Coverings
- -Bodystocking by Zzipper
- Provides pictures of a bodystocking on a Terratrike. ZZipper is located at <"a href="http://zzipper.com/">zzipper.com1-04
- Bodyshell (Blue Sky Design)
- Starts at around 300 dollars, weighs 14 pounds, and is made from ABS plastic. 8-01
- Bodyshell (Recumbents.com - Sadler)
- Provides a design for a body shell made of lightweight Zote foam. 9-04
- Bodyshell (Recumbents.com - Tetz)
- Provides a design for a body shell made of lightweight Zote foam. 9-04
- Bodyshell (Recumbents.com - Tetz)
- Provides a design for a body shell made of lightweight Zote foam. Also provides a source for the material (at the end of the article) 9-04
- Bodyshell (SkyDelight.com)
- A light weight body shell could be constructed of kite materials, such as fiberglass poles and ripstop nylon or mylar. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Bodyshell - Body Sock With Fairing (Treklite.com - Huberman)
- Describes adjustments to make use of the body sock and fairing combination most useful. 9-04
- Bodyshell - How to Build a Streamliner (Recumbents.com)
- Provides design considerations for making a body shell for a bicycle. 9-04
- Bodyshell - Making a Vacuum Foamshell (Recumbents.com - Tetz)
- Provides a design for a body shell made of lightweight Zote foam. Shows how the molde is made. 9-04
- Bodyshell - Painting Coroplast (SDPlastics.com)
- Provides information on painting coroplast, a potential plastic for making a body shell for a recumbent or semi-recumbent bicycle. 9-04
- Cover Design (WISIL)
- Shows a championship level cover design for a recumbent bicycle. 9-01
- Cover Designs and Projects (WISIL)
- Shows how covers are made for a recumbent bicycle. 9-01
- Enclosure Construction (WISIL)
- Provides directions for constructing an enclosure for a bike, trike, or quadcycle. 12-01
- How to Mount a Bubble (WISIL)
- Provides directions on placing a clear fairing on the front of a bicycle. 8-04
- Sunroofs or Canopies (BlackBirdBikes.com)
- Provides sunroofs and other accessories for the EZ-1 recumbent bike and other bikes. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. Sometimes called four wheel or four-wheel bicycles. 6-01
- Windscreen Cover for a Lightning F-40 (LightningBikes.com)
- Provides a fairing for the Lightning F-40 recumbent bicycle that costs around $6,300. "The Lightning F-40 is the fastest production bike ever to hit the street! Among its many world records is the ultimate road test — the Race Across America. The four-man relay completed the 3000 mile (4800 km) course in five days, one hour — an average speed of 25 mph (40 kph) a record that still stands, decades later." Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Windscreens and Covers for Bikes (Zzipper.com)
- Provides windshields (fairings) for bicycles. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Windscreens and Full Covers for Recumbent Bicycles (DH Enterprises)
- Provides fairings (covers) for recumbent bikes, such as MR Components Swift and Greenspeed. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. Sometimes called three-wheel bicycles. 6-01
- Windshields (Hostel Shoppe)
- Starts at around $150 dollars. Fairings are from a variety of manufacturers. 7-01
- -Electric Hub Motor (NYCEWheels.com)
- Describes electric motor by BionX. Includes a Lithium Ion battery option. 05-08
- -Motors - Birkestrand Electric Motor with Regenerative Braking (Rabbit Tool)
- Describes the electric motor system, which costs 500 dollars and weighs around 15 pounds, including batteries, motor-generator, recharger, and controller. It provides speeds up to 20 mph and has a range of about 20 miles. The motor provides 500 watts (24 volts) of power and the batteries are NiMH. Includes a solar power option. 7-01
- -Motors - Electric Hub Motor (Estelle)
- Provides the FreeBike, an electric assist system starting at around 520 U.S. dollars. Provides 250 watts of power. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 1-02
- -Motors - Electric Hub Motor Kits (SpookyToothCycles.com)
- Provides hub motor kits. Prices start at around $400 for the Magic Pie Front Hub Kit. Awesome Library does not endorse this product but only provides it as an example. 8-01
- -Motors - Electric Hub Motor and Battery Kits (Electroportal)
- Provides hub motor kits. Prices and specifications were not available at the time of review. Awesome Library does not endorse this product but only provides it as an example. 8-01
- -Motors - Electric Hub Motors (ElectricBike.com)
- "In North America, the most popular direct drive hub motor today is the Nine Continent (“9C”) series, a family of rare-earth radial flux motors produced in mainland China. The design and construction of the motor lends itself to many applications having modest power-to-weight ratios, good energy efficiency, and still relatively affordable."
