What Happens If You Put A Giant Propeller On A Bike?

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I dive into my old collection of Popular Mechanics magazines and get inspired to build something! I found Ernest Winter’s air screw bicycle, so I tried to build it. He claims it is able to hit 20 miles per hour, will I be able to match his speed? How will I build the propeller? How can I power it with my feet? Will it go fast enough to fly? How does it compare to a giant fan? I go on the journey to test it and more!
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[@bradshymon8012]

Thanks for an informative vid. There are really a whole bunch of stuff in those magazines that could be of use for fun projects. I wonder for what purpose you use your workshop normally! It's pretty darn well equipped!

[@BestLittleStudio]

@@FireballTool My initial thought was to add the propeller to an existing bike, keep the chain for low end high torque starting on hills and fast speed gaining, then as you hit crusing speeds the fereewhelling takes over while casual peddaling keeps the prop spinning on a high ratio pully to keep you moving with little exertion.

[@kevinAuman1]

@@FireballTool I say add an electric motor with lithium batteries to really see what this is capable of and then see if you can attach some kind of foam pontoons to the bike and ride it in the water! I believe it would go much faster in water than trying to displace air....

[@tarstarkusz]

It was dumb. We learned what Earnest found out all those decades ago, which is propeller is a dumb way to drive a bicycle and human powered flight is at best very limited. It simply takes too much power to fly.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@kevinAuman1 and the point of doing this is what?

[@BestLittleStudio]

@@tarstarkusz It got 4.2 million views, it may have been dumb, but it made him money.

[@Levi_Allen]

Hot damn these hand drawn animations make these episodes feel next level! All the extra work is worth it. Turn on channel memberships, let us support these videos! Thanks as always for all the thoughtful explanations and definitions sprinkled throughout.

[@theoldknowledge6778]

Right? I felt the same!

[@mitchyoung5599]

The dragon in the end credits is a must for all future videos!!!

[@feedbackzaloop]

IKR?! Propeller shape explanation is worth its own video, imo

[@RockingJOffroad]

You might try to built some sort of fan shroud, that might help!

[@badsamaritan8223]

I'm curious if he uses a tool of some sort to animate those, or if he's(or whoever he commissioned) literally hand animating them frame by frame.

[@Goodwinisback]

You literally run a production house, from inventory to manufacturing, from filming to editing, it's a class apart... Loved it

[@ДушкоМалинић]

занимљив видео за вас?

[@zahidhasan1431]

wow

[@humayunkobir7507]

wow

[@pbpx]

this is better quality than netflix shows.

[@pythonP90]

Fireball Tool is the best!

[@luke-bookbear]

MUCH better.

[@Mantis_Toboggan]

You must be watching some shitty netflix shows then

[@hotrodhunk7389]

Absolutely! Anymore it's an insult to tell a KZbinr they should go to Netflix. They'd have to go down in entertainment if they did that m

[@alexnelson8]

True, but it’s not saying much.

[@mohamadbeydoun6210]

I love how he explains everything he's doing making us enjoying every single thing he works on.

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

Hehe. The Glastonbury Zodiac! What's not to love. I appreciate you digging through all the old magazines, looking for cool ideas. I have a pretty big collection of old engineering and hobbyist books and magazines dating from the 50s to the early 90s on my shelves as well. As a source of knowledge they have mostly been forgotten. I think it's great that you bring some of it back into the spotlight.

[@squirlboy250]

Idea, go through your collection and find a project to do then go to the scrap yard to see what you can dig up to complete the project. Also I love your channel as well, you do great thing there.

[@chakireladraoui9331]

Good

[@bcoit55]

Wouldn't mind watching a German aspect of a show like this too hint hint

[@BESHYSBEES]

Love your scrapathons brother

[@sonofeloah]

As a sub to your channel, I am so pleased to see you watch this one too! One comment suggested that maybe you can do your own twist too? Especially with scrap yard finds?

[@Threetails]

You're probably one of the most thoughtful builders I've seen on KZbin. You built EVERYTHING around the expectation of upgrading the design. Also big respect for sparing that vintage Schwinn! So many builders on KZbin will just butcher a nice vintage bike like that.

[@voornaam3191]

Der Schwinn hat schwein gehabt. Oldfashioned German for a lucky bike.

[@blackwoodrichmore4531]

This is old Ernie & his propeller bike: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3jVco2Ij72FncU

[@c0nn3]

The inclusion of the fog machines to show the airflow was awesome! And it also made for great videography.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Amazing video dude....Thanks....Shoe🇺🇸

[@JESUSCHRIST-ONLYWAYTOHEAVEN]

