It will be built for me
and delivered in mid July
at the latest.
I got a single seater with
36 speeds, positraction for
off road if I want, and dual
disk brakes. Interestingly
enough there are NO forbidden
gear combinations on this vehicle,
although some you wouldn't want
or need, so with a bit of practise
I figure I can even climb most of
the hills around here with the thing.
While it is on the heavy side
it will get me around Car FREE
in my little suburb here in Southern
California and even get me into LA
once in a while if I wanna make the trip.
And I always have my two recumbents
to fall back on if I wanna go for speed
and long distance.
You can see a picture of what it looks
like at: http://www.rhoadescar.com/4w1p-h.htm
The only difference being that mine won't have
the fenders and the canopy. I can add that later
if I want, but i wanna keep this behemoth as
light as possible for now.
I still figure I can get around pretty well on it
though for around town shopping and business
and such. And I intend to keep my Lightning
recumbent for when I have a desire for speed.
Floyd
05-11-06, 07:51 PM
Hope you enjoy your 'heavy duty' quadracycle Rhoades car. They are, or seem to be well built. I got one (a two seater) with the help of a parishioner who is an auctioneer. I bought it sight unseen and got a pretty good deal, nothting to brag about. It was made before the multi(36)speed ones were made; or at least it does not have it. The speeds it does have need a little work, shifting is sometimes questionable, and the 'deluxe seats' are now in a more reclining position. The previous owners must have ridden this thing a lot. It has a ,i think home made, canopy so that is a positive in the sun. Just another experience with a Rhoades Car. Not completely negative, after all I got is second hand,,,but because of the weight would not be my first choice. peace el padre
EnigManiac
05-12-06, 09:23 AM
I don't get it. Although the bike looks nice, it doesn't seem to have any practical purpose: it is heavy and wide and will be an obstacle on roads for other users (motorists and cyclists). It doesn't carry passengers or groceries from what I could see and it looks as if many parts could cause trouble at some point; it won't be easy to park or maneuver; I can only imagine it is expensive. So, what is the advantage? Why wouldn't a trike with baskets or a bent with panniers be more practical and efficient? I'm just curious. Not trying to give you a hard time.
Shaman
05-12-06, 10:40 AM
COOL~FACTOR :D
These are used in Oregon's beach towns as rentals. On a busy summer day they are fun to tootle around town with.
It also is not to dificult to put a belt drive motor assist if you really want that 'old time' car feeling.
2manybikes
05-12-06, 10:46 AM
The only one I have seen in use on a regular basis seems to be only slightly better than walking for speed. I have ridden next to the guy and watched him pedal. The carrying capacity is huge though. The guy who used to ride one all the time near me went to a semi recumbent trike and is now quite a bit faster in the same conditions. I believe he has balance problems so three or four wheels is always a benefit for him.
Did you already ride one? What was it like?
World Tour
05-12-06, 11:15 AM
I've always admired them from their website. But as it is, there's barely enough room on Ft. Lauderdale's roads for 2-wheelers.....
Good luck with it.
LittleBigMan
05-17-06, 08:42 AM
If you could get four people in a four-wheeled bike like a Rhodes Car all pedaling at once, I wonder how fast you could go?
:D
scottogo
05-17-06, 09:55 AM
A list of some manufacturers with links:
http://www.bhsi.org/fourwhel.htm
2manybikes
05-17-06, 01:53 PM
If you could get four people in a four-wheeled bike like a Rhodes Car all pedaling at once, I wonder how fast you could go?
:D
We got up to maybe 12 -13 on a slight down hill It felt a little tippy. Maybe 10 on a flat, if you can keep the people in back pedaling. Which I can never do.
jeff-o
05-18-06, 10:42 AM
12-13 on a downhill, eh?
no thanks. :)
JesPiddlin
06-10-08, 01:55 AM
We got up to maybe 12 -13 on a slight down hill It felt a little tippy. Maybe 10 on a flat, if you can keep the people in back pedaling. Which I can never do.
What kind were you riding to feel a little tippy? Sounds like one of the surrey limo's. They're cute. Anyone got a clue how fast they can go and how well they ride? They look rather slow, even though 2 can pedal on each row.