- -Motors - Electric Hub Motors (Heinzmann)
- Provides motors that fit directly on a wheel for the most electrical power and least slippage between motor and wheel. 6-01
- Batteries - Comparison from Tests of AA Batteries (Image-Resource.com)
- Compares the discharge time for over a dozen NiMH batteries. Also includes alkaline batteries. Suggests that the iPowerUS has a tendency to fail quickly under normal usage. The winner was the Powerex 2000, lasting 10.10 Watt-hours, compared to 3.55 Watt-hours for the Energizer alkaline batteries. 2-04
- Batteries Explained (Bike Rod Custom)
- "Batteries are rated in Amp-Hours. A 1 amp-hour battery will deliver 1 amp for 1 hour, before it must be recharged." Amps equal watts divided by volts. 12-00
- Batteries for Electric Trikes - NiMH Batteries (RabbitTool)
- Provides information on the care and use of NiMH batteries. They come in battery packs of two sizes, 24 Volt (8AHr) for 200 dollars and 24 Volt (13AHr) for 320 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but only provides them as examples. 6-01
- Battery Charger for AA Batteries - Rayovac I-C3 (Steves-Digicams.com)
- Describes a 15-minute charger (when using the special I-C3 2000mAh batteries). "The Rayovac I-C3 rechargeable battery system is the only one of its kind to offer a charging time of an unprecedented 15 minutes or less, producing battery power so strong that it will last up to four times longer than an alkaline battery in a digital camera." When using other NiMH batteries with the charger, the charger will operate as an overnight trickle charger rather than taking 15 minutes. 2-04
- Electric Bicycle Guide (Atod.org.uk)
- Describes electric bikes. 7-04
- Electric Bicycle Motors (Atod.org.uk)
- Describes electric bikes and electric motor kits. 7-04
- Electric Bike - Convert a Bike (Gerosa)
- Provides plans or a kit to convert a bicycle to electric power instead of pedal power. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 1-02
- Flywheel Energy Storage
- Provides sources of information on flywheel storage systems. Eventually, flywheel systems may be used instead of batteries. 1-02
- Motors - Electric Hub Motors (EVDeals.com)
- Describes electric motor kits the provide 400 watts of power. The motor costs $590. 9-04
- Motors - Electric Hub Motors (e-BikeKit.com)
- Describes electric motor kits that provide 500-750 watts of power. The kit, including motor, battery, wheel, controller, throttle, and charger, costs $900 and the batteries are the latest, the lithium polymer (LiFePo4). 02-10
- -1. Front Lights for Bicycles - Xenon (Planet Bike)
- The 500XR headlight provides 5,000 candlepower for around $60 and includes 4 NiMH batteries (1200 mAh each) and a battery charger. This system is a Best Buy for those who ride at night frequently. If you already have a battery charger or prefer a fast recharger and more powerful NiMH (1850 mAh) batteries from another source, then the 500X for $30 would be a Best Buy. Not only do these lights have some of the strongest candlepower for under $100, they also have an excellent beam for dispersing the light where you need it most.
