Whike
Encyclopedia
The Whike is a recumbent tricycle
with a sail
, made in the Netherlands.
The Whike 1.0 was released on 5 June 2008. It has a standard 1.6 m2 sail and can reach speeds up to 50 km/h ( 31 mph ) with wind speeds of 4-5 bft
(13-24 mph ). It can be legally used on both bike lanes and streets in the Netherlands and UK. Activating the front brake releases the sail's spinlock, assuring there will be no more wind-propulsion.
Features list:
It is advised to ride a Whike only with a helmet, with a load of at least 65 kgs, to use a smaller sail at wind speeds over 5 bft
(24+ mph) and not use any sail with wind speeds over 6 bft
(30+ mph).
Available Accessories include:
A 1.0 m2 Storm Sail, a Headrest, lights and a Bike Computer. All of these accessories include factory fitting in the price.
A car carrier should also be available soon to allow the Whike to be easily transported.
Although other sail cycles have been made, this is the only one commercially available in Europe. There is however a commercial sail cycle system available in the US for around $5500.
Recumbent bicycle
A recumbent bicycle is a bicycle that places the rider in a laid-back reclining position. Most recumbent riders choose this type of design for ergonomic reasons; the rider's weight is distributed comfortably over a larger area, supported by back and buttocks...
with a sail
Sail
A sail is any type of surface intended to move a vessel, vehicle or rotor by being placed in a wind—in essence a propulsion wing. Sails are used in sailing.-History of sails:...
, made in the Netherlands.
The Whike 1.0 was released on 5 June 2008. It has a standard 1.6 m2 sail and can reach speeds up to 50 km/h ( 31 mph ) with wind speeds of 4-5 bft
Beaufort scale
The Beaufort Scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale.-History:...
(13-24 mph ). It can be legally used on both bike lanes and streets in the Netherlands and UK. Activating the front brake releases the sail's spinlock, assuring there will be no more wind-propulsion.
Features
The Whike features a three piece aluminium mast that can be stowed away onboard when not needed. It is also equipped with 18 gears and the front sprockets are custom made for the Whike. To maintain safe and responsive stopping the trike is fitted with disk brakes on all wheels. The cycle also has a handbrake function to prevent it sailing away while without rider. The frame is available in black or white chromium molybdenum alloy steel, other colours are possible for an additional €100. The Whike weighs 23 kgs including the sail and can carry a maximum weight of 115 kgs including luggage. The sail also has the advantage of aiding visibility of the cycle on the roads.Features list:
- Three-wheeled recumbent with 1.6 m2 sail
- Propulsion by wind and Pedal Power
- Allowed on public roads and bike paths
- Top speed 50 km/h ( 31 mph)
- Comfortable and safe design
- Dutch design and construction
- Sail operated through pulley and spinlock mainsheet system
- Sail released automatically by any braking action
- Mast is easily removed for storage or transport
- luggage rack
- Handbrake
- Distance from pedals to the seat can be adjusted to the height of the rider
- Available in standard black or white, (All) other colors at extra charge
- Design by Fredjan Twigt.
- Built and assembled in the Netherlands
- Fun!
It is advised to ride a Whike only with a helmet, with a load of at least 65 kgs, to use a smaller sail at wind speeds over 5 bft
Beaufort scale
The Beaufort Scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale.-History:...
(24+ mph) and not use any sail with wind speeds over 6 bft
Beaufort scale
The Beaufort Scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Its full name is the Beaufort Wind Force Scale.-History:...
(30+ mph).
Availability
The Whike is sold directly to customers and is also available from some specialist suppliers. The Whike costs around €3500 for customers in the Netherlands (2010) with accessories available for additional cost. The Whike is also available for hire from several places. The Whike is not currently available in the UK, however its release in the UK market is planned.Accessories
A range off additional accessories to complement the cycle are available,Available Accessories include:
A 1.0 m2 Storm Sail, a Headrest, lights and a Bike Computer. All of these accessories include factory fitting in the price.
A car carrier should also be available soon to allow the Whike to be easily transported.
Conception
The Whike was invented by Fredjan Twigt. Fredjan spent many years as an aid worker in Africa. After returning to the Netherlands he became addicted to recumbents. Besides recumbents he also has a passion for sailing. Because his ideal recumbent was nowhere to be found, he decided to build it himself. In 2007 he decided to combine his passions in the design that is the Whike of which many draft versions were made. The first prototype was big and heavy with relatively small wheels and sail. Now, after three prototypes, the design has been perfected. The result of all this work is the current Whike.Although other sail cycles have been made, this is the only one commercially available in Europe. There is however a commercial sail cycle system available in the US for around $5500.