Chris wrote:
> Pete thanks for that. Wow that is one functional looking assembly of bike parts! I seem to recall
> that the design form was banned from racing sometime in the 1930's due to its efficiency!
Yup, after Faure bagged the Hour record on a Mochet Velocar. Outside of the UCI, the International
Human Power Vehicle Association (and its affiliates) run races for bikes where the idea is to go as
fast as possible, as opposed to as fast as possible inside baroque restrictions for construction.
The IHPVA Hour record is about 30% better than the UCI one. Best undrafted flying 200m is 81 mph,
set last year.
But mine isn't especially fast: it uses that setup because it's better for comfort and, in the
particular case of the Streetmachine, better for carrying loads compared to traditional tourers
(OTOH it's heavier and more unwieldy to carry, transport and store and doesn't do offroad as well,
and prices start high and get higher).
> I do think it must have a lot of street cred though lol
It varies. On the whole, reaction is very positive with a lot of "cool bike!" and "wow!" and "I want
a bike like that!" accompanying amazed expressions, but there are some kids that just laugh at you.
You need to be something of an exhibitionist to ride a recumbent: you *will* get noticed and
commented on, practically every ride. Quizzed at considerable length quite often too.
Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net
[email protected]
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
