I'm two weeks into my StreetStrider riding experience. After eight enjoyable outings, totaling 35 miles according to my RunMeter iPhone app, I'm a believer in this outdoor elliptical machine.
Which I usually call a "bike," since it has three wheels and bike parts -- brakes, shifter, chain, etc. As noted in my first StreetStrider post, I had it assembled by a local bicycle shop.
After my first 2.6 mile ride, I felt like the StreetStrider had kicked my butt. And I'm a 65 year old guy in very good shape. Now, StreetStrider and I are like good buddies rather than sparring partners.
I've learned a lot about how to ride the StreetStrider. Below I'll share some tips.
My favorite route is 5.3 miles at Minto Brown Island Park here in Salem, Oregon. It's got some mild to moderate ups and downs. With a short rest/water break, it takes me about 39 minutes. Average speed: 8.2 mph. Top speed: 15.7 mph.
Terrific workout. I'm already feeling like I'm in considerably better shape than I was before. Equally important is how much freaking fun the StreetStrider is.
No way am I going back to exercising on an indoor elliptical machine at our athletic club. I go to the club after a StreetStrider ride to lift weights, do some yoga/Tai Chi, and shower. My vow is to ride the StreetStrider rain or shine (here in Oregon during the winter, there's usually a lot more of the former than the latter).
On to the tips. I've been practicing Tai Chi for ten years and enjoy Taoist philosophy. So I'll share these tips in sort of a Tao of StreetStriding style.
(1) Become one with the StreetStrider. At first I fought the machine. I tried to control it. Then I realized that it knew how to StreetStride, and I didn't. I began to relax into the striding motion, letting the pedals and handlebars do their thing, with me following along. Much more enjoyable that way.
(2) Trust how you feel. There's a pace that feels "right on." It changes all the time. This depends on how I feel, which in turn depends on my energy level, weather conditions, terrain, other people on the multi-use trail, and such. I've learned to go as fast or as slow as I feel like going. Pushing too hard isn't fun. "Patience, grasshopper."
(3) Hold lightly the handlebars. Most of my StreetStriding energy seems to come from the pedals. Usually the push-pull motion of the handlebars provides minimal extra motion, unless I'm going up a fairly steep hill. So I grip the handlebars loosely. The StreetStrider wants to "carve" back and forth like being on skis or riding a longboard/skateboard. Allow it to do its thing.
(4) Shift weight side to side, not back and forth. After my initial ride I had some soreness in my left calf. I think it was because I was unconsciously trying to move the StreetStrider pedals forward and back, rather than simply shifting my weight side to side. Left-right weight transfer provides the power, not pushing the pedals forward and back.
(5) Turn by leaning outward. For a while I turned by stopping pedaling, then weighting the leg on the side I wanted to turn toward. This works fine, but I found that a better way to turn is by leaning my entire body outward in the desired turn direction. This lets me continue pedaling through a turn. And is more fun.
(6) Get down for more power. When StreetStrider and I are in sync, which usually takes me a mile or so given my relative "newbie" status, I feel like the striding power comes from my core rather than my legs and arms. Particularly when I'm actively using the handlebars to get up a hill in a low gear. Then it feels like my body also is lower; everything sinks; energy flows from the abdomen.
(7) Stride slower, go faster. As noted in (1), at every moment there's a striding motion that, like Goldilocks experienced, is just right. Not too fast, not too slow. The more I StreetStride, however, the slower it is. Probably because I'm generating more power, so feel comfortable in a higher gear. Pedaling fast in a low gear isn't as enjoyable or necessary, unless I'm pumping up a steep hill that takes all my effort.
(8) Dance with your partner. I've begun to experience a dance-like quality to the StreetStrider. It's when I let the StreetStrider move as it wants to move, while I move as I want to move. Not sure who is doing the leading here. Maybe both of us. This is when I get a glimpse of the Tao or Joy of StreetStriding.
This isn't like bicycling. This isn't like longboarding/skateboarding. This isn't like skiing. I can do all of these things. StreetStriding has some of the feel of each, yet has its own unique exercising personality.
I'm hooked.
Now, your experience on a StreetStrider will be different, because we're different people. The last few times I used the StreetStrider I thought, "I was born to StreetStride" (sung off key inside my head to Born to Be Wild, of course).
I'm pretty adventurous. I rode a Burgman 650 maxi-scooter for a while. I've been into martial arts for a long time, Tai Chi for the past ten years. I took up "land paddling" on a longboard skateboard a few years ago, so find it natural to turn by leaning.
Nonetheless, I think just about anyone would enjoy riding a StreetStrider.
