Ten commandments for footbike beginners
1. Seek for the answers in a specialty store. Neither Facebook nor Google guarantees the right answers.
2. When choosing a footbike test it thoroughly in the conditions similar to your future rides. All the footbikes act differently and have various clearance height. 100 metres on the paved road in front of the store are rarely enough and won' t tell you anything.
3. Don’t judge a footbike by its handlebar, grips or stem length. Every fine store will set them according to your needs and wishes.
4. Check the brakes before the ride. Some brakes tend to react really early, others quite later. Some can be really sensitive. Feather the brakes evenly between front and rear brake. Front brake is more efficient, rear brake tends to cause the wheel to skid. Firm up your hands when braking, it is also recommended to bend the knees for a higher safety.
5. Legs are to be switched regularly. In the beginning, you can make a stop to swich them. Legs should be switched every 5-7 kicks. Switching the legs is usually done by turning the foot of the standing leg sideways a little and placing the front of your other foot to the freed space. Transfer weight to the push off leg and remove the former standing leg from the footboard. The action is finished by turning both feet in the direction of movement.
6. Start the push offs from the forefoot and touch the ground only at the level of the standing leg, never in front of it. Active part of a push off takes place immediately before touching the ground, rest of the movement is provided by the momentum of the leg.
7. Extend your arms so that you transfer the push off to the footbike momentum and the force is not lost in a push up. Firming up your arms helps to get over potential bumps stuck under the footboard.
8. Always pay attention to local laws. By disobeying the regulations, you shame not only yourself but other footbikers too.
9. Footbikes are assembled of mechanical parts therefore loosening or settling of some parts can happen after certain distance. It can occur as a longer pull in a brake lever, loose headset or buckled wheel. In bike industry, it is common to get a warranty inspection that is usually done after specific distance or time period. It may be part of the warranty conditions. Ask your local shop for the information.
10. Footbiking is a healthy sport as long as it is done reasonably. 😊
