Velomobile (Aerodynamicly faired recumbent tricycle - with e-assist)

[Willie.]

As per my other for sale posts, I'm gathering up my 7 budget, and so have to sell all my toys. Along with my prized carbon racer in the other post, I'm going to have to let my velomobile go... this is a sad loss and I fully intend to get another.

 

I intended on building one of these, but saw this one for sale and decided to buy it to find out and learn about them before trying my own blind build. I bought it with about 100miles on it, and I've put an extra 150 or so on. It has under 300miles on all parts (Can be evidenced by the odometer).

 

This cost over £10k to build. I am asking £3900, or will split (Details of the split at the bottom).

 

It is based on a Trice QNT recumbent trike. Mesh seat, hydraulic disk brakes, full suspenion etc. These retail just under £3000. This particular QNT was kept aside by Trice by the instruction of the builder (Specialist recumbent bike shop) for this build. It has always been inside the velomobile shell, and so is in fantastic condition (Velomobiles are great at protecting drivetrain & components).

 

The shell is the Canadian built Borealis. It comes with the genuine Borealis roof, I have only temporarily fitted this to try it out. The shell is of great high quality in white gelcoat. This cost over £5000 by the time shipping and customs tax was paid.

 

The e-assist is the popular Bionx kit. There are two motors and controllers supplied. The 350w motor is fitted, but there is a spare 500w motor and controller brand new and unused. Also included is the battery and charger. One kit costs £1100.

 

It is seriously good fun to ride/cycle/pilot and is MUCH safer than an upright bicycle. With the mirrors I can see people pulling out several hundred yards back to pass, giving me a full lane width, whereas on my upright I usually get elbow room only. Motorists do not realise you are pedalling and treat you as a car. It is also much drier than an upright bike.

 

The e-assist is great. As it is heavier than an upright bike, it's hard work on hills, but with the e-assist it's actually faster up them than the bike. On the flat and downhills you can use the e-assist, or turn it off and just go for it. It is deceptively fast, very comfortable and has got me completely hooked on velomobiles.

 

Complete cost is £3900

 

Splitting would be:

Trice QNT - £1500

Borealis Velomobile Shell - £1500

Bionx E-Assist Kit - £950

 

This is the 7 of the cycling world 😬

[Jonathan Kay]

I have a recumbent trike and I think someone else on BC does.

 

Never ridden one with electric assistance but lots of people in the HPV world say what a good solution they are.

 

Have you advertised it on the BHPC site? Just noticed you have!

 

Jonathan

 

Edited by - Jonathan Kay on 8 Nov 2012 19:22:42

[Gridgway]

Sounds fantastic. I'm not in the market, but I'd love to see some pics!

Good luck with the sale.

GRaham

[Willie.]

Hi guys,

 

Sorry for the delay, was working on a tender bid, so been a bit quiet these last few days.

 

The e-assist is handy on the hills, especially on a velomobile due to the extra weight. On the flats it's not really necessary if you've got regularly used legs, but it does help if you've been howling past racers on the way home and have forgotten about the big hill and a weeks clothes in the back.

 

It is great fun and by far the best cycling machine I've owned. I am hoping to build my own to replace this, as they're just so practical. I can't afford to buy another 7 and keep it, so the intention is to buy another 7 and have a go at building my own velo.

 

If I can do this correctly, below should be a couple of photos.

 

http://my.lotussevenclub.com/Portals/14/UltraPhotoGallery/1206/208/large/DSC_0296.jpg

http://my.lotussevenclub.com/Portals/14/UltraPhotoGallery/1206/208/large/DSC_0297.jpg

http://my.lotussevenclub.com/Portals/14/UltraPhotoGallery/1206/208/large/DSC_0308.jpg