And I say this of my own volition, with zero financial connection to the StreetStrider folks (they have a referral program where, I believe, you get $50 if someone you talk to buys a machine, but I haven't signed up for this).
To be able to exercise outside, having fun doing it, getting a great aerobic and core workout in 40 minutes or less, riding a "bike" that is safe (excellent brakes, three wheels, good handling) -- what's not to like?
Well, for some the size and weight.
I already had a two-inch hitch on our Highlander SUV, so bought a StreetStrider rack along with the StreetStrider. I have no problem lifting it on and off the rack, but some people would. The rack can decline, though, allowing the StreetStrider to be rolled onto it.
Without a rack or pickup, the StreetStrider would be tough to carry around in most vehicles. Some models fold, but not the 8-speed version, which I definitely recommend if you plan to use the machine on anything but flats and mild inclines. HIlls are tough even with 8-speeds, believe me.
On the whole, my two week, 35 mile review of the StreetStrider is... all smiles.
Brian, Do you give free try-outs?
Posted by: Frank Haynes | January 03, 2014 at 09:49 PM
Frank, absolutely. No charge. The stretch of Lake Drive by my house is fairly flat, mild ups and downs. Come on by and do some StreetStriding.
Posted by: Brian Hines | January 04, 2014 at 08:40 AM
I've had my 8-speed for 2 years and though it doesn't have an "easy fold", I've learned how to undo the three bolts rather quickly and fold it up to transport, in my HHR (small crossover vehicle) with the backseats folded down. I do have to move the passenger seat forward to do it and it was originally difficult, but I've got it down to a routine. Just as easy to put it back together. I only wish the StreetStrider rack would fold up when not in use. My car won't fit in my garage if I add the rack.
Posted by: Eric Oswald | January 06, 2014 at 01:21 PM
I bought 2 of the 3 speeds. In Florida I figured that would be enough. They are a great and fun workout. We got them to rent at my outfitter shop. Everyone that tires it, is comfortable within a few minutes. Awesome machine
Posted by: Lisa Fasnacht | March 30, 2014 at 04:27 PM
i agree with the review.. IF you dont find that side to side motion -you will get sore calves.
Posted by: terrt | July 29, 2014 at 10:27 PM
I just tried the Streetstrider for the first time, the 8 gear Summit, and I'll have to say, it's an awesome workout. I was given one by my sister in law, and I'll soon be riding everyday, I'm sure. I'm a 56 year old male and am looking forward to this continued experience.
Posted by: Eddie | May 09, 2015 at 01:58 PM
Hills? Able to keep striding along?
Posted by: sarah | December 02, 2015 at 04:18 AM
Sarah, at the semi-old age of 67, I'm able to go up most of the hills in the rural'ish park where I do my Streetstriding.
That said, I do get off and briefly push the Streetstrider three times in my 40 minute, 6.5 mile or so route. I've learned that even though I can get up those inclines, it isn't that good for my body. So rather than run the risk of getting sore muscles from overdoing things, I now walk in a few places where I used to put the bike in gear 1 and power my way up.
With the 8-speed, there's a good ability to go up mild hills. You aren't going to ride up Pike's Peak on a Streetstrider, because that's not what it is designed for. It's an exercise bike that is fun to ride. It took me a few weeks to realize this fully.
When it feels a bit difficult to ride -- like when I'm going against the wind (while standing up, of course), or going up a small hill -- this is what it's supposed to do. If it didn't challenge my lungs and muscles, it wouldn't be a good exercise bike.
People on road and mountain bikes pass me all the time. But when they do, I think, "I'm getting a much better workout than they are." While having just as much, or more, fun. After two years of riding my Streetstrider, it's still highly enjoyable to hop on. Even in the rain and cold.
Posted by: Brian Hines | December 03, 2015 at 02:29 PM
You need a promotion video showing street-strider working-outings and the especial relevance thereof to body core-muscle exercise, halting drooping.
Posted by: Dave En | September 25, 2016 at 12:45 AM
Being a London Resident where opposition to being able to get not just a Street-Strider, but especially (seconds) CHAINLESS, shaft-drive cycles, is fast and furious, no doubt part of "sanctions" as anti- marketing multi ploy slides.
How can I get a jet (small) one to Pimlico; Just over the Thames is Battersea Park where the London Recumbents are based and therefore maybe you can utilise jet-striders at this site to partially replace the "lay backs" (cumbent cycles) which are all very well but less crucial than the advent of roaming exercise cycles.
Shaft drive or CHAINLESS cycles are another world. They are so neat. Again an available used selection is what is needed to rapido-promote the Tempo (good model variety).
