Instructable of the day: build a bike fairing
There are plenty of established ways to get a three-dimensional structure made. Many people beat on metal for days with hammers and dowels, some spend huge amounts of time massaging wooden panels and strips while still others create elaborate molds for fiberglass or even carbon fiber. Is there an easier way? If so, why do you care?
There are many reasons to create a three-dimensional structure. A few that come to mind that have a "green-transportation" purpose are for creating devices to cheat the wind like a bicycle fairing or an automotive body appendage. Here is an instructable which shows you just how to create such a fairing for your bike using some plastic sheeting and a few other miscellaneous items. The author also claims that he is working on a "wind-powered bicycle" which sounds rather interesting.
[Source: Instructables]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Grant Connor 7:12PM (10/11/2008)
The plain truth is that a well designed fairing for either an upright or recumbent bike is highly effective. The reduction in air drag is amazing in terms of increased range and speed. A foam or hard shell body works like a helmet to protect the rider. An electric bike with a fairing system can be taken aboard a bus or train safely to make a highly efficient integrated transportation system. I'll keep my beard and appropriate footwear - fashion be damned!
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Oli4K 9:24AM (1/16/2008)
As a former recumbent-racer for the largest recumbent producer out there I have to say that these kinds of fairings are a little sad. Recumbents already have an image problem (in Europe at least) and this really doesn't help.
Racing teams, factory rep's and many others involved in this business have been working really hard to get the recumbent recognized as a serious way of transportation. On of the issues we had to deal with was people looking at recumbents as something for bearded men wearing socks in their sandals. And it's not. Or at least shouldn't have to be.
Besides, have you ever heard the sound most home made fairings produce? Will drive you mad.
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freeride 1:09AM (9/13/2008)
Too much notice of what kind of bike people are riding,how how they are equipped and what kind of clothing they are wearing sounds like a sure recipe for destroying the simple joy of riding.How sad!