We are considering a Rhoades Car, too. 4/4 Only 2 people can pedal. We want the 4 person so we can take the grandkids, the in-laws, haul wood, groceries, etc..
Someone asked why such a bulky vehicle. (basically)
My response: Extreme visibility and great for toting things. We will be riding mostly on country roads that are 45-50 mph and we will be riding for trips to work, grocery, etc.. I want to be SEEN and not run over. I prefer to ride toward the oncoming traffic, so I can see if I need to get off the road... BUT, since it's not the legal way to ride, even with rear-view mirrors, I can't always be looking behind me. I want to make sure I am seen at a far enough distance that I will be less apt to be run over, accidentally. I dont' know how many bicycles I have almost run over, due to not seeing them until the last minute. Folks put all their reflectors on and I only see them when I'm about to run them over, or if I'm coming at their side. With the gasoline prices, this could easily become our primary transportation.
Does anyone know of a faster and lighter-weight 2 person quad with 4 person capability? We live in hilly terrain (around Tulsa, OK) and since we're figuring this might become our primary transportation...
I found and prefer the Cozy Cycle to any other brand, but can't reach the folks by e-mail and the voice mail has been full for a long time. It looks lighter and easier to ride and tote kids. I'm not too sure about in-laws, though. :) Anyone know what happened to this company?
Another issue I'm concerned about is that I prefer chain guards and a lot of the quads don't come with them. I can be dangerous with a bike chain! Any suggestions?
I definitely would like to see more on this thread, so we can make the best educated guess possible, when we order our quad. We really need to get something ordered, soon, so we'll have it by mid-August, at the latest.
Thanks for any help possible. I know I didn't start this thread, but would really appreciate every little bit of honest feedback from experienced quad riders.
no1mad
06-10-08, 08:15 PM
What kind were you riding to feel a little tippy? Sounds like one of the surrey limo's. They're cute. Anyone got a clue how fast they can go and how well they ride? They look rather slow, even though 2 can pedal on each row.
We are considering a Rhoades Car, too. 4/4 Only 2 people can pedal. We want the 4 person so we can take the grandkids, the in-laws, haul wood, groceries, etc..
Someone asked why such a bulky vehicle. (basically)
My response: Extreme visibility and great for toting things. We will be riding mostly on country roads that are 45-50 mph and we will be riding for trips to work, grocery, etc.. I want to be SEEN and not run over. I prefer to ride toward the oncoming traffic, so I can see if I need to get off the road... BUT, since it's not the legal way to ride, even with rear-view mirrors, I can't always be looking behind me. I want to make sure I am seen at a far enough distance that I will be less apt to be run over, accidentally. I dont' know how many bicycles I have almost run over, due to not seeing them until the last minute. Folks put all their reflectors on and I only see them when I'm about to run them over, or if I'm coming at their side. With the gasoline prices, this could easily become our primary transportation.
Does anyone know of a faster and lighter-weight 2 person quad with 4 person capability? We live in hilly terrain (around Tulsa, OK) and since we're figuring this might become our primary transportation...
I found and prefer the Cozy Cycle to any other brand, but can't reach the folks by e-mail and the voice mail has been full for a long time. It looks lighter and easier to ride and tote kids. I'm not too sure about in-laws, though. :) Anyone know what happened to this company?
Another issue I'm concerned about is that I prefer chain guards and a lot of the quads don't come with them. I can be dangerous with a bike chain! Any suggestions?
I definitely would like to see more on this thread, so we can make the best educated guess possible, when we order our quad. We really need to get something ordered, soon, so we'll have it by mid-August, at the latest.
Thanks for any help possible. I know I didn't start this thread, but would really appreciate every little bit of honest feedback from experienced quad riders.
Umm, I know this is the 'bent forum, but I think that you would probably be better off with a pair of Xtracycles. I can't think of anywhere but Cherry St. or possibly Brookside that a Rhodes Car wouldn't become a hinderance to the flow of traffic. (Besides, it would be way cool if somebody around here actually had an Xtra or Big Dummy...)
Elkhound
06-10-08, 09:16 PM
It was asked what other companies made similar machines to Rhodescar; my first reaction was "What about Lightfoot? http://www.lightfootcycles.com/
JesPiddlin
06-10-08, 10:02 PM
Umm, I know this is the 'bent forum, but I think that you would probably be better off with a pair of Xtracycles. I can't think of anywhere but Cherry St. or possibly Brookside that a Rhodes Car wouldn't become a hinderance to the flow of traffic. (Besides, it would be way cool if somebody around here actually had an Xtra or Big Dummy...)
