Pros and Cons of a velomobile?
Printed From: BHPC Forum
Category: Public: Open to anyone
Forum Name: Etc
Forum Description: Any other riding-related topics
URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=7517
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 10:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pros and Cons of a velomobile?
Posted By: skids
Subject: Pros and Cons of a velomobile?
Date Posted: 21 March 2023 at 7:32am
|
Hi, Would the owners of velomobiles be prepared to list what they see the advantages and disadvantages of owning and riding their machines? I ride a recumbent trike and am quite slow with 12-13 mph cruise speed but keep find myself drawn to velomobiles. Then my sensible head kicks in and tells me that I would never really be able to make use of aero and speed of a velomobile and that I should save my money. I have never even sat in a velomobile let alone ridden one, so wonder what owners think? best wishes Simon |
Replies:
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 21 March 2023 at 6:18pm
|
Not a list of pro or con as it depends on viewpoint Aero advantage starts about 15mph, until that speed just moving a heavy trike
Can be very hot in summer, ok if you don't mind sweating Keeps rider warm, shorts and t-shirt most of year keeps most of weather off, but like all recumbents rain/sleet/hail/snow in face hurts need to be fairly supple to get in and out of some maintenance can be fiddly but majority of components are straight bicycle ones chains last up to 20k miles, chainrings/cassettes longer lots of attention, mostly good, odd arse, but hey they're everywhere have to have a list of answers to questions such as, how fast, how much, did you make, how much it cost etc etc You will be photographed and videod all the time you will overall be quicker than any other form of open cycle/trike you ride, caveated with if you live in very steep hilly terrain or commute through towns/cities you might be slower need appropriate storage space can carry lots of food/beer/luggage/camping with no real affect on speed the faster you go down hill (they accelerate quickly) the faster overall speed will be as they carry it well up the next incline, in fact I would say rolling terrain is the most rewarding kind of riding headwinds hardly affect it tail winds hardly affect it side winds depending on model can be interesting You're only here once, they are rare beasts, just buy one, if you don't like it, sell it I theory a lighter velomobile is faster, in practice that is only true going up hill, should think more about the overall system weight, afterall the lump of lard/gristle/muscle sitting in it is the heaviest bit. If you do have a mechanical failure and need rescuing then a suitable vehicle is required - rarely happens! if I think of any more I'll be in touch |
Posted By: skids
Date Posted: 21 March 2023 at 8:49pm
|
Thanks for your list, this made me smile "You're only here once, they are rare beasts, just buy one, if you don't like it, sell it" I think I need to visit a dealer and have a test ride. best wishes Simon
|
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 8:00am
You will need to spend a couple of days in Dronten (Netherlands), at Intercitybike https://www.intercitybike.nl/en/" rel="nofollow - https://www.intercitybike.nl/en/ and velomobiel.nl https://www.velomobiel.nl/" rel="nofollow - https://www.velomobiel.nl/ they cover most mainstream models. If you are serious then it's worth forking out to travel, you will see lots of different models and can try them, also Ymte at Intercitybike has an interesting collection of old velomobiles, trikes and one-offs, and he doesn't charge to look at his museum  Also have a look at the manufacturer (of most models) website https://www.velomobileworld.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.velomobileworld.com/
If you do the facebook thing then it's worth joining 2 groups, Velomobile club of Great Britain and Velomobile, also if you are fluent in German or can use a translator then pop and have a look in what is the most used Forum in Europe (link below), in fact the world, there is here of course, one in the US which is very flaky and goes by the dubious name of "Bent Rider On Line" (BROL) one in France which is I dare say the most antiquated discussion platform (I don't have links to them at hand as I stopped looking at both of them). https://www.velomobilforum.de/forum/index.php" rel="nofollow - https://www.velomobilforum.de/forum/index.php |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 1:45pm
