After having sold both my Milan GT because of the lack of usefulness as a daily driver for several reasons and my Alleweder 6 because it had a severe defect which caused a loss of confidence I think of re-entering the world of velomobiles with either the 4More or an Urban. As you stated, it seems to be a fine errand runner, it is efficient enough for travel speeds of around 30 km/h without exhausting yourself too much and seems easy enough to work on so even newbies can learn to keep it going without having to go to the workshop for each bit. I decided not to jump on the bandwagon getting one of the first cheaper ones yet because I first want to make a test ride and have a close look at it with my own eyes, and I don’t know whether there are still possibilities to get one of the “cheap” ones after that has happened. But if I am lucky, I might do so. My biggest criticism is the available lighting options. The hotspot lux with indicators is the only feasible option to ride safely in traffic but with the indicators being so close to the centre, it can be difficult to quickly see in which direction you want to go. They should have used indicators in arrow shape instead of the Kellermanns, but I reckon this can be modified afterwards. That should not be rocket science. Plus, I don’t like the high front light on the hotspot. I had this on the Milan and at night, it brightly illuminated the top of the velomobile, which shone in a bright light, masking off everything around. I could hardly see a thing. I have to see if the front light can be moved into or onto the nose. But apart from that, this is an ideal daily driver that is efficient enough to be fun on long tours as well, as long as you don’t want to win any races.
In the US at least there is an option for a double with a small ring of 42 or 46. I don’t know if this is an option also in Europe. It comes with an additional cost pf €250.
In Utah we have ferocious thorns from an invasive species called goat heads (I assume other parts of the US have them as well). I know nothing is perfect but what would you suggest as a start for a tire? It would be completely mixed pavement from smooth to pretty rough. On my old trike (the one I am thinking about retiring when I get a velomobile) I use Schwalbe Marathon Plus now but I still occasionally pick up punctures. I have been frustrated enough to actually consider Tannus but that is pretty extreme but it might still be worth it. Great post!
I’ve never dealt with goat heads so I don’t have a very good suggestion other than to carry spare tubes. Marathon plus is slow and heavy and supposed to be the most flat proof tire there is. You could try running tubeless, but that’s a pain to set up.
It depends on what bicycle that rider is coming from and the intended level of performance. If it’s a recreational cyclist pedaling along normally at 10-12mph on a rusty old bike, then no. If it’s a performance oriented racer coming from a high-end carbon race bike, then yes, it will make a difference. The 4More is for the average cyclist not looking for top line performance who want weather protection, cargo space, and an entry into the world of Velomobiles.
@@TheGreatOldOak I only do that when climbing. I’m already slow then so the aerodynamic penalty doesn’t matter very much. It allows me to briefly put out more power to climb the hill faster. It is a pretty typical technique among velomobile riders.
After having sold both my Milan GT because of the lack of usefulness as a daily driver for several reasons and my Alleweder 6 because it had a severe defect which caused a loss of confidence I think of re-entering the world of velomobiles with either the 4More or an Urban. As you stated, it seems to be a fine errand runner, it is efficient enough for travel speeds of around 30 km/h without exhausting yourself too much and seems easy enough to work on so even newbies can learn to keep it going without having to go to the workshop for each bit.
I decided not to jump on the bandwagon getting one of the first cheaper ones yet because I first want to make a test ride and have a close look at it with my own eyes, and I don’t know whether there are still possibilities to get one of the “cheap” ones after that has happened. But if I am lucky, I might do so.
My biggest criticism is the available lighting options. The hotspot lux with indicators is the only feasible option to ride safely in traffic but with the indicators being so close to the centre, it can be difficult to quickly see in which direction you want to go. They should have used indicators in arrow shape instead of the Kellermanns, but I reckon this can be modified afterwards. That should not be rocket science.
Plus, I don’t like the high front light on the hotspot. I had this on the Milan and at night, it brightly illuminated the top of the velomobile, which shone in a bright light, masking off everything around. I could hardly see a thing. I have to see if the front light can be moved into or onto the nose.
But apart from that, this is an ideal daily driver that is efficient enough to be fun on long tours as well, as long as you don’t want to win any races.
I think the Urban would address the electrical issues you have. It has the same light options as the Bülk MK1 and Milan has.
Looks superb and a nice fast ride😊
Thanks for the review! You mentioned some difficulties to change the front ring...I thought the 4more comes out with just one ring in front ?
In the US at least there is an option for a double with a small ring of 42 or 46. I don’t know if this is an option also in Europe. It comes with an additional cost pf €250.
In Utah we have ferocious thorns from an invasive species called goat heads (I assume other parts of the US have them as well). I know nothing is perfect but what would you suggest as a start for a tire? It would be completely mixed pavement from smooth to pretty rough. On my old trike (the one I am thinking about retiring when I get a velomobile) I use Schwalbe Marathon Plus now but I still occasionally pick up punctures. I have been frustrated enough to actually consider Tannus but that is pretty extreme but it might still be worth it. Great post!
I’ve never dealt with goat heads so I don’t have a very good suggestion other than to carry spare tubes. Marathon plus is slow and heavy and supposed to be the most flat proof tire there is. You could try running tubeless, but that’s a pain to set up.
@@mnveloguy OK thanks. It will be something I just have to work out. Have a great day!
If a cyclist is going from a bicycle, would the choice of material fiberglass vs carbon fiber really make hat much difference?
It depends on what bicycle that rider is coming from and the intended level of performance. If it’s a recreational cyclist pedaling along normally at 10-12mph on a rusty old bike, then no. If it’s a performance oriented racer coming from a high-end carbon race bike, then yes, it will make a difference. The 4More is for the average cyclist not looking for top line performance who want weather protection, cargo space, and an entry into the world of Velomobiles.
I would love to know how this or even the Urban compares to my Alpha 7.2.
Yes. That is a good question. My urban is not dialed in yet so I haven’t gotten all the potential performance form it that i think it is capable of.
Do you prefer riding shoulders out or shoulders in?
I’m not sure I follow this question?
@@mnveloguy They mean at 0:18 where your arms and shoulders are out off the velomobile.
@@TheGreatOldOak I only do that when climbing. I’m already slow then so the aerodynamic penalty doesn’t matter very much. It allows me to briefly put out more power to climb the hill faster. It is a pretty typical technique among velomobile riders.