Enclosed bike

[cwah]

I was wondering if we can find any enclosed bike for sale that.... look like a bike and isn't a recumbent.

Something like this:

A bicycle that look like a real bicycle and that protect against the elements... Any brands are making that?

 

[cwah]

 

[Geebee]

Other than oddities, no, they would be death traps, when riding my velomobile I was moved over a foot side way in a very strong gale, the top of the shell was just over 2 feet from the ground. I will allow that the wind was snapping branches out of trees and hammering the shell with blue metal.
Even 2 wheeled velomobiles are rare other than for racing as they are not greatly practicle although very fast.

The samples at the top are mostly weather protection as the huge gaps in the side destroy airflow, the white one would be very top heavy for a bike, the green one is a recumbent.
The second post is a foot foward or semi recumbent, the very relaxed geometery allows flat foot stopping at lights and will have the same issues as a bike just a bit lower, can you imagine what a decent side gust would do to the steering?

Sinclair was going to produce this (X-1) a few years ago but it never eventuated, I would have been interested but would not use in strong winds and suspect that may have been what killed it off.

 

[Mike63]

....god forbid that we get wet...It'd be a disaster....

 

[flecc]

The only chance a cowled bicycle will ever have in crosswinds is if it has an effective gyroscope fitted, one salvaged from a Segway perhaps. Running off battery it shouldn't be very current hungry and together with the rider's natural balancing compensation might be enough to prevent a sudden gust completely toppling the bike.

The trouble though is in cities where the gusts diverted around tall buildings can be incredibly amplified, and that's where one cannot afford to be swerved off-course in dense traffic.

 

[SRS]

The idea of a bike is to get out in the open. What ever next, cowled pedestrians?

 

[flecc]

The idea of a bike is to get out in the open. What ever next, cowled pedestrians?

Of course that's the answer! Pavements can be covered and sometimes are, so all we need to do is not only campaign for dedicated cycle paths but also to have them covered as well. The sides could be screened as well against wind, cycle tunnels!

 

[cwah]

until we got our pavement covered, we need full enclosed bikes!

Something like this but lighter:
C-1 fully-enclosed self-balancing motorcycle - YouTube

 

[Deleted member 4366]

The idea of a bike is to get out in the open. What ever next, cowled pedestrians?

Don't forget that some people use their bikes for commuting and getting round the city for a night out.

http://blog.bridge.jpn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/full_umbrella.jpg
Studio NL's "Umbrella Coat" Offers a Hands-Free Solution for Rainy Days | Ecouterre

 

[amigafan2003]

I don't get the obsession with not getting wet - we're all waterproof after all!

Best option is some good clothes that are warm when wet and a change of clothes in a waterproof bag.

 

[flecc]

until we got our pavement covered, we need full enclosed bikes!

Something like this but lighter:
C-1 fully-enclosed self-balancing motorcycle - YouTube

But note how when hit on the side it slides sideways despite staying upright. That's the trouble with a gyroscopically stabilised bicycle, a strung gust can still shift it sideways in wet weather when the tyre adhesion is low.

 

[SRS]

But note how when hit on the side it slides sideways despite staying upright. That's the trouble with a gyroscopically stabilised bicycle, a strung gust can still shift it sideways in wet weather when the tyre adhesion is low.

The thing can stay upright on its own and it wont be long before it can take itself to the destination without the rider.
Sorted, the rider can stay at home with pipe and slippers, nice and dry.

 

[flecc]

The thing can stay upright on its own and it wont be long before it can take itself to the destination without the rider.
Sorted, the rider can stay at home with pipe and slippers, nice and dry.

Indeed, similar is on the way for all transport, it will be guided or public, the person playing no part.

It all started when someone painted a white line on the road and uttered the 11th commandment, "Thou shalt not cross".

 

[MikeyBikey]

Re geebee' post of Sinclair x1 with pic. Pity the taxi still had to do a punishment pass, stopping over the line - RLJ? (people still on crossing!). Is that another, helmeted cyclist, or a scooter, on far side of taxi?

 

[MikeyBikey]

The thing can stay upright on its own and it wont be long before it can take itself to the destination without the rider.
Sorted, the rider can stay at home with pipe and slippers, nice and dry.

Yes, like those delivery helicopter drones being trialled by Amazon. Mmm, now there's a thought! Tho' I 'spose the power required to lift 100kg would be prohibitive :-D

 

[103Alex1]

I think if getting wet is that much of an issue then just buy a smart car and have done with it !

 

[Geebee]

A Twike would be great, exercise and cover. Only one small drawback price

 

[peerjay56]

A Twike would be great, exercise and cover. Only one small drawback price

19k GBP, plus batteries - 18k GBP for the top range
Can't think why they don't catch on

 

[flecc]

Re geebee' post of Sinclair x1 with pic. Pity the taxi still had to do a punishment pass, stopping over the line - RLJ? (people still on crossing!). Is that another, helmeted cyclist, or a scooter, on far side of taxi?

Cyclist I think, judging by height, hi-viz and upright stance at rest. At least they both stopped for the pedestrians, unlike many London cyclists.