The 500XR and the 500X each have a run time of 3-4 hours at 3,000 candlepower and 1.5-2 hours at 5,000 candlepower. The 500XR includes a spare NiMH battery cartridge that can be brought with for double the run time, but 4 more NiMH batteries need to be purchased to use this option.
NiMH batteries vary widely in their capacities, from a low of 1200 mAh to a high of 1850 mAh, depending on the brand. A higher capacity battery should last longer after a charge. The 1.5-2 hours run time assumes use of the lowest capacity (1200 mAh) batteries, so much higher run times are probably available with better batteries.
This lighting system, plus a Planet Bike Brt Spot LED light (in flashing mode for maximum visibility for other drivers) is a recommended system for the front of the bike. 4-03
- -3. Front Lights for Bicycles - Comparison (Cateye.com)
- The HL-1500 Hyper Halogen headlight seems to be the brightest Halogen light with 3,000 candlepower. It costs around $25 dollars. Two such lights arrayed as "headlights" on one target in front of the bike produce 6,000 candlepower, which is similar to the amount of light from a car headlight (but on a smaller area). Run time is 3 hours in high mode (3,000 candlepower) and 6 hours in low mode (1,000 candlepower). For comparison, the strongest Cateye LED headlight, the EL-300, produces 400 candlepower. The strongest Cateye Halide headlight, the Stadium 3, produces 3,500 candlepower but costs $400.
For frequent night riders, a good "system" may be a set of HL-1500 Hyper Halogen headlights used with rechargable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and a one-hour NiMH recharger, available at some Drugstores, such as Walgreens.
NiMH batteries vary widely in their capacities, from a low of 1200 mAh to a high of 1850 mAh, depending on the brand. A higher capacity battery should last longer after a charge.
One-hour NiMH chargers cost around $35 and a set of four NiMH batteries cost under $15. This night "system" costs a little over $100, with a run time of 6 hours on high and 12 hours on low (with high capacity NiMH batteries).
This lighting system, plus a Planet Bike Brt Spot LED light (in flashing mode for maximum visibility for other drivers) is a recommended system for the front of the bike for frequent night riders.
Rechargeable batteries may be not a good idea, however, if night riding is rare. NiMH batteries should be recharged if several weeks go by without using them. Although NiMH batteries provide double the run time compared to alkaline batteries when in use, NiMH batteries do not maintain their charge well during storage. 4-03
- -Front Lights for Bicycles - Alternatives (BikeRod Kustom)
- Describes alternative (inexpensive) sources of front lights for bicycles in the 10 to 55 watt range for under $50. 1-04
- -Front Lights for Bicycles - Comparison (Cateye.com)
- Compares 12 headlights in terms of brightness, battery life, type of system, and more.
For frequent night riders, a good "system" may be a set of HL-1500 Hyper Halogen headlights used with rechargable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and a one-hour NiMH recharger, available at some Drugstores, such as Walgreens. (One-hour NiMH chargers cost around $35 and a set of four NiMH batteries cost under $15.) This night "system" then costs a little over $100, with a run time of 6 hours on high and 12 hours on low.
This lighting system, plus a Planet Bike Brt Spot LED light (in flashing mode for maximum visibility for other drivers) is a recommended system for the front of the bike.
