power from the 1 cyl: "1/4hp, depending on the pressure of the steam."
bike: rebuilt "1949 VéloSoleX premier type frame [obtained] in a derelict and red rusted condition"
all wheel drive (steam drive to the front) ... "The engine is pivoted from the fork crown to allow the front forks to flex in the normal way, and the chain tension is kept constant by struts down to the front wheel spindle. "
3 speeds in the front: Sturmey-Archer 3-speed AW hub
starting "takes 15 - 20 minutes from cold"
speed: about 8mph sustained
efficiency: "6 - 8mpg of water and about 60 - 70mpg of paraffin"
WOW! That is soooo awesome! As someone who used to commute and ride all over town all day on a bike, I always wondered about crazy ways to efficiently motorize one.
Technically, isn't this a steam(mechanical)-human powered
hybrid vehicle?
No CPU/ECUs, little chance of an electronics based SUA
(Sudden Unexpected Acceleration) incident.
Both feet on the pedals, braking by hand.
No pedal confusion SUAs.
Wow! Back to the future.
If purchased as a new complete unit, would it qualify for a
federal tax credit?
I have to wonder, if there is a Mrs. Hudspith, what does she
think of all this?
(steam drive to the front) ... "The engine is pivoted from the fork crown to allow the front forks to flex in the normal way, and the chain tension is kept constant by struts down to the front wheel spindle. "
