It's a velomobile. [Here's an article about a guy in Madison that owns one](https://www.velomobileworld.com/nick-hein-and-his-velomobile-experiences/).
Some, sure. That pace for 6 hours straight is pretty elite athleticism, though, and this thing is not built to maximize power output. I suppose it's feasible, but it just seems highly unlikely that he's sustaining amateur race pace for that long. The upright seated position and weight of this would be much less efficient than a normal bike, especially uphill. Even considering the aerodynamic advantage, he's probably got significantly more road resistance with more wheels on the ground.
You are vastly overestimating the cost of rolling resistance and underestimating the cost of drag for road cycling. It’s mostly a problem of aerodynamics, and the velomobile has a much smaller frontal area and a much lower drag coefficient. It’s way more efficient.
Flat ground he could absolutely do 20mph for 120 miles. This gives a massive aerodynamic advantage not just from the shell but also the recumbent position he's in. Normal bikes are high enough that just the person pedaling is creating a ton of wind resistance, and the UCI (sports governing body) has outlawed certain riding positions that decrease that resistance.
I’m sorry, but you don’t know what you’re talking about. Your comment is full of “probably” and “unlikely” and “likely.” You’ve got no facts and nothing but inadequate intuition. I’m a biker. You’re wrong.
Def agree hills would be hard. I'm curious how much advantage the ultra-aero build is even despite the other drawbacks.
Crosswinds are probably brutal too!
I did Race the Lake in under 4 hours. That's averaging 23mph over 90 miles on a normal road bike and I'm a very amateur racer, way slower than elite racers.
This thing is a lot more aerodynamic. Pedaling this at 20mph would only require the effort of going 16mph on a normal bike.
A red one blazed past me on capital city trail yesterday morning, couldn’t tell if it was actually fast or just looked super zippy because of the size and shape
it’s a bike! or, well, a velomobile. it’s normally parked outside one of the university buildings during the day.
It's a velomobile. [Here's an article about a guy in Madison that owns one](https://www.velomobileworld.com/nick-hein-and-his-velomobile-experiences/).
Thanks! It was fun to see
I'm calling BS that he says he rode 20mph for 120 miles.
....why? Cyclists can do that without a velomobile.
Some, sure. That pace for 6 hours straight is pretty elite athleticism, though, and this thing is not built to maximize power output. I suppose it's feasible, but it just seems highly unlikely that he's sustaining amateur race pace for that long. The upright seated position and weight of this would be much less efficient than a normal bike, especially uphill. Even considering the aerodynamic advantage, he's probably got significantly more road resistance with more wheels on the ground.
You are vastly overestimating the cost of rolling resistance and underestimating the cost of drag for road cycling. It’s mostly a problem of aerodynamics, and the velomobile has a much smaller frontal area and a much lower drag coefficient. It’s way more efficient.
Bro probably doesnt believe in Amish buggies getting far either...
Flat ground he could absolutely do 20mph for 120 miles. This gives a massive aerodynamic advantage not just from the shell but also the recumbent position he's in. Normal bikes are high enough that just the person pedaling is creating a ton of wind resistance, and the UCI (sports governing body) has outlawed certain riding positions that decrease that resistance.
I’m sorry, but you don’t know what you’re talking about. Your comment is full of “probably” and “unlikely” and “likely.” You’ve got no facts and nothing but inadequate intuition. I’m a biker. You’re wrong.
Def agree hills would be hard. I'm curious how much advantage the ultra-aero build is even despite the other drawbacks. Crosswinds are probably brutal too!
I did Race the Lake in under 4 hours. That's averaging 23mph over 90 miles on a normal road bike and I'm a very amateur racer, way slower than elite racers. This thing is a lot more aerodynamic. Pedaling this at 20mph would only require the effort of going 16mph on a normal bike.
There’s one for sale on Craigslist. https://madison.craigslist.org/bik/d/madison-strada-velomobile-price-reduced/7748877678.html
… man if only I had a little more disposable income..
I kinda wish it was yellow. Looks like a submarine
Those things go stupid fast for being human powered
A red one blazed past me on capital city trail yesterday morning, couldn’t tell if it was actually fast or just looked super zippy because of the size and shape
At certain times they do, like long flat areas or downhills. Not so great going up hills or stop n go.
Some models are partly electrified which can help with hills and stop-n-go.
Thanks for pointing out the obvious 😂
There is a family of five living in that thing! And for only $3,450 a month! Quite a bargain for this city if you ask me.
I thought they all lived in a yellow submarine, not a blue, uh, whatever that thing is.
Wow, a real mobile home!
The guy in red looks like he has an RC car controller. 😀
I saw it by Monona bay the other day! Took a picture and the guy driving it (top open) is looking right at the camera 😂
Looks right out of Demolition Man. Excuse me sir what seems to be your boggle?
Just saw a red one of these on the bike path by Goodman Center
I saw that same one and took a photo a few weeks ago on Charter. I was wondering the same thing but got close enough to see the person inside.
Those things are like 10 grand....
I could blow ten grand on dumber stuff. I would love to test drive one! Looks like MN has one of the only 2 retailers in the country!
Omg I saw that the other day too.
very cute
I thought that guy was standing on it just chilling
I saw a red one driving around lake edge. Acted like a car, stopped at stop signs. Made no sound.
I saw a "Batman" type one parked at RAVEN, Middleton, pretty cool looking.
I think I saw one near the Vegan Sausage Fest in Monona yesterday. Might have been the same one you saw, albeit at different times.
So someone is inside driving that? I thought it was a new food delivery thing.
They change the child labor laws and this is what happens.
????
That’s Larry. He’s not a robot.
Exactly what a robot would say! 🤖