I never see anything about anybody using these in any bicycling related sub. Maybe that's because it's not actually a bike…
I'm just curious what the experience is like. This model has an internal gear hub (7 speed Nexus I think) but I wonder if that's enough for hills. I imagine this thing weighs a lot (site says 54 pounds) and it probably wouldn't be geared low enough with the huge chain ring it's got plus the small rear wheel, so maybe people get them and realize it's way more work than enjoyment?
I'm not opposed to picking one up… There are always several floating around on marketplace and I don't think they really move. I just don't want to get one and it be too hard to enjoy.
I also don't imagine you could run a typical derailleur and cassette on one of these things… I don't see a mech hanger and you'd be stuck with internal gear hubbed wheels… Seems like a lot of hassle with very few (but expensive?) options if you wanted to change things.
by BrianLevre
8 Comments
I’ve ridden one. Kinda neat, but I much prefer Elliptigos. Wow, it looks like Elliptigo stopped making their bike with a similar linkage pedalling setup to that one. Oh well, the rollers-on-rails stroke felt better anyways, only downsides are they’re kinda noisy, and the rollers start cracking pretty quickly if you’re in a hot/dry environment. I worked in a bike shop in the desert and encountered many a cracked roller, expect replacement intervals of 2-3 years unless you keep it inside the house rather than in an un-insulated garage.
No.
Imagine running over.cobble stones with that thing.Now imagine the same while turning.
Yeah, I like proper bikes as they also have a saddle that provides stability, especially over the rough stuff.
And this has another thing that trigger my pet peeve:
It has three wheels. I absoluteæy hate riding anything with three wheels. It is just objectively bad for anything other than a reverse trike or those handicap mopeds thing – and those are bad too on any even slitghtly inclined surfaces.
Get ittt
There was an entire group of people who did PBP (1200km brevet) on ellipti-gos. Absolutely mad
Not this model, but at a shop where I once worked, we made a deal with some rental place to assemble a fleet of Elliptigos, which I found were surprisingly well-made. Everyone took plenty of turns test-riding them, and they’re incredibly fun and provide an excellent workout, but it feels to me like a thing totally different from riding a bike.
My neighbor has one, looks like an absolute twat sashaying around town on it. Someday I hope to shed enough shame to ask if I can try it.
Phil Dunphy special!
https://www.tiktok.com/@bratay13y/video/7235290498368392474
I repaired an electric bike of the neighbors of the guy who makes these. I tried it. I do not see the appeal. I’d rather just use a 80s mongoose kick scooter.