 h a l f b a k e r y No, not that kind of baked.
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Heel Strike Bike
Long crank arms and pedals that insert into hollow heeled shoes. | |
This bike doesn't need a kickstand because the pedals reach the ground. These pedals appear quite normal, except they are designed to absorb impact much like the heels of modern running shoes.
This is because the pedals insert into the hollowed out structure of a specially designed cycling shoe.
The rider simply slides the pedals into openings of the shoe, and begins to pedal. However, the mechanics of pedalling are quite different.
Instead of just unnaturally rotating the pedals, the Heel Strike Bike incorporates a greater range of human bio-mechanics into the process. That is, in each cycle of driving this bike, the rider is forced to take a step. This employs the additional leverage of the foot and calf muscle.
Pedalling in this manner will increase propulsion of the bicycle, as the rider will be both cycling and running simultaneously. I imagine the cyclist operating this bike from a standing position, maintaining an aerodynamic profile whilst gripping the handlebars. This bike should offer a satisfying sensation of running at an incredible rate for a sustained period of time. " No, I am Heel Strike Bike ! "
Not_20The_20Origina...eel_20Strike_20Bike [normzone, Feb 13 2008]
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When in high gear, the rate at which ones' foot passes by the ground is much slower than the rate at which the frame is passing by the ground - so your "walking" action would 1)slow you down 2) tear the heck out of the bottom of your pedals 3) mash bugs.
oh, and if you ever pass by a tree root or sidewalk bump at just the wrong time... ouch.
Am i picturing this wrong? |
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Obviously pedalling cadence would have to be adjusted to suit the speed of the bike. I don't see a sidewalk bump or root presenting more of a problem than if one were running. |
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If your pedalling cadence was matched to your speed so your foot/pedal doesn't drag/scrape on the ground, you would just be going at running speed; therefore what's the point? (Other than taking a bit of weight off your legs.) |
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This would be useful for climbing hills. I'm not so certain that the riders foot would start dragging at high speeds. I've watched guys fly down hills on skateboards, and they continued to accelerate and pump with one leg all the way. |
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Oh I can see some SERIOUSLY broken ankles. You will post the video to You-Tube, right? |
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There's no chance of me building this any time soon as its -40c outside. But if I do, I will. |
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I thought this would be a bike powered by martial arts. |
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