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Arm powered quadcycle is like a rowing machine with a view
Most of us start out on an exercise plan with good intentions, but let's face it, sitting in a room doing the same repeated motion gets boring pretty fast. I have a rowing machine propped up against my wall, but lately, it gets used mostly as an expensive coat rack.
Cycling is a great alternative that gets you plenty of fresh air and outdoor views, but the exercise is confined mostly to the lower torso and legs. What if we could combine the outdoor fun of cycling with the all over workout of rowing? Well, short of finding the nearest river and launching a kayak, this arm powered quadcycle called The Champiot looks like a great solution.
Instead of pedaling, you create power by thrusting the handlebars back and forth like a rowing machine, and unlike most human powered alternatives to a regular bike, the Champiot is designed for one rider. Manufacturer Ferez Industries makes several versions including some with supplemental electric drive for when you lack the strength to row home. The Champiot Ultra shown here sells for $999.
Ferez Industries, via Treehugger.com
By budgethero at 1:27 PM ON 12/20/08
looks nice an everything but how do u steer?
By woerst at 3:56 PM ON 12/20/08
You steer with the legs, the front axle is steerable.
I had one when I was a kid 30 years ago.
By hollywood_hillbilly at 5:23 PM ON 12/20/08
Look at those chicken legs! Maybe if you switched between this and a bicycle every other day you wouldn't look so funny... besides that fact that you are riding around on a rowing machine.
By ribex at 6:17 PM ON 12/20/08
Hollywood_Hillbilly,
Have you considered the possibility that the individual in the photo might have "chicken legs" because of a physical problem? Perhaps he is wheelchair bound.
Back on topic...the only problem I could see with this is that it's low to the ground, and that would need to be a major consideration before street riding.
By hollywood_hillbilly at 6:35 PM ON 12/20/08
Ribex, I did, and after RTFA and considering that you steer with your legs I came to the conclusion that this man has chicken legs.
By nfsedan at 10:30 PM ON 12/20/08
Wow, with that people would get big arms.
By John Fortier at 3:21 PM ON 02/27/09
I had one 70 years ago. It was called 'the Irish mail/male'. I drove hell out of that thing.
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John Fortier:
I had one 70 years ago. It was called 'the Irish mail/male'. I drove hell out of that thing....More »