Penny-mute
Hi Killian and Co.,
As its summer I’m currently commuting 3-4 days a week in my 54" UDC penny.
On this commute there’s 4 major intersections where i need to check traffic before proceeding. Being on top of a 54" wheel means I can see over most hedges, and sometimes sneak across without dismounting. Other times I step back on the pegs and scoot across, meaning it’s easier to dismount at short notice if a car comes from nowhere. Then there’s also the “superman seat grab” quick dismount, which I have pulled a couple of times, basically jumping off the penny holding the seat, as you have no other option given short notice and impending traffic.
For red lights, I usually dismount, unless i have a handy light pole or sign to hold onto. For me, trying to track stand on a big penny is asking for trouble. Mini pennies are doable though. Once you actually get some experience riding the big big wheel, mounting and dismounting from a standing start actually becomes second nature and doesn’t take much time at all.
Also, there is actually a heap of info on a few previous threads buried in the forums. Here’s a link to get you started:
http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116675
I don’t ride my 36er schlumpf much anymore, as I find the commute on the big penny more relaxing before a long day at the coal face. I still ride my my muni’s though, as my off-road freewheeling mini penny project isn’t finished yet.
Cheers,
Dmac