SWB
Recumbent bike system
The first recumbent appears in the journal "La Nature" Number 1220 of October 17, 1896. This "Bicyclette normale" of Mr. Challand was presented at the Swiss National Exhibition of Geneva. His advantage is the comfort. Now the rest of this invention is the little pedal car for children. It exists also cars for adult with one, two or four seats. The best results of the recumbent is the top speed of 130 km/h on 200 m run with flying-start and 84 km for one hour run.
2000 Short wheel base (SWB). Or how to build a simple recumbent bike. Initial idea off a faired bike.
It is the first HPV of my conception. I use a simple 24" bicycle frame. I weld on it a pedal system with a part of tube. The seat is made of plywood.
SWB profile.
At beginning I use an height handlebar but I abandon this idea after a crash. My knees touching the handlebar.
The crank is from an MountainBike.
I welded a square tube as boom.
The seat is simply attached too the seat tube of the bike.
Under seat view.
With this HPV I ride many hours. I used it through may 2000 to February 2004 and winter 2006 - 2007.
My best journeys are
- Ecublens - Geneva - Ecublens (123 km, one time)
- Ecublens - Les Paccots - Ecublens (91 km)
- Ecublens - Vevey - Ecublens (68 km)
- Ecublens - Yverdon - Ecublens (75 km, one time)
Advantage
It climbs very good, despite of its 19 kg, thanks to his 21 speeds and mountain bike pedal system.
Disadvantage
It is risky to brake hard like motorbike.