Simple Steps to learn to Stride
Using a StreetStrider mobile elliptical, which feels like a cross between skiing, jogging and cycling, is an absolute blast!
Follow these 9 simple steps to learn how to stride:
Step 1: Safety first
Before you stride, make sure you have a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) approved cycling helmet or other helmet to protect your head. If you stride at night, make sure you wear light colored or reflective clothing. It is also advised that you equip your StreetStrider with front and rear lights. Before starting any exercise program, such as StreetStriding, check with your doctor to make sure you are physically healthy enough.
Step 2: Find a safe, flat place
An ideal location to practice your StreetStriding at first is a large flat area such as a parking lot with little to no traffic.
Step 3: Engage the brakes when stepping on
Your StreetStrider is equipped with both front and rear brakes operated with hand grip levers at the top of the strider arm poles. Each time you step onto your StreetStrider, squeeze the brake levers to stabilize the StreetStrider.
Step 4: Step on and get comfortable
With the brake levers squeezed, step first onto the foot platform that is closest to the ground. Position your foot in about the middle of the platform. You can always change your foot position while striding to find the ideal spot for your striding style.
Step 5: Become familiar with the brakes and grip shifter
In the USA your StreetStrider comes with a grip shifter and a rear brake lever at the top of the right strider pole, and a front brake lever at the top of the left strider pole. These brake levers may be swapped around in some other countries, according to the specific legal requirements of each country.
The grip shifter will shift the gears of the transmission in the rear wheel hub. Rotate the grip shifter clockwise to shift to a lower gear. Rotate the grip shifter counter clockwise to shift to a higher gear.
Using the left and right brake levers individually, get the feel of how these brakes work by engaging and releasing the front and rear brakes while rolling slowly forwards. When you need to stop quickly, engage both front and rear brakes simultaneously.
Step 6: Find the right gear
When you stride on flat ground, shift to one of the higher gears (4-6) to get the smoothest arm and leg action.
As you stride on changing grades you will shift gears up or down to achieve the optimum speed and revolutions per minute (RPMs) for your striding style and exercise goals. When climbing a hill, shift to the lower gears (1-3). When cruising downhill, shift to the higher gears (6-8).
Step 7: Lean to steer
Your StreetStrider is equipped with a lean-to-steer system. To make a turn, simply lean a little bit in the direction of the turn and the StreetStrider will begin to turn. The more you lean, the more the StreetStrider turns.
To assist with turning, you may want to lower the foot platform on the inside of the turn. Although this isn’t necessary, it can make turning seem easier for some people.
Turning your StreetStrider can also be assisted by moving both arm strider poles sideways toward the direction of the turn. This movement causes the wheels to turn in that direction.
Step 8: Cruise a bit
Before you go out on the road or bike path, it is a good idea to practice using your StreetStrider in a safe area. We recommend practicing right and left turns, braking and gear shifting using these instructions.
Step 9: Have fun
Now get out there and enjoy your StreetStrider! You’ll have a blast and burn calories too!