Thanks for your reply. I have different needs than normal, which fit a quad much more than a bike or trike and visibility is a big issue for me, as well as having a 2nd person to pedal, when I can't.
I prefer the looks and style of the Cozy Cycle (ultimate-quadracycle), but I can't reach the company and wouldn't be able to carry a lot of groceries or a load of wood in it as easily, anyway.
BTW, I avoid Cherry St. and Brookside if I'm in a car and wouldn't DARE go there on a bike, trike or quad. That part of town gives me anxiety attacks to drive around. I'm way east of there, closer to the Verdigris. We're gonna be on country roads much of the time.
We need some quads in the area, anyway. The Tulsa area needs to realize they need bicycle lanes when they rebuild these roads, because we're about to have a LOT more folks on bikes, if the gasoline prices keep going up. I would think having a lot of quads in town would help encourage those considerations. There is also the argument of the cardio health issues a set of pedalling wheels offer, as well as fresher air, due to less exhaust fumes on the road. Sorry. That's another conversation, entirely. Have soap box, will travel. :D:D
JesPiddlin
06-10-08, 10:13 PM
It was asked what other companies made similar machines to Rhodescar; my first reaction was "What about Lightfoot? http://www.lightfootcycles.com/
Thanks. There are quite a few of this similar style, but this one also turned my head. I really like their single bikes and trikes.
For style, my favorite is the Cozy Cycle (especially the one with 2 kid seats) at http://ultimate-quadracycle.com/, but that company doesn't seem to exist, anymore. At least, I can't reach them. Anyone know anything about them?
JesPiddlin
06-10-08, 10:22 PM
So, I'm curious, Ned Goudy...
How do you like your Rhoades Car? Did you ever post info regarding what you liked or disliked about your Rhoades Car?
2manybikes
06-11-08, 10:27 PM
What kind were you riding to feel a little tippy? Sounds like one of the surrey limo's. They're cute. Anyone got a clue how fast they can go and how well they ride? They look rather slow, even though 2 can pedal on each row.
And if you go fast down a hill it is not stable anyway.
It's sad if they are tippy when they are so slow. You'd think one couldn't get it fast enough to be tippy.
I thought about getting one of those 9-person limos for family rides with the kids and grandkids, but need something more practical for daily use, if I'm going to spend that much money. Cute gets old and sits in the garage. :(
2manybikes
06-11-08, 11:13 PM
It's sad if they are tippy when they are so slow. You'd think one couldn't get it fast enough to be tippy.
I thought about getting one of those 9-person limos for family rides with the kids and grandkids, but need something more practical for daily use, if I'm going to spend that much money. Cute gets old and sits in the garage. :(
We were going down a slight hill. Not very fast either. Maybe 12+ mph? Not sure.
You're right. On the flats I don't think you can get it to go that fast.
BlazingPedals
06-12-08, 05:30 AM
You need to take an effective cycling class and get over your cyclist inferiority complex before you get any sort of pedal-powered vehicle. Something that tops out at 10 mph will enrage the motorists even more than a 2-wheeler, and a 4-wheeler won't be able to pull over and let them by as easily. Unless your attitude (and, I suspect, your riding style) changes, you'll be too afraid to ride the Rhodes Car, too.
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 11:14 AM
You need to take an effective cycling class and get over your cyclist inferiority complex before you get any sort of pedal-powered vehicle. Something that tops out at 10 mph will enrage the motorists even more than a 2-wheeler, and a 4-wheeler won't be able to pull over and let them by as easily. Unless your attitude (and, I suspect, your riding style) changes, you'll be too afraid to ride the Rhodes Car, too.
You need to know more of the facts, before you judge so quickly. Although I'm only in my 40's, I have recently had heart attacks and cancer. Sometimes, I simply can't pedal very much. I need the exercise and I love being on a bike. I always have. I have 2 very young grandchildren that are my world and we will have them with us often, when we ride. (I am small, so I ride a child's "one speed" bike, right now.)
