Yes- your roads are in a similar state to the roads near my part of the UK- both my QV and Qxs get a "hammering" when riding fast! My Quest XS has the same problem with GPS reception- I use a Garmin Montana which has a plug for an external aerial (GA 25MCX Remote GPS Antenna altjough cheaper copies are available) Using this completely cures the reception problem.
Hey Saukki, thanks for that video! I‘m looking forward for the Quattrovelo Videos, also of course for the Milan’s to. Another idea could be around navigating with the Wahoo bolt, sensors. And how to get good signal in your QV. Thanks
Looks very much like my DF inside, except for the bottom bracket boom that is carbon in Alpha. Even the Sram derailleur is the same :) I have a tiny problem fitting in/coming out with my long feet and the manhole doesn't seem any bigger in Alpha either. But, like Saukki said: once you get in then the feeling is pretty comfortable. I just hope that there would be a sunroof coming as an option for those who don't need a full cover like a hood. The sunroof is very practical and less noisy when riding, too :) Alpha is a great looking maschine with full of speed potentional. Thanks Saukki for the great review!
I guess the Alpha manhole is smaller than DF 🤔 You can use Flevo roof on alpha. If it’s still available. Might not be because they are not making the Orca velomobile anymore 🤔
They don't mount the mirrors because seat positions differ and so does the ideal position for the mirrors. And there's personal taste… some do mount the Zefal mirrors about where you did the B+M - I have one directly on the racing hood. Also the seat position depends on the size of the rider, so it's better not mounted at the factory. And without a seat mat, it's even more efficient. Some adhesive tape over the beeper makes the turning signal much less annoying. ;)
You can also clearly trace back the DF back to it's Evo K predecessor. Like you can trace Back Hilgo and Strada over Mango to Quest. And Veloxiter over Sunrider to Allweder 6 and back to original Alleweder. Sometimes the early and late pieces of the same model differ more than the step from one model to the next. 😄
DF and Evo K (and other velomobiles) were also designed by Daniel Fenn. VeloEvolution in progess… Next steps are the after 7 (closed front wheel wells) and the alpha 9 (for larger riders).
Thanks for this one. Gets more interesting now that I found someone about 10-12 km away from me who appearantly works as a dealer for this model. Might go take a look if they answer my email. Asked if I can come take a look, and get some information, to see if it's really something for me. But I'm still on the fence about the price for a brand new one. Still more tempted to get the second hand Quest I've seen for sale. Place I found near me states they can service/repair those as well. And to buy, it's cheaper. And if it's immediately rideable, 80 km seems a good ride to make a beginning with geting used to the controls, which are completely alien to me. Only thing I've riden other than a bycicle and my car, was a four wheel pedal skelter (similar idea to Quattrovelo, but much simpler design, just a frame with four wheels and a chain drive. No body, no gears. Not even a freewheel hub. You could pedal it backwards as well. Was one of the big ones you could also ride as an adult, yet I managed to almost roll it once though, at about 10 years old. 🤣
Great review as always. Is there a good reason why most velos use a large 26in rear wheel? A 20in wheel would give a lot more luggage space and would be lighter. I guess the large wheel gives very slightly less rolling resistance and compatibility with standard bike drivetrain components, but seems to me that a smaller wheel would be a better compromise. I’m thinking of making my own velomobile!
I guess it’s like you said. Little bit better rolling resistance and better compatibility with standard rear derailleurs. If you look at models with 20” rear wheel like Mango, Hilgo and Quattrovelo, they all have custom drivetrain and/or rear derailleur, because there’s no room for standard derailleur next to a small rear wheel.
Recently noticed something during a testdrive with someone. Ladies with a reasonable cupsize might be better off with a DF than this. It's going to be challenging to get in/out.
Hi saukki. In Australia we have no dealer so no test ride/fit. How tall are you. I’ve heard a euro 47 cycle shoe has issues. 185 cm will fit or not. Slim build. ? Perhaps Milan sl is better for taller people. ?
I’m 176 cm. The manhole of Alpha 7 is pretty tight, but when you get in, there’s plenty of space. I don’t know how tall person can fit, but at least I didn’t have any issues. The Milan SL on the other hand has huge manhole, very easy to climb in. But when you get inside it’s very tight fit. I wouldn’t recommend it to a person taller than me. I had issues with my shoes touching the top of the body while pedaling. But I guess shorter cranks or slightly adjusting the cleats might solve the problem. Milan GT should be larger in size, but I don’t know how much.
@@TheVelomobileChannel thanks for the reply. Locally there are a few within 1000 klm. radius I’ll reach out and see if they will let me sit in there $25000 beasts of alpha.
I might swap that sound for an internal indicator light. I can deal with people looking at me funny for riding recumbents and velomobiles, but not for making annoying and silly beeping sounds. 🤣 I tend to turn off the indicators while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green.
I have this habbit that I randomly feel the indicator switch with my finger to feel if it’s on or not. I do this all the time I’m riding. I’ve forgot to turn it off myself multiple times back in the days 🤣
For me it's a vehicle for practical use. I want to cover distances quickly and efficiently, but have a bit more ease of maintenance with the open wheels and front access hatch. (Also optional tank steering was somewhat important to me.) And I typically don't need any more space for luggage. (Okay, better capability to transport pizza would be great. 😅)
I like the alpha for touring and for commuting also. My commute is going uphill on the way home so I really like the low weight and the efficient drivetrain. Everything I need, notebook, clothes and lunch easily fits. Perfect allrounder vehicle.
@@johnyang1420 You can configure the tooth counts. Available choices can be seen on velomobileworld.com I think the deraileurs and shifters should be SRAM GX. With two Chain rings should be 11-Speed cassette. I myself configured for maximum range 39-65/11-40. Can also get 1*12 with up to 11-52 Cassette. (The Vendors I know would also put in other options like electronic shifting and Schlumpf Drives on special order, after the factory delivered with normal options.)
Vos vidéos semblent très intéressantes mais je suis français et je ne comprends rien du texte. Comme il est impossible d'avoir une traduction, ça rend cette vidéo complètement absurde. Pourriez-vous essayer à l'avenir de remédier à ce manque, à fin que le plus grand nombre puisse avoir accès à votre expérience. Merci d'avance.
Yes- your roads are in a similar state to the roads near my part of the UK- both my QV and Qxs get a "hammering" when riding fast! My Quest XS has the same problem with GPS reception- I use a Garmin Montana which has a plug for an external aerial (GA 25MCX Remote GPS Antenna altjough cheaper copies are available) Using this completely cures the reception problem.
In my Milan, I have the GPS right in front of me, just under the visor. Works wonders for the reception and I don't miss turns anymore :-)
This reminds me so much of traveling on a 18ft kayak.
Hey Saukki, thanks for that video! I‘m looking forward for the Quattrovelo Videos, also of course for the Milan’s to.
Another idea could be around navigating with the Wahoo bolt, sensors. And how to get good signal in your QV. Thanks
Looks very much like my DF inside, except for the bottom bracket boom that is carbon in Alpha. Even the Sram derailleur is the same :)
I have a tiny problem fitting in/coming out with my long feet and the manhole doesn't seem any bigger in Alpha either. But, like Saukki said: once you get in then the feeling is pretty comfortable.
I just hope that there would be a sunroof coming as an option for those who don't need a full cover like a hood. The sunroof is very practical and less noisy when riding, too :)
Alpha is a great looking maschine with full of speed potentional.
Thanks Saukki for the great review!
I guess the Alpha manhole is smaller than DF 🤔
You can use Flevo roof on alpha. If it’s still available. Might not be because they are not making the Orca velomobile anymore 🤔
Racing hood, racing tires, racing seat, racing aerodynamics, racing suspension: Just sporty...
They don't mount the mirrors because seat positions differ and so does the ideal position for the mirrors. And there's personal taste… some do mount the Zefal mirrors about where you did the B+M - I have one directly on the racing hood. Also the seat position depends on the size of the rider, so it's better not mounted at the factory. And without a seat mat, it's even more efficient. Some adhesive tape over the beeper makes the turning signal much less annoying. ;)
Yeah, I was thinking to use something to block the sound 😄
Good! Interesting! Fun! Best wishes for the future!
Awesome! Great vid as always. I cannot wait for the Milan video. I told you, Saukki, that Voyager is lonely and needs a fast friend. In orange 🍊!
It looks like a pimped df. Many similarities. Love these videos
You can also clearly trace back the DF back to it's Evo K predecessor. Like you can trace Back Hilgo and Strada over Mango to Quest. And Veloxiter over Sunrider to Allweder 6 and back to original Alleweder. Sometimes the early and late pieces of the same model differ more than the step from one model to the next. 😄
DF and Evo K (and other velomobiles) were also designed by Daniel Fenn. VeloEvolution in progess… Next steps are the after 7 (closed front wheel wells) and the alpha 9 (for larger riders).
Thanks for this one. Gets more interesting now that I found someone about 10-12 km away from me who appearantly works as a dealer for this model. Might go take a look if they answer my email. Asked if I can come take a look, and get some information, to see if it's really something for me.
But I'm still on the fence about the price for a brand new one. Still more tempted to get the second hand Quest I've seen for sale. Place I found near me states they can service/repair those as well. And to buy, it's cheaper. And if it's immediately rideable, 80 km seems a good ride to make a beginning with geting used to the controls, which are completely alien to me. Only thing I've riden other than a bycicle and my car, was a four wheel pedal skelter (similar idea to Quattrovelo, but much simpler design, just a frame with four wheels and a chain drive. No body, no gears. Not even a freewheel hub. You could pedal it backwards as well.
