Let the journey begin!

A velomobile is bicycle designed for speed and efficiency. While typical bikes surely are a very efficient way to get around on human power, a velomobile improves upon many of the aspects of cycling. They are low to the ground, and enclose the rider in an aerodynamic shell, enabling the rider up to 40% better efficiency than a typical upright racing bike. Though they are heavier and slower on hills, the overall speed makes up for this.

The problem is that commercially available velomobiles cost on the range of $5,000 to $10,000 and above if electric motors are included. So instead of spending that kind of money, I sprung at the opportunity to buy a long wheelbase (LWB) recumbent bicycle. It has a typical mountain bike size wheel in the back, and a small 20″ BMX wheel in the front. The frame is long, but low to the ground. The handlebars are under the hammock-like seat, and steer the front fork with a rod.

My goal is to transform this older recumbent into an enclosed speed machine, capable of riding 100 miles in half a day. I plan to spend many evenings over this winter to make that possible. Let the journey begin!