I know I do not see bicycles very well, when I am driving and I know many others don't see them, because they're simply not wide enough to see. (Why do you think so many motorcycles aren't seen?) I also have seen the occasional cyclists who ride in the center of the lane and could move, but they refuse to even try to move over for a car to pass. I am not blind to the issues and want to be visible for my grandchildren's sakes. On the country roads we will be on, the speed limit is 45 mph unless otherwise posted, but most folks think it is open speed and some of the roads are hilly, so we need heighth, as well as width, if we're to be seen at a further distance. (Of course, I'd want to keep the kids under a canopy, anyway.) I need visibility for a good distance, if I am going to be on these roads. There are 2 lanes and NO shoulder to retreat to and sometimes, the only thing beside the road is a swamp/pond, with nothing between. A quadracycle will allow us to travel as a family and have the visibility that will be required to be seen in time to avoid being run over.
It is one thing to be a single bicycle who takes up a whole lane and will not move over to allow the cars to go by. It is another thing to be a 'tractor' on the road, who can't move all the way over, no matter how hard you try. People get mad at both, but they deal with the tractor who is too wide a lot better.
Have you ever run a cyclist off the road, because you didn't see him in time? How many people have run you off the road because they didn't see you? How many people have had their heart jump into their throat when they saw you at the last minute and hit the horn to let you know they just now spotted you and are trying to turn the wheel in time to avoid you? And you probably got mad, when it was your fault you weren't visible enough. I never can find my horn in time, but I don't like to scare the pee out of anyone, either. I've just seen this done enough that I know others, who seem to know where their horn is, do it.
Just so you know, speed IS an issue for us, which is why we are trying to find out more about which of the quads are more stable and will carry the kids, as well as move faster. Even being visible, which I know will hurt our speed, we want to be able to travel as fast as possible, in order to be as little irritation as possible. The great part of driving in the country is that most folks get used to seeing you if you travel the same routes frequently and they will wave as they pass you.
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 11:25 AM
I apologize for the novel in the last post. I didn't think posting a genetic health report and detailed results from prior experiences were important before asking questions in this forum, but I seem to have been wrong, so I was trying to back up and start over. By the way, I saw my cardiologist yesterday and he was thrilled I am getting back on a bike and thought the quad was a very good idea for us.
BlazingPedals
06-12-08, 12:06 PM
Have you ever run a cyclist off the road, because you didn't see him in time?
No.
How many people have run you off the road because they didn't see you?
None. The few cagers who have run me off the road knew very well that I was there, and deliberately took time out of their busy day to 'teach me a lesson.'
How many people have had their heart jump into their throat when they saw you at the last minute and hit the horn to let you know they just now spotted you and are trying to turn the wheel in time to avoid you? And you probably got mad, when it was your fault you weren't visible enough.
You do understand the concept of assured clear distance, don't you? If the driver cannot make sure the path ahead is clear, he is driving too fast or not paying attention. That's why the following driver is almost always at fault in rear-end accidents.
I never can find my horn in time, but I don't like to scare the pee out of anyone, either. I've just seen this done enough that I know others, who seem to know where their horn is, do it.
To put it another way, if they are in front of you, they have the right of way. If the cyclist was there all along and you didn't see him, it is YOUR FAULT. Don't blow your horn at a cyclist for something you did wrong!
I'll say it again. You seem to have a cyclist inferiority complex. Possibly brought on by a misunderstanding of vehicular law. I'm not trying to talk you out of a Rhodes Car; but if you're afraid of cars, you will have to deal with that no matter what you're riding.
Elkhound
06-12-08, 12:17 PM
I'll say it again. You seem to have a cyclist inferiority complex. Possibly brought on by a misunderstanding of vehicular law. I'm not trying to talk you out of a Rhodes Car; but if you're afraid of cars, you will have to deal with that no matter what you're riding.
I know that everything you say is true according to the law. That will be of great comfort to me as I lie in my body cast--or coffin--after a car has creamed me.
BlazingPedals
06-12-08, 01:47 PM
I know that everything you say is true according to the law. That will be of great comfort to me as I lie in my body cast--or coffin--after a car has creamed me.
I see no evidence that being a timid rider will in any way decrease my chances of being hit by an inattentive - or felonious - driver. Your comment only underscores your insecurity.
