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HyperBike aims to let riders keep up with traffic without using a motor
Want a bigger, better, faster bike? The HyperBike claims to be all of those things and more. Curtis DeForest wanted a bike that could keep up with traffic. He was inspired by the angled wheels on the wheelchairs used in wheelchair rugby, but in his design those tilted wheels are 8 feet high.
"Riders" have to be strapped in, and once they are, the contraption supposedly allows them to cruise at up to 50 miles per hour without breaking a sweat. The bike has no seat and is powered by arms as well as legs. Because it's a full-body workout, it seems that DeForest plans on marketing a stationary version as well.
This contraption is really crazy-looking, and it's hard to imagine people riding them to work. On the other hand, the HyperBike (given that tiny wheel in front, it's a trike, technically) is such an original design that maybe someday it will occupy a small niche, like the Segway.
HyperBike, via Bicycle Design
By mediumsteve at 4:10 PM ON 08/21/07
Wow.
By Darkshine18 at 3:49 AM ON 08/23/07
O.O I want one. I wonder how much they'll cost.
By DarrianAshoka at 12:07 PM ON 08/23/07
Actually I see a few problems with this design. First off it would not be aerodynamic in an upright position like this for going 50 mph, where wind drag is everything. This would be a huge wind drag compared to a much smaller wheeled recumbent style trike. They could also design a recumbent trike to use your hands as well, but you need your hands to steer, shift, and brake. I cannot imagine how this would be very stable or safe at high speeds when you are steering by applying more pressure to one side more than the other. How do they work the brakes in to this design? I see some cable coming from the right hand, but it is hard to imagine how this would be done easily while working to propel the contraption.
I am sure the angle of the wheels must offer an advantage and the larger size of the wheels would have more of a gyroscopic effect for stability, but the only other advantage to these big heavy wheels would be is to go over curbs or large rocks. If you hit a bump in the road less than 1/4 that high it would flip you over at those speeds. I guess the wheel also act as the roll bar cage to save the driver's head when it does take a spill.
By leerider52 at 12:26 PM ON 08/23/07
I'd like to be in court when some A--hole cardriver stands up and says judge "I didn't see him" you know its going to happen!!!
I pity the rider.........sigh
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leerider52:
I'd like to be in court when some A--hole cardriver stands up and says judge "I didn't see him" you know its ...More »