Got the bike together recently and out for a shakedown ride with my
11 year old daughter in tow. I think she enjoyed being
the 'experienced' rider, while her dad wobbled along on his first
ride. Unfortunately the ride was cut short when the chain broke.
That will teach me not to recycle a chain roller pin when putting
together the chain.

Initial observations:

Very comfortable.

Strange to see your feet going round and round in front of you.

Getting starting was pretty easy, although there were a few big
wobbles until I realised you just need to relax and it all smoothes
itself out.

Caught my feet on the front wheel during a couple of wobbles.

Managed some more bentech time over the past weekend. This time with
a properly assembled chain.

Rode my usual short (20km) loop a couple of times. I'm still pretty
shaky getting started and not confident in tight turns, but once
underway it feels surprisingly good. There is nearly always a
headwind on the outward leg which usually is very noticeable on the
mountain bike. Definitely less apparent this time. Also interesting
was my little test hill. This is a short, sharp rise that has me
standing and groaning on the road bike (13-18 cluster isn't good for
climbing hills!), and in low/low and grinding on the mountain bike.
I had gear problems on Saturday which stopped me getting onto the
bottom chain ring, so I hit it in middle/low. Thought there would be
no way I'd make it and was worried how I'd stop on the hill and stay
upright. Quite surprised to grind all the way to the top. It takes a
bit of effort to avoid tensing up my arms and shoulders when
climbing. I had to keep reminding myself to relax my upper body and
just push with my legs. After the two rides, my legs are a bit sore
which I assume is from the different position.

My wife asked me how it feels to ride – the closest description I
could think of was like an open top sports car. Just sit back and
enjoy the view.

Cheers,

David
Sydney, Australia