First velomobile ride of the year

First velomobile ride of the year

On Saturday I drove to the first ride of my cycling club.  It was help some 2 hours away where the snow had mostly melted.  At the start the weather was foggy, windy and the temperature about -1C.  I had the only velomobile and that made some of the others jealous. 

We rode mostly as a group but I would ride ahead and wait.  We stopped for coffee at the mid point and I was the instant attraction in the little town.  For some of the members it was also their first time to see the velomobile and they saw how fast and comfortable it was.

Unfortunately I will need to wait just a while longer to ride some more unless I travel a bit to find safe riding conditions.

It was also my first ride with the new hood.  As this was not a long ride and I did not encounter many different conditions, I can only provide some initial impressions.

What I liked: the ICB hood is roomier, sturdier and less noisy than the Schermer hood on the Quest, the visor was holding in place very well with the bungee clips and was it not shaking.

What could be improved: the field of view is adequate but much more restricted due to the large post where the lens is attached, I have the double Pinlock lens and it further restricts the FOV as only the middle section is double lens.   The ventilation is not as good and the side window was fogged-up most of the time even with the visor partly open.  In the cold and dry conditions the visor did not fog up at all.

Four-wheel velomobiles

My last post on four-wheel velomobiles appears to have been very popular and generated a lot of discussion.  This week one of my readers in Canada sent me a note.  Interested in purchasing a QuattroVelo, he contacted the government authority to ask f a four-wheel bike could be used legally in his province (Quebec).  The answer he received was not what he wanted; “Les bicyclettes à quatre roues ne sont pas autorisées à circuler sur les chemins publics, ni dans les pistes cyclables.” To paraphrase this answer since they are not identified in the regulations, four-wheel bikes are not legal on the road or even on bike paths. 

I cautioned people that they should ensure the new type of velomobile can be operated legally in their area before they order, I think this is a warning to those who order without first inquiring.  Currently, I am not aware of any group making representations to change current laws and this may have an impact on adoption.   I know how long it takes to change regulations so it is serious work and must be done for each jurisdiction.  Is anyone out there willing to take up the challenge?

IntercityBike

Daniel Fenn has been working on the new 4-wheel velomobile.  Here is what I gathered so far on the new project. He is using two DF-XL shells that he will modify as the platform of the new velomobile.  Until a new name has been announced, I will refer to this new velomobile as the DF-4.

Already Daniel has shown some pictures of the modification process.  It is similar to the technique he used to create the DF-XL from the shell of a DF.  Already the front wheel wells have been made larger to accommodate larger tires.  Here is what we knw so far on the velomobile specs:

The DF-4 will be an original design that is somewhat unconventional.  First it will have 451 instead of 406 wheels all around which is a significant departure for velomobile designs.  All four wheels will get a 90mm  drum brake.  The velomobile will have a mid drive Rolhoff and a 10-speed short cage derailleur providing 140 gears.  It is not clear yet how the system will be designed and built.

The shell will also be made wider and the wheelbase will also be longer at 105cm. The bike will have a left-chain along the frame, powering the left wheel only the chain will have maximum distance from your leg and torsional forces on the frame is reduced. This eliminates the need for a differential or freewheel thus reducing weight and space requirements.  Provisions are being made to provide a 500W electric assist motor to the right wheel.  The tail of the velomobile will also be flat to enable vertical storage.

It is expected that the development period would take approximately 6 months before production could start.  Ymte hopes that the prototype will be available in the not too distance future so they can start testing on the road.

Trisled

Trisled is offering a conversion kit for the old Tomahaws to update them to the new rules.  The kit costs under AU$2,000 will provide a completely new Chromolly roll frame, PETG windscreen, laser cut Coroplast body delivered in a flat pack as well as an instructional DVD.  Trisled estimates that there are about 200 trikes that could be updated.  For more information and order http://trisled.com.au/product/tomahawk-xl-conversion-kit/ 

Still Frozen

Still Frozen

The past week we had more snow and it has been very cold with temperatures in the -35C overnight but with sun and significantly warmer during the daytime.  It looks at the moment that the extreme cold is slowly leaving us and we should have warmer temperatures hovering above freezing for the next week.  The sun is getting stronger so I hope this will have an effect on the accumulated snow.

