BS> More seriously, I believe that part of the theory with them is that 
 BS> the "lying down" posture transfers more power to the drive wheel 
 BS> than the "up right" posture-- which is probably why all of the 
 BS> enclosed "speed record" bicycles use it.  When going for speed, 
 BS> control is secondary, I guess.  
Dear Brian:
I'm not so sure.  I would think control would be more important at highway 
speeds.  I think the reason the fastest bikes are the "lying down" style 
has more to do with their slicker aerodynamics and lower frontal areas 
than "up right" postures.
Later,
Steve
... 668:  The Neighbour Of The Beast
___
 * Freddie 1.2.5 * The first full-featured QWK reader for the Mac.
--- GEcho 1.00
6:730/40)
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** A related thread FOLLOWS this message.

FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET      Ref: DEXD2180 Date: 10/28/96
From: DALE KRIMMER                                          Time: 09:36am
\/To: STEVEN MCFARLANE                                    (Read 5 times)
Subj: R: DAILY COMMUTE

SM> BS> More seriously, I believe that part of the theory with them is that
  > BS> the "lying down" posture transfers more power to the drive wheel
  > BS> than the "up right" posture-- which is probably why all of the
  > BS> enclosed "speed record" bicycles use it.  When going for speed,
  > BS> control is secondary, I guess.
  >Dear Brian:
  >I'm not so sure.  I would think control would be more important at highway
  >speeds.  I think the reason the fastest bikes are the "lying down" style
  >has more to do with their slicker aerodynamics and lower frontal areas
  >than "up right" postures.
  >Later,
  >Steve
  >... 668:  The Neighbour Of The Beast
  >___
  > * Freddie 1.2.5 * The first full-featured QWK reader for the Mac.
  >--- GEcho 1.00
  >6:730/40)

A few years back, we had the HPV speed/endurance championship at the
Wisconsin State Fair Park, on the blacktop track usually reserved for
auto races. During that event, they had on display the bike that held
the land speed record.  If I remember correctly, it was something around
162 miles/hr. There was also a video showing the setting of that record.
Seems this bike was set up with a double reduction, (The crank
chainwheel went to an auxiliary shaft above the rear wheel, onto a small
freewheel size sprocket, which was attached to another crank-style
chainring, which was then attached via a second chain to the drive
sprocket on the rear wheel.)  This record was set with the bicycle
not enclosed, but riding behind a vehicle that kinda looked like
the back of a steam locomotive.  The cyclist was enclosed to the front
and sides, with only the back open.   Don't remember what speeds were
attained that weekend by the HPV's, since there were several classes,
but I talked to several of the people who were here to compete. The
"recumbent" style of bike most were using was being used because when
you push on the pedals, you can get more force by pushing against your
back (the back of the seat) than if you were pushing down and relying on
your weight and gravity. Another interesting thing I noticed was that
the bikes were shrouded, usually by the corrugated plastic that is used
for posterboard, and the rider was completely enclosed.  This meant that
someone else had to hold the bike upright until the rider could get
going, and catch it when he stopped, otherwise he would put his foot
through the shrouding to avoid falling over when stopping!  Anyway,
according to them, the aerodynamic position, while needed to attain the
speeds, was secondary to being able to push harder on the pedals, like a
strongman lifting a piano.
                                              ---Dale
---
 þ QMPro 1.0 12-3333 þ ¯ìûÔÔh·¤ ŽCþhanks for hanging up, dear.

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FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET      Ref: DEW00001 Date: 10/26/96
From: STEVEN MCFARLANE                                      Time: 08:41am
\/To: BOB ROSS                                            (Read 4 times)
Subj: BIKING PROBLEMS AGAIN

 BR> ...After they make styrofoam, what do they ship it in? 
Dear Bob:
Delicate computer parts, I think. (g)
Seeya,
Steve
... A sharp knife is worth a thousand cookbooks - The Frugal Gourmet
___
 * Freddie 1.2.5 * The first full-featured QWK reader for the Mac.
--- GEcho 1.00
6:730/40)
---------------