Only my second day out on the GUNI but it’s going well. Some things I’ve noticed with gear changing:
When changing to the higher gear, aside from easing pressure on the pedals, relax and pause legs and ‘wait’ for the cranks to come around, as the cranks slow significantly relative to the speed of the uni.
Changing down to the lower gear is the opposite of course – spin into the change so the guni doesn’t slow dramatically, dispatching you off the front!
Obvious stuff when you stop and think about it, but being aware of the pause when shifting up for example seems to help smooth the shifting process, for me at this stage anyway!
My gear changing today wasn’t as clean as it was the first day, but I still had a lot of fun and good riding. I’ll probably get some hi-top shoes for GUNI as it’s mainly my ankle bone (not even sure if that is the correct name) that is connecting with the shifter button and in the process getting bumped around. I think hi-tops would also make the changing process a little more convenient due to the extra width and contact area of the shoe.
What did happen today was that I had the biggest crash since mid year. After a session on the GUNI I swapped over to the KH36, which now felt like a small easy to spin wheel compared to the virtual 43″ wheel of the GUNI in high gear. I got carried away with this feeling on the 36″ and attempted to jump over roots and branches at speed as if I was on a 24″ and promptly got dispatched off the front, onto blue stone rocks. OUCH!
Riding the GUNI in high gear atm takes far more concentration than in 1:1 where you are focussed but quite relaxed. The high gear certainly works the legs much more too, but I think the toughest part atm is remembering to have the patience and discipline to not go too fast and have a fully out of control high speed UPD.
Bottom line: Ride all uni’s with respect!
Before my next ride I’ll have to take of the shifter buttons and check to see if the cranks need tightening.