Ben Kilner plans to take on a 150-mile trip across Scotland in a self-built amphibious bicycle canoe.
  • litchralee@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    7·
    28 days ago

    I have so many questions, mostly about how the bicycle parts interact with the canoe experience. Such as:

    • Does the front wheel act like a skeg when immersed? Does any turning input affect tracking?
    • Since the front wheel already pivots, I wonder if he considered reusing it in lieu of the rear rudder assembly. It might complicate the design though, and I’m not canoe-goer, so maybe front rudders have other issues

    In any case, his Instagram has a fair number of DIY/build videos about the canoe. Earlier projects are also on his YouTube channel.

    • Etterra@lemmy.worldEnglish
      3·
      27 days ago

      I imagine that front wheel would make a better steering device if instead of spokes it had a solid hub.

      • Crashumbc@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        27 days ago

        Although it might not be an issue on something like this, solid front wheels cause issues on normal bikes.

        • litchralee@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          3·
          27 days ago

          I can imagine an aerodynamic penalty if a shrouded wheel on land subjected to a crosswind, although this particular bike has a canoe-sized broadside lol

          I’m curious what other issues a solid or shrouded wheel would arise for a conventional bicycle.

          • Crashumbc@lemmy.worldEnglish
            3·
            27 days ago

            Turning at any speed will cause the front wheel to catch the air and flip side ways uncontrollably. Which probably would be an issue here but not one causing you to flip over the handle bars :p

    • mad_asshatter@lemmy.worldEnglish
      17·
      28 days ago

      Mr Kilner, who has a combined 700,000 followers on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, is raising money for A Leg to Stand On - a charity which provides wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs for children in developing countries.

      Indeed.

  • espentan@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    27 days ago

    Forest Row, amphibious bicycle… I guess he figured out a way to row through the forest.

  • motor_spirit@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    28 days ago

    maybe these dudes will replace unicyclists and clowns in some cities

    probably get some interest from pedal pub types, there’s room for christ and capitalism in that vessel