Velomobile - the ultimate riding machine...

[k-vette]

Anyone have experience with a velomobile?  It seems like the ultimate machine for transportation.   Aerodynamic, all weather, no registration or insurance costs, and pedal powered.   Lookup sunrider-cycles.com or quest velomobile for some examples.

The only problem....   the initial cost.   Something like sunrider-cycles model starts around $11,000.   !!!

So I'd really lime to build one from scratch.  Atomic zombie is a good website (weird name I know) for plans of various bicycles, some that would work as a good base frame.

Just curious if anyone else has looked into this.  I would be much more inclined to get around in one of these than my bike, especially in inclement weather.

[GuitarStv]

From what I've read they're a real bitch to climb hills and accelerate with since they weight about 80 lbs.  If you lived in a really flat area it might be a viable option, but you would probably still get to where you're going pretty sweaty.  I'm not sure how hard it would be to lock up too . . . although as long as nobody else in town uses 'em it would be pretty hard to sell a stolen one.  I also wonder how they handle/stop in very bad weather . . .

[DutchMustachian]

I've registered in order to reply to this topic :-) been following this forum for quite a while:

Here in The Netherlands we have a lot of "bakfietsen" freely translated to "bikes with a box".
They're used to transport yourself, groceries and children as well. Especially in Amsterdam where it is almost impossible to get somewhere by car.

Amsterdam also has a lot of "bumps" and bridges over the canals, so here some of these bikes are electric meaning that while you pedal you get an electric boost to get more power.
It's not allowed to drive them on electricity alone (driving without pedalling) this is a legal thing.

However, they don't cost as much as a  car in gasoline, insurance etc etc only the lump sum of money (approx 2-3k in dollars) for the investment is quite steep

Here's a link : http://www.elektrischebakfietswinkel.nl/

[enigmaT120]

I would love to try riding one of those velos, some time, out in the back roads where I could get it going good.  It wouldn't work for my multi-modal commute as it wouldn't fit on bus racks, though I could leave it where I usually catch the bus. 

I do have a large ridge in the middle of my bike ride, so I don't know if it would be any faster than my touring bike.

[Emg03063]

Looked yes, built, no. 

[cambridgecyclist]

So I'd really lime to build one from scratch.  Atomic zombie is a good website (weird name I know) for plans of various bicycles, some that would work as a good base frame.

Just curious if anyone else has looked into this.  I would be much more inclined to get around in one of these than my bike, especially in inclement weather.

  I am currently building an Atomic Zombie delta trike. If it works out I may add fairings and an electric assist. My main concern is visibility; it's not as good as a bicycle.

[k-vette]

Your visibility?  Or driver visibility to see you?

[cambridgecyclist]

Your visibility?  Or driver visibility to see you?

My visibility

[uspsfanalan]

I don't know if one of these enclosed egg shaped things would work for you but these are a lot less expensive, still quite pricy at $5k.

http://organictransit.com/

[k-vette]

The concept is perfect and the price isn't bad considering what it can replace.   Personally I find the aerodynamics a turn off.   I showed it to my wife however and she likes it. 

I asked a "hypothetical" question about selling our car.  She was ok with that.

[Thegoblinchief]

My "get rid of the car" plan will be a standard long-tail cargo cycle or a freight bike/long john. Likely with electric assist given the number of kids I'd be hauling on the frame or in a trailer behind. Those are expensive enough! (~$1,000-$3,000 plus another $1K for the e-kit stuff, give or take.)

Currently I can do all three kids OR groceries, but not both (unless it's something small that can fit in backpack or panniers)

Never been a fan of the recumbent position in a stationary bike. I doubt I'd like it any more in a road bike.

[Papa Mustache]

Try a Velosolex.  $50 at an estate sale.

[sandmaninator]

I'm not saying efficiency is all about the wind drag, but, it is all about the wind drag :
http://www.theverge.com/tldr/2015/9/18/9351763/worlds-fastest-bike-human-powered

85mph without electric assist!

I have a recumbent bike (Vision R40) and it is far, far faster than a road bike on everything but steep inclines, simply due to the improved aerodynamics.
It has over seat steering which allows easy use of a rear-view mirror mounted on the handle-bar. Works great. Visibility is fine, both for operator and automobiles.
On downhill sections in town, I take the car lane because I am doing 35 mph anyway.

Now it is winter in MN and I have switched to full-suspension upright. To go with a recumbent in winter, I feel, would require a trike design - otherwise your are in danger of the bike coming out from under you while your legs are up in the air.

Also, with the inattentive drivers these days, I stay off the road when possible. Sidewalks are not as smooth as the road so, suspension is very desirable.
In cool weather, a cover would be nice, both for aerodynamics and to moderate body temperature.
Now, three wheels, suspension, covering, the weight is adding up, so, time to take advantage of modern battery and brushless motor technology and turn it into an e-bike.

Here is what I would throw together:
http://www.icetrikes.co/community/ice-news/ice-full-fat-26fs

... Electrify that and then use this cover that BMW developed called GINA:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_GINA#Fabric_body
Mount the cover on aluminum tent pole-type material. That would be extremely light-weight and aerodynamic and leave open some options for configuration depending on weather, etc.

You're welcome  ;-)