Elkhound
06-12-08, 01:54 PM
I see no evidence that being a timid rider will in any way decrease my chances of being hit by an inattentive - or felonious - driver. Your comment only underscores your insecurity.
Not a timid rider. A defensive and sensible rider, as opposed to a reckless and arrogant one.
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 02:08 PM
...I'll say it again. You seem to have a cyclist inferiority complex. Possibly brought on by a misunderstanding of vehicular law. I'm not trying to talk you out of a Rhodes Car; but if you're afraid of cars, you will have to deal with that no matter what you're riding.
Last time I noticed, the car was bigger than the cyclist and it has always been a monster to avoid. No excessive fear there. Just in touch with reality.
If you must continue, you need to turn around and notice that you seem to have a major insecurity issue. It is quite well-known that bullies generally feel insecure and pick on others to make themselves feel big and important. I'll be quite glad to receive some constructive input from you, if you have any.
I have asked for input, hoping to hear about positive and negative issues from those who actually have a Rhoades Car or another quadracycle. I'd really like to know how satisfied others are with theirs, before we spend that kind of money on one.
Floyd
06-12-08, 02:49 PM
Jespiddlin::::: I did have a Rhoades Car for a while. As far as getting from one place to another, it will do you a wonderful job. However as has been said, it will be at the slow pace where you can "smell the roses". I bought the one I had sight unseen because I knew an auctioneer who bought it for me. It turned out to be put together by someone who did not care too much about details so the mechanics of the thing was not the best. It was a two seater with a basket on the back. The good news for me was that I took it to another auction house and got more than I paid for the thing.. SO to answer your question, if i remember what the question is... It will be slow and heavy but that does not seem to bother you. I had fun on mine riding around town...and by the way it did have a home made canopy on it. If you have several miles to go it will take you a little while but if time is not a factor ...who cares. Glad your doctor is happy with what you are doing...go for it. continue looking and if the Rhoads Car looks good on the mechanical side, that is if you can actually ride it and try it out, it will take you from point A to B.
Elkhound
06-12-08, 02:52 PM
I have asked for input, hoping to hear about positive and negative issues from those who actually have a Rhoades Car or another quadracycle. I'd really like to know how satisfied others are with theirs, before we spend that kind of money on one.
I have had no personal experience whth Rhoades Car, but I have heard that they do not hold up very well. I have heard good things about Lightfoot. You might also want to take look at Organic Engines.
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 03:59 PM
Thank you guys for the input. I appreciate all of it.
Floyd, did your Rhoades Car have a speedometer on it and if so, do you remember how fast it went when 2 people were pedalling, or when only one was on board? I've also heard that one person is no problem with the Rhoades Car, as far as stability. Is that correct, according to what you remember?
How many speeds did yours have?
Do you know what year it was built?
Did you ever have any problems with shifting gears or braking?
Was it very hard to pedal and especially to get it up a hill... say maybe a half-mile hill that isn't extremely steep... just long? (You know... one of those long hills that normally makes you get off and walk a lot of bikes.)
StephenH
06-12-08, 05:46 PM
"Was it very hard to pedal and especially to get it up a hill... say maybe a half-mile hill that isn't extremely steep... just long? (You know... one of those long hills that normally makes you get off and walk a lot of bikes.)"
I would say the answer to that question is highly dependent upon the condition of the rider, and less so on the mechanics of the bicycle/car, whatever. Most people that are "serious" bicycle riders don't get off and walk up hills.
I've read a lot about the Rhoades cars, but you seldom hear from anyone that has used one. It seems to me that the major reason to use one is just a different philosophy about what one wants to do. You could probably make really valid arguments about how everyone ought to ride a motorcycle instead of driving a car, or vice versa, but that doesn't matter to anyone. Some people want to drive cars, some want to ride motorcycles, some don't care which they do if it's cheaper, etc.
Edit:
I see this post from 2/3/07: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=271963
"I developed the ability to cruise at 10-12 mph on the Rhoades Car even on slight inclines last summer and could do 15 mph on slight to moderate declinations." So it seems Ned was reasonably pleased with it.
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 06:13 PM
I would say the answer to that question is highly dependent upon the condition of the rider, and less so on the mechanics of the bicycle/car, whatever. Most people that are "serious" bicycle riders don't get off and walk up hills.