I’m nowhere close to riding but when I’m not shovelling I still doing a bit of maintenance on the DF.  This week I made a plug for the air vent.  I used Polystyrene (rigid foam) insulation approximately 1/2in (1cm) thick that I cut to fit inside the boom then I glued a slightly larger polycarbonate plastic to allow me to pull it out.  This should be useful for riding at low temperature when you do not need the air to cool you down or remove moisture.

Beyss

This week Michael Beyss finally provided a teaser of the new Evo-Kx.  The design is original At first glance, I find it a bit boxy; it appears to be very wide with a large frontal area, I wonder how this will affect performance.  It is made to accommodate larger riders with a 57cm width at the shoulders and room to also accommodate large feet.   The Kx is expected to weight 25kg and cost €8 000.

It is a departure from the sleek Evo designs but I think it may make a good commuter; I like the air intake at the front, it may provide good ventilation to the occupant.   I like the lights too but the impact of the light cover on light performance is a subject of discussion.  I see a lot of lines in the drawing; I wonder if this indicates separate parts because it would be a lot.  There are also optional integrated wheel pants covering the wheel wells but we did not see a hood yet.

Michael indicated that they are currently making molds so it is doubtful that something would be available for SPEZI.

IntercityBike

Daniel Fenn has been working at improving the survivability of carbon fiber in collisions.  He recently did some tests on some polyamide and carbon fiber micro-sandwich panels ICB has made a few special DFs with polyamide Micro Sandwich. Micro-sandwich can also be made with fiberglass. Daniel claims that those are also superior to Kevlar. But the vast majority of velomobiles currently being produced are only made of carbon fiber. As a result, the current DF is almost perfect as long as you do not hit something.

Polyamide is a very good material because of its lightweight and it provides enormous tensile strength to weight ratio that can also stretch significantly before breaking.  Daniel’s tests indicate that the micro-sandwich panels retain stiffness of carbon fiber but they are much more capable of resisting an impact without being damaged.

The micro-sandwich VM will have a minor weight penalty in the order of 50gm for the polyamide and 220gm for the fiberglass.  From a cost perspective, while the use of fiberglass will not add any additional cost, the cost of polyamide will add a few hundred Euros to the cost of a DF velomobile.  If you have placed an order and are interested in upgrading your DF, you should contact ICB to enquire about upgrading.

Daniel has produced a few videos to show how much more resistant the new micro-sandwich panels are to impact using a 5.3kg (12lb) tool to demonstrate.

Trisled

Trisled posted a time lapsed video of the installation of a Coroplast shell for the Tomahawk Pedal Prix velomobile.  Trisled did not indicate how long it took for the build.

The little rodent was right

The little rodent was right

Every year in Canada and in the U.S pesky rodents called groundhogs, emerge from their burrows on Feb. 2, to help predict the weather for the coming months.  According to the tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, there will be another six weeks of winter. If it doesn't, that means spring is coming early.  In Canada Wiarton Willie probably is the best-known rodent and Punxsutawney Phil the US equivalent but there are several others.   Well this year Wiarton Willie predicted that there would be 6 more weeks of winter and he appears to be right.  At the time, I had no faith in the prognosticating rodent, at that time we hardly had any snow on the ground and the temperature was relatively mild but I was wrong.  Since the beginning of February we’ve been having snow and widely fluctuating temperatures. Going from deep cold, snow to rainy days then back to cold again. As a result I’ve spent hours making big piles of snow around my property.

Deer feeding in front yard by piles of snow

Maybe Willie was not happy that I did not pay him a visit during the Wiarton Connection 600km brevet I rode last year.  So what does it have to do with velomobiling?  Anyhow this weather is making it virtually impossible to ride and it will not get better for the next couple of weeks.

Wiarton Willie

In the mean time, I am continuing to plan my season; I am ordering parts, performing maintenance and some modifications in preparation for the time when I will be able to ride safely on the roads.

Wim Schermer

Wim posted pictures of Daniel Fenn’s DF with Stormstrips.  When I had my Carbon Quest, I discovered the Stormstrips.  They provided a real improvement when riding in situations where there was a side wind.  The wind pushes the velomobile sideways but the wind over the shell also creates a zone of low pressure on the other side of the shell just like a wing, this low pressure is creating suction on the opposite side therefore increasing the push of the wind.  The Stormstrip breaks the airflow over the shell that creates this low-pressure area therefore eliminating the effect of suction, making it easier and safer to ride in windy conditions.

The problem can be acute at times in a strong side wind on the Quest due to the smooth shape.  When I purchased the DF, people told me that this problem would be virtually gone because the humps would not provide the smooth airflow required to create a strong low pressure.  While the DF is much better than the Quest, it must be helping, Daniel apparently saw an improvement in the handling of the DF.  While the Quest has a single Stormstrip going from nose to tail down the middle, Daniel installed one strip on each of the humps at the front and a single Stormstrip from turtle deck to the tail.

DF With Stormstrips

I wonder how many people will try the Stormstrip on the DF, I think I’ll give it a shot.  For those interested, the Stormstrips are available from Wim’s web store.

Trisled

This week Trisled launched a new website .  All models from road to track are available.  Looking at site I am surprised to see that a road version of the world speed record velomobile Completely Overzealous 2 is available for sale if you can spare A$16,500 or approximately US$12,000 or €11,000 you can get the new 25kg Overzealous XC.   There are few specifications published but we know that it has a Pinion 18-speed and a 16m turning radius.  I compared the size to the Milan SL and it Overzealous is 30mm shorter, 24mm wider and 65mm lower and it sits 70mm above the ground. I wanted to compare the Trisled velomobile to the Milan RS but the information regarding this model has disappeared from the Milan website.  I wonder how many Overzealous RS will make it to the road.  One thing I’m disappointed that I did not see is the new Coroplast road velomobile kit currently under development.

Completely Overzealous 2

SPEZI 2016

SPEZI is the largest tradeshow where European velomobile manufacturers display their products is coming soon.  The tradeshow is open to the public will take place April 23th and 24th in Germersheim, Germany.  This event provides the opportunity to see and test velomobiles as well as to attend lectures and meet other riders.  SPEZI is not a velomobile specific event; it caters to all types of special cycling vehicles including recumbent bikes, trikes, transporters, etc.

While manufacturers have not made their plans known yet there are some hints of new velomobiles making their appearance.  The following is speculation but it is probably a given that the QuattroVelo will be there, the upgraded version of the Evo-K will probably be there and maybe the elusive Evo-Kx may make an appearance, there is a chance we could also see the Velomo Quad velomobile.  Will Daniel Fenn be ready to show his new DF-XL derived quad velo?  What bout Raderwerk?  They should have the Milan 4.2 but what else do they have?  Of course those are still under development so they may not be available for show.

Over the next few weeks I will try to inform myself of the upcoming appearances and report here.  Unfortunately I will not be able to attend and see those in person.  Maybe I should have started a fund me campaign!

Still shoveling snow

Still shoveling snow

In the past couple of weeks around here the winter weather has gone from one extreme to the next.  We have an El Niño year and the weather is unpredictable.  The temperature goes from the -30s C to +5C overnight, we had large quantities of snow followed by rain then freezing cold again.  Snow is piled up over 2m (6ft) on each side of the road and driveways.  Secondary roads are covered with snow and ice.  I’ve been riding my mountain bike while the DF is parked until the riding conditions improve.  A couple of weeks ago, the snow had mostly melted and I was looking forward to riding on the roads by the end of February but I think it will take a few more weeks as we expect more snow, rain and significant temperature fluctuations over the next week to 10 days.

Well because I can’t ride my velomobile, it does not mean things are not happening in the velomobile world.  Here are some bits of information I collected.

Gaadi

A new line of inner tubes are available that may make changing a tire on IGH equipped velomobiles much easier.  The tubes sold under the name Gaadi is different because it does not require that you remove the wheel to install a new inner tube or repair a hole in the tube.  The tube is split and has two ends, coming out of the box, it looks like a snake with a valve coming out the side.  Once installed in the rim, the tow ends meet to form a perfect circle.

The Gaadi tubes come in 20, 24, 26 and 28in size and are also available with Schrader and Presta valves.  The company does not provide the exact size for the width or ETRO size.  I suspect that it is a universal fit and may only be appropriate for 35 to 50mm tires.  The tubes are also more expensive than other tubes and I have seen big price differences between vendors. they are €12 on the Gaadi website.

This video explains how the tube works.

Raderwerk

The two-seater Milan 4.2 is available for testing.  This week one rider wrote about his experience test riding the 4.2 with his little girl.  This rider is larger than average (195cm and size 48 shoes) and was unable to ride with the top on.  His head was above the roll arch and his feet were touching the shell.  In the pictures he posted, his daughter (110cm) in the back appears to be comfortable in the jump seat.  As a Milan GT owner was able to compare the two and indicated that the 4.2 is wider than the GT but no mention of the velomobile weight but the tester indicated that the performance was very good.

