my new Bicycle idea.. an ATV style bike

[dieselstation]

would this work?

so i had this idea kicking around in my head about a new style of bike. it'd be ATV style mountain bike where you sit like a normal mountain bike, but it'd have 4 smaller wheels and shocks all around. maybe even arms for suspension. the wheels would have to be smaller to keep weight down, but it'd be manueverable, able to lean into turns, and hopefully not that much heavier then a mountain bike.

something like this (this is segway's 4 wheel prototype.. but the way it sits is what i'm talking about):
http://i.timeinc.net/popsci/im...1104segway_485x353.jpg


combined with this. (this one is just a downhill coaster.. it doesn't even have pedals. mine would be like a real bike just with 4 wheels):
http://www.outletindustries.com/dhchair_091602.jpg
http://www.outletindustries.com/johnny-race-9.jpg

there could be a full on hardcore downhill version.. and a city commuter version perfect for getting groceries or just riding normally.

what do you think? stupid idea?

 

[loup garou]

I don't get it...isn't what you're suggesting pretty much the same thing as the second/third link? Or do you not even pedal those (don't see any chains/gears)?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

it would be harder to pedal than a regular bike....what's the upside?

 

[dieselstation]

yeah.. the 2nd and 3rd pics are downhill coasters only. they dont have pedas.

 

[notfred]

What's the purpose of it? Heavier than a regular bike, slower than a regular bike, less maneuverable than a regualr bike, harder to transport than a regular bike (I'd like to see the roofrack that fits two of those things), would be way out of place with 4 wheels on singletrack trails, would be expensive and complicated to maintain.

What are it's advantages? I don't see any.

 

[dieselstation]

well.. it's not intended to replace normal bikes.. and wouldn't be marketed that way. it's more of a different way of racing downhill, or for leisurely rides in the city. it's more marketed for people who buy weird things like recumbant bikes.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: dieselstation
well.. it's not intended to replace normal bikes.. and wouldn't be marketed that way. it's more of a different way of racing downhill, or for leisurely rides in the city. it's more marketed for people who buy weird things like recumbant bikes.

see notfred's post... ^^^

 

[dieselstation]

well.. does there have to an advantage to anything? it's just.. "different". it's like people who race those mini motorcycles.. clearly they're inferior.. yet.. people still do it cuz it's fun. this could be something like that. just a different way of racing. the only real obstacle i see is making it light enough so that it's ridable.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: dieselstation
well.. it's not intended to replace normal bikes.. and wouldn't be marketed that way. it's more of a different way of racing downhill, or for leisurely rides in the city. it's more marketed for people who buy weird things like recumbant bikes.

Recumbent bikes have ergonomic and aerodynamic advantages over regular bikes. What does this have? Just the "wow!" factor? That's what the segway had, how many of those do you see around town?

As far as downhill racing and stuff goes, I can't see anyone wanting to try this sort of stuff on a 4 wheeled bike.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: dieselstation
well.. does there have to an advantage to anything? it's just.. "different". it's like people who race those mini motorcycles.. clearly they're inferior.. yet.. people still do it cuz it's fun. this could be something like that. just a different way of racing. the only real obstacle i see is making it light enough so that it's ridable.

Those pocketbikes have the advantage of being $300 and available to people without licenses. How many people do you think would be riding those if you could get dirtbikes or sportbikes for $300 and ride them without a license? Not nearly so many. People will choose the option that suits them the best, so for your 4 wheeled bike thing to succeed, it has to be superior to a bike in SOME way.