What?
So I bought a new bicycle.
It's an Abici Velocino, a minor variation on an 80 year old design.
In 1933, Ernesto Pettazzoni, an engineer from Bologna, applied for a British patent for an ultra-short-wheelbase semi-recumbent machine, the Velocino (U.S. patent 2,007,725 of 1935). It resembled a wheelchair chopped in half, with the seat over the normal-sized rear wheel. The tiny front wheel was about 10 inches in diameter. The handlebar was reversible, giving the option of under-seat steering. Mussolini is said to have commissioned the Velocino as a compact, easily stored urban vehicle. The project attracted a lot of attention but was cancelled shortly after Italy entered World War II.-- Bicycle Design: An Illustrated History
Why?
Because it looked like a lot of fun to ride. Because I do sometimes take a train and want to ride the last mile. Because it's probably even more fun in situations it wasn't designed for (steep hills, off-road). Because there are seven bikes in the flat and I was running out of room.So, what's it like?
Getting started is tricky until you are used to it. The coaster brake makes it more difficult to shift the pedals to your ideal starting position (if that's your thing). The cranks are short and the gearing is low, so you don't start with much momentum and may not be stable until a few turns of the pedals. You pretty much have to start seated on the saddle (because it's only stable with weight on the rear wheel and your knees will hit the handlebar if you don't sit back); that's a problem if you are short (or have short legs).I have learned to just trust that the bike will stay upright and push away with one foot.
One you have the pedals in motion, it's a blast. Suddenly, you're very stable and cruising sedately. Turning is more about steering than leaning (the coaster brakes make tight turns easy, though). Going up moderate hills is easy, if slow. Downhill is thrilling but also a bit scary.
Friends who see it always insist on trying it out and so far they've all really enjoyed it.
I'll put the details of the components in a follow-up post.
Of course, I'm already thinking about modifications.
