Weirdy-beardy eccentric invents human powered car.

[Madman]

Buy one of these and you'll be so busy pumping up your car's drive system you won't notice other road users laughing at you! 

http://uk.cars.yahoo.com/19082010/36/human-powered-car-reach-60mph-0.html

[Galaxy]

One thing that has gotton more popular in Germany is bicycles where you lie down. I am starting to see them more and more. I really want to try one out. I am sure they are quite the workout.

[cawimmer430]

One thing that has gotton more popular in Germany is bicycles where you lie down. I am starting to see them more and more. I really want to try one out. I am sure they are quite the workout.

I see them quite often in Munich as well. And it's usually a mix of either hardcore cyclists or even businessmen driving them!

[Byteme]

One thing that has gotton more popular in Germany is bicycles where you lie down. I am starting to see them more and more. I really want to try one out. I am sure they are quite the workout.

I see those occasionally and to me it would appear the way one needs to hold their head and upper torso to see the road ahead would be very tiring.  I've never ridden one so I can't say for sure, but the position sure looks unnatural.

[sportyaccordy]

Lol @ recumbent bicycles. IDK, when I hear recumbent I think of this kind of dude:



It's just kind of dorky lol. Plus it doesn't look comfortable. It's fast though, very aerodynamic compared to sitting upright. But I'd rather struggle w/a traditional upright road bike.

[Rupert]

That's a cool car! You could apply that to a single person bike-path legal vehicle, and really get up some speed!

[Rupert]

I see those occasionally and to me it would appear the way one needs to hold their head and upper torso to see the road ahead would be very tiring.  I've never ridden one so I can't say for sure, but the position sure looks unnatural.

Most recumbents have a more upright seating position. I had one that was basically a lawn chair with pedals and wheels.

[Rupert]

Lol @ recumbent bicycles. IDK, when I hear recumbent I think of this kind of dude:



It's just kind of dorky lol. Plus it doesn't look comfortable. It's fast though, very aerodynamic compared to sitting upright. But I'd rather struggle w/a traditional upright road bike.

It is extremely comfortable. Once you get the balance and the leg muscles it's clearly far superior in all ways but the dork factor to an upright bike.

[Laconian]

Recumbent bicycles can go very fast, too.

[Rupert]

... all ways but the dork factor...

[AutobahnSHO]

Recumbents are much more efficient because of the aerodynamics but mostly the fact that it's a more natural body position. Not being hunched over to the front allows you to breathe easier and use more of your hip flexors to pedal.

-------------------------------------------------------

That human car is CRAZY. It only works because it's ultralight. Imagine that thing vs. a Ford Expedition in a traffic wreck.

Adding a roof and/or windshield would cut its efficiency, but help visibility.

[Cookie Monster]

How do you get up hills on a recumbent? You can't stand up and mash...

[Rupert]

You gear down, just like you're supposed to with a geared bike. You can also push against the back of the seat with your back.