I agree with Yanto/Ian on most of the points but would add that I find my Velo is much kinder to my SVT heart condition due to it's very light weight. (17.5 kg) Much lighter than my ICE Sprint 26RS, (less than 1 third of the weight) although the Sprint does have a defunct electric motor that is still in place at the moment. Mine is a fully enclosed Velombile (wheels) so has a more limited lock than the Sprint or a recumbent bike. (Not an option for me since my major stroke 3 years ago.) I can ride for over an hour in very hilly and rough roads in the After 7. I aways ride with my race cap on as I never get that hot (I'm 79) and I find it shelters me from the sun so I stay cooler anyway. I have rigged mine up with indicators, rear radar scanner and a car type horn to make the experience of riding in traffic easier and safer. I like to ride with a coat, mobile, tools, overshoes to stop my cleats getting full of mud, stand that lifts the rear wheel off the road (in case I need to do work on the road), drink, shopping, etc. I've yet to not be able to carry anything I want to.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/185320471@N04/" rel="nofollow - http://www.flickr.com/photos/185320471@N04/ All the best. Roy |
Posted By: skids
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 3:21pm
|
Wow! There I was wondering if I'm to old to use a velomobile! If I may I have a couple of questions: 1. The first is about transports a velo and their fragility, are both of yours strong enough to travel on a trailer towed by a car? 2. I appreciate that the answer will depend on the machine in question but generally do you have to stand on the seat to get in and out like you do in a Chipmunk ? best wishes Simon
|
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 6:09pm
 Well I transport mine on a roof rack without a problem so a trailer should be easier and kinder. There is no trailer made to fit the Audi TT as it has an all ally body, so cannot meet the EU regs for a trailer fitting.  Yes you do have to stand on the seat initially, then the crossmember once youve lowered yourself in.  All the best. Roy
|
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 7:26pm
|
I've carried them on a trailer no problem, also lifted onto a roof rack to sit on a home made cradle, and inside an estate car, although I could get my Alpha 7 into a Toyota Yaris if I had to. They are fairly robust in the required areas, however some parts of the body are quite fragile, I am talking about the majority of velomobiles made now, there are some that are very robust, but heavy. |
Posted By: AlanGoodman
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 9:10pm
|
One downside to be aware of is that they are fragile and easily damaged. You have to be careful where you leave them (preferably never out of sight!) Fine if you live in a nice area and/or have secure parking at both ends of your journey. Here in Pikey-infested Hemel Hempstead I couldn't leave mine outside the shops for example. BUT... I agree with everything that has been said above. It's the best toy you will ever own and I regret parting with the Quest XS I had. I'm currently looking out for another one as it happens. They hold their price really well so if you find you don't like it you can sell it on without losing a lot. **DO IT** ------------- |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 22 March 2023 at 9:37pm
|
The shell is obviously the weakest part but is easily repaired if damaged. I've stood on the floor of mine but I weigh nothing. It's normal too just have the bits that take loadings to be reinforced. Mine gets treated very roughly. I just add some pre impregnated carbon fibre strips if I think an area is too fragile. Rocket X was designed in carbon fibre. I tried breaking my roof rack that I made from carbon fibre and I couldn't. To quote the web
Strength. Though steel is generally considered the standard when it comes to construction and industrial settings, in terms of strength to weight ratios, carbon fiber is actually significantly stronger than steel. All the best Roy
|
Posted By: skids
Date 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.
 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 |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date 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/" rel="nofollow - http://www.roofbox.co.uk/ All the best. Roy
|
Posted By: skids
Date Posted: 23 March 2023 at 10:16am
|
Thanks for the links and yes the volvo roof is rated to 150kg. Simon
|
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date 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
|
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 23 March 2023 at 2:27pm
| 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. |
Posted By: melle
Date Posted: 24 March 2023 at 1:11pm
|
Nice photos Roy. 😁 ------------- Optima Stinger | 2x Baron |
Posted By: Kilrar
Date Posted: 23 April 2024 at 11:32am
| 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. |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 23 April 2024 at 11:57am
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  |
Yanto wrote: