h a l f b a k e r y
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The upright position of the standard bicycle is so common not just because it is sensible, but because it is similar to riding a horse; which the bicycle was to replace.
The horse is, of course, a four legged animal - which makes it like most four legged animals: a very effective running machine.
People are by nature, however, two legged animals. And thru both domestication of horses and invention of the bicycle, achieved four-legged mobility.
The bicycle, however, does not precisely replicate the motion of horse-like running and furthermore requires an additional frame (or skeleton) of its own, which we already possess.
Bicycle Shoes would resolve these issues. By attaching a bicycle tire on each foot connected by rotating arm (or pedal) the wearer could run in a horse-like manner (without the double pendulum motion). This is the case, as running in a normal manner would not facilitate the rotation of the connecting arm.
a poor illustration of what I visualise
http://usera.imagec...gisz/bicycle_shoes/
anything like this, or did I get the wrong end of the stick? [xaviergisz, Mar 22 2007]
Ultimate Wheel
http://www.unicycli...garage/ultimate.htm
The one wheeled not-unicycle I was talking about [TheLightsAreOnBut, Mar 22 2007]
The Ultimate Wheel
http://www.theriotw...m_Chase_Cropped.jpg
It's a riot [skinflaps, Mar 22 2007]
new illustration
http://usera.imagec...isz/bicycle_shoes2/
in light of discussion by baconbrain and TLAOB [xaviergisz, Mar 22 2007]
[link]
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Needs a wee diagram to explain motion. |
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Stand with your legs astride. With your front foot firmly planted, raise your back foot. When that foot lands, raise your front foot. You should be able to achieve a running like motion without alternating the position of your legs |
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Sorry I can't offer a diagram. |
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How would you attach the bicycle tires to your feet? |
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A short connecting arm with an axle that extends into the arch of the shoe sole. |
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You would basically need to be wearing ski boots for this to work without immediately ripping the soles of your shoes off... [+] |
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Going to need some clutches and the capability to freewheel coast, or you won't get me into a set (goes off to don pads and helmet in anticipation) |
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What [xaviergisz] illustrated already exists - though no clutch/freewheel coast. There's also a one wheeled version, like a unicycle but without the seat/seatpost - I never quite got the hang of that one. |
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That looks good, [xaviergisz] but not quite what I had in mind. This is not operated by typical bipedal motion. I think I threw you off with this line: "a bicycle tire on each foot connected by rotating arm". That should be read as, the wheel is connected to the foot by a rotating arm (basically a pedal.) |
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//Move like a two-legged horse.//
In other words, not very well.
(Not that I've ever seen a two legged horse, you understand, but I'm extrapolating from a three legged dog I once saw) |
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// "a bicycle tire on each foot connected by rotating arm". That should be read as, the wheel is connected to the foot by a rotating arm (basically a pedal.) // |
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That seems as clear as mud. Are you suggesting what xaviergisz illustrated but without the interconnect between the two pedals? So the wheels can be operated independently? |
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Basically, yes. But the means of pedalling is key. Your left foot should always be in front and your right foot always behind. The wheels should be kept inline. |
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ah, like two "Ultimate Wheels" in a row? Are they at all connected to each other? |
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Yes like two ultimate wheels, but with only one pedal each. Ultimately they are connected by your pelvis. |
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Okay, now that I can finally visualize this concept, it seems hopelessly unworkable. You're expected to keep your legs in an unnatural position, and the slightest error will cause your feet to be pulled apart or twist your legs across each other. |
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It could perhaps be workable if there was a slightly flexible physical linkage between the front and rear wheels, keeping them a fixed distance apart and keeping them mostly lined up with each other. |
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But then, the concept just becomes a clumsier inferior version of Ultimate Wheel. |
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When I first learned to ride a bike I fell countless times. I thought to myself "It could perhaps be workable if there was" training wheels on it. There is always a learning curve. |
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I could build you something sorta like this, as finally understood, or maybe a trainer for it. But I still don't see why the horse-like motion is good, or even why it is called horse-like. |
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So, get two bike wheels, and make special hubs for them. Put the two wheels at each end of a frame, lined up fore-and-aft like a bike with no steering. Put a single crank and pedal off one side of each wheel hub--left side of the front, right side of the back. Then attach a sprocket to each wheel hub, and a synchroniser chain between them. |
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It would be like an ultimate wheel to ride, but with less steering and less chance of falling on your face. It might be possible to steer by hopping the front wheel. But I wouldn't try riding it. |
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