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Pros and Cons of a velomobile?
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skids View Drop Down
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Points: 30 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote skids Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 March 2023 at 9:00am
#Roy, great pics of your velo on your Audi.  I never thought of using a roof rack which is strange considering what I often carry on my roof rack.  

Who makes your side loading rack ?  I use to have one made by an engineering company but found it suffered from geometric lock if it was not exactly aligned.  This meant it was difficult to fit so it was simpler to leave it fitted which caused noise and excessive fuel consumption.  

In the end I changed the loading method of my sailing canoe to up and over the back of the car as shown in the pic below.  In the picture, which is taken mid load, it is resting on a 2by4 supported by a Pendle bike rack which fits a bracket that is fitted behind the tow hitch.  I spray the hull with fairy liquid and water to help it slide on and off.
Loading a canoe

I apologise for the quality of the photo, it seems the forum software compresses them down even smaller even when the uploaded version is less than 200kB.

Based on your posts I have decided that I will start looking for a second hand velomobile.  I'm not sure I will be able to visit the Netherlands to look because of family commitments although I am booked to visit in September with the canoe so I have options.

Thanks,

Simon

 
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RoyMacdonald View Drop Down
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Points: 981 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RoyMacdonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 March 2023 at 10:03am
Hi Simon
Thule make the rack. I got mine from the Roof Box Company who were very helpful. Here is a copy of the email they sent me when I was buying mine for the TT.

Hi Roy,
Yakima and Thule has stopped doing kits for your vehicle, I’m guessing that as the vehicle bracket is getting older and the kit is therefore not as popular they have discontinued production.

 You would be able to purchase the YKS17 bars (135cm) for use with your vehicle, however.  Thule only recommend the Hullavator 898, with Thule Professional bars, so you will need to make sure that you have sufficient room to accommodate the 10cm of available bar width for the Hullavator and that your vehicle has the minimum of 60kg loading limit, I note from the instructions that Yakima only recommend 60kg for you vehicle, so generally speaking we probably would not recommend it for your vehicle. (It's been fine but I made the roof rack that's fitted to the TT out of carbon fibre to keep the total load as light possible. With your car you would not need to do that as I'm guessing it's not made of ally.) 

 We would suggest you check your vehicle handbook and double check that you do have 60kg loading limit (excluding your roof bars) before proceeding.

 The current price of the Hullavator is £618.95 (2 years ago. £649 now) http://www.roofbox.co.uk/
All the best.
Roy


Edited by RoyMacdonald - 23 March 2023 at 10:06am
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Points: 30 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote skids Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 March 2023 at 10:16am
Thanks for the links and yes the volvo roof is rated to 150kg.

Simon
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Points: 981 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RoyMacdonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 March 2023 at 1:49pm
They are probably being conservitve with that rating as the pillars are made with hot formed boron steel. I saw a Volvo accident report where a Swedish Police V70 was rammed by criminals trying to get away and the police car was knocked 60 feet into the air and landed on it's roof without it being deformed much. Volvo wern't happy, as they thought it shouldn't have deformed at all, so redesigned the roof to make it stronger.

I collected the After 7 on the roof of a Volvo XC60 from Germany and drove it back the 536 miles at high speeds to catch our train.

All the best.
Roy


Edited by RoyMacdonald - 24 March 2023 at 2:24pm
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If you still have the Volvo, most velomobiles will go inside, fold front seat flat (forward), remove rear seat squabs and fold rear seat back rests flat for a totally flat load, if yours has the 3 way split rear seats you can still sit somebody behind the driver.
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Nice photos Roy. 😁
Optima Stinger | 2x Baron
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Overall, while velomobiles offer several advantages in terms of performance, comfort, and weather protection, potential buyers should carefully consider their specific needs, preferences, and budget before making a purchase decision. Test riding or renting a velomobile can also provide valuable firsthand experience to help inform your decision.
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Points: 981 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RoyMacdonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 April 2024 at 11:57am
Originally posted by Yanto Yanto wrote:

If you still have the Volvo, most velomobiles will go inside, fold front seat flat (forward), remove rear seat squabs and fold rear seat back rests flat for a totally flat load, if yours has the 3 way split rear seats you can still sit somebody behind the driver.
 

Bit late answering this Ian. Yes I still have use of the Volvo as my son has it and is still living with us. Not sure it's possible to remove the rear seat squabs as they are wired into the air bag system as I'd opted for the curtain air bag that goes along the whole side of the roof when I specced the Volvo.

We had another trike inside and Brian's Brompton as well as all our luggage so the After 7 had to go on the roof. It wasn't a problem though. Just had to remember the extra height through the French tolls as they have a height limit on one of the lanes you can choose. I booked the Euro train for bikes on top of the car and the special ticket I had meant you could just roll up and go on the next available train.
All the best.
Roy

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Edited by RoyMacdonald - 23 April 2024 at 11:58am
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