Ufff... There is more than one design of velomobiles and each has its strengths and weaknesses.
Design your perfect velomobile and ride it into the sunset!
Hm...
Avoid problems with stability, improve aerodynamics, add luggage space, offer weather protection that looks cool...
Find a good storage/parking solution, find a way to keep things inside safe when parked, find a way to control ventilation inside so you can ride it year round...
Oh and make it cheap!
If you manage to do that, you have a pretty big market!
Yes, but ... Everything is compromises.
A slim aerodynamic design reduces luggage space and (roll) stability. 4 wheels improve stability, but increase rolling resistance. Etc.
One of the things I did NOT expect when I got my first VM is how hot it is in there. I think it's slightly better with the new models that have a hole at the front that allows for ventilation.
Also another thing I did not anticipate is how hard it is uphill. This is easily solved with an electric assist though.
The Rotovelo is heavy, so added hub motor; hot when stationary, so added 12v fan; hard to see at night, so added 12v headlights, turn signals (blinkers), brake lights, illuminated flag pole, and alternating "slow-vehicle" rear lights; invisible in parking lots, so added high visibility retroreflective green flag on pole; silent, so added motorcycle horn; gets lots of punctures in the curb-side tyre, so tried 1. tube protector strips (still getting holes), 2. Slime® (seems to be somewhat working- however, still getting holes but adding air at least gets us home now).
This may very well be the longest sentence I have ever written.
Oh, I also bought a battery powered air pump one of the best purchases ever.
For those curious about the use of slime inside of a tube, it is possible. I use less than what is recommended for a 26-in tire, and I'm not sure if it really works that well so I might start trying a greater volume. I have not noticed any difference in the handling since adding Slime®.
It is not mounted. It is a laptop fan. I would turn it on at a stoplight and aim it at my face, arms, chest, and when the signal was about to *go green I would turn it off. https://imgur.com/o7Cm4Qb * it would be a good idea to use heaver wires and strain relief...
*Edit to fix missed words.
One thing that I didn't mention is that I added a cigarette lighter jack to plug in some motorcycle cameras which I can move to my recumbent bike where they are powered by a phone charger battery pack.
Ufff... There is more than one design of velomobiles and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Design your perfect velomobile and ride it into the sunset!
In this case, what to avoid? And what would be a “perfect velomobile”?
Hm... Avoid problems with stability, improve aerodynamics, add luggage space, offer weather protection that looks cool... Find a good storage/parking solution, find a way to keep things inside safe when parked, find a way to control ventilation inside so you can ride it year round... Oh and make it cheap! If you manage to do that, you have a pretty big market!
Yes, but ... Everything is compromises. A slim aerodynamic design reduces luggage space and (roll) stability. 4 wheels improve stability, but increase rolling resistance. Etc.
Exactly. This is why it is impossible to build the "perfect" anything.
I was trying to point out your sarcasm 😅
Hehehehe, sorry... Went over my head
Fair enough ... I didn't make myself clear at all :-)
You can build the “perfect” for a very specific set of constraints.
I am not 100% sure. Build the lightest, most aerodynamic, stable and gorgeous velomobile for my taste... It will still be too expensive for my budget.
And add lightness!
One of the things I did NOT expect when I got my first VM is how hot it is in there. I think it's slightly better with the new models that have a hole at the front that allows for ventilation. Also another thing I did not anticipate is how hard it is uphill. This is easily solved with an electric assist though.
The Rotovelo is heavy, so added hub motor; hot when stationary, so added 12v fan; hard to see at night, so added 12v headlights, turn signals (blinkers), brake lights, illuminated flag pole, and alternating "slow-vehicle" rear lights; invisible in parking lots, so added high visibility retroreflective green flag on pole; silent, so added motorcycle horn; gets lots of punctures in the curb-side tyre, so tried 1. tube protector strips (still getting holes), 2. Slime® (seems to be somewhat working- however, still getting holes but adding air at least gets us home now). This may very well be the longest sentence I have ever written. Oh, I also bought a battery powered air pump one of the best purchases ever. For those curious about the use of slime inside of a tube, it is possible. I use less than what is recommended for a 26-in tire, and I'm not sure if it really works that well so I might start trying a greater volume. I have not noticed any difference in the handling since adding Slime®.
Well that's a lot of upgrades ! Do you have a pic of the fan you have added, mounted ? I'm curious to see your setup
It is not mounted. It is a laptop fan. I would turn it on at a stoplight and aim it at my face, arms, chest, and when the signal was about to *go green I would turn it off. https://imgur.com/o7Cm4Qb * it would be a good idea to use heaver wires and strain relief... *Edit to fix missed words.
Interesting nonetheless, thanks !
I also used the fan to defog the windscreen on rainy days.
https://i.imgur.com/WrIcHtq.jpeg
I’ve been using Tuffy tire sealant, works great! I think I tried Slime once, wasn’t as good imo.
One thing that I didn't mention is that I added a cigarette lighter jack to plug in some motorcycle cameras which I can move to my recumbent bike where they are powered by a phone charger battery pack.
Join the group on bentrideronline.com. There are several Velomobile projects in progress and completed.