recumbent

[MetroMPG]

This looks like fun. And comfy. Add an aeroshell, et Robert c'est ton oncle!

Human powered vehicle, riding in Vilnius Lithuania. Good presentation of http://www.velomobiles.eu production.
Open Youtube video... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiv4aDolVaI)

http://www.velomobilis.lt/images/news/velo-video.gif

[kickflipjr]

On the ride across iowa someone had a tandem trike (like this one). That thing flew down hills. Heavy + Low to the ground= Fast down hill.

[MetroMPG]

Yeah, I liked the video you posted of that trike in the race. Made me tired just watching it though :o

Do you know much about the recumbent posture - can you push harder against the pedals for more power? Or is it more efficient to be able to stand when you need the torque?

I'm sure the traditional vs. bent riders argue stuff like that all the time...

[kickflipjr]

You can push harder on a recumbent because you are pushed back into the seat. You can only push down the weight of you body on a traditional bike.

People always say that recumbents arn't good for climbing hills. I don't know I never rode one. My only problem with recumbents especialy ones that sit low to the ground is cars being able to see you.

I didn't post that other video. Someone else did.

[MetroMPG]

Whoops - thought it was video of someone you saw in the race/tour you did this summer.

Cars & lowrider recumbents are a problem, yes: check this:

http://sjl-static11.sjl.youtube.com/vi/5uqSXVPIBPo/2.jpg
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5uqSXVPIBPo

The other problem I can see with recumbents: sweaty back. :p

I've never ridden one, but a guy I know in the electric vehicle association of Ottawa has a "mild" recumbent he's going to let me try:

http://www.simplecom.net/poleary/images/2001ct.jpg
BikeE (http://www.simplecom.net/poleary/)

Oooee! This is funny (found while looking for the flag video)

"sailing" a recumbent...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5500733746990462049&q=recumbent+flag&hl=en