Greg,
Michael was kind enough to bring the uni by my house for a quick test
ride. While reading this observation keep in mind that the only
uicycing I do is on top of a Coker.
It took me several attempts at free mounting before I actually
succeeded. Experiencing some difficulty with the mount suggests that
there is at least some difference in characteristics when comparing with
a Coker.
Once I was up and going surprisingly it felt just like my Coker. I rode
it for a couple of blocks and reach speeds of ( I am guessing) 16 to 18
MPH. I needed some more experience with it before feeling comfortable
at attempting faster speeds.–It turned just like a Coker. First
impressions were that with the exception of some backlash ( a lot less
than what I was expecting), UNI5 felt the same as a Coker.
I then hopped on my Coker and rode the same 3 blocks. The Coker felt a
bit smoother, and took less effort. I then jumped back on the UNI5 and
confirmed that it did take a little bit more effort to steady the UNI5
down the road
I am taking it on a 15 to 20 mile ride tomorrow and will be able to get
a better idea of the differences–I will let you know
As for the mechanics of the hub, much better than expected. Much
lighter, very little back lash, and was much easier to propel down the
road than what I expected. The backslash does not present a problem with
control whatsoever!
First impression–It is what I have been waiting for for 4 years. I
went from a 48 inch Penny Farthing Uni (not the way to go) to a Coker.
I am needing something that will give me more inches of travel per
revolution than a Coker for speed and distance. Using this hub on a 28
inch tire would be incredible. It would enable me to travel the
distances of 50-100 miles in faster times.
Conclusion-- Much easier to ride than what I had expected. Having
never ridden a geared up uni whatsoever, form all of what I have heard
and read, I was expecting a lot of trouble with control. UNI5 is no
doubt a little harder to propel down the road than the Coker however, it
will be interesting with my ride tomorrow to see if difficulty will be
lessened with experience.
Provided the hub proves durable I am fairly confident that even if after
my ride tomorrow UNI5 does prove more difficult to propel than the
Coker, I could still do 50 to 100 miles much faster than the Coker with
not much more effort.
I want one!
dan
Dan