This is something called a hyperbike. The inventor claims it easily goes 50mph. Even NASA is interested in it.
DeForest tried to remedy the flaws of the standard bicycle. For one thing, it has no seat; the rider stands upright. Also, the arms are used for additional power. DeForest describes pedaling the HyperBike as "swimming on dry land." Motor vehicle speeds of at least fifty miles per hour are easily attained.
The wheels are sixty-four inches apart at the road surface and only twenty-six inches apart at the top of their eight-foot diameter; racing wheelchairs also use heavily cambered wheels.
One of the most interesting differences lies in the greater stability of the HyperBike. A conventional bicycle has the center of gravity higher than the spinning axis of the wheels. The HyperBike positions the rider in such a way as to put the center of gravity below the wheel axis.
There's no word on whether or not it's only for Robert Plant backup singers as the photos suggest.
Carrying a spare tire for that would royally suck!
Posted by: Mitch | January 29, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Parking it would be a bit difficult, too. But it looks like a lot of fun!
Posted by: Nancy | January 29, 2007 at 08:52 PM
From the website:
"The circumference of an eight foot diameter wheel is roughly twenty-five feet and cadence, or the rate at which a person pedals, is most comfortable at a rate of 13 beats every 15 seconds. Gearing that allows an operator to rotate the wheels four times each pedal cycle, or at a 1:4 ratio while at the comfortable cadence rate will produce a speed upwards of 50mph."
Note that he says nothing about power, just that the gearing is capable of 50 mph. Just looking at the thing it's hard to believe it can go above 20 mph, where aerodynamics really becomes a factor.
Posted by: Contrarian | January 30, 2007 at 01:05 AM
I wondered about aerodynamics too. And pushing this thing uphill. If you see them again it will probably be on a stupid reality show first. If you use one, I bet the first time will be on vacation (they'll be like jet skis).
Posted by: washcycle | January 30, 2007 at 08:13 AM
I'm going with Robert Palmer, not Robert Plant, right?
Posted by: tsvidogg | January 31, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Robert Palmer, Robert Plant. Whatever it takes.
Posted by: washcycle | January 31, 2007 at 12:51 PM
this is awesome- bicyclists can finally compete with Suburban assault Vehicles[SUVs] in the size arena.A veritable Hummer on two wheels.
Posted by: w | January 31, 2007 at 06:46 PM
How long does it take to fix a flat I wonder?
Posted by: chris | February 01, 2007 at 02:30 PM