Was one of the big ones you could also ride as an adult, yet I managed to almost roll it once though, at about 10 years old. 🤣
thanks
I thought we have bad asfalt in romania but in Finland you have it as well
Yes, smaller roads can be in really bad shape.
👍👏
Great review as always. Is there a good reason why most velos use a large 26in rear wheel? A 20in wheel would give a lot more luggage space and would be lighter. I guess the large wheel gives very slightly less rolling resistance and compatibility with standard bike drivetrain components, but seems to me that a smaller wheel would be a better compromise. I’m thinking of making my own velomobile!
I guess it’s like you said. Little bit better rolling resistance and better compatibility with standard rear derailleurs. If you look at models with 20” rear wheel like Mango, Hilgo and Quattrovelo, they all have custom drivetrain and/or rear derailleur, because there’s no room for standard derailleur next to a small rear wheel.
Recently noticed something during a testdrive with someone. Ladies with a reasonable cupsize might be better off with a DF than this. It's going to be challenging to get in/out.
Nice video! Are you going to do a similar review for the Milan SL and do a comparison with the alpha 7?
Yes, wait for the next weeks video 😁
@@TheVelomobileChannel ok I'll be waiting! Hopefully you will show how the seat goes in the Milan too..
Hi saukki. In Australia we have no dealer so no test ride/fit. How tall are you. I’ve heard a euro 47 cycle shoe has issues. 185 cm will fit or not. Slim build. ? Perhaps Milan sl is better for taller people. ?
I’m 176 cm. The manhole of Alpha 7 is pretty tight, but when you get in, there’s plenty of space. I don’t know how tall person can fit, but at least I didn’t have any issues.
The Milan SL on the other hand has huge manhole, very easy to climb in. But when you get inside it’s very tight fit. I wouldn’t recommend it to a person taller than me. I had issues with my shoes touching the top of the body while pedaling. But I guess shorter cranks or slightly adjusting the cleats might solve the problem. Milan GT should be larger in size, but I don’t know how much.
@@TheVelomobileChannel thanks for the reply. Locally there are a few within 1000 klm. radius I’ll reach out and see if they will let me sit in there $25000 beasts of alpha.
Really nice clip with an honest ending: "Forgot to shoot the outtro" - whoops :-D
I hate the indicator sound so much that i am so glad that mine has the car indicator sound. otherwise i would use it al lot less.
Yes, it really is annoying.
I fitted a buzzer because I always forgot I was indicating. And wondering why cars weren't passing......
@@velokernow3696 yep. i often forget that i'm indicating in my QV and then i don't switch it off for a while :/
I might swap that sound for an internal indicator light. I can deal with people looking at me funny for riding recumbents and velomobiles, but not for making annoying and silly beeping sounds. 🤣 I tend to turn off the indicators while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green.
I have this habbit that I randomly feel the indicator switch with my finger to feel if it’s on or not. I do this all the time I’m riding. I’ve forgot to turn it off myself multiple times back in the days 🤣
Might want to carpet the whole inside, way way too noisy...
It is a racer, for me not even for commuting. So no, not for me.
For me it's a vehicle for practical use. I want to cover distances quickly and efficiently, but have a bit more ease of maintenance with the open wheels and front access hatch. (Also optional tank steering was somewhat important to me.) And I typically don't need any more space for luggage. (Okay, better capability to transport pizza would be great. 😅)
I like the alpha for touring and for commuting also. My commute is going uphill on the way home so I really like the low weight and the efficient drivetrain. Everything I need, notebook, clothes and lunch easily fits. Perfect allrounder vehicle.
Which grip shifter is that? What front chainrings and rear cassette?
@@johnyang1420 You can configure the tooth counts. Available choices can be seen on velomobileworld.com I think the deraileurs and shifters should be SRAM GX. With two Chain rings should be 11-Speed cassette. I myself configured for maximum range 39-65/11-40. Can also get 1*12 with up to 11-52 Cassette. (The Vendors I know would also put in other options like electronic shifting and Schlumpf Drives on special order, after the factory delivered with normal options.)
I want to like these but, they just look like death traps. Can't move. Can't see. In theory... cool as hell. In practice, no thanks.
You just have to test it yourself. These are suprizingly practical.
Try it before you judge it.
Vos vidéos semblent très intéressantes mais je suis français et je ne comprends rien du texte. Comme il est impossible d'avoir une traduction, ça rend cette vidéo complètement absurde. Pourriez-vous essayer à l'avenir de remédier à ce manque, à fin que le plus grand nombre puisse avoir accès à votre expérience. Merci d'avance.