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    <title><![CDATA[Discussion on Is this the strangest bike concept ever? ]]></title>
    <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563]]></link>
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    <language>en-us</language>
    <lastBuildDate>2013-05-23T22:44:03-07:00</lastBuildDate>
             

    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[On evaluation, it's a very stupid idea]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78732]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Having a crash with that bike will cause immensely more damage to the &quot;rider&quot; than with a normal bike.  A normal bike crash the rider is thrown and usually dissipates the energy of the crash with a roll over a hood or on the ground (unless he or she dead stops into the side of a building or vehicle.)  This bike, you're attached to it, and a crash will force a skid rather than a roll, or worse, the bike will act as a lever with the striking object causing a lever effect which will catapult the rider a much greater distance.Noooooo Thank you!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78732]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dr_Zinj]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Thu, 13 Sep 2012 06:50:24 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA['This video has been removed by the user.']]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78570]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[What a surprise!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78570]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[MTGradwell]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:02:06 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[I think I saw this years ago]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78535]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I'm pretty sure this video was going around 10 or 15 years ago, or at least a video of the same bike.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78535]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[jdudeck@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:23:55 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Clarification of multiple problems with design (for DWFields)]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78383]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[DWFields, you have made several posting attempting to defend the value of this design against the numerous criticisms.  In most cases your defense seems based on a lack of understanding of the problems.  I will try to clarify the most serious problems:1. Safety.  You claim additional safety relating the frame of this design to the cage of an automobile frame.  This would only be valid for a car which required the drivers head to be sticking out the window wedged between two frame members with his arms wrapped around frame members to reach the steering wheel.  In this design, the frame had a relationship to the rider's head analogous to a bottle opener opener to a beer cap....not a protective frame.  Broken arm potential also looks intimidating.The frame further appears to disallow the possibility of wearing a helmet.2.Function: The lack of pedals or foot pegs creates a lack of ability for the rider to shift weight meaningfully to the left or right.  The frame further limits the riders motion by limiting movement vertically.  This is harmful because it limits the riders ability to change position for maneuvering, balance, or in an attempt to see beyond obstructions.  Numerous problems come to mind.Quick transitions from flat to uphill or downhill to flat  can create conditions where neither of the riders feet can touch the ground...and with nothing to put them on to shift weight, if balance is lost, it won't easily be regained.  Similarly, when riding on a ridge or riding transverse to a gradient (uphill to one side and downhill on the other), the bike will have a tendency to take the rider down the hill since increased lean will be required to place the foot down on that side...and since rider position is so restricted.                                                                                                  Uphill travel has got to be difficult.....notice the video does not show any  uphill scenes..There are other problems but realistically the problems above are sufficient to eliminate it from consideration as a good idea.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-78383]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[BGriffin71]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Sun, 09 Sep 2012 21:28:51 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Flight, and the perception of flight, are quite similar.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77919]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[What is hang gliding but hanging in a harness beneath a great wing that carries your weight?What is this thing but hanging in a harness beneath a wheeled frame that carries your weight?The sensations would be almost identical without the risk of falling hundreds or even thousands of feet and killing yourself? In fact, this thing could probably mount a kite wing on the top of the frame and offer true lift-off capability when riding downhill. Control would be almost identical (though shifting your weight forward and back would be more difficult) and you wouldn't have to worry about stumbling and overturning when you land.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77919]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:57:23 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Outside of the mount/dismount issue, what are you talking about?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77928]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[What do you mean by &quot;Height adjustments&quot;?What do you mean by &quot;Emergency Stop&quot;?Efficiency?Ok, I'll grant that a kid would need a smaller frame than an adult and a 6'tall + adult a larger frame than an average adult. Bicycles do come in various frame sizes, why wouldn't this.I'm puzzled about the emergency stop argument because if you even looked at the images you'd see this thing has not one, but TWO disk brakes--front and rear. Your feet are for GO, not stop.And the overall efficiency would be incredible because your feet aren't carrying your (average) 200 pounds, so all that walking musculature can go for acceleration, not load bearing. You could &quot;walk&quot; 50 miles in a day with one of these and hardly feel it. Get tired? Coast a bit.I believe it's far more practical than you think.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77928]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:52:34 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[I believe you would want the harness for safety's sake.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77918]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[With this design you're somewhat protected by an exo-skeletal frame where you could possibly load a hundred pounds or more on top with no added weight on your shoulders. I could imagine an Infantry unit using these to travel 50-100 miles in a day with full packs and still arrive reasonably fresh and able to fight. I could see commuters using these to negotiate tight European or Asian streets with their typical outsized loads weaving between gridlocked cars.The quick-release harness would be a must, though.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77918]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:46:13 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[You've got the idea.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77926]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Sketch it out and see if you can get a bike maker build you one. You could probably patent it and maybe even make money on it.Personally, I like the fact that the frame supports your weight on this design rather than a tiny seat supporting you on a thin metal tube. The harness is little different from a parachute or hang-glider harness where some flyers soar for hours without effort. To me, this is a great idea, albeit a little clumsy mounting and dismounting.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77926]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:40:45 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Please explain the broken necks.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77917]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Unlike every other type of bike, you've got a frame over your shoulders that actually help protect you in the event of impact with another object and not send you flying into traffic. Remember, your car is a cage, too.