OldFartRides Posted November 22, 2022 Share Posted November 22, 2022 The thrill of learning to ride is fantastic. Enjoy, and take it slow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul A Posted November 22, 2022 Share Posted November 22, 2022 If it were possible, make a mark on the EUC shell of where the axle is. Could use a tape measure to measure where the horizontal half way mark is on the shell. This would be the pivot point of the wheel. Position and stand fully erect on the pedals, such that the ankles/calves/knees/legs are along the vertical line of the pivot point. Ankles would be below the pivot point, toes likely protruding over front of pedals. Slight movement of the body forwards, will move the EUC forwards.......vice versa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jkay Posted November 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2022 New to the forum, just got my new V12HT, and I am well into my 69th year a 230 lb 6’3” old guy. Well older anyway. I have been having a lot of fun on my EUC, still way early in the learning curve. My biggest problem has been (well currently) is the period right after an unassisted launch I am unstable from second foot up to 4-5 mph. Not at my most graceful. If I am going to stumble it is during this time. After I get aboard I can slow to this speed no problem. Anyway, just another chance to excel! Lots of fun, once the pains stopped! 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 24 minutes ago, Jkay said: New to the forum, just got my new V12HT, and I am well into my 69th year a 230 lb 6’3” old guy. Well older anyway. I have been having a lot of fun on my EUC, still way early in the learning curve. My biggest problem has been (well currently) is the period right after an unassisted launch I am unstable from second foot up to 4-5 mph. Not at my most graceful. If I am going to stumble it is during this time. After I get aboard I can slow to this speed no problem. Anyway, just another chance to excel! Lots of fun, once the pains stopped! Pain will stop I promise, worst thing I did was bruise my shin real bad getting off tho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Punxatawneyjoe Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 24 minutes ago, Jkay said: New to the forum, just got my new V12HT, and I am well into my 69th year a 230 lb 6’3” old guy. Well older anyway. I have been having a lot of fun on my EUC, still way early in the learning curve. My biggest problem has been (well currently) is the period right after an unassisted launch I am unstable from second foot up to 4-5 mph. Not at my most graceful. If I am going to stumble it is during this time. After I get aboard I can slow to this speed no problem. Anyway, just another chance to excel! Lots of fun, once the pains stopped! Welcome to the forums jkay, glad to hear you are enjoying EUC. I am fairly new to EUC as well(about 6 months)and have been enjoying every minute. I would have to say that at super slow speeds the euc is hardest to keep balanced so it makes sense that you are unstable then. This gets easier with practice and being able to relax but more i would say but instability at low speed is a thing for most riders i would assume. Don't give up and make sure you gear up and have fun, the more confidence you build the easier it will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 Thanks much! I have got going 10 mph or so ok, not graceful but…. so my next challenge is riding around in the driveway at slow speeds. It looks like a great deal of fun just tooling around in a small area. I am a old high time/mileage motorcycle rider so I have all the hi-tech Kevlar motorcycle gear although at my current speeds, just knee, elbow, wrist guards with a motocross helmet is my protection. Us old guys don’t like pain, and we heal slowly! Happy Thanksgiving to all! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) I have since started wearing LEATT dual axis knee guards. Edited November 24, 2022 by Crab 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 Yep, I like that! When I graduate to a speed I can’t walk (not run) out of I will break out my big guns as far as gear goes. Also more comfortable! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 I found a local group on FB, they helped a lot with getting me where I’m at now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 We live out the the woods an wilds of Southern Mississippi, I am will to bet I have the only EUC within 100 miles! This forum is invaluable while learning the points of the EUC! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Grandpa_Jay Posted November 24, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) UPDATE - As mentioned in my last post, day 4 I had appointments in town all day. I DID take the wheel with me and found about an hour to attempt holding on to a fence, riding a sidewalk. As in day 3, I would make it a few feet - sometimes. I AM however getting stronger. I CAN now complete the circles forward and backwards. The hop on & hop off, well I'm trying. Day 5, today, is Thanksgiving day. I did get outside with my wheel for less than an hour. I HURT! I am so bruised in the ankles, chins and knees! I have been attempting to make bubble wrap pads while awaiting my gear. THEN... last night, in the same place where I fell hard on my back, in the kitchen - I was WALKING the wheel with the trolley and CRASH! BANG! what the heck!! I bent the trolley I took it apart, got the handle back down and am able to have it in the Ride or Carry positions only now. Bubble wrap still holding out on the wheel - I wish it would work as well for me! ALSO - I have been having a hard time deciding what shoes to wear. I don't even own tennis shoes. I wear leather boots. I have tried three different pair, but all have a heal. Even the ones with a very aggressive sole do not see like they lock on to the pedals like I would prefer. It is a bit cold and overcast today, and it is Thanksgiving day so I think I will take a break for the rest of today - as I sit here with Ice on my legs. Today, I was able to ride about 15 to 20 feet unassisted. AND, one of those launches was also unassisted. Progress is painfully slow, but my gear should be here next week - I am hoping that gives me some confidence. Getting a few more miles on, inside the house again - but at least a bit more controlled than day 1 & 2. At the end of day 5 of training, these five things are evident - 1) I continue to feel MUCH more stable going Backwards! 2) I will be grateful when my Ironman accessories arrive as the Bubbleman accessories are not keeping me from getting bruised. 3) My legs (despite being beat up) ARE getting stronger. 4)Changing the angle of the pedals by 4degrees forward made a HUGE difference. 5) This is going to be an expensive hobby. (Saw a tip in one of the videos about changing the angle of the pedal)! THAT seemed to make the circle drills come to life! Haven't had much outside time with it yet, but the little I did rode more feet LOL. Edited November 24, 2022 by Grandpa_Jay 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadpower Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 I prefer something like these for riding shoes. I especially want the padded ankle protection and for them to be not heavy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) I myself been wearing Kohmbu boots from Costco, very light with some ankle cover. https://www.costco.com/khombu-men's-hiker-boot.product.100853744.html Edited November 24, 2022 by Crab 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tawpie Posted November 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) The sandpaper on the pedals works best on rubber soles, if your boots have leather soles they'll be much more slippery. I started with my Merrill hiking boots and they really worked well. If you're handy, you could add spikes to your pedals but first you need to find some boots (protection from both twisted ankles and ankle bites from the pedals) with a rubber sole. Taking a day or two off is highly advised. As are short learning sessions (30 mins/day). Believe it or not your muscles learn things while you sleep, and it's their memory, not your brain, that keeps you balanced. Your battle bruises will heal given the chance, and are only a temporary thing. Edited November 24, 2022 by Tawpie 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Grandpa_Jay Posted November 24, 2022 Author Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) TWO QUESTIONS - At what point should I charge the wheel? I got it Friday, late at 28%. I charged it that night and I believe it is at around 81% now. Is there a certain percentage that I should be charging it at? AIR PRESSURE? I will have to weigh after I find the right boots and my Ironman suit. Without I am about 140 lbs 5' 5" I believe I put it at about 30lbs. How often should I check that? TIA I really appreciate all the advise here While updating my last post I remembered as a ?pre-teen? attempting to learn to ride a manual Unicycle. NOW, I can clearly see that I simply didn't have the patience to learn that then. I think I tried once again in my early 20's I did not have the TIME or patience required then either... perhaps if it had been an EUC ? NOPE - I would have never have been able to afford such a pleasure when I was young enough to... well hopefully My time is NOW Happy Thanksgiving to those of you that celebrate- Have a fantastic Weekend & to ALL --> Stay Safe Edited November 24, 2022 by Grandpa_Jay 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa_Jay Posted November 24, 2022 Author Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) Looking good @Crab Tracking says most of my gear will be arriving tomorrow!@!@ <-- {That was an E-Happy Dance} I'm going to try to get a picture of the shoes and update this... The Shoes...Fly Milepost Waterproof Breathable Sport Touring Motorcycle Street Boot The Milepost Boot is Loaded with Comfort and Protection - at an Affordable Price! Premium Features Include: Waterproof Membrane Breathable AirweaveTM Interior Comfortable Leather Construction Removable/Replaceable Comfort Insoles Zip and Velcro Closure System E-Z Walk Soles Protection Features Include: Built-in Ankle, Shin and Toe Protection Shifter Wear Protection Reflective Safety Striping on the Rear. The result is a Waterproof and Breathable Sport-Touring Boot for all Riding Conditions. Note- These boots do not have submersible waterproofing capabilities. Note- This is a non-current model boot. Edited November 24, 2022 by Grandpa_Jay 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Cerbera Posted November 24, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 24, 2022 59 minutes ago, Grandpa_Jay said: At what point should I charge the wheel? I charge mine to full after every time I ride, even if I barely make a dent in my vast pack capacity, which is many times greater than I use my daily trips. I do this to balance the cells more than anything else, and because my particular wheel performs best and most safely when near maximum charge. 1 hour ago, Grandpa_Jay said: How often should I check that? Get it right initially, and you should barely ever have to check it - unless you have got a crap Schrader valve it shouldn't leak unless you get a puncture. How will you know if pressure is too high ? You'll be skating about on the rim like a frightened horse on a frozen lake. How will you know if pressure is too low ? The wheel will feel almost 'too' grippy, and whilst it will be much more comfortable to ride and easier to control (bigger surface area in contact with road) turning via hip shift at lower speeds will require more effort, and you'll get through battery faster. It will feel quite saggy and unresponsive when you get too low, and your rims will be in danger from hard kerbs, bumps, drops or suspension bottom-outs. When you find the right / ideal pressure you will be somewhere in the middle with a perfect balance of battery efficiency, grip, nimbleness and comfort. 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbera Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 1 hour ago, Grandpa_Jay said: he Milepost Boot is Loaded with Comfort and Protection - at an Affordable Price! Yes those are exactly the sort of boots you want Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crab Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 30psi should be fine, I’m 185 and been riding my 16x with 25psi but I don’t have the benefit of suspension. Also it puts more tire in contact with the pavement reducing the wobbles. It’s better at 28 for turning, but above that it gets bouncy and wobbly at times. 1psi can really make a difference in ride quality, once you get the hang of it I would experiment a bit. Too low and you could damage the rim tho, or get a flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadpower Posted November 24, 2022 Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) I usually do not charge until the wheel is below 40% but it depends on what I plan on doing. For example, if the wheel was at 40% and I knew that all I would be doing is noodling around my neighborhood I would not charge it in advance, I would allow it to go lower on the charge. When I do charge it I allow it a few hours extra if there is time to do so which there usually is. As for tire pressure, this may help. https://www.ewheels.com/guide-tires-appropriate-pressures-electric-unicycle/ PS: In time you will likely become sensitive to tire pressure and you will figure out what you like and don't like. You definitely want enough air to protect the wheel (rim) from impact damage (something that you are unlikely to have an issue with while learning as it takes aggressive behavior to threaten damaging impacts). Edited November 24, 2022 by Roadpower 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawpie Posted November 25, 2022 Share Posted November 25, 2022 (edited) 7 hours ago, Grandpa_Jay said: At what point should I charge the wheel? I got it Friday, late at 28%. I charged it that night and I believe it is at around 81% now. Is there a certain percentage that I should be charging it at? I usually charge when it gets below 50%, you don't want to run the battery down too low as there's increased risk of battery damage AND you lose