Huneliggers 3rd January 2010. Velomobiles in the snow.

[ponypruhest]

at 09:02, is that what you are driving in? t-shirt and jeans? in the winter, what do you wear in the summer time? speedos?

[DavidHembrow]

@ponypruhest Yes, that's what we wear. T-shirt and not jeans, but cycling longs as they're a bit better if they're slightly damp. It's pretty warm in a velomobile with the top on when you pedal reasonably hard. It's surprising how much warmth stays in due to the top. Without the top it's also comfortable in the middle of summer.

[covidiu]

How much faster do you go on this compared to a city bike (for the same amount of effort)?

[DavidHembrow]

@covidiu It's at least 50% quicker. At higher speeds there is even more of a gain. It's all due to the aerodynamics.

That's not such an issue on a day like this, of course. Then it's more important simply to be out of the cold.

[covidiu]

That sounds great. I have a few more questions:

- Can you put a roof over it to get protection from the rain?

- Can you see what's behind you?

- Can you signal before making a turn?

[covidiu]

Ah. I've just had a closer look and I noticed now that they do have mirrors, so you can see behind. And I assume you can signal by putting your hand out, like on a regular bike.

[DavidHembrow]

@covidiu You can put your hand out, or optionally you can have indicator lights so you don't have to put your hand out into the cold. Also there's a rubberized cover which fits the gap around the top which leaves only your face exposed to the weather. I have both these things. There is also an optional roof over the top. Search for "sinner mango" to find more details, or follow the link from youtube to my blog and look at the other stories about it.

[covidiu]

That's really neat. Thanks for explanations. I already feel the urge to have one, but I suspect I'd need a lot more coins in my piggybank for that. :D Also, I wouldn't have a parking space for it.