stupid idea that just might work - need input

[jondrums]

Why is there no such thing as a " human powered snowmobile"?

motorcycle/car has its corollary in a road bike
motocross bikes => moutain bike
motorboat => kayak/rowboat

Why is there no such thing as a snowmobile that has pedals?

I imagine it wouldn't look too much like a traditional snowmobile, and it might not work like one either. Of course to make any sense at all, it would have to be quite a bit more efficient than skinning or cross country skiing. Like the way biking is much more efficient than running or walking.

Anyone care to brainstorm with me?

[Hutch]

[single]

Human powered snowmobile= skis with AT bindings.

Something that you would "ride" would absolutely suck in powder. You would have to be floating. Water travel (Kayaks/rowboats) would probably be closest in terms of physics to snow, especially powder. These do not go uphill. Anything you build for uphill travel would probably weigh a lot. It would sink in powder, and they you would have to compensate with surface area.

That thing posted above would suck balls in anything but hardpack.

[flip]

People do make snow bikes. See Iditabike.

[grskier]

That dude has a sweet hat...

[axelkeitz]

That dude has a sweet hat...

ha ha yea he does. think about bombin that thing down hill. lol

[yesIsaidyes]

You would have to be floating.

Like this?

[single]

Exactly. You need an aerodynamic haircut though...

[jondrums]

Human powered snowmobile= skis with AT bindings.

Something that you would "ride" would absolutely suck in powder.

Maybe so! I don't see why it would be worse than skis with AT bindings, and I would think that with multiple gears like a bike, could be a lot better.

Weight is a primary concern of course - What about a bike with dual tracks like that guy is riding, but use actual skin material instead of tank treads. Should be able to be made similar weight to a burley moutain bike 30lbs or so.

I'm thinking more like an approach vehicle - I think one would be hard pressed to make something that could be pedaled uphill and would also be worth riding back down...

[single]

I see where you are coming from, but I dont think I would want to pedal anything in my AT boots. Honestly, I think the best answer would be something electric...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005...l_universi.php

When backed with the right power source I think that it would be the most efficient option, as well as having minimal environmental impact.

Another opportunity would be kite skiing. Any breeze and you can get pulled uphill. No power source needed, except wind.

[marshalolson]

multiple gears on a bike = multiple climbing bar positions on AT bindings.

[marshalolson]

multiple gears on a bike = multiple climbing bar positions on AT bindings.

kick and glide on flats in a low gear, climb steeps with a high gear.

[Professor]

multiple gears on a bike = multiple climbing bar positions on AT bindings.

kick and glide on flats in a low gear, climb steeps with a high gear.

Hey Marshal, do they go up twice as fast, just like your post?

[Kya]

Why is there no such thing as a " human powered snowmobile"?



Why is there no such thing as a snowmobile that has pedals?

You're kidding, right?

or

Pass the jibber over here dude.

[jerr]

I think this is a very valid question from someone who's given it absolutely no thought at all.

Kya - would sir prefer the larger of his two sticks today?

[Jiehkevarri]

Check out MTBR.com --> there's some dude building up/tuning bikes for AK snow use...long approaches? I don't remember the user name though.

I guess these (and similar builds) need some kind of trail and/or not too much loose snow though..???

[Spats]

The Ktrak rear wheel conversion:

Check out MTBR.com --> there's some dude building up/tuning bikes for AK snow use...long approaches? I don't remember the user name though.

mikesee = Mike Curiak

[jarlybart]

i got to talk to the builder of the Ktrak at O.R. two years ago and that bike is sweet!!! Not sure how it would work on deep snow but on anything groomed like living in a ski town it would be great. I think the owner of one of our local ski hills owns one and he loves it. I will have to ask him if i can take it out next weekend and see how it works for climbing. Worth a try at least

[RobT]

Lots and lots of friction and power loss and weight in anything with tracks. My 75hp dirt bike is 220 lbs much faster than my 420 lbs 160 hp snowmobile.

I don't mind peddaling my 40 lbs DH bike, but I'm not too interested in spending twice the energy to push around a 80 lbs snowbike.

Rob