Just had my first go. Great to be able to get out and ride in the middle of the day but not the best-handling bike in the world are they?
Trackstand: just
manual - kind of
drop off - just
wheelie - no way
bunnyhop - didn't even try
I've only ever ridden one with a broken right arm, so I couldn't really do much, including change gear. However, you can still go commuting racing, you just have to slam it into 3, and be prepared to pedal at about 200rpm.
Did hate those pedals though, no grip at all. But the thing that annoyed me the most is the lack of top tube, every time you stop you just instinctively expect the top tube to lean against the top of your leg and stop the bike falling over. Instead, the bike (all ~40lbs of it) just crashes to the ground.
Some people may beg to differ!
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/how-did-this-triathelete-get-on#post-2826900
It's a good thing they are slow considering how bad the brakes are!
brakes work but you have to squeeze hard..
they secret to Boris Biking is to build up speed then coast for a long as possible!
as for stopping - you could just put one foot down..
you do see some things on, them example last friday...
chap trackstanding a BB at the lights near blackfriars whilst wearing a proper roadie cotton cap plus full city pinstripe suit + shiny shoes
Check out Dan Lacey on a Boris Bike
[url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestylevideo/7949007/London-cycle-hire-test-Dan-Lacey-puts-the-Boris-bike-through-its-paces.html ]Video here[/url]