No joke, I finished watching this video and realised I was actually drooling a bit. The Alpha 7 in those colors is a work of art. I've been fairly set on getting a DF up to now but watching this video I'm already justifying to myself to stretch my budget a little more to acquire this beauty.
Thanks for your review John! Your enthusiasm does explain perfectly how stunning this machine is. If it is more comfy than your Quest it is even more amazing.... At 8:00 I also enjoyed a lot the picture of Marco Simoncelli N.58 behind you: he died in 2011 but we still remember him a lot
08:24 - Wonderful moment! 12:40 - I used to live near Clapham Common. I still miss that lovely park. 14:30 - That Alpha 7 really is amazing, I'm not surprised by your decision. 14:40 - Ooh! The Orca, I really like that one. That is more my kind of velomobile actually, but the Alpha is truly stunning. So now I'm going to watch a movie to end the day but it probably won't be as good as your video.
Great review! I'd be interested to know how the A7 compares to the Milan in terms of speed and usability. It seems that the light weight of the A7 is what differentiates it from the other velos you mentioned. I wonder if fully enclosed wheels would make much difference to the aerodynamics (ignoring turning circle)? Fascinated by the engineering and science that goes into velomobile design!
Thanks for the review. Love the good vibes. I'm glad I test rode an Alpha 7 before though. It's so very much about preferences, bike trim and the area where one lives.
Hey John... beautiful machine... a work of art and another outstanding review. All the best from the Vendetta bike guy... Hope to see you in the worlds next year in your Alpha 7!
What really impresses me with the design of this velo is the huge access hatch on the top: I'd have thought that this would leave a reduction in structural strength and therefore lead to extra weight resulting from having to build in strength elsewhere in the body (I'm not an engineer, clearly!), like I believe is the case with convertible cars. That "bonnet" along with the circular access over the derailleur are things I would love (I know the Waw allows similar levels of access, but with what I assume is a bit more faff): The number of times I've crawled around my ancient Mango, tipping it on its side, having to awkwardly reach deep inside, these features really seem to be the way ahead.
Take the springs out of you old velos. I use ICE elastomers. Takes all the roll out and settles the velo down and still gives plenty of spring. ICE medium elastomers.
Thanks John another master blaster of pure velo freshness - I got to try a pal's velo and I am so stoked to get building my own. I need to find out how to strengthen the chassis to take the pull of my trailer as well. (I'll be going with assist also home made). I have made my power looms so far and a basic bike chassis and the hardware - brakes, wheels,gears etc - are being donated by a couple of cheap mountain bikes I got (2 for £40! on Gumtree) The seat is in design by a pal at college doing engineering, moulded plastic with an aluminium bracing for strength. My first attempt at a frame was destroyed by our wonderful roads, weak welds :(. We need a bike race through here to get some resurfacing done. In fact when will be the first GB Open Velo' road Championships?! We need this - for sport, profiling velo's and cycling sport in the UK; It could begin in Scotland - John O' Groats, through Scotland, down Yorkshire, through Lancashire, Cheshire, all down the West then swing down to London via the A40 and then the South Downs, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and finish at Lands End. We could be the first nation in Europe to do it!
Very nice. What do you do if you first get all settled in and then you hear a rattle snake sound off from somewhere inside along with you? There was an episode of The Rifleman when Chuck Connors woke up in the morning only to hear a rattle snake sound off from somewhere inside his sleeping bag. There was a whole episode dealing with the wait out drama embodied in that situation. He had to stay inside and boil in the late mid day sun before the snake finally slithered out.
Wonderful stuff John. Love the Alpha 7. She looks better in the flesh too. You deserve her and she is lucky to have you. Velo Ads just gets better and better :)
I read the automatic translation of your videos (I'm French), and at 12:30 I never thought that Aston Martin could sound like "nasty mind". The Alpha 7 seems great.
Nice vid again John! You are sitting beautifully low there. What are your key dimensions ie height, leg length, shoe size? How does your knee clearance compare to DF, and what size cranks were you running ?
Hi there I'm 5ft 10" 32 inside leg, size 45 cycling shoes, 155 cranks. With the seat where it is I have too much room for my knees. I will raise the seat a little so I can see the apex of corners better, but not lift it too much otherwise I may lose some of the amazing cornering ability as my center of gravity is so low in it.
Stunning!! It was good to see the Alpha 7 flying around at Gravesend, and your children. You not only have to face Maggie/bank, but you will more difficult give it a name (Raspberry Ripple). Adrian/Hove actually
John, I am curious about the Tiller Steering? Is there a video which explains it in detail? Is it as reliable as the two handed type? You appear to be seated very low down-quite an effort to raise your arm outside to hold the selfie stick? Is this adjustable?
Great Video John. I was wondering if you have had any experience with the DF and how the Alpha 7 compares. I am saving to get a light velomobile (needs to be able to be carried up the steps to my house!) for commuting. Needs some luggage capacity (work clothes etc) but not loads.
The DF is a few kg heavier but manageable for lifting, I load the Alpha 7 myself into my van if needs be, couldn't do that with the QV if my life depended on it. Alpha 7 is a bit quicker off the mark and easier uphill.
Great review John. What gearing on this one? Curious to see how it would cope with my neck of the woods (Portsmouth- so hills, lots of, in every direction!).
A fantastic machine. Trouble is, by the time I had added the spare tubes/tyres/ tools/Etc. it would weigh a lot more :-(. My back-up in case of problems is ME. Or the RAC, and they don't fit on some parts of the cycle track LOL. So when does the 'Collection' size prompt you to go all "Doug Davis" on us? You might get a visit from Gary Solomon!
@@velo-ads4206 That is awesome I hope you get to try out the one with the enclosed cab that 1 looks so cool in the videos I'm pretty show you gonna review the heck out of it
Hi John, really enjoying your reviewers of various Velomobiles. As a current recumbent tadpole trike rider, I’m getting interested in maybe getting a Velomobile at some point. Can you recommend a good machine for a Velomobile virgin to get ASA a God’s first entry into the Velomobile works? Thanks in advance.
There are quite a few factors to be taken into consideration, terrain where you ride? What will you use it for? How tall/heavy are you? How much do you want to spend? So many factors. Hard to just say "get this model"
Beautiful peace of kit. I didn't see any holes for your feet, did I miss them or do you need to get out to reverse? Do you get much rain leaking past the top hatch on to your legs?
Very cool. Watching this from Germany. Talked to the developer years ago. Guess that might be migh my future bike. So far Velomobils where to heavy for me. So how many kg's does it weight? 35 km/h up a hill? How steep was that thing? You took it with some momentum or are a top athlete.
Thanks a lot again John. Great review of the Alpha 7. This time it is very positive about the instep space and the gear possibilities. Did you like the dampers? It weighs about 21 kg, right? The selling price is around 10.000 Euro? What do you advice when living in Norway as I do? Up and down the steep hills? Regards Martinius Berg
Thanks the dampers are amazing, very comfortable. You will need two chain rings at the front for sure. It would definitely work for you in 🇳🇴. And definitely order 90 Mm brakes.
Hi John how tall are you? Just wondering what sort of size Velomobiles can accommodate.? Recently watched a few of your videos and am so intrigued by these fantastic machines. 👍
That Quattrovelo cushion seems to fit pretty good in the Alpha7. Is it from ventisit and if so, which model is it? I expect my Alpha 7 to be build in February 2020 (seat size M) and want a ventisit cushion (but they do not list an Alpha 7 cushion yet).
Thanks very much... now I have another expensive "must have" on my list. It is your fault if I go bankrupt :-) Anyway, love your vids... Maybe we meet at Spezi 2020
It may be that the configurator requires certain software to run. The more complex it is (and newer) it may need very up to date machine. Plus, they can respond differently to differing operating systems/browsers. I have an OLD apple, a new apple, and a windows 10 machine. The SAME sites look different on each machine. I am no expert on computers, (they frequently make me want to "Hit Any Key" with a sledge hammer), but this I have found. Just a thought.
@@velo-ads4206 I am new to velomobiles (but am experienced cyclist), I am interested in getting a Velo but I wish to learn more and seek advice before choosing one (DF, alpa7, mango, Milan or Orca). I have found your videos very useful and informative and am keen to meet a few people who have velomobiles (and lived with them) so that I can have a more informed opinion on each model of velo. After watching your video at Hillingdon races - I have been thinking of attending a BHPC / AGM race at Hillingdon on Sunday 20 October to chat to people about their velomobile. Is there any additional advice you can give? - Velos are not common or stocked in shops most people have even seen one.
@@amitpalvirdi hi definitely attend hillingdon and check out the Velomobiles there, I'm now the dealer for the Alpha 7 and Milan SL. So we can have a chat and see what would suit you more and what you would be planning on using it for. Then we can work out what Velomobile would suit your needs.
@@velo-ads4206 You sold your Quest as well as the Waw? Either I missed that or my memory's getting soggier by the day! Your Waw & Questie always seem like an awesome pair of machines ...but the QV and this incredible looking Alpha 7 appear to be a step-up to something of an ultimate pairing. Excellent video as always, hope to see more from you on this amazing velo. Cheers.
I love those colors on the Alpha 7. It is a very good looking velomobile.
No joke, I finished watching this video and realised I was actually drooling a bit. The Alpha 7 in those colors is a work of art.
I've been fairly set on getting a DF up to now but watching this video I'm already justifying to myself to stretch my budget a little more to acquire this beauty.
IMO upgrading from a DF is bot worth it but if buying your first velo, totally worth it
@@romaincondat6332 "Totally worth it" - yes I'm telling myself that already, talking myself into it !
Thanks for your review John! Your enthusiasm does explain perfectly how stunning this machine is. If it is more comfy than your Quest it is even more amazing....
At 8:00 I also enjoyed a lot the picture of Marco Simoncelli N.58 behind you: he died in 2011 but we still remember him a lot
08:24 - Wonderful moment!
12:40 - I used to live near Clapham Common. I still miss that lovely park.
14:30 - That Alpha 7 really is amazing, I'm not surprised by your decision.
14:40 - Ooh! The Orca, I really like that one. That is more my kind of velomobile actually, but the Alpha is truly stunning.
So now I'm going to watch a movie to end the day but it probably won't be as good as your video.
Favorite quote: ‘your giblets are bouncing around a bit...’. 😂
Great review! I'd be interested to know how the A7 compares to the Milan in terms of speed and usability. It seems that the light weight of the A7 is what differentiates it from the other velos you mentioned. I wonder if fully enclosed wheels would make much difference to the aerodynamics (ignoring turning circle)? Fascinated by the engineering and science that goes into velomobile design!
9:00 "Which way to you lie ?"
"Emmmm..."
The moment of panic in John's voice as he wonders if this old dear actually wants to get into his A7.
What a ride!! I wish I could climb in and out of one of those. Great show John.
Impressing ride! The Alpha 7 looks very beautiful and seems to be very fast!
Hi and thanks for this first contact!
A very nice one, with a good trip.
Alpha 7 seems to be a Very Top Bike!
Forza.
😉👍👌♥️
the paintjob on this thing though... I would like to marry the Alpha7
plus going carspeed without pedaling, this thing is a beast. Absolutely in love
Amazing! You had me drooling. I am envious . I would love to hear more about your uphill experiences with the Alpha 7.
Magnifique machine !
Et the "paint job" est vraiment trop beau également !👍
Thanks for the review John !
John... great video.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience in the Alpha 7.
Thanks for the review. Love the good vibes.
I'm glad I test rode an Alpha 7 before though.
It's so very much about preferences, bike trim and the area where one lives.
Hey John... beautiful machine... a work of art and another outstanding review. All the best from the Vendetta bike guy... Hope to see you in the worlds next year in your Alpha 7!
What really impresses me with the design of this velo is the huge access hatch on the top: I'd have thought that this would leave a reduction in structural strength and therefore lead to extra weight resulting from having to build in strength elsewhere in the body (I'm not an engineer, clearly!), like I believe is the case with convertible cars. That "bonnet" along with the circular access over the derailleur are things I would love (I know the Waw allows similar levels of access, but with what I assume is a bit more faff): The number of times I've crawled around my ancient Mango, tipping it on its side, having to awkwardly reach deep inside, these features really seem to be the way ahead.
Stoked for you that you've had the chance to review this weapon.
Take the springs out of you old velos. I use ICE elastomers. Takes all the roll out and settles the velo down and still gives plenty of spring. ICE medium elastomers.
Thanks John another master blaster of pure velo freshness - I got to try a pal's velo and I am so stoked to get building my own. I need to find out how to strengthen the chassis to take the pull of my trailer as well. (I'll be going with assist also home made). I have made my power looms so far and a basic bike chassis and the hardware - brakes, wheels,gears etc - are being donated by a couple of cheap mountain bikes I got (2 for £40! on Gumtree) The seat is in design by a pal at college doing engineering, moulded plastic with an aluminium bracing for strength.
My first attempt at a frame was destroyed by our wonderful roads, weak welds :(. We need a bike race through here to get some resurfacing done.
In fact when will be the first GB Open Velo' road Championships?! We need this - for sport, profiling velo's and cycling sport in the UK; It could begin in Scotland - John O' Groats, through Scotland, down Yorkshire, through Lancashire, Cheshire, all down the West then swing down to London via the A40 and then the South Downs, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon and finish at Lands End. We could be the first nation in Europe to do it!
Very nice. What do you do if you first get all settled in and then you hear a rattle snake sound off from somewhere inside along with you?
There was an episode of The Rifleman when Chuck Connors woke up in the morning only to hear a rattle snake sound off from somewhere inside his sleeping bag.
There was a whole episode dealing with the wait out drama embodied in that situation.
He had to stay inside and boil in the late mid day sun before the snake finally slithered out.
Wonderful stuff John. Love the Alpha 7. She looks better in the flesh too. You deserve her and she is lucky to have you. Velo Ads just gets better and better :)
Thanks Richard :)
I read the automatic translation of your videos (I'm French), and at 12:30 I never thought that Aston Martin could sound like "nasty mind". The Alpha 7 seems great.
Amazing, wish I was 40 years younger :)
Very impressive! Those rear lights are genius! By the way, does it come with a racing hood?
Daniel Fenn has almost completed the first hood.
It comes without a hood. Looks lile they will have them in production in February
Nice vid again John! You are sitting beautifully low there. What are your key dimensions ie height, leg length, shoe size? How does your knee clearance compare to DF, and what size cranks were you running ?
Hi there I'm 5ft 10" 32 inside leg, size 45 cycling shoes, 155 cranks.
With the seat where it is I have too much room for my knees. I will raise the seat a little so I can see the apex of corners better, but not lift it too much otherwise I may lose some of the amazing cornering ability as my center of gravity is so low in it.
Stunning!! It was good to see the Alpha 7 flying around at Gravesend, and your children.
You not only have to face Maggie/bank, but you will more difficult give it a name (Raspberry Ripple).
Adrian/Hove actually
I see what he did for shoulder room now john. Raised up the whole rim.
Looks great John. I wish I had the space to store one.
Hey ! That bike is “Dyno-Mite”!
ce vélomobile à une ligne magnifique, et quelle peinture !
Beautiful ❤️!! Im so jealous!!
Great video and marvelous Alpha 7 look great..
Lovely those old ladies... Nice video :-) Loved it...
John, I am curious about the Tiller Steering? Is there a video which explains it in detail? Is it as reliable as the two handed type? You appear to be seated very low down-quite an effort to raise your arm outside to hold the selfie stick? Is this adjustable?
Great Video John. I was wondering if you have had any experience with the DF and how the Alpha 7 compares. I am saving to get a light velomobile (needs to be able to be carried up the steps to my house!) for commuting. Needs some luggage capacity (work clothes etc) but not loads.
The DF is a few kg heavier but manageable for lifting, I load the Alpha 7 myself into my van if needs be, couldn't do that with the QV if my life depended on it. Alpha 7 is a bit quicker off the mark and easier uphill.
wow you shure know how to have fun keep up the show your getting better all the time.
12:32 ".....You don't need a FERRARI😃😃😃😃, you need one of these...." 👍👍👍
Great review John. What gearing on this one? Curious to see how it would cope with my neck of the woods (Portsmouth- so hills, lots of, in every direction!).
I'll check.
A fantastic machine. Trouble is, by the time I had added the spare tubes/tyres/ tools/Etc. it would weigh a lot more :-(. My back-up in case of problems is ME. Or the RAC, and they don't fit on some parts of the cycle track LOL.
So when does the 'Collection' size prompt you to go all "Doug Davis" on us? You might get a visit from Gary Solomon!
I love your videos and the one you did on the armadillo was cool i was wondering did you hear aboit the quicab
Yes my mate is trying to secure funding to bring one over to the UK 🇬🇧. It will be a prototype.
@@velo-ads4206 That is awesome I hope you get to try out the one with the enclosed cab that 1 looks so cool in the videos I'm pretty show you gonna review the heck out of it
Hi John, really enjoying your reviewers of various Velomobiles. As a current recumbent tadpole trike rider, I’m getting interested in maybe getting a Velomobile at some point. Can you recommend a good machine for a Velomobile virgin to get ASA a God’s first entry into the Velomobile works? Thanks in advance.
There are quite a few factors to be taken into consideration, terrain where you ride? What will you use it for? How tall/heavy are you? How much do you want to spend? So many factors. Hard to just say "get this model"
what is the velomobile did you prefer? What about the Quattrovelo?
Beautiful peace of kit. I didn't see any holes for your feet, did I miss them or do you need to get out to reverse? Do you get much rain leaking past the top hatch on to your legs?
No reversing holes, and a little bit of rain drips on your shoulders when it rains but there is a new weather proof hood in the making.
Very cool. Watching this from Germany. Talked to the developer years ago. Guess that might be migh my future bike. So far Velomobils where to heavy for me. So how many kg's does it weight? 35 km/h up a hill? How steep was that thing? You took it with some momentum or are a top athlete.
21 kg,
Hello all, what velomobile has the best finish? looks the most like it came out of a mclaren factory type of finished product. Thanks
Thanks a lot again John. Great review of the Alpha 7. This time it is very positive about the instep space and the gear possibilities. Did you like the dampers? It weighs about 21 kg, right? The selling price is around 10.000 Euro? What do you advice when living in Norway as I do? Up and down the steep hills?
Regards Martinius Berg
Thanks the dampers are amazing, very comfortable. You will need two chain rings at the front for sure. It would definitely work for you in 🇳🇴. And definitely order 90 Mm brakes.
Very nice video thank you ! can you tell us how is your feeling of the alpha 7 versus the DF (or DF XL) ? better in anything i suppose ?
How would you compare the turning circle with the QV?
not to sound rude but where do you get the pennies for these beautiful machines?
Hi John how tall are you? Just wondering what sort of size Velomobiles can accommodate.? Recently watched a few of your videos and am so intrigued by these fantastic machines. 👍
180 cm
@@velo-ads4206 I am 187 cm 😢
@@Maddog-69 you will be fine
@@velo-ads4206 Cool 👍 Cheers. love the videos
You like panzer or tillersteeing? (Alpha vs Milan)
So when is your daughter getting a Velo?
Working on it
How do you compare Alpha 7 to Milan SL?
Still loving it?
This looks so fun and it reminds me of the waw you had
That Quattrovelo cushion seems to fit pretty good in the Alpha7. Is it from ventisit and if so, which model is it? I expect my Alpha 7 to be build in February 2020 (seat size M) and want a ventisit cushion (but they do not list an Alpha 7 cushion yet).
It's ventisit with the cloth cover, the thinnest one.
Can I come and have a ride in one of your Velomobiles?!
Nice and informative video. Thank you. Still in love with your QV?
If it's not enclosed completely and no cargo space, i don't see the point... Ok it's gorgeous and looks like great fun but still...
How would the Alpha go in a hot country like Australia?
It would be fine as long long as you are moving.
Lovely !
lol I so want one now...
Price?
So are these Velo motor assisted or is it all full human powered
Fully human powered.
Thanks very much... now I have another expensive "must have" on my list. It is your fault if I go bankrupt :-) Anyway, love your vids... Maybe we meet at Spezi 2020
Wonder if there is any way to get the weight off my carbon Quest?
Velomobile nl did make a quest that weighed 18 kg, it's in the museum. Its very minimal. Ask them what essentials they left out.
They don't have the configurator set up for my area. Not that I could afford one now anyway.
@@benicsakp I was on their website and it was not available to me.
@@benicsakp It does not work for me. You are mistaken if you believe there is no problem.
It may be that the configurator requires certain software to run. The more complex it is (and newer) it may need very up to date machine. Plus, they can respond differently to differing operating systems/browsers.
I have an OLD apple, a new apple, and a windows 10 machine. The SAME sites look different on each machine. I am no expert on computers, (they frequently make me want to "Hit Any Key" with a sledge hammer), but this I have found. Just a thought.
So how much do you sell the Alpha 7 for John? Like to know how the price compares to the Milan. Thanks. Roy
Roughly €10400 depending on spec of course.
@@velo-ads4206 £8865 Not bad.
You really want me to be jealous, don't you,...
😂
Can I ask is this a standard alpha7 and not one specialty made by Daniel Fenn - also do you know the weight?
It's a standard Alpha 7, stock weight around 21 kg
@@velo-ads4206 I am new to velomobiles (but am experienced cyclist), I am interested in getting a Velo but I wish to learn more and seek advice before choosing one (DF, alpa7, mango, Milan or Orca). I have found your videos very useful and informative and am keen to meet a few people who have velomobiles (and lived with them) so that I can have a more informed opinion on each model of velo. After watching your video at Hillingdon races - I have been thinking of attending a BHPC / AGM race at Hillingdon on Sunday 20 October to chat to people about their velomobile.
Is there any additional advice you can give? - Velos are not common or stocked in shops most people have even seen one.
@@amitpalvirdi hi definitely attend hillingdon and check out the Velomobiles there, I'm now the dealer for the Alpha 7 and Milan SL. So we can have a chat and see what would suit you more and what you would be planning on using it for. Then we can work out what Velomobile would suit your needs.
Are you really going to keep it? how many velos do you have now?
It's looking that way, but I still want to test a Milan SL properly before I decide. If I keep this one I'll have two, as I sold two a while back.
@@velo-ads4206 You sold your Quest as well as the Waw? Either I missed that or my memory's getting soggier by the day! Your Waw & Questie always seem like an awesome pair of machines ...but the QV and this incredible looking Alpha 7 appear to be a step-up to something of an ultimate pairing. Excellent video as always, hope to see more from you on this amazing velo. Cheers.
So how tall are you? Feet?
5ft 10,size 11 shoe's
How tall are you and how long are your legs? I'm not sure if i can fit in the alpha.
5ft 10 height, 32 inch leg
@@velo-ads4206 Whoops I'm 6ft 10 with 35 inch legs. I guess i'll wait for the XL to come out then.
put an electric motor in it and I'm down haha
JR_113 never came to production . I have followed this project for years :www.aptera.us
10k .I'll take two
You need to it keep the price for the review
Since you're so low to the ground don't you need a tall flag??? When a car is right next to you they cannot possibly see you....
It's all about how you position yourself in traffic, it is not a problem.
This is such dangerous and deceiving nonsense. Just stick to the normal upright bike!