People interested have been told that production has started so if this is a velomobile that peaks your interest contact the manufacturer to test or purchase the Milan 4.2.

It is unfortunate that the information on the Milan website is not being kept up to date with regular information on their activities.  The company spent a lot of time and probably resources to build a new website last year but if the information remains static, it does not meet the needs of both the company and potential customers.  For many, a lack of perceived activity on the website is also a reflection, justified or not, on the health of the company.

Katanga

This week a reader informed me that there was a news update on the Katanga web site.  This is welcomed information because it provides insight into the company recent and future activities. The manufacturer has been fairly quiet in recent months but it looks like they have been busy in the background.  Last year Katanga sold some 46 WAW, the highest number since it’s introduction since 2002.  All the WAW sold last year are the revamped 2014 version but it is important to mote that the WAW is available with many nose and tail configuration changing look and riding properties.  The company is also planning to move into new facilities in the next few months.   Click here for more info.

CabBike - PIMA

In a recent post I mentioned that PIMA was having a sale where CabBike Hawk velomobiles and trailers were on sale for a few weeks.  I went to check the website and it appears that none have been sold.  I am somewhat surprised because the price is very attractive.  Maybe no-one wants to be first, people may be unsure or potential buyers may not like the design.  I’m not sure what it is but it is unfortunate.  Maybe it is worth a second look to save 25%.  Click here for more info

Four-wheel velomobile and power assist

Four-wheel velomobile and power assist

Quad velomobiles appear to be making a big impact on the velomobile scene.  While the concept is not new, there were four-wheel pedal cars early in the 20^th century.  Charles Mochet built a small four-wheeled 'bike'-car that he called it a Velocar.  It was not very efficient or aerodynamic but it was relatively inexpensive and it could take you places with a passenger and bit of luggage.  Apparently there were some 1000 Mochet Velocar produced.  At that time, motorized vehicles were out of reach for many and horses were not practical for urban dwellers, these velocars provided transportation for many.  They disappeared when motorized vehicles were mass-produced and became affordable.  While three-wheel velomobile reappeared in the late 70’s, four-wheel designs were not commercially produced.

Velomobile Designer Miles Kingsbury created the Quattro velomobile.   While other four-wheelers were created in recent times, Miles’ design made the four-wheeler aerodynamically efficient at close to the level of three-wheelers.  The Quattro was no a commercial product and was used by Miles to race and tour.  The Quattro was able to cross the USA during ROAM, keeping up with traditional designs.  A presentation from Miles Kingsbury on his project convinced Allert Jacobs that it was not only possible to build a commercial four-wheel velomobile but that it had certain advantages over traditional three-wheel designs.  In particular, the four-wheel design provides better stability, increased carrying capacity and potentially more safety for rider.  It has a few drawbacks however like increased weight, complexity, cost and potentially less aerodynamic, not to mention it is potentially not considered a bicycle and may, as a result be illegal on the roads.

This week I was made aware of another four-wheel velomobile project (see below).  This is the fourth velomobile project currently and publically underway.  As I reported already, Velomobiel, Alligt and IntercityBike have projects at different stage of development.  Alligt is looking for partners to commercialize the Sunrider Veloquad four-wheel velomobile.

On forums discussions on user requirements for the quads appear to be mostly about the need for electric assistance some people even asking for motors as big as 800W!  A number of others are asking for faster vehicles with additional space, windshield wipers and other things you would find in a motorized vehicle adding a lot of weight, complexity and cost.  It looks like most of these people are looking for a car alternative.  As I have said before, heavy velomobiles with large motors are no longer a human powered vehicle with assistance, but they become nano-cars or at best e-velomobiles.  They will have to meet more stringent regulations and new requirements like seatbelts, additional impact protection and possibly not be able to use the cycling infrastructure.  I have talked about this before in my post last May on the definition of a velomobile. 

When I see comments on the different forums on the subject of e-velomobiles or nano-cars, I often see comments from people who do not own a velomobile, have never ridden in a velomobile and many times never seen a velomobile up close.  So they are potential customers but if you ask would they pay more for an e-velomobile or nano-car that a standard velomobile, you have many people shy away, others are waiting to see.  The one thing manufacturers have to ask themselves is if these opinions and requiements are those of serious customers or are they those of people who just have a passing interest.