Rechargeable batteries may be not a good idea, however, if night riding is rare. NiMH batteries should be recharged if several weeks go by without using them. Although NiMH batteries provide double the run time compared to alkaline batteries when in use, NiMH batteries do not maintain their charge well during storage. 09-09
- -Front Lights for Bicycles - Comparison (Planet Bike)
- Compares 14 headlights with a simulated scene showing the approximate coverage. The Alias SC ($169) and the Alias HID ($399) are the only lights providing very good visibility up to 150 feet. The 5000x ($24.95) spotty coverage up to 150 feet. 05-08
- Electric Generator - Sidewall Generator for Electricity (PeterWhiteCycles.com)
- Provides a variety of lights and a Dymotec generator. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but provides them as examples. 1-02
- Front LED Light (REI.com)
- Provides five directional LED bulbs in one light for 100 hours of operating time. Costs approximately 35 dollars. A three LED light is available for 22 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 4-03
- Front LED Light for Bicycle (BaProducts.com)
- Provides a 10 LED flashlight that could be strapped to the bicycle frame. Possibly the longest running and strongest LED light available. 6-03
- Front LED Lights for Bicycles - Comparison (Epinions.com)
- Compares NiteRider headlights for bicycles. 4-03
- Generators - Electric Hub Generator (PeterWhiteCycles - Schmidt)
- Provides the Schmidt hub generator for electricity for lights on a bike. Designed to provide less resistance than a tire-based generator. Costs around $180. 4-03
- Light Generator System (SheldonBrown.com)
- Describes the Dynohub lighting system that is powered by a hub generator instead of batteries. The value of the system is that it generates a strong light but does not create mechanical friction or noise like a wheel rim generator. (See JerseyYellow.com below for availability.) Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 1-02
- Solar Bike Light (BAProducts.com)
- Electricity is generated by a solar panel and stored in batteries in the light. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but provides it as an example. 12-02
- Spoke LED Lights (HokeySpokes.com)
- Provides LED lighting from spokes to provide the look of solid, lighted wheels for greater safety at night. LEDs usually take very little power to operate. A three-light set costs 80 dollars. 6-01
- Bicycle Components (BicycleVillage.com)
- "Consider how you'll use the new bike once you get it, as well as where you'll pedal once you've had the machine for a while. And ask yourself a few questions to figure out what model's right." 06-08
- Chain Enclosure (Brown)
- Describes an enclosure that can be used with some bikes with hub gears. The device is called a gear case. 1-02
- Full Suspension Bicycles (BicycleVillage.com)
- "Full-suspension bicycles are some of the most popular mountain bikes available today, and for good reason. The past decade has seen dramatic advances in frame and fork technology, suspension designs and rear shock function, while the overall weight of full-suspension bicycles has actually dropped to rival their hardtail siblings. In fact, the benefits of today's full-suspension rigs are so plentiful that many professional cross-country racers are winning on them." 06-08
- Helmets - HANS Device to Protect Neck (HowStuffWorks.com)
- Describes a head and neck safety device that fits with a helmet to protect the neck in an accident. Drivers and passengers of small electric vehicles should consider the device since, in an accident, maximum protection for the neck is needed. While practicing for an upcoming race, Bruno Junqueira spun out of control and slammed into a concrete wall at 200 mph (322 kph). "Junqueira, who was wearing the HANS device, walked away from the crash without injury." 12-01
- Internal Gear Hubs Comparison (Brown)
- Compares various styles of internal gear hubs. 1-02
- -Analysis of a Bicycle (Lutus)
- Provides how fast a bicycle will go with different gearing, wheel diameter, and pedal speeds.