JESUS KNOCKS ON YOUR HEART AND LONGS FOR YOU TO ANSWER! HE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE ANYONE PERISH INTO HELL. GOD LOVES YOU SO HE GIVES YOU FREE WILL AND A CHOICE TO ACCEPT HIM OR REJECT HIM. TO LOVE HIM OR TO LOVE SIN/THIS WORLD. CALL UPON JESUS & ASK HIM TO FORGIVE YOUR SINS! SURRENDER YOUR WILL & YOUR LIFE TO HIM & HE WILL GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN! PICTURE YOUR BEST DAY ON EARTH TIMES A BILLION FOR ETERNITY, THAT'S HEAVEN! NOW PICTURE YOUR WORST DAY ON EARTH TIMES A BILLION FOR ETERNITY, THAT'S HELL! HE WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU WANT SO IF YOU REJECT HIM YOU WILL BE SEPARATED FROM HIM & HIS BLESSINGS (LOVE, PEACE, JOY, HOPE, REST, ETC). IN HELL YOU WILL BE ALONE WITHOUT GOD OR PEOPLE... YOU WILL BE HOPELESS, IN DESPAIR & AGONY FOREVER! GOD'S STANDARD FOR HEAVEN IS PERFECTION AND ONLY JESUS (THE SON OF GOD/GOD IN THE FLESH) LIVED THAT PERFECT LIFE! HE LAID DOWN HIS LIFE & TOOK THE WRATH OF THE FATHER ON THE CROSS FOR YOUR SINS! GOD IS JUST SO HE MUST PUNISH SIN & HE IS HOLY SO NO SIN CAN ENTER HIS KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST ON JUDGEMENT DAY GOD WILL SEE YOU AS HIS PERFECT SON (SINLESS SINCE YOUR SINS ARE COVERED BY JESUS' OFFERING). YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO REJECT JESUS' GIFT/SACRIFICE & PAY FOR YOUR OWN SIN WITH DEATH (HELL) BUT THAT SEEMS PRETTY FOOLISH! GOD SEES & HEARS EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID & DONE. YOU WONT WIN AN ARGUMENT WITH HIM & YOU CANT DEFEND ANY OF YOUR SINS TO HIM. YOU'RE NOT A GOOD PERSON, I'M NOT A GOOD PERSON... ONLY GOD IS GOOD! WE'RE ALL GUILTY WITHOUT ACCEPTING JESUS' SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS! MUHAMMAD DIDN'T DIE FOR YOUR SINS, BUDDHA DIDN'T DIE FOR YOUR SINS, NO PASTOR/NO PRIEST/NO SAINT/NO ANCESTOR DIED FOR YOUR SINS, MARY DIDN'T DIE FOR YOUR SINS, NO IDOLS OR FALSE gods DIED FOR YOUR SINS, NO MUSICIAN OR CELEBRITY DIED FOR YOUR SINS, NO INFLUENCER OR KZbin STAR DIED FOR YOUR SINS, NO SCIENTIST OR POLITICIAN DIED FOR YOUR SINS, NO ATHLETE OR ACTOR DIED FOR YOUR SINS! STOP WORSHIPING THESE PEOPLE! JESUS CHRIST ALONE DIED FOR YOUR SINS & WAS RESURRECTED FROM THE GRAVE! HE IS ALIVE & COMING BACK VERY SOON WITH JUDGEMENT (THESE ARE END TIMES)! PREPARE YOURSELVES, TURN FROM SIN & RUN TO JESUS! HE KNOWS YOUR PAIN & TROUBLES, HE WANTS TO HEAL & RESTORE YOU! TALK TO HIM LIKE A BEST FRIEND! ASK HIM TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO YOU & HELP YOU TO BELIEVE IF YOU DOUBT! DON'T WAIT TO CRY OUT! NO ONE IS PROMISED TOMORROW! HE LONGS FOR YOU TO INVITE HIM IN, HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN ANY PERSON EVER COULD, HE CREATED YOU! Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."-John 14:6 "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."-Matthew 10:33 “For the wages of sin is death (hell), but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”-Romans 6:23

[@1islam1]

@@steveshoemaker6347 🔴 What Is Islam? ⚠️ 🔴 Islam is not just another religion. 🔵 It is the same message preached by Moses, Jesus and Abraham. 🔴 Islam literally means ‘submission to God’ and it teaches us to have a direct relationship with God. 🔵 It reminds us that since God created us, no one should be worshipped except God alone. 🔴 It also teaches that God is nothing like a human being or like anything that we can imagine. 🌍 The concept of God is summarized in the Quran as: 📖 { “Say, He is God, the One. God, the Absolute. He does not give birth, nor was He born, and there is nothing like Him.”} (Quran 112:1-4)[4] 📚 🔴 Becoming a Muslim is not turning your back to Jesus. 🔵 Rather it’s going back to the original teachings of Jesus and obeying him.

[@danilobmalitjr8339]

Do it do it do it do it do it

[@Beva1989]

??? Wtf??

[@banjohappy]

The propeller blade needs to be shaped more like an airplane propeller, which is more like a wing that generates lift/thrust by virtue of its shape in addition to it's angle. Also, if there was a ring around the outside of the propeller, air would not escape off the ends of the blades, but would be forced out the rear, also increasing thrust.

[@trueKENTUCKY]

Nah Jet Engines youtube classic

[@Virelia-V]

would only be effective if the propeller was spinning very very fast, but as shown in this video, the raw human output from the legs isnt enough to reach those speeds, especially without step up gears. he needs a propeller that can create enough airflow to move forward at low rpm''s but also be able to spin fast for ever faster airflow, since the speed of the propeller is ever changing based on human input. imaging sitting spinning the pedals as fast as possible, but its still not fast enough to generate enough thrust from a airplane propeller. it would take alot of itterational testing, but im sure someone will get bored in the future and make a fully propeller powered bike with higher efficiency.

[@minimanzero2262]

Dude the video is amazing. Everything is super clearly explained - advantages/negatives of different design choices, manufacturing methods and oooh your jigs/manufacturing tips deserve a chefs kiss. Camerawork is on point and the animations are next level. The video just exudes quality I would have thought i was watching the science channel. Instant subscribe

[@josiahkolar4209]

You gotