Apart from the adoption of modern materials and advances in light weight frames, drive trains, rims, brakes and tyres etc., the design and efficiency of conventional “upright” or “diamond shaped” bicycles, has remained virtually unchanged since 1900.
Fortunately, there are curious and inventive people in the world, who advance the development of what has been seen as the accepted norm. One such group are responsible for the design and manufacture of velomobiles, and of course those who purchase and ride them..
Velomobiles are human powered, pedal driven, three wheeled, recumbent bicycles.
Velomobiles are shaped like raindrops, and are extremely aerodynamic.
Velomobiles are constructed from light weight carbon fibre.
Velomobile frames are designed and constructed as a monocoque. This, while saving weight, doubles as a protective exoskeleton for the rider.
Modern Velomobiles have been around since the 1980’s and their popularity is growing exponentially worldwide and particularly in Europe and recently in the USA.
Velomobiles are exceptional for commuting, touring, serving as a replacement for the “second car” exercising, saving petrol, competing on closed courses, shopping, camping and more.
You cannot fall off a velomobile. A fall from a bicycle, clad only in Lycra, at any speed, but especially at the high speeds attainable on downhills, could result in life altering injuries.
Velomobiles provide enhanced rider protection due to the re-enforced, carbon exoskeleton monocoque that incorporates a mesh to prevent the carbon from shattering into harmful pieces.
Three wheels provide stability in cases where bicycles lack stability for example wet, painted traffic markings, patches of gravel in corners, touching wheels with another rider.
Velomobiles are all weather capable as they provide protection from rain and cold weather.
Velomobiles are factory equipped with effective lighting, front and rear, indicators, brake lights, a hooter and reflectors.
Velomobiles are equipped with suspension and provide a comfortable ride while seated in the recumbent position, which unlike conventional bicycles, affords a natural forward view without the need to crane the neck while hunching over the handlebars. The relief from not having to perch on an uncomfortable (to put it mildly) bicycle saddle is palpable.
The velomobile has a large reclining seat that supports the back and bottom of the rider, thereby spreading the rider’s weight comfortably over the large seat area.
The velomobile has storage compartments for nutrition and hydration supplies within easy reach of the rider. When riding a velomobile, you can wear regular clothes.
Gone are padded riding bibs. Gone are the shirts with the three back pockets. No more reaching behind your back at full speed to rummage for a bar or gel.
No more fishing for a bidon on a down tube, no more drinking with your head tilted like a swimmer taking a breath. For that matter, no reason to call your water bottle a bidon.
Best of all, velomobiles allow mere mortals to ride at the pace of professional tour riders, and with substantially less power
Velomobiles are perfect for commuting, touring, exercising, replacing a second car, saving fuel, shopping, camping, or competing. They are increasingly popular worldwide, especially in Europe and the USA.
Enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and faster ride—no Lycra, no rummaging in back pockets, no fishing for water bottles on a downtube!