- Analysis of Bicycle Speed With and Without a Windshield (WISIL)
- Provides the math to determine whether a bike will go faster with a fairing (windshield) or without one for a particular speed and slope. 9-01
- Analysis of Speed for a Cycle (WISIL)
- Provides the maximum miles per hour a cycle can go on a level surface with no wind, given the wheel size, the pedaling speed, and the size of the largest front and smallest rear gears. 9-01
- Couplings to Breakdown Bike (Lightning Bikes - Lightning P38)
- Provides steel couplings that allow bikes to be put into a suitcase for travel. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Forces on a Bicycle Rider (AnalyticCycling.com)
- Provides the variables and suggested values to determine how much energy (in watts) a bike rider will need to exert with different conditions. You feed in the conditions, such as the weight of the rider, and then it calculates the results online. 7-01
- Forces on a Bicycle Rider (Exploratorium.edu)
- Provides the variables and allows you to calculate speed and effort needed for different conditions. 4-03
- HPV Construction With Coroplast (Microship.com)
- Provides directions for using Coroplast, a light weight plastic that is also tough. 8-04
- Roll Bar (SkyDelight.com)
- Describes kite fiberglass poles that may be shaped into a roll bar for placing lights above the rider's head. The fiberglass could also be used for framing a bodyshell of ripstop nylon or mylar. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Virtual Speed Calculator (Recumbents.com - WISIL)
- Provides virtual speed with different conditions, such as different rider weights, bike weight, and more. 9-04
- Chain Guards (Hostelshoppe.com)
- Provides a variety of chain guards. Awesome Library does not endorse these products but provides them as examples. 4-03
- Chainguards (Hostel Shoppe)
- Provides chainguards ranging in price from 18 to 36 dollars. The Vision chainguard (to keep the length of the chain away from your leg) was of particular interest. Other chainguards cover the chainrinks only. Visitors sometimes spell as chain guards. 8-01
- Custom Bicycle Frames (BikeForest.com)
- Provides sources builders of custom bikes and bike frames. 6-01
- Helmets - HANS Device to Protect Neck (HansDevice.com)
- Describes a head and neck safety device that fits with a helmet to protect the neck in an accident. Cycle riders should consider the device since, in an accident with a car or even a spill, maximum protection for the neck is needed. 12-01
- Internal Gears - Rohloff Speed Hubs (Rohloff)
- Describes the Rohloff internal speed hubs. Has 14 gears, with the lowest setting at 15, 16, or 17 teeth, depending on the version. Rohloff recommends using chainrings of no less than 42, 44, or 46 teeth. (Up to 60 teeth in the chainring are acceptable, however.) A cycle with a Rohloff Speed Hub with 15 teeth at the low end (800 dollars) and a 53 tooth chainring with a Schlumpf Speed-Drive (350 dollars) will have a gear inch range of 15 to 128. (Standard speed score of the Speed Hub and Speed-Drive combination is is 30.5 mph). 09-09
- Solar Power (Rabbit Tool, USA)
- Provides a solar quick (2-hour) recharger that could be used with a matched battery pack for an electric bike or trike. Costs 700 dollars and provides 100 watts (24 volts). It is encased in glass in a closable briefcase. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Trainers for Cyclists (Brown - Harris Cyclery)
- Provides stationary resistance for bikes for training. Awesome Library does not endorse these products, but provides them as examples. 1-02
- Carts for Hauling (BikeCartAge.com)
- Starts at around 356 Canadian dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 6-01
- Trailer Alternative - Xtracle (Xtracle.com)
- Provides an extension on the rear wheel as an alternative to a trailer. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example.
- Trailers for Bikes (Bobtrailers.com)
- Starts at around 275 dollars for the YAK and weighs 12 pounds. The COZ is available for 200 dollars. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 8-01
- Trailers for Bikes (Bykaboose)
- Starts at around 200 dollars, weighs 15 pounds, and folds down. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 8-01
- Trailers for Bikes (Cycletote.com)
- The "bare trailer" model starts at around 265 dollars, weighs 16.5 pounds, and has a very low center of gravity. Based on specifications and review, this is a Best Buy. Has an automatic disk brake option (for 265 dollars), which is desirable with any trailer when going down steep hills or during emergency stops. It has two wheels and is made of steel for durability. Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 8-01
- Trailers for Bikes - Comparison of Brands (Bikeroute.com)
- Provides a comparison of major trailer brands on price, weight, capacity, foldability, wheels, and much more. 8-01
- Trailers for Bikes - Review of Blue Sky (Blue Sky - Krieg)
- Starts at around 275 dollars, weighs 25 pounds, and folds down. It is made of steel rather than aluminum for carrying a heavy load and durability. Weight distribution (toward the front) seems better than some other two wheel trailers (with the weight in the middle). Awesome Library does not endorse this product, but only provides it as an example. 8-01