power headroom. And I rarely charge if it's above 50% unless I'm planning a long ride the next day. When you do charge, you should always charge to green LED then leave it on the charger for 1-2 hours. All owners should watch this video and heed its wisdom: 7 hours ago, Grandpa_Jay said: AIR PRESSURE? I'd say you're good at 30 psi for learning... lower tire pressure makes it much easier to learn but as you get better and there's the possibility of dropping off curbs or hitting a pothole you'll want to air up a bit. To find the "right" pressure, I tend to start high, for you say, 40 psi. You'll notice it's very squirrly and difficult to control, like riding on a knife edge. Let a little air out, ride test, rinse and repeat. When it starts to feel right, remeasure the pressure and use that in the future. Pressure is very subjective with the only caveat being you don't want too low pressure or you risk damaging your rim when you hit a pothole or drop, at your weight I wouldn't be below 25 psi as a rough number. Recheck the pressure when it doesn't feel right or whenever you feel like going through the hassle. Edited November 25, 2022 by Tawpie 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chriull Posted November 25, 2022 Share Posted November 25, 2022 9 hours ago, Grandpa_Jay said: At what point should I charge the wheel? I got it Friday, late at 28%. I charged it that night and I believe it is at around 81% now. Is there a certain percentage that I should be charging it at? As the S18 does not have the huge capacity battery it's recommandable to charge it full before each and every ride! Battery voltage (~charge %) is active safety - it's directly proportional to maximum speed and overlean limit. Between 63V to 84V is factor of 4/3! Additinally to overcome burdens (acceleration, air drag, incline) a certain motor current is needed. As battery voltage is "transformed" downto motor voltage battery current increases with decreasing battery voltage! Of course for learning and easy low(er) speed rights this does not really matter. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post mrelwood Posted November 26, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted November 26, 2022 Late into the thread, but I wanted to give my support to @Grandpa_Jay and also tackle a few early comments: On 11/17/2022 at 7:27 AM, Roadpower said: Like when you were a kid you could fall forward and roll and not have a single issue with that. If you can do that even gingerly you may be okay to ride. If not I think it understandably difficult to recommend riding. I strongly disagree. The variety in riding aggressiveness between riders is absolutely huge. And different ones have very different requirements for the rider’s physique, technique, gear, etc. I have been on a ride a few times with a guy that had a bad airplane accident several years ago. His spine was crushed, and he could barely walk. Riding improved his condition, so he used cross country skiing poles to help him get on the wheel, and after a few hundred stiff yards he could ride decently well for over a dozen miles at around 15 mph. And the amount of joy it brought to his life was immeasurable. I can’t fault him riding despite his condition. Sure there’s risk, but the reward outweighs it all. Then there’s me. 44-year old guy with a challenging condition from birth, who can usually walk only a few hundred yards at a time, and I can only dream about making any kind of a roll. And I’ve ridden EUCs for about 23000 miles in 5.5 years, a lot of it off-road. When I’m on the wheel, I have a totally new body. I can fly, glide, reverse, etc, and I’m still the best technical off-road rider I’ve ever met. And I’ve met a few. I haven’t had any high speed crashes (above 15 mph), and none of them bad ones. I gear up to my condition, and most importantly, I ride to my condition. I do ride up to 30mph, but only on select spots and select days. There are some riders at this forum who think a person shouldn’t be riding in my condition. I’d ask them to think it the other way around: What would it take for someone to say at a discussion forum that would make them to stop riding themselves? Right, I thought as much. Riding can be an immeasurable source of joy, and even be the main exercise to keep you nimble and feeling well. Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t ride! Then to the learning. Unfortunately internet and YouTube makes everyone a teacher, and it’s hard to filter out the useful ones from the useless and harmful ones. I suggest watching several high profile learning guides, and pick up the exercises that make the most sense to you. On 11/17/2022 at 7:27 AM, Roadpower said: In my experience you want to learn completely free standing. On 11/17/2022 at 7:27 AM, Roadpower said: This whole thing is teaching you mounting and dismounting which is the foundation of riding. I see free mounting futile if you can’t actually ride. Once you have learned to balance enough to ride for more than ~30 feet (most times), free mounting has a goal as you know what you are trying to achieve. Also, that’s the technique our local 15 minute teacher uses with great success, as his nickname suggests… On 11/17/2022 at 1:26 PM, h00ktern said: 4. You should be physically fit and not fragile. Like hell you should! On 11/17/2022 at 1:26 PM, h00ktern said: If you are confident in your abilty to trip up and tumble from a jog or sprint, then you should be ok. No. On 11/17/2022 at 1:26 PM, h00ktern said: Tie a strap to the handle, hold onto it with one hand, and try not to flail the other arm too much. Don’t do that! Arm flailing is exactly what one needs to be able to do with both hands while learning. Every single strap user I’ve seen have struggled with learning to ride, and the struggles have disappeared right away once they removed the strap. On 11/17/2022 at 1:26 PM, h00ktern said: but know that these wheels are not 100% reliable and safe. Accept that you might get hurt and suffer the consequences. This is an important reminder. On 11/24/2022 at 10:41 PM, Grandpa_Jay said: Today, I was able to ride about 15 to 20 feet unassisted. Since you aren’t able to meet a seasoned rider locally to get you started, the next best thing is to shoot a video of yourself learning, and let us comment on what you might want to concentrate on. There are often things that are quite obvious to experienced riders that are hard for you to catch yourself. One thing comes to mind: Don’t cram your feet right next to the wheel shell. You need a bit of room to be able to tilt the wheel left and right, especially on the S18. That’s how you steer and balance. The slower you go, the more you need to tilt. On 11/24/2022 at 10:41 PM, Grandpa_Jay said: 1) I continue to feel MUCH more stable going Backwards! You are probably still standing too far back. Level the back of your shoe with the back of the pedal for a starting point. On 11/25/2022 at 1:29 AM, Grandpa_Jay said: At what point should I charge the wheel? You are still riding very short distances, but I’d still charge at around 50% at the latest. Charge to full + few hours of balancing. On 11/25/2022 at 1:29 AM, Grandpa_Jay said: AIR PRESSURE? I’d say for your weight 25-35 psi for the S18. On 11/25/2022 at 1:29 AM, Grandpa_Jay said: How often should I check that? Start with 2 weeks. If it holds, double that. If it holds, double again. Etc. Once it has dropped maybe 3 psi, you have found your interval. Good luck with the wonderful journey! 2 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa_Jay Posted November 26, 2022 Author Share Posted November 26, 2022 Thanks for all that @mrelwood I haven't figured out how to use the quoting feature correctly. I got my armor and my boots today!! I so wish I had all of this before I started - maybe I wouldn't be so bruised and sore?? I have very scrawny legs - skin over bone. Tends to bruise easily. I think a couple of days healing might be in order. I continue to force myself out there each day, but it hurts so much I cannot say that I am enjoying it at this point. I can still only make it a few feet (10 to 20) BUT, not consistently. I am hoping that the armor will give me more confidence? Posting a video of me trying to ride this thing - now there's a thought. I did take a couple on day one and day three but I couldn't even do the circle drills at that point! I can now do the circle drills - not for too long as they make me dizzy, but the firs few days I didn't have the strength. I'm pretty sure my right leg is dominant - it is also the one that is so bruised. I will start paying attention to, and attempting to correct holding on to the wheel for my life - with my feet / ankles. I use Google for my photo and video storage. I have tried creating a link to share photos and none have worked. My training rail down the driveway has not been very helpful as my wheel is making it like sand. Trying not to get discouraged. Wish I had ordered the gear sooner. I have been using Ice on my bruises and trying to push through - No pain, No gain - but... According to World App I have ridden almost 9 miles! I think it said it unlocked a faster speed! I think my fastest speed has been 3mph! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tawpie Posted November 26, 2022 Share Posted November 26, 2022 (edited) A healthy dose of stubborn is basically mandatory. Rest, heal. If you're hurting it's not helping you learn. Edited November 26, 2022 by Tawpie 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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