It has been depressing having the Millenia stadium in Battersea Park deny that they said a gymnasium street-strider would be installed by now, and that was two years ago at least. Why are folk so hassadic?
Posted by: Dave En | September 25, 2016 at 01:22 AM
Keep up the marvelous, future beconing Elliptical bike promotions. Thank you.
Posted by: Dave En | September 25, 2016 at 01:24 AM
This article was a great help. I just got mine yesterday and tried to ride it after assembly and it was quite comical. I'm 74 years old, balance isn't what it used to be but using your tips I tried it again this evening and did much better. Still a little shakey but I've only got a total of about 10 minutes on it. Relaxing seems to be the key. Thanks again for your article...it helped.
Posted by: Stan | April 03, 2018 at 07:27 PM
I live in the Sioux Falls S D. Area and would like to know if anyone close by has a Streetsrider elypical bike. Am interested in buying one but want to try one out first. pH. # 605 3764047
Posted by: Bruce | May 03, 2019 at 05:46 PM
Hi, I live in Fort Collins, COLORADO and would like to try out a StreetStrider. I'm very interested in buying one, but want to try it first. Happy to pay a rental fee and would love to hear what you think of this interesting machine! You can reach me at 970-224-9920 or 970-227-1746. Thanks!
marge
Posted by: marge | October 05, 2019 at 07:38 AM
Thank you so much for the tips! Can't wait to feel comfortable on mine!
Posted by: Cathy | April 15, 2020 at 12:53 PM
Well you're about the same age as me. I live in the Northwest too. I just started to ride my Street Strider but just near my house which is a little hilly. The farthest I've gone is about 2 football fields uphill and sort of coasted back. I'm out of shape but hope this will help. Thank you for your blog it helped.
Posted by: John Cousineau | April 17, 2020 at 02:05 AM
My husband just finished putting ours together and Whoa! The balancing is not what I expected. I appreciate your tips, thank you from Sue in Boise Idaho.
Posted by: Sue | May 11, 2020 at 03:28 PM
I just put mine together and I love it but I don't have a smooth transition when pedaling. It's kind of jerky. If this is normal then yay but if not I'm worried I'm going to damage it. Has anyone else noticed this? It's not smooth like pedaling a bike and I know they're different I'm just trying to describe it. It will kick your butt!
Posted by: Anne Forsyth | May 16, 2020 at 11:00 AM
I live In Gulf Breeze, FL and would love to try one out prior to purchasing. I'm 70.
Posted by: Barbara | June 08, 2020 at 01:26 PM
How does this machine handle bumpy transitions such as going from sidewalk or path onto a street or vice versa? Is it able to handle the modern sloped curb (not the old fashioned almost square design)?
Posted by: Martin Cain | June 14, 2020 at 10:31 AM
sound fun! i'm a newbie so i'm trying to get use to it
Posted by: Tia | July 08, 2020 at 07:38 AM
Anne, I have the same issue. I’ve only had my 7i for a few days and have ridden it about 4 times for short distances to try and get used to it. I’m not comfortable with the jerky motion - I think maybe I need to put it in a higher gear or something, but right now even starting in 2nd gear is hard! I’m a cyclist as well so I’m used to being able to take off pretty quickly in a lower gear and gradually move up so my pedaling speed doesn’t go faster than the pedals (if you know what I mean). It’s the same with the strider - I feel like I’m pedaling faster than the gear can handle so that’s why it’s jerky. I’ll play with it more to see if I can figure it out.
Also, another question for anyone who has one of these - I want to be able to track my workouts on my Garmin watch but I’m not sure how to set up the activity profile. I can’t use elliptical because I think it turns off the GPS, and I’m not sure bike will work. If anyone has any advice I’d appreciate it!
Posted by: Kat Callaway | July 16, 2020 at 01:17 PM
I am experiencing the jerky motion when peddling. I have the bike on the indoor stand. Is there an adjustment I nees to make for smoother peddling? I have tried changing gears and not much has changed.
Thank you’n
Posted by: Michelle | September 28, 2020 at 08:30 AM
JUST GOT MY 7I ASSEMBLED I'M GLAD I SAW THIS INFO IT WILL BE GREAT ADVICE BEFORE STARTING. GREAT INFO. THANKS😎👍
Posted by: George Norman | October 18, 2020 at 10:54 AM
Please respond to the few comments about it being very jerky when peddling if anyone knows if this is normal or how to stop it. I've had my street strider only for a few days but the jerky motion I'm experiencing is awful. There's no fun at all in trying to riding this. Mine is so jerky that each time the peddle goes down it feels like it gets stuck and jerks before it moves back up. I thought this would be so much fun but I'm considering boxing it up and shipping it back. Really need to know how to fix this. Or does everyone else have this happening and think it's normal?