Okay. Maybe I'm talking about a bit steeper hill than I made it sound like. And I'm coming from a kid's 1 speed bike with coaster brakes. A half mile is a long way to fight, if you did't get much time to build up some speed, first. Also, keep in mind that some serious bike riders might have heart problems and getting off to push is better than getting "knocked off" by your stubborness. :)
I've read a lot about the Rhoades cars, but you seldom hear from anyone that has used one. It seems to me that the major reason to use one is just a different philosophy about what one wants to do. You could probably make really valid arguments about how everyone ought to ride a motorcycle instead of driving a car, or vice versa, but that doesn't matter to anyone. Some people want to drive cars, some want to ride motorcycles, some don't care which they do if it's cheaper, etc.
Very well put. And you are right. I find very few comments from Rhoades Car owners. One has to wonder if that's because they're out enjoying theirs, or because they tired of them and went on to bigger and better things. On another note, there are very few of them for sale in the second hand market, so I take that as a pretty good sign, too.
Edit:
I see this post from 2/3/07: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=271963
"I developed the ability to cruise at 10-12 mph on the Rhoades Car even on slight inclines last summer and could do 15 mph on slight to moderate declinations." So it seems Ned was reasonably pleased with it.
Thank you!
Floyd
06-12-08, 06:37 PM
JesPiddlin; wrote you a long answer then had to re-login so lost my answer. anyway
no speedometer... since I got it used I don't know if it came assembled or if it was bought as a kit and put together by someone who did not care if it was well done...the shifters were separate for each set of pedals and put on the 'steering wheel' so would get tangled if you turned too much one way or the other.
It was only a 6 speed with back derailer but the low gear would be adequet for a hill and the high gear would make 10-12 on level if you really pushed it. So in my estimation unless the product is now a better machine or you can get one ""cheap"" it might be better to go another route.. I am baseing that on what I had ,,,an older one (i think) that was not in good running order. The shifting needed work on mine, however it did do OK considering that it was for each set of pedals. The brakes were OK but could have been better, I would not want to have to stop going down that hill you speak of. The Fred Flinstone method might come into play.
I would be glad to answer more questions IF i can Happy looking Floyd
did your Rhoades Car have a speedometer on it and if so, do you remember how fast it went when 2 people were pedalling, or when only one was on board? I've also heard that one person is no problem with the Rhoades Car, as far as stability. Is that correct, according to what you remember?
How many speeds did yours have?
Do you know what year it was built?
Did you ever have any problems with shifting gears or braking?
Was it very hard to pedal and especially to get it up a hill... say maybe a half-mile hill that isn't extremely steep... just long? (You know... one of those long hills that normally makes you get off and walk a lot of bikes.)
JesPiddlin
06-12-08, 09:30 PM
...I would be glad to answer more questions IF i can Happy looking Floyd
Floyd::
If your Rhoades Car had 36 speeds and was put together a little better, do you think it would have been worth having? Do you think 36 speeds would make much difference in the capable speeds it could be driven and the hills it could climb?
If we buy one, we're expecting to get the 36 speed, 4 person model. It would be great if I could run into someone who has driven one with 36 speeds, so I could find out how well it performs and whether the gears have any issues we need to be wary of.
crackerdog
06-13-08, 09:59 PM
Well mine is a number of years old. Bought it from the original owners off Craiglist 6 months ago. The parts are mostly go-kart parts, it has 36 gears or so but it is so poorly designed that it is sad. It only has one wheel drive, which isn't too bad on a trike but with 4 wheels it is much easier to have the drive wheel spin on gravel. If only has a go-kart disc brake which only brakes one wheel. The shifters are located in such a way that you have to stop to shift gears and the passenger shifters on on the drivers steering column so the passenger can't shift without stopping and standing up. I was going to put disc brakes on the wheels (we have hills here) and a differential and move the shift levers but I got into other things so if someone wants it, for $1100 it is yours. These are made for flat smooth off-road places and would need tinkering to make it really useable.
StephenH
06-13-08, 11:07 PM
I was just looking at the website. It comes as 1-speed, 6-speed, or 36-speed options. Power to one rear wheel or both is another option. Brake on one rear wheel or both is another option. There are some videos on the website, and some user quotes, and from them, you can get a pretty good idea of the machine. (IE, the videos show it going maybe 8 mph or slower, or even much slower off-road; the user comments indicate pretty casual use of it.)
