Filed under: Etc., Transportation Alternatives, Green Daily
Treadmill bike brings the best of walking and wheels together
We had a good laugh at the Speedfit the other day, but what do you think of the Treadmill Bike? It's got a lot of the same quirkiness, but somehow seems more like a vehicle I'd actually want to drive/ride. Perhaps it's because it looks more like a bike, something I'm quite happy to ride on. Whatever the reason, there's no question the bike has gotten heaps of publicity since going on sale about two years ago.
What is the Treadmill Bike? Well, it's pretty much a little treadmill on wheels, where your legs provide the power to move the wheels. Bike Forest, the company behind the machine, says that "this fabulous piece of fitness equipment offers an excellent cardiovascular workout while transporting you from point A to point B. Save time by exercising while you travel." Not quite sure how this'd fit into my life, but it's at least fun to contemplate. Price to make it real: $2500 Canadian, eh!
Video comedy featuring the Treadmill Bike after the jump.
Gallery: Treadmill Bike
[Source: BikeForest]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 7:20PM (12/01/2008)
I would say you've gotten it exactly backwards:
"the best of walking and wheels"
Um, the best thing about walking is that you don't need any equipment and that you can go anywhere, over almost any obstacle, and through any crowd. The worst thing is that it is not that efficient and is slow.
The best thing about a bike it that you can sit down and go very fast using very little energy. The worst thing about bikes is that you're still limited to ~10 miles range (your results may vary), and you need to buy a bike and lock it up when you get where you're going.
I was argue that this thing combines exactly the WORST parts of walking and biking.
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Duncan Watson 7:32PM (12/01/2008)
I prefer my bikes to this contraption. I had a friend who ran a marathon Saturday, 26 miles and brutal. In the same time I did a nice 53 mile bike ride, which covered more hills at a leisurely pace for a bike 13.2 mph average.
Bikes are hugely efficient. This device looks much less efficient.
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Dean 7:50PM (12/01/2008)
Maybe the most obvious question...
If you want to walk (outside), why not JUST WALK.
If you want to run (outside), just GO FOR A RUN.
This is the most silly device I have ever seen.
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Rick 8:13PM (12/01/2008)
when inventors have too much time on on their hands....
amusing video though. I get the feeling this is some kind of psychology course exercise or some such thing.
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slk23 9:50PM (12/01/2008)
Few of the commenters so far have actually watched the video, obviously. If they had they'd see that the 'inventor' is just having some fun. Fun, what a concept :->
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MT 9:56PM (12/01/2008)
Rube Goldberg would be proud.
How do we make running more complicated (or cycling less efficient)? Lets take a Razr scooter, upsize it, and weld on a treadmill deck. Now they just need to put a bicycle chainring and cranks where there handlebars are so you can pedal with your hands, too. That way you wear yourself out physically, go nowhere fast, and look like an idiot while doing it.
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megan 11:46AM (12/02/2008)
I'd rather try out their couchbike. Assuming we could get a flatscreen installed on it.
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