Before proceeding, I should confess that much of my VM knowledge comes from spending too much time on the Internet. My first VM kit is set to arrive in the near future. So, I'm not really speaking with experience. Also, people's needs will vary. The ideal VM for me may be different than your dream machine. Read what I have found, but do your own research before you make up your mind. Velomobiling.com has links to all the manufactures' web sites.
There are several decisions to make when choosing a velomobile. First, do you want a fully enclosed VM or a head out VM. Americans tend to think they want a fully enclosed VM, but the head out VMs are quite popular in Europe. Europeans have more experience with VMs than we do, so it might be a good idea to consider their opinions. The fully enclosed VMs have better weather protection, but there are some potential problems. The enclosed VM will make rumbling sounds that make it harder to hear approaching traffic. They are heavier. They are more complex and cost more. The roomier models tend to be less aerodynamic. I'd probably get an enclosed model if I regularly road in extreme cold, but an open model should do fine for me and a lot of other people as well.
Location of the maker is another factor. Trans-Atlantic shipping is much more costly than I would have imagined. Also, the falling dollar has made imports more costly. So, I'd recommend a local maker unless you really have your heart set on one of the European beauties. Europe has a greater variety of VMs than we do, but Americans do have several good models to choose from.
Size is another factor. I'm 6'4" inches tall (194cm). This automatically eliminates half the models on the market.
Cost and versatility are important to me. In the end, I chose the FAW+ in kit form from Velomobile USA. The FAW+ is a head out VM made of aluminum sheets riveted together the same way airplanes are made. It's predecessor has a proven record in Europe and seems to perfectly balance the need for speed and practicality. The drive train is easy to modify. That's important for me because I live in the mountains and want a variety of options for adding a motor.
My kit should be delivered in the near future. When it does, I will blog about my construction project.
Monday, December 24, 2007
What's a Velomobile?
A velomobile is a pedal car that usually has room for one person, but can have room for as many as the builder would like. It is usually enclosed to provide streamlining and weather protection. Pedaling is the primary means of power, but some commuters add a small motor that allows them to get to work without building up a sweat. They can save the workout for the ride home.
Why would anyone want such a contraption? Here is a list of pros and cons when compared to a bicycle:
PRO
1) Better weather protection makes them suitable for commuting in all four seasons.
2) Better stability
3) More comfortable
4) Some VMs are quit streamlined, making them faster than a bicycle on level ground.
5) Much safer. The Internet has a number of pictures of velomobiles that were damaged when hit by a cars moving at moderate speeds. In most cases, the riders were unhurt. If the they had been on bikes, they probably would have ended up under the cars.
CON
1) More expensive (worth every penny if it protects you in a crash or lets your family own one less car.)
2) Heavier. Slower on hills unless you add a small motor.
3) Harder to transport. (Will fit on a roof rack or small sport trailer.)
4) Most manufactures have a waiting list.
5) Attracts a lot of attention. (Extroverts will consider this a good thing.)
Compared to a car
PRO
1) Less expensive
2) Doesn't need gasoline
3) Get exercise every day
4) More fun
CON
1) Limited speed and size. Most people won't be able to use this as their only vehicle, but it might let some families have one fewer car.
2) No heater or air conditioner. People in cold climates usually do OK because they are exercising in an enclosed space that is sheltered from the wind. Extreme heat could be a problem for people who need to get to work without being sweaty. A small motor would help in these situations.
Why would anyone want such a contraption? Here is a list of pros and cons when compared to a bicycle:
PRO
1) Better weather protection makes them suitable for commuting in all four seasons.
2) Better stability
3) More comfortable
4) Some VMs are quit streamlined, making them faster than a bicycle on level ground.
5) Much safer. The Internet has a number of pictures of velomobiles that were damaged when hit by a cars moving at moderate speeds. In most cases, the riders were unhurt. If the they had been on bikes, they probably would have ended up under the cars.
CON
1) More expensive (worth every penny if it protects you in a crash or lets your family own one less car.)
2) Heavier. Slower on hills unless you add a small motor.
3) Harder to transport. (Will fit on a roof rack or small sport trailer.)
4) Most manufactures have a waiting list.
5) Attracts a lot of attention. (Extroverts will consider this a good thing.)
Compared to a car
PRO
1) Less expensive
2) Doesn't need gasoline
3) Get exercise every day
4) More fun
CON
1) Limited speed and size. Most people won't be able to use this as their only vehicle, but it might let some families have one fewer car.
2) No heater or air conditioner. People in cold climates usually do OK because they are exercising in an enclosed space that is sheltered from the wind. Extreme heat could be a problem for people who need to get to work without being sweaty. A small motor would help in these situations.
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