Velomobile commuter
10-25-17 | 02:05 AM
#26
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
I commute in my Quest XS Velomobile regularly. They may be pricey by some bicyclist standards but the comfort and speed is addicting. Another big advantage is you are out of the elements which is a big plus when riding in rainy or cold weather. I do an 18 mile one way commute in 45-50 minutes average, and about an hour for returning home (36 miles round trip).
I would really miss it if I did not have it as its so much fun to ride as well! I always tell people a Velomobile is the fastest human power vehicle and they still ask "what kind of a motor does it have". Another thing is when I tell them I ride down in the single digits and the say "do you have a heater" I tell them you are looking at it. People are amazed when seeing it and it draws allot of attention!
The shell/fairing protects you far better than a bike without a fairing if in a crash! I have had 2 deer run into me at about 30 mph. Both times I was able to keep on going. The first deer did allot of damage in the front end that needed some repair. They are very efficient vehicles! Although I have a car I rarely drive it. With no problems I will be logging over 21,000 miles in 3 years of owning it on Nov 11, most of which are commuting miles.
I would really miss it if I did not have it as its so much fun to ride as well! I always tell people a Velomobile is the fastest human power vehicle and they still ask "what kind of a motor does it have". Another thing is when I tell them I ride down in the single digits and the say "do you have a heater" I tell them you are looking at it. People are amazed when seeing it and it draws allot of attention!
The shell/fairing protects you far better than a bike without a fairing if in a crash! I have had 2 deer run into me at about 30 mph. Both times I was able to keep on going. The first deer did allot of damage in the front end that needed some repair. They are very efficient vehicles! Although I have a car I rarely drive it. With no problems I will be logging over 21,000 miles in 3 years of owning it on Nov 11, most of which are commuting miles.
Could you post a few photos as an example?
Many thanks.
10-25-17 | 08:04 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
10-26-17 | 02:03 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 15
From: Central PA (USA)
Bikes: 2014 Carbon Quest XS (Velomobile), 2014 Catrike Road (Trike), 2013 Easy Motion Max 700+ PCS (E-bike), 2011 Lynskey R340 (Road), 2011 Surly Moonlander (Fatty), 2010 Santa Cruise Tallboy (Full Suspension)
To give an example of the speed of the Velomobile, my shortest (main) commute is 12.5 miles one way (which I do on my regular 2 wheel bikes) but there are more hills. In the Velomobile I go the 18 mile one way route as it has less hills and only takes about 5 minutes longer to go the 18 mile route. Once you get used to the speed an comfort its hard to use the 2 wheel bike.
Here is a picture of it below and I hope it goes through as I tried to post using a way I have not tried yet. I have a couple other shots that are on my iPad but its in getting some work done on it. Once back I will try to remember to post a couple more.
velomobile 001.jpg
10-26-17 | 05:35 AM
#29
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
Well, the Velomobile is one way to get commute miles (but not all of them), I do get a few commute miles on the winter studded tire bike and now my newest 2 wheeled cargo bike too!
To give an example of the speed of the Velomobile, my shortest (main) commute is 12.5 miles one way (which I do on my regular 2 wheel bikes) but there are more hills. In the Velomobile I go the 18 mile one way route as it has less hills and only takes about 5 minutes longer to go the 18 mile route. Once you get used to the speed an comfort its hard to use the 2 wheel bike.
Here is a picture of it below and I hope it goes through as I tried to post using a way I have not tried yet. I have a couple other shots that are on my iPad but its in getting some work done on it. Once back I will try to remember to post a couple more.
Attachment 586004
To give an example of the speed of the Velomobile, my shortest (main) commute is 12.5 miles one way (which I do on my regular 2 wheel bikes) but there are more hills. In the Velomobile I go the 18 mile one way route as it has less hills and only takes about 5 minutes longer to go the 18 mile route. Once you get used to the speed an comfort its hard to use the 2 wheel bike.
Here is a picture of it below and I hope it goes through as I tried to post using a way I have not tried yet. I have a couple other shots that are on my iPad but its in getting some work done on it. Once back I will try to remember to post a couple more.