As I’ve said before, I have no problems with people finding a more economical and less polluting transportation.  The issues I have with these vehicles are many.  One of the most important is that some potentially from the outside, in some form e-velomobiles could look like a regular velomobile and it may come a time when police will assume that our velomobiles are not human powered and denied the same rights as bicycles.  This is not far fetched; in many areas e-bikes have been banned from the cycling infrastructure.  Like e-bikes, we may also attract people who have lost their drivers licenses for different offences.  In the long term, this could also taint perception from other cyclists; users of the roadway and the public in general have towards velomobiles.   As a result, human powered velomobile or those with minimal e-assist would face discrimination.  While transforming velomobiles into nano-cars could be a boon for manufacturers who may attract new customers, manufacturers will have to deal with increased scrutiny, e-cars have much more stringent requirements.  Are the manufacturers going to abandon he HPV market or suck the development and production resources for potentially higher number of nano-cars than HPV?  On the longer term, will high-volume producers in Asia come and overtake the new market, driving current manufacturers into bankruptcy leaving HPV riders without manufacturers?

This begs the question: Can we have successful four-wheel velomobiles without electric assist?

Velomo

Reader Marc S. pointed out that trike and recumbent manufacturer Velomo has also started development of yet another four-wheel velomobile.  Since Velomo is a manufacturer of bikes and trikes, it is not clear to me if this is going to be a shell on frame vs monocoque or self-supporting shell construction.

The quad will apparently provide plenty of room to 30kg Shopping + child seat, a standard support for motor is planned. Part of the new velomobile is probably going to be made from flax fiber.

The Velomo quad will offer the following features:

-Four wheels – the front wheels will have independent front suspension with 5cm wheel travel and a torsion beam rear axle with 8cm wheel travel
-Motor assist
-Storage compartment lockable and waterproof for 52liters and 1,5l water bottle over and above twice as much storage space inside the cockpit
-Max weight to 200kg
-Empty weight significantly below 50kg (with motor)
-complete electrical system including (turn signals, HiLight60 as a front light + high beam, rear light with brake light, audio system (optional), battery monitoring, etc.)
-Motor assist range if only used to climb and when starting - 200km +  
Safety package (optional harness; box beam for side impact protection; crumple zones, front / rear; and a rollbar
-Adjustable ventilation
-optional windshield with wipers (not plastic .. disk can be kept small, so relatively easy)
-optional hard top or soft top (the latter can be rolled up and stowed in the trunk)
-Will accommodate a wide size of riders  with a fully adjustable

-Drivetrain fully enclosed, easy to reach all parts
-Wheels will be easily removable without having to fiddle around with the chain

-Tire size up to 60mm (Then forward with open wheel arches)
- "Eco", because the body will be made of almost 100% renewable raw materials

Cab Bike –Pima

Polish company Pima is holding an important promotion by offering selected products at a serious discount including the Cab-Bike Hawk velomobile. The first ten orders for each of the items on sale will be given a significant promotional discount.  To qualify, the order should be made using the order form available on the company webiste www.cabbike.pl the offer ends March 31, 2016 and it is opened to anyone.  See website for details.

Cab Bike Hawk Classic Velomobile normally priced at €4 970 (tax incl.) is offered at €3 727 (tax incl.) This is a 25% price reduction over the list price! The Egg&Roll and the Taifun Compact trailers are also priced at a significant discount.  It is very rare to see velomobiles sold at promotional prices.

Velomobile Seminar 2015

I would like to find the proceedings on-line to the papers/slides presented at the Velomobile Seminar held last fall.   I did find a few slides here and there but nothing comprehensive.  I think it is sad that the great information that speakers have spent hours to research prepare is not shared widely.  I have not seen any reference to a Seminar in 2016.  If anyone know where the presentations from the 2015 event or has information to share on the next event please post a comment below.

I wish that the organizers of next seminar find a way for participants and presenters to attend on-line making it more accessible and to make it a worldwide event.  I think that using Google Hangout or similar tool would certainly increase participation, exposure and enhance the quality of the information.  I suggest organizers also find a way for participants and presenters to mingle using video links and message boards outside the presentations to help create closer ties between continents.

Laidback Report

Earlier this week velomobile riders Josef Janning, Doug Davis and myself were interviewed for The Laidback Report podcast (www.laidbackbikereport.com) by host Gary Solomon.  The show was dedicated to the world of velomobiles and answered everything you wanted to know about velomobiles.  Don’t worry if you missed the live podcast, you can catch the show on You Tube here: