Hello there MNveloguy, I wanted to thank you for the content you've put out regarding the W9. I live in California & there aren't any from Velomobileworld around here to test. At least the models I'm interested in. I just finished watching Take 2, but really like your honest impressions of design & engineering from Take 1. I raised an eyebrow when I watched Take 1 in that the builder might not like negative comments - but it is in the truth that builders can improve on their work. Because I've watched your videos on the W9 and Bulk, I've decided on the Bulk. Your honest review of the W9 REALLY pointed out that the Bulk is probably a better choice for me. Originally, I came across the Snoek, because I wanted an all out speed weapon. However, my wife and I are planning a Ride Across America, using velomobiles. I've already been in contact with Jan. I'm just figuring out the details & how to pay for them before placing the order. I then determined (from content like yours) the Snoek is like a Time Trial bike, not specifically designed for a self sustained trip across America. Of course it could be done, I just don't want to be so cramped in. That brought me to the Alpha series & to the W9, because it seemed to be the fastest Velo I could tour with. Also your vid on the process and cost of importing a Velo into the USA taught me what to expect. Thanks again! Keep up the honest content.
Glad my videos have been helpful for you. I think the Bülk is the better touring bike. It is also ready for customers. They are still working out some details with the W9. The biggest advantage with the Bülk for those of us unable to do test rides first, is that the seating position is very flexible and easy to set up. While the W9 might be a tiny bit faster, I think the Bülk climbs better. For such a long tour, I think when all averages out that likely the Bülk will come out pretty equal to the W9 in average speed. I’m curious to test that now that I am home. The biggest reason to reissue this video was that I wanted to be sure people understood the issues I have are not build quality issues. They are design issues. The work Velomobile World does is top-notch. Had the bike been left in its original condition, I would have made this video from the beginning. I should add that the designer is know for overhyping his bikes which leads to disappointed customers such as myself. The Bülk has not befallen this same fate. What is advertised is what you get: a very solid and efficient touring and commuting machine.
Another Bülk rider here. It's really awesome for long trips. Storage in a Milan is larger, but I haven't run into issues with stuff I have to move yet.
@acesEPIC Jan from Velomobile World would like to get in contact with you. Can you send him a message at jan@velomobileworld.com? He has some information for you.
Have a recumbent trike. With 47mm marathon plus tires , my FTP only being 160 , I average 10mph on a round trip. Any idea what to expect with the velomibile?
That's roughly my FTP. I have a hilly commute of 9 miles with 10 stop signs and 10 stop lights in each direction. I average 16-19mph. Trikes are quite slow compared to 2-wheel recumbents and bikes. Velomobiles compensate for the speed disadvantages of a trike.
Which model is the fastest is not the most important factor to me in choosing a velomobile. Comfort and features are my primary considerations. Things like the width of tires, turning circle, weight, stiffness, cargo capacity, lighting options, etc are all much higher priorities when deciding between models for me. The majority of Velomobiles are highly aerodynamically efficient. I do not stress about which one is the most efficient. Most of them will be faster than a road bike on flats or downhills.
What are those bumps behind the front wheels in the cabin (that can interfere with your thighs)? Air suspension? I haven't seen them on other velomobiles.
Those are the stalks for the tank steering. And yes, I think they are a bit too close together and could limit thigh space. In a velomobile sort of oriented towards women, that seems a limit of the design. The seat pan curve I think would be very uncomfortable women as well. There aren’t a lot of orders in for this model and I wonder if it will really take much market share. I think the intention is good, but the implementation needs refinement.
I cannot help but think that the M9 should have been the velomobile of your choice. The M9 was developed for everyday use, wind resistance, cornering speed and adequate storing space (as far as I know).
I did discuss the M9 with Jan at Velomobile World, but I’m much too small for a M9. I can barely see over the top of the W9. I definitely would not be able to safely drive the M9. The Bülk is actually perfect for me. I only wanted a velomobile that had room for winter tires. That is why I also got a W9.
Hello there MNveloguy, I wanted to thank you for the content you've put out regarding the W9. I live in California & there aren't any from Velomobileworld around here to test. At least the models I'm interested in. I just finished watching Take 2, but really like your honest impressions of design & engineering from Take 1. I raised an eyebrow when I watched Take 1 in that the builder might not like negative comments - but it is in the truth that builders can improve on their work. Because I've watched your videos on the W9 and Bulk, I've decided on the Bulk. Your honest review of the W9 REALLY pointed out that the Bulk is probably a better choice for me.
Originally, I came across the Snoek, because I wanted an all out speed weapon. However, my wife and I are planning a Ride Across America, using velomobiles. I've already been in contact with Jan. I'm just figuring out the details & how to pay for them before placing the order. I then determined (from content like yours) the Snoek is like a Time Trial bike, not specifically designed for a self sustained trip across America. Of course it could be done, I just don't want to be so cramped in. That brought me to the Alpha series & to the W9, because it seemed to be the fastest Velo I could tour with.
Also your vid on the process and cost of importing a Velo into the USA taught me what to expect.
Thanks again! Keep up the honest content.
Glad my videos have been helpful for you. I think the Bülk is the better touring bike. It is also ready for customers. They are still working out some details with the W9.
The biggest advantage with the Bülk for those of us unable to do test rides first, is that the seating position is very flexible and easy to set up. While the W9 might be a tiny bit faster, I think the Bülk climbs better. For such a long tour, I think when all averages out that likely the Bülk will come out pretty equal to the W9 in average speed. I’m curious to test that now that I am home.
The biggest reason to reissue this video was that I wanted to be sure people understood the issues I have are not build quality issues. They are design issues. The work Velomobile World does is top-notch. Had the bike been left in its original condition, I would have made this video from the beginning. I should add that the designer is know for overhyping his bikes which leads to disappointed customers such as myself. The Bülk has not befallen this same fate. What is advertised is what you get: a very solid and efficient touring and commuting machine.
Another Bülk rider here. It's really awesome for long trips. Storage in a Milan is larger, but I haven't run into issues with stuff I have to move yet.
@acesEPIC Jan from Velomobile World would like to get in contact with you. Can you send him a message at jan@velomobileworld.com? He has some information for you.
Have a recumbent trike. With 47mm marathon plus tires , my FTP only being 160 , I average 10mph on a round trip. Any idea what to expect with the velomibile?
That's roughly my FTP. I have a hilly commute of 9 miles with 10 stop signs and 10 stop lights in each direction. I average 16-19mph. Trikes are quite slow compared to 2-wheel recumbents and bikes. Velomobiles compensate for the speed disadvantages of a trike.
Isn't speed the primary reason to ride a velomobile over a regular bike in the first place?
So how can it not be that important?
Which model is the fastest is not the most important factor to me in choosing a velomobile. Comfort and features are my primary considerations. Things like the width of tires, turning circle, weight, stiffness, cargo capacity, lighting options, etc are all much higher priorities when deciding between models for me. The majority of Velomobiles are highly aerodynamically efficient. I do not stress about which one is the most efficient. Most of them will be faster than a road bike on flats or downhills.
What are those bumps behind the front wheels in the cabin (that can interfere with your thighs)? Air suspension? I haven't seen them on other velomobiles.
Those are the stalks for the tank steering. And yes, I think they are a bit too close together and could limit thigh space. In a velomobile sort of oriented towards women, that seems a limit of the design. The seat pan curve I think would be very uncomfortable women as well. There aren’t a lot of orders in for this model and I wonder if it will really take much market share. I think the intention is good, but the implementation needs refinement.
I cannot help but think that the M9 should have been the velomobile of your choice. The M9 was developed for everyday use, wind resistance, cornering speed and adequate storing space (as far as I know).
I did discuss the M9 with Jan at Velomobile World, but I’m much too small for a M9. I can barely see over the top of the W9. I definitely would not be able to safely drive the M9. The Bülk is actually perfect for me. I only wanted a velomobile that had room for winter tires. That is why I also got a W9.