Floyd
06-14-08, 07:02 AM
JusPiddlin: now you are getting some more information... To answer your question IF it is put together well and IF you can get it for less than 1000 or 1500 it might be OK but as crackerdog said, this machine is not a "from the beginning" production vehicle...they used parts from other things. That being said...IF you have easy access to the Rhoads Car for little $$ then maybe worth it but for the distances you seem to want to go, you may not be satisfied... I guess what I am saying is that the Rhoads Car is not a real well thought out product, even though it does work...it will be slow. I don't know what the other 4-wheelers have to offer so will not try and make comparisons. Again ready for questions.
no1mad
06-14-08, 08:48 AM
Jespeddlin-Been a while since I've checked out this thread. I was the one who suggested that you would probably be better off with an Xtracycle. Now that I know a bit more about your health (heart), I still stand behind that suggestion, but with one modification: a stokemonkey or some other form of assist.
Just curious about something though. In one of your earlier posts, you were thinking about a quadracycle so that after you became tired, your partner would still be able to keep it going.. Have you thought about the kind of stress that would induce?
BTW, if you're in Wagoner County, then you're right about those roads. Generally a mile long between stop signs, NO shoulders (max. of one foot of grass, followed by a min. 3-foot drop into the ditch, followed by an immediate barbed wire fence). You might consider just using the trail that runs next to the Creek Turnpike, at least until your health/skills/confidence improves.
Elkhound
06-14-08, 09:22 PM
Jespeddlin-Been a while since I've checked out this thread. I was the one who suggested that you would probably be better off with an Xtracycle. Now that I know a bit more about your health (heart), I still stand behind that suggestion, but with one modification: a stokemonkey or some other form of assist.
The Stokemonkey is sounding more and more like Alice's Jam.
Take a look at Lightfoot and also at these people (http://www.catoregon.org/cat) or these (http://www.organicengines.com/); they all are very much into custom work, and may be able to come up with something that fits your parameters more than any production model. You may have to pay through the nose, but you'll get what you pay for.
jrockway
06-15-08, 12:40 AM
I hate to push this thread back in the direction of traffic safety, but I have a few concerns. First off, never ride on the wrong side of the road. Please don't do it, it's very dangerous to the oncoming traffic, and very dangerous to you. There is not enough time to react, and there is no protocol for reacting. If the car goes off the road to avoid you, do you turn into the road? If the car doesn't swerve to avoid you, what do you do? It's a difficult situation, so don't put yourself into it. The fact that a quadracycle is huge compared to a bike is just making it worse.
You mentioned that you (as a driver) don't notice cyclists at night with only reflectors. That's obvious, reflectors are not adequate for night riding. They are worse than worthless; you need lights. If you see someone riding at night without lights, they are asking to be killed. So don't base your experience on what you see. Get some lights and cars will see you. People are basically programmed to avoid killing other people, so if they can see you, they won't hit you. (Being hit from behind just isn't a common action. Most accidents happen at intersections or when the cyclist is driving incorrectly.)
Finally, I am worried about the width of the quadracycle. Can you share a lane with a car? Will you only be riding on four-lane roads? Basically, if you are worried about being hit from behind, I don't think being a larger target is going to mitigate that risk!
I think you should go for a bicycle (recumbent, of course) or a trike. The trike is almost as narrow as a bike, but you can sit in a nice comfortable position, haul a lot of weight, accelerate faster (much less weight than a quadracycle), and balance at lights. I think if you relax a bit and get some flashers on back, you will love your trike. (I prefer regular bikes, but I see people on trikes all the time, and they are quite useful.)
JesPiddlin
06-15-08, 10:33 AM
(Sorry guys. Just found this. Thought I posted it the other day.)
You guys are great. I appreciate the offer, crackerdog, but we were planning on buying one with some extras, if we do buy one. I will pass the message along to the better half, just in case, though. We are in Oklahoma. I'd probaby have to take a bus up to your location to get it and drive it back home, if we did buy it. Does yours have a canopy?
