Switchbike - a bike i'd love to convert to hub power!

[BiGH]

For some reason i think this is cool and i reckon it would be a great platform for a rear mounted hub motor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H39NiWbeOw&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eengadget%2Ecom%2F2007%2F10%2F15%2Fswitchbike%2Dgoes%2Dfrom%2Dbicycle%2Dto%2Dchopper%2Din%2Dseconds%2Dflat%2F

 

[GGoodrum]

Wow, you are right, that is way cool! 8) I've never seen anything like this. I agree, what a great conversion this would be. Certainly very unique.

-- Gary

 

[Mark_A_W]

Yes, interesting.

Can have the aerodynamic advantage of a recumbent.

Or the visibility (both your ability to see around, and cars to see you), and gutter/kerb jumping ability of an upright.

Bet it's heavy though...

 

[Malcolm]

Absolutely brilliant!!! Want one.

 

[Miles]

There have been a few previous tries at this concept - none made it to production AFAIK.

It's a good idea, though.

 

[Geebee]

You would be better off with 2 seperate bikes, they would both do the job better, weigh less and be stiffer.
In recumbent mode it is a pretty draggy profile without a front fairing and a front fairing would be a not work in upright mode plus you lose the ultra comfy recumbent seat to the requirements of an upright.
Cool concept but a not practical.

 

[TylerDurden]

A bit gimmicky, but good for the big city: goes high to see over the Coopers, goes low to sneak under the semi-trailers.

 

[deecanio]

wouldn't want it to switch under power

cheers


D

 

[RLT]

Well, pretty neat... Never having ridden a recumbent or anything similar, I always figured that starting off would require much better balance and coordination than I ever had. This thing solves that problem nicely.

But I wonder if the torque from a decent motor would change your configuration upon acceleration or deceleration when you might not want it. Plus, I bet that weight distribution of the motor and batteries would be problematic.

(But what do I know, I'm an absolute newbie here) :wink:

 

[recumbent]

That is some clever engineering.
The high cost of recumbents, many $2000+ for a good one, almost make this design worthwhile.

 

[fechter]

That is different.

If it was powered, the extra weight of the frame would not be a big deal. Just add more lithium. Getting a good weight distribution in both modes would be the main challenge.

The folding action could be operated by something like a car window motor 8)