Cab-Bike tecnical "innovations"

Our R&D is working full-speed !!

January 2008: New Window Seals

the windows are hold now with a professionally designed seal which we have developed in the same way as in the automobile industry. It results in an optimal holding and window shape. It also allows a better assembling and desassembling of the windows.

 

January 2008: New Front Window

the new front window glides on a very smooth profile with internally built-in PVC sliding U-profiles. This improvement allows not only a better gliding of the front window but it can be adjusted easier. The external finish is very professionall.

 

June 2007: additional 3-Speed Gearbox as mid-drive = 42 speeds.

The Rohloff-Hub has not only 14-speeds but it also has a 526% gear range. Nevertheless some velomobiles need more gears in the mountains and when riding downhill. Therefore we have developed an additional 3-speed gearbox which we have installed just after the mid-drive. The result is a mid-gearbox with an additional gear ratio of 0.75/1.0/1.33. It means an additional 177,3% gear range. A Cab-Bike with a Rohloff-hub and a 3-speed mid-drive has a total of 42-speeds and 933% gear range.

 

April 2007: Mid-Drive

we have developed a mid-drive to optimise the chain-line. Now one chain goes in a complete straight line from the front chain-wheel to the mid-drive. An additional chain goes also at a straight line from the mid-drive to the rear sprocket. This construction results in an optimal chain-line which optimises chain drag and riders power imput.

 

November 2006: electric assistance

The first new electric assistance from BionX was already installed by our distributer Bluvelo in Canada. The motor looks really great and any USA and Canada potential clients should contact bluevelo´s customer service ASAP. Just jump on the plain and visit Ray Mickevicius in Toronto.

We are developing the rather complecated electronik to fullfill the legal needs for Europe. Our test in Europe should start at the end of November.

 

October 2006: new Seat braket

We have realized for some time that the seat bracket's lateral stiffness is inadequate.  Therefore, we have developed a new seat bracket that overcomes this weakness.  The new seat bracket consists of a solid aluminium U-shape that is securely fastened to the back of the seat.  The adjustability of the seat angle is the same as before, but the lateral stability is much improved.  Because the new seat bracket is attached to the middle rather than the edges of the seat, there is less risk of damage to the seat.  

For larger riders, the aluminium U-bracket is somewhat shorter, so that the seat can tilt further back.  

All Cab-Bikes ("Cabin" as well as "Speedster" version) will have this upgrade beginning the end of October, 2006.

 

October 2006: new stainless steel swingarm

We introduced a new steel swingarm in May 2006 in the new Cab-Bikes.  The new steel swingarm has enormous advantages such as the ability to install a variety of drive systems such as hub gears from Rohloff, Shimano, Sram and Sturmey Archer into any Cab-Bike. It is also possible to install standard cassettes (Shimano, Sram).  Another important advantage is that the new swingarm allows use of the increasingly-popular electric assist systems which are installed as hub motors, such as Bion-x.  

It was suggested to us by our users that the new steel swingarm was a bit too heavy.  Therefore, we have developed a new stainless steel swingarm.  The new stainless steel swingarm is not only lighter but is also rust-free.  We wanted to introduce the stainless steel swingarm at the Velomobile Meeting, but unfortunately a storm flooded the supplier's factory on September 17.  We will be starting a test of this system at the end of September 2006.

All Cab-Bikes ("Cabin" as well as "Speedster" version) are expected to have the new stainless steel swingarm starting at the end of October 2006.

 

September 2006: smooth, "elegant" Cabin hood/bonnet

We have improved the cabin version's hood/bonnet.  The many little screws along the ventilation channel and on the windshield track have been replaced by a new system that doesn't require them.  This eliminates the difficult repairs on the little screws and allows for smoother function of the windshield, and it greatly improves the appearance of the hood/bonnet area of the cabin.  You can see the new look in the photo below.  

The Cabin version of the Cab-Bike will be delivered with this upgrade beginning the end of September 2006.

 

July 2006: separable rear boot area (luggage area)

Up til now it was rather difficult to repair a flat rear tyre. This type of job was inparticular more difficult if it had to be done on the road during a dark, rainy and freasing night. We have made a new developement which allows the complete rear part of the Cab-Bike (the top and the bottom area) to be separated in a very simple way. The job is done even without using any tools. The whole block can be separated from the monocoque chassis allowing a great access to the rear tyre and driving system for any repair or technical assistances. Assembling the whole block is very simple as well.

All Cab-Bikes ("Cabin" as well as "Speedster" version) will have this upgrade beginning the end of October, 2006.