Stephen, I had seen most of the things on the Rhoades Car website, before. I noticed a lot of really happy faces and I haven't hardly seen anything bad about them, except that they are a bit slow. Seems the highest speed I've seen listed for them is about 15 mph. Compared to some of the videos of the machines going uphill, my one-speed kid's bike can go faster up those hills with less rounds of the pedals. I would think having extra gears would mean (in my tiny, demented mind) that a person should have to pedal less times to get up a hill, not more. Maybe I've got the wrong idea of what gears are all about. I just thought it was supposed to make less work for a person. I think it's easier to pedal hard once around than to pedal easy 5 times around to do the same work.
I wonder if anyone has the model with only one speed and how well it works for them...??
crackerdog
06-15-08, 10:42 AM
Yes it has a canopy and the fancy steering wheel and the four seats are the comfortable ones. It has all the options and crating it up to ship by truck would be the only way I think.
Check your state laws, in many states a bicycle is defined as having 2 or 3 wheels not 4, so you could be in limbo land, if that matters to you. I am quite sure that most of these four wheeled bikes are made for tourist places off road. So slow and wide is fine. Great for parades, which is what I was going to do with mine but not without brakes all around, we've got hills here.
Floyd
06-15-08, 03:23 PM
Another thing I remembered about mine...the seats were at leat part aluminum and they were "broken back" from the weight of a person or were not strong in the first place.
Elkhound
06-15-08, 09:31 PM
Riding on the 'wrong' (left) side of the road is not only dangerous, in most jurisdictions it is illegal. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico define bicycles as vehicles, and state that they are bound by the same Rules of the Road as cars.
BlazingPedals
06-16-08, 06:02 AM
Riding on the 'wrong' (left) side of the road is not only dangerous, in most jurisdictions it is illegal. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico define bicycles as vehicles, and state that they are bound by the same Rules of the Road as cars.
I believe you're referring to JesPiddlin; and he acknowledged the law in the same sentence as he stated his preference for wrong-way riding:
...I prefer to ride toward the oncoming traffic, so I can see if I need to get off the road... BUT, since it's not the legal way to ride, even with rear-view mirrors, I can't always be looking behind me. I want to make sure I am seen at a far enough distance that I will be less apt to be run over, accidentally.
The attitude is troubling, because being hit from behind only accounts for something like 7% of all bike accidents; and to avoid this, he would feel more comfortable doing something that is 2nd on the overall list, right behind riding unlit at night. But, at least he is deferring to the law. Personally, if I wanted to ensure being seen, I would get a Dionotte tail light and use it every time I rode. Those things cannot be ignored, even in bright sunshine. They're plainly visible for over a mile.
gseisele
06-29-08, 12:33 AM
My wife and I test drove a Rhodes Car 2 seater three years ago at the factory in Tennessee. We found it very hard to shift, with levels inconveniently placed, and the deluxe seats were too upright and not really designed well for pedaling. I think they're actually some kind of boat seats, and are an effort to improve the horrible rigidity of the plastic standard ones. We did not like the leaning feeling when turning, either. Just an awkward experience. Many people have written reviews praising the Rhodes Car, though. People are comlex and varied creatures, and you may love the RC. We certainly did not. I would look into Lightfoot's Micro Car. More expensive, but appears to be very well made. See the Lightfoot site. Personally, I would opt for a Lightfoot tricycle over a quad.
gseisele
06-29-08, 12:34 AM
Sorry, I meant levers inconveniently placed....not levels.
Ajenkins
06-29-08, 07:18 AM
I think JesPiddlin would fare much better by investing his money in a safe cycling course. Much of what he believes to be true about safe cycling is not based in fact, and it sounds as if the Rhoades car is a poor choice given his stated needs.
BlazingPedals
06-29-08, 01:10 PM
I think JesPiddlin would fare much better by investing his money in a safe cycling course. Much of what he believes to be true about safe cycling is not based in fact, and it sounds as if the Rhoades car is a poor choice given his stated needs.
Don't waste your time. I didn't even go that far; my suggestion was to get what you want but take the course. The attitude I got back was, "Cars are big. Be very afraid," and was labeled a bully for hassling them. I'm sure the Rhodes Car will do very well on the MUP, as long as everyone else gets out of its way. I still believe that better riding technique will enhance safety more than simply riding something that's bigger, but... ya know what they say about leading a horse to drink...