Biking @ 80 MPH

sadclown writes "Saturday marked the conclusion of the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Battle Mountain Nevada. Canadian Sam Wittingham now holds the world record for human powered speed on land, 80.55 mph, on the Varna Diablo, a fully enclosed 60 pound recumbent bicycle. Other competitors included Matt Weaver, with his video-camera-navigated bike (no windows)the Kyle Edge, World (conventional bike) Sprint Champion Jason Queally, with his bike the Blue Yonder Challenge, designed by the formula one race car designer Reynard, and the UC Berkeley team, The Bearacuda, in which two riders pedal back to back. Wittingham's new record is nearly 8 mph more than his record last year. Hopefully some of the aerodynamic technology can be applied to commercially available vehicles (cars, maybe?)."

Comments

Recumbent Tricycles

[Bronster]

Years ago, when recumbent cycle 'technology' wasn't as well known as it is now, I had the opportunity to ride both recumbent bicyles and tricycles created by a company called Greenspeed here in Melbourne, Australia.

My experience with the bicycles was less than perfect - it takes a slightly different balancing technique to ride with your centre of gravity lower than the centre of the wheels. The handlebars are also beneath the seat, rather than up in front. I'm told a couple of weeks experience would be plenty to feel at home though.

On the other hand, the trike is a joy to ride. Not quite as fast (if you're going for the speed record) but fantastic for cornering. I hit a corner a lot faster than I'd dare on a 2 wheel device, and it swung around without even lifting a wheel. Truly a fantastic piece of machinery.

At AU$ 3,750 for the economy model, these things aren't cheap - but hey, I can drool.

Re:Recumbent Tricycles

[John Harrison]

I recently rode the BikeE that my brother owns and it felt natural within a few minutes of riding. Not only was it comfortable, but it was great fun. You can buy the least expensive model for about US$575 though his was a bit more than that. Maybe my comfort was due to the fact that the handlebars are in a more normal position and you are sitting more upright than on more agressive recumbents.

Now, in true hacker tradition, he has outfitted it with a homemade fairing (his wife calls it a windshield)in front and a wind box in back. All for about $6 worth of plastic. This recent inventiveness of his has spurred but the comment of another biker told him that riding behing him was almost as good as dragging off a small car. Hopefully that is no longer the case.

You go Redbeard!