A shining velomobile

After my velomobile took some cosmetic damage (corrosion) I found just the right product to get it all shined up. Pro Polish Plus on eBay turned the mess into a sparkling shine

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• velomobile
• bicycle
• shining

[schumispecial]

The view somewhere from behind reminds me of vintage airplane (on purpose I take it). I am thinking of building something like yours, and using aviation gimmicks, like quick-release hatches, inspection panels and so on. I would love to see a drive video of your machine!

[freddotu]

@schumispecial, there are a few of the AAW videos in my collection here on YouTube. You can also search for AAW velomobile for other's contributions.

Because the skin of the velomobile transfers the loads, cutting openings may weaken it.

[Jasminewynja]

@freddotu

Excuse an ignorant question :)

Doesnt the extra weight the hull means that you lose about the same power as the wind resistance creates when using a common bike?

[freddotu]

@Jasminewynja, the extra weight of the shell is felt when climbing, but on flat ground or downhill, it is of little concern. Bicycles have the most aerodynamic drag above 15 mph/25 mph and the shape of the velomobile reduces much of that drag. It has been said that a well designed velomobile has ten percent of the aero drag of an upright bicycle.

[Jasminewynja]

@freddotu

Thanks for your answer! :)

Yeseterday I watched a video here at youtube about another velomobile and the driver was going around 20kmh uphills (not steep but still uphill) basicly without pedaling, only using the force of the side wind and the hull of the velimobile as a "sail" pushing/pulling him uphills. Wont it mean the opposite can happen, that the wind and hull work as a break?

I'm really curios about these velimobiles as i bike about 4000km each year:)

[freddotu]

@Jasminewynja, because these vehicles are designed to be aerodynamic, there is very little benefit from a side-wind, but that is not to say that there is no benefit at all. I live near the ocean and sometimes feel some gain from side wind, but not enough to help me up hills.

By building up speed on the downhill, one can use the reduced drag in the air to make the next hill climb that much easier.

[freddotu]

@MrIPhonemaniac, you need to go on Wheel of Fortune and "buy a clue" because you clearly don't have any.

[pseudotruth]

Looks great up close, but at a distance, I suspect this polished finish could act as a kind of camouflage.

I don't think it's a good idea.

I think velomobiles are a great idea though. I can't wait for the death of the fossil-fuelled automobile.

[mr1000rx]

pee wee herman wants his car back

[zackthegoth]

that must be nice to stare at while driving in sunlight. lol

[Jasminewynja]

@hbourj

Ahh, i see. Thanks for a good answer :)

[hbourj]

@Jasminewynja

I don't overheat inside if i don't close the up part with the fairing, a flexible sheet attached by snaps.

But this spring the temperature did not exceed 26 °C (78 °F). Maybe at 32°C (90 °F) I shall overheat. I use often my Alleweder at night after 9 P.M., the light is powerful and reflective strips make visible the velomobile. If very hot weather, I can remove the black nose, making inside airy.

[Jasminewynja]

@hbourj

Thank you for your answer :) I think they are a bit too big for me to own since i live in a city and can't keep it iwhere it's safe from vandalism and theft. But they look fun indeed. Are they windy/airy inside? I mean, if not it should be easy to get too hot and you'll "overheat" inside, right?

[hbourj]

@Jasminewynja @Jasminewynja Yes and no. You lose speed uphill, and you get more speed downhill.

On flat roads, if you are a strong cyclist, you go faster than with a common bike, because you benefit a lot of the less wind resistance. But if you are a bad cyclist, you don't see a neat difference, you get just a better comfort, in every weather.

[hbourj]

@Jasminewynja Yes and no. You lose speed uphill, and you get more speed downhill.

On flat roads, if you are a strong cyclist, you go faster than with a common bike, because you benefit a lot of the less wind resistance. But if you are a bad cyclist, you don't see a neat difference, you get just a better comfort, in every weather.