I got a energy efficient Vehicle for Christmas

[AZEqualizer]

Yea I know I can't buy a Persu Hybrid yet but I did get this energy efficient vehicle for Christmas. It's not a trike but a bike.
http://www.dvrl.com/ebay/AMIGOIII/PIC10BIG.jpg

It is a lot of fun ... uses muscles that I didn't know I had and is a real challenge to drive because of the change in location for your center of gravity and the position you ride this thing in ... but I am having fun and getting better in driving this thing every day. The first challenge after putting it together (it had very generic assembly pictures for a similar class bike) The next trick was figuring out how to take off from a stand still. Still it is pretty fast and I am doing well and got 27 speeds to shift too. heh.
:burning:rubber:

[MikeB]

Sweet ride. I've always liked the recumbent design.

Of course, you could have gotten an electric motor on that, but it's a step in the right direction. 2thumb:up

[randi]

Looks like you've been very good this year=y:

Happy New Year!:cake:

[Jack Willard]

Boy and their toys! LOL Yep, sweet indeed. Strictly fair weather though, no fenders. No worry, Arizona ya know. 2thumb:up

[Derwin]

Wow! Pretty cool, AZE! I was looking into getting a recumbent bike, but it had 2 wheels in the back, and one up front. I backed away from it because it reminded me of a wheel chair! It was pretty cool, though in the way you would push the pedals.

Anyway, congratulations. I bet you'll get a lot of exercise with that thing. . . something I need desperately!

Derwin

[EdVB]

Well what the hell. Here is mine that I tweaked up about three years ago. It still is in perfect shape and looks better than new. It is one of a few that has joystick steering so you can lean into the corners and be able to steer well.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/evanbelkom/4a478622.jpg

[Derwin]

Well what the hell. Here is mine that I tweaked up about three years ago. It still is in perfect shape and looks better than new. It is one of a few that has joystick steering so you can lean into the corners and be able to steer well.

Now that is pretty cool indeed. I like the reverse trike design.

By the way, how is the joystick steering? Does it handle pretty good?

Derwin

[AZEqualizer]

Yea, I was looking at the reverse trike like yours EDVB but it was way more expensive than the one I got. We spent a little more than I would have like on the bike but I at least wanted the suspension system and it was the least expensive one I could find that had one. The reverse trike was way cool and would have been much easier to learn to ride but the price put it out of our range to spend.

I got to admit yours is very nice and you have some nice accessories.

I did get some real nice Keen Commuter Bike Sandals (with cleat holder)that give good protection, have good arch support, are comfortable for everyday wear and are nice and open (needed for AZ). REI online had them on sale for $90, I had a 20% off coupon and had them deliver them to the store for free shipping.
http://www.rei.com/zoom/x/1407418.jpg/150

[WarpedOne]

Nice one you have there.

Whenever I see one of these designs I always wonder aren't there better ways of transferring power from pedals to the rear wheel than chaindrive.

I already have "paper-designed" a hydraulics system. Unfortunately I currently don't have proper means to actually build it. It should have lower weight and demand less maintenance than chain drive.

[Derwin]

I already have "paper-designed" a hydraulics system. Unfortunately I currently don't have proper means to actually build it. It should have lower weight and demand less maintenance than chain drive.


Sounds interesting. If you want to, start a new thread about your design, and post the information. I would be very interested in seeing what you have.


Derwin

[EdVB]

Thanks AZE & Derwin

I bought #1 when Hellbent first made the Spitfire RS24. It is all Aluminum, heat treated and powder coated. It weighed 28 Lbs back then but I added a few things. It is sensitive in the steering but I had it over 39 MPH under perfect control. They could not afford to build it with all the labor in welding all the gussets and all. I love it and will take it to the grave with me. The only other one with Joystick steering was a Windcheetah from the UK. I probably have close to 7K stuck in mine but it only has the best components such as XLR, Dura-Ace and FSA components. Once it was done It does not cost much to maintain. I bought enough spare parts before the company went under so I do not have any worries. Here is a link to the company. That is a picture of my trike on their site.

http://www.hellbentcycles.com/

[Gunner]

Wow! Both bikes are really cool and look like a lot of fun, thanks for sharing. I also like the hydraulic idea. I wouldn't be surprised if someone in this club couldn't build a working model.
v:i:c:t;o;ry1)