Posted by: Debra Carver Bradey | December 06, 2020 at 05:48 AM
For jerkiness try a higher gear. My strider is on a stand and I use gear 3. You might also try increasing your speed.
Posted by: David Kester | December 19, 2020 at 12:34 PM
Just started riding today. Made it up some very small hills, but thoroughly enjoyed every minute! I thought I was in pretty good shape for 70 but this is a new experience! I do need to find a way to haul this around. I have a Lexus ct200h and it barely fits inside, (if I leave my husband home)!
Posted by: Kathy Roth | December 21, 2020 at 04:21 PM
Has anyone tried riding on a rural, gravel road? I'm interested in how it handles with the stones, dips, puddles, etc.
Posted by: Laura Clark | January 26, 2021 at 03:11 PM
We got ours a couple of weeks ago, are in our mid sixties. We are both able to go a couple hundred yards only. But we are having a blast. My bride said your suggestions are helpful. I am looking forward to the new experience.
Also looking forward to reading your books. They look very interesting.
Posted by: Levin from Florida | February 20, 2021 at 11:44 AM
Just received mine and two feet was as far as I got. This is not easy. Any suggestions would be appreciated
Posted by: Cheryl | September 09, 2021 at 12:20 PM
Keep at it, that's my suggestion. It takes different muscles than most people are used to. Certainly way different than bicycling or walking. I no longer have my Streetstrider and have been using an elliptical machine at our gym that uses a similar motion.
Recently I showed a friend who is a bit older than me (I'm 72) how to use the elliptical machine. He's considering joining the gym so I gave him a tour of the aerobic and weight machines. He walks a lot and bikes quite a bit. He had to stop using the elliptical machine after 15 minutes or so, even on the lowest resistance setting.
So this shows that even fairly fit people have to take some time to feel comfortable on a Streetstrider or elliptical machine.
Posted by: Brian Hines | September 09, 2021 at 12:51 PM
Brian I am having a very difficult time, I have the 3i model bd am doing the indoor option but when on the strider the right side is fluid but trying to pedal on the left there is much resistance? Is this normal? It almost feels as if a brake is on but there is not. I so want to do this but right now very frustrated
Posted by: Terri | November 12, 2021 at 07:39 AM
I've had mine for a couple weeks now - First of all you should know, I live at the top of a very long very steep hill (about 0.75mi). I was worried about being able to climb it with the street strider - I was right. your comment 6 is very important. On this hill I'm almost sitting pulling on the bars for all I'm worth, in the lowest possible gear, all my weight on one pedal at a time, and crawlling up the hill. I've made to to the top without stopping twice now in 2 weeks.
That said, if you have a flat trail, it's a reall joy to ride - I'm 69, and I think I could ride 20 miles on a flat run. by comparrison, I do centuries on my bike. You are right, it's not a bike, it's not skiing, it's not roler blading. It is totally unique. It can be one hell of a cardio workout. It can be a pleasant walk through the country that doesn't take all afternoon.
i think the price is a bit high. Cut by half and streetstrider would still make a lot of money and there would be hundreds of them on the trail I ride rather than just me.
ALK
Posted by: Adrian Krag | February 06, 2022 at 07:38 AM
My maiden last name is “Hine” and we’ve always said “Hine Sight is 20/20 vision”! And I also live in Oregon (on the coast now). I bought a 7i about a year ago and have only tried it a couple times. The indoor trainer seems jerky, but I use it here and there for just a minute or two.
But I’m determined to use it regularly outside because I MUST get into better shape! It’s a workout! And as a newbie, I’m clumsy with it. But I’ll keep going and hope to be as proficient as you soon! Thanks for the tips!
Posted by: Robyn B | July 10, 2022 at 09:48 PM
I just bought a used 3i and couldn't even try it out when I went to see it because the wheels would turn right away and I'd have to jump off. I figured there would be a learning curve but it's more difficult than I thought. This is not an easy bike to ride. It seems the balancing is the hard part to keep it going straight. The few videos I've watched for How to ride the Street Strider aren't addressing some important things about how to keep it going straight at first instead of it wanting to turn sharply at the least little weight shift. I'm disappointed and beginning to wonder if I wasted my money on this thing. It's set up on the indoor trainer for now and it feels like I won't be using it outdoors because I'm afraid I'll fall over.
Posted by: Barbara West | October 03, 2023 at 12:26 PM