Attachment 586004
10-26-17 | 06:12 AM
#30
Let's Ride!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
10-26-17 | 07:51 AM
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 23
From: Thornton, CO
Bikes: 2003 Orbea Orca, 2003 Bianchi Imola, ? Waterford
I used to see a guy with one just like it but didn't know the manufacturer. I talked to him once when we were waiting for the GWB south sidewalk to open on the Manhattan side. I mentioned that it must be pretty fast fairing. He mentioned that it weighed about 60 lbs. So it was not ideal when going up hills. It just looked a bit big for the sidewalk but he managed. I haven't sen him since late last year if I recall. Wonder if he still rides it...
10-26-17 | 10:36 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Well he certainly couldn't take it across the GWB right now! I just saw a YT video the other night of what it's like right now, and it looks positively awful having to navigate 6 flights of stairs to get across there!
10-27-17 | 01:45 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 15
From: Central PA (USA)
Bikes: 2014 Carbon Quest XS (Velomobile), 2014 Catrike Road (Trike), 2013 Easy Motion Max 700+ PCS (E-bike), 2011 Lynskey R340 (Road), 2011 Surly Moonlander (Fatty), 2010 Santa Cruise Tallboy (Full Suspension)
That is not a sponsor. Velomobiles get so much attention I put my own business name on the side. I originally thought about renting space out on it but decided it was better to just use my business. Business has actually picked up since riding it, coincidence? I don't know but it is a great advertisement tool drawing attention every ride, along with being a great transportation and commuting vehicle!
10-27-17 | 02:21 AM
#34
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
Likes: 41
From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
That is not a sponsor. Velomobiles get so much attention I put my own business name on the side. I originally thought about renting space out on it but decided it was better to just use my business. Business has actually picked up since riding it, coincidence? I don't know but it is a great advertisement tool drawing attention every ride, along with being a great transportation and commuting vehicle!
10-27-17 | 06:14 AM
#35
Let's Ride!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
+1That is not a sponsor. Velomobiles get so much attention I put my own business name on the side. I originally thought about renting space out on it but decided it was better to just use my business. Business has actually picked up since riding it, coincidence? I don't know but it is a great advertisement tool drawing attention every ride, along with being a great transportation and commuting vehicle!
11-01-17 | 12:39 AM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 15
From: Central PA (USA)
Bikes: 2014 Carbon Quest XS (Velomobile), 2014 Catrike Road (Trike), 2013 Easy Motion Max 700+ PCS (E-bike), 2011 Lynskey R340 (Road), 2011 Surly Moonlander (Fatty), 2010 Santa Cruise Tallboy (Full Suspension)
Here is an article that was written about me in the local magazine this year (June issue) about commuting in the velomobile and working towards having a green business that you may like to check out if you have a few minutes.
Easy Rider | statecollegemagazine.com | State College Magazine
Here is a couple more pictures people have taken of me commuting I said I would try to get posted once I got my iPad back from repair. The first is a winter shot in the Velomobile. The second one is the one they are referring to in the article, one of the worst (if not the worst) weather days I ever commuted, enjoy!
image.jpeg
image.jpg
Easy Rider | statecollegemagazine.com | State College Magazine
Here is a couple more pictures people have taken of me commuting I said I would try to get posted once I got my iPad back from repair. The first is a winter shot in the Velomobile. The second one is the one they are referring to in the article, one of the worst (if not the worst) weather days I ever commuted, enjoy!
image.jpeg
image.jpg
11-01-17 | 06:43 AM
#37
Let's Ride!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 42
From: Lexington, VA USA
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
two cool pictures.
thanks will read the article soon. need to be working
thanks will read the article soon. need to be working
Here is an article that was written about me in the local magazine this year (June issue) about commuting in the velomobile and working towards having a green business that you may like to check out if you have a few minutes.
Easy Rider | statecollegemagazine.com | State College Magazine
Here is a couple more pictures people have taken of me commuting I said I would try to get posted once I got my iPad back from repair. The first is a winter shot in the Velomobile. The second one is the one they are referring to in the article, one of the worst (if not the worst) weather days I ever commuted, enjoy!
Attachment 586920
Attachment 586921
Easy Rider | statecollegemagazine.com | State College Magazine
Here is a couple more pictures people have taken of me commuting I said I would try to get posted once I got my iPad back from repair. The first is a winter shot in the Velomobile. The second one is the one they are referring to in the article, one of the worst (if not the worst) weather days I ever commuted, enjoy!
Attachment 586920
Attachment 586921
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