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Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:00 pm
by Hans Efde
Here's my alternative project when I am not busy with my Midas.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/midasracer/3052082029/
I have started using it for commuting. Usually I cycle to work, but now I row or rowl as the Americans say. It's an American designed rowing bike. Now I train my complete body while commuting. Saves me from going to the gym and get rid of my back ache and a small pub spoiler (probably related). Unfortunately this concept in its infancy and needs further development. It works great, but it's noisy, wears out quickly and needs a lot of maintenance. Sort of Midas actually!

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:14 am
by Stuart
What we really need is a video of you in action, it looks and sounds like a lot of hard work, maybe you make it look easy?

I found a good way of loosing weight this week.. catch a Flu bug..I've lost 6 lbs in just one week! just don't try and go for a row at the same time!

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:34 am
by Hans Efde
I prefer to loose weight and straighten up by changing fat in muscle.
There are a few good videos on Youtube if you search for Rowbike or on the site of Rowbike itself. I am not sure it was the right buy.

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 12:09 pm
by Stuart
Not as bad as I imagined really


Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:41 pm
by johnonthetyne
hans,does the single pannier have any effect with your balance?

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:55 pm
by Hans Efde
No, no problem at all. Balance is just like any ordinary bicycle and the bag's weight is too small for any vehicle to have an effect. The only thing with a rowing vehicle is similar to the one on the water, if you use too much force or are too wild (this will scr*w up your back as well), you'll need the whole road because it seems you're drunk. Also low speed and head wind have a strong effect on straight line stability. It's best to gently build up speed and look far ahead to keep a steady line. Obviously giving hand signals on a Rowbike is not a good idea, since you'll then make a 90degrees turn into bushes, pavement or someone else! For the rest I love it, my whole body tingles after a rowl and with cold weather (as we have now) I don't feel the cold because almost every muscle is at work. This in contrast to my normal bicycle which I had to use today (because it looks like the derailleur on the rowbike is jamming on the return stroke, job for tomorrow to fix).
Oh yeah, it's a bigger babe magnet than a Midas.... :D

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2008 11:00 pm
by johnonthetyne
the bars look fixed??how is it steered ?by balance alone?

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:52 am
by Hans Efde
On top of the powerlever is a pulley. Adjustable steel cables run from it to the front fork. Just like in your Cessna. Works better than I expected.

Re: Non motorized transport

PostPosted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:08 pm
by M.Ouvinen
Damn, that thing is even more weird than a recumbent. And it looks kinda fun, although the design seems a bit eighties. I'd have one with suspension and disc brakes.

I bought me a cyclocross bike this year, thinking I'd start commuting by bicycle. Did not happen. I did ride quite a lot in the free time though. But I have no motivation for riding in the cold or in the rain or snow, specially with a backpack full of cameras and my laptop and such. My Midas is much more comfortable...