Recumbant bike/ paddle-canoe | |||||||||||||||||
Build a recumbent bike that is enclosed and make the shell waterproof and shaped properly to allow it to work as a hull, like a canoe. You'd start with a three-wheel bike, to get the steering wheels outside the waterproof area-something like this, but probably no windshield (I want out if it's sinking) http://nexus404.com/Blog/2006/11/17/velocipede-hpv/ You'll need to power the drive wheel either with the chain going down from above the water level or with a shaft, (which can be sealed watertight) like this: http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/ I think the back wheel has one-way vanes connected on a ring that can deploy them together using a float to serve as a paddle-wheel. The float is so they only drag while you are in the water. Tandem or even three-seat would be even better. I bet people would pay to rent these at a beach or lake and you wouldn't even need a dock. I see patents for bike/boat, but nothing like this. Has this been done?
hrench, Jul 03 2008
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which is it?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warnock%27s_Dilemma
I hadn't seen this before. At the time that you posted it, I wasn't frequenting WhyNot. I've been here a lot lately because I'm currently unemployed and have way too much time on my hands.
Anyway, it looks like a great idea. If someone builds them, I'm sure people would buy them.
I would suggest that the canopy should be removable so you can use it open if desired. The bikes are enclosed for improved aerodynamics, but I doubt the boat would be fast enough for that to matter. Of course, it might keep you drier, but if your peddling hard, a little spray might be refreshing.
the perfect time to start on one of your inventions...
I'm a chronic under-achiever. I'll probably wind up stocking shelves at Wal-mart.