  Foot brake
only.  Reverse gear a plus.  Very complete-for-me dash.  Good storage
forward.  Good mirrors.  Good power (of course limits never tested).  Easy
shifting.  Several stability systems geared to rear wheel spinning, tipping,
ABS, etc. to be fully understood as a steady rider ("fly-by-wire"?).
Definitely a different, advertised as more stable ("my toy leans out") ride
to be practiced for a few days (see Rau).  Application probably similar to
sidecars.  Colemans has carried for a couple of years.  Bucks -- north of
$15K.  

o  I won, I won!  A "Jetty Express" 3spd 25lb folding bicycle from West
Marine in a drawing (I'm into sailing things these days).  And after a
couple of weeks of shakedown it's becoming more comfortable for neighborhood
trips than my trusty trail bicycle.  When I entered the raffle I thought
"Always wanted to be able to carry a bicycle on the back of my bike for
those ugly-parking places like shopping malls or Annapolis."  Well, having
achieved ownership, the FB does seem to fit but with multi-bungees and some
grunting.  Will report if great comfortable successes ensue (On reflection I
do seem to eke out good mall parking anyway).

Bill S. / DC (on digest)
'99 VN750 > I miss a) Farrah b) Michael.  May both RIP.  
Green machines join the AMA



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