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77917]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:37:19 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Just step forward and raise the front wheel]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77903]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[You could probably negotiate an entire staircase that way.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77903]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[DWFields]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:33:57 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Not the first time...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77892]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Some months ago, SmartPlanet suggested thorium reactors might be the solution to our energy problems with equal rashness and lack of expertise...]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77892]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ace Hoffman]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:08:11 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[And the worst part is...]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77865]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[at 1:30 he nearly runs over a kid.  He should have been more careful around tots...  and what does he do, just tuck his feet up by the rear wheels and hold them there?  I hope he uses velcro, not laces on his shoes!  And then there's the impacts at speed with the ground, no wonder he weaves.  The last thing I want to do when I'm on my bike is put a foot down.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77865]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ace Hoffman]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:03:47 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Um. No.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77872]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[This is by no means flying. This is by all indications an over-complication of a very simple thing. Not only does this contraption not become airborn, it looks almost as fun to wear as a male chastity belt, however by a rough estimate of the pressure points which would be brought into play, a chastity belt may not be needed due to the eventual emasculation of the intrepid experimenter. Why do we allow these dirt hippies to think every odd thing they think up is an improvement? I knew a guy who built a small pyramid in his house and actually tossed his refrigerator. He said pyramid power was the wave of the future...uh,huh. I asked him where the ice maker was. Bad idea. He became ballistic over the idea that having ice in drinks was dangerous and could cause apoplexy or something, sucking down a warm soy karob smoothie(none for me thanks) he said this would cut his electric bill till it was &quot;Too Cheap To Meter&quot;. I didn't mention that Reddi Kilowatt had said that very same thing about nuclear power. I didn't bother reminding him that his electricity was included in his rent. About a week later he had food poisoning, which was of course because secret agents from the electric company were plotting to make people who used alternatives to expensive electricity seem unhinged, unstable, and goofy...wow, they had him three for three even before the pyramid...those guys are good!Now he says he has a bigger pyramid in his bedroom, he says it makes sex better. His life partner says quietly (maybe for him).Who knows what he will find to do next with pyramid power...maybe find another girlfriend since the last one was &quot;too hung up to relax and enjoy sex&quot;, I suppose that would be the 1.5 minutes she claimed he averaged. Yeah, she was just rebeling against pyramids. I can promise you one thing, he has already ordered one of these orthinoptors or whadevathahell it is, I don't go around him anymore, he got angry when I told him adding alkaseltzer tablets to spoiled goats milk and putting it in the tank would make his ancient Volvo get 300 mpg. I forgot to mention this was only if he drove it in a pryamid. Silly me.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77872]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[Otis Driftwood]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 07:46:21 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Keep on trying]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77854]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[I love the style. I noticed that he did not demonstrate the &quot;mountain bike&quot; technique.   A light weight pedal version should be available based on the same style and materials.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77854]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[waderx]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:04:09 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Height adjustments....emergency stop...efficiency...ease of donning....]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77843]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Until 'designers' begin understanding basic engineering--instead of 'art'--we are doomed to a continual bombardment of items which have designs based not upon function, but upon eye apeal like culpture. At least with architects, we require them to have someone do engineering so we don't kill quite so many people.Nice sculpture. Impractical vehicle....]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77843]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[wizoddg]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:29:31 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Smart Planet??]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77835]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Must say  S P  let themselves down picking this as SMART&gt;]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77835]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[fuzzflyer]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 01:01:19 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Heritage]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77830]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[A design like this could only come from a nation that designed the lethal Auto Union Grand Prix cars (and the similarly lethal early VWs and Porsches), the Heinkel and Messerschmitt bubble cars, the plastic-reinforced-with-cotton Trabant and the Goggomobil.A great joke, but a joke nevertheless.And who knows, it might stimulate someone to move on from this idea and do better.]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77830]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[neolog]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:11:36 -0700</pubDate>
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    <item>
        <title><![CDATA[&quot;Flying&quot; bicycle]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77816]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[The very first models of a bicycle were a frame and two inline wheels, the front one steerable, no pedals or chains, etc. The earliest was made of wood. You sat astraddle the frame on the seat and awkwardly ran until you could balance after you get rolling, much like a modern standard bike with no crank and the chain off. That was it! No shock absorption, whatsoever! Ow!]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77816]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[mogul264]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:52:14 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Also looked like his feet and the back wheel should have been seperated.]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77815]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Looked like he would keep scuffing his heels on the back tire... I would also like to see what happens when the guy comes to a curb... I can negotiate a curb without any issue on a regular bike, I don't see this thing as handling modern obstacles very well...]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77815]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[i8thecat4]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:16:18 -0700</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Reminds me of hang gliding]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77825]]></link>
        <description><![CDATA[Any idea is stupid or brilliant from some person's point of view. Try to keep an open mind - this is still a concept. I can see lots of pros, but I don't like the straps through the crotch! Additional places for carrying packages would be good, and a quick release for the harness, or maybe do something other than the harness...]]></description>
        <guid><![CDATA[http://www.smartplanet.com/forum/discussions/1-11563-77825]]></guid>
        <dc:creator><![CDATA[acg@...]]></dc:creator>
        <pubDate>Tue, 04 Sep 2012 14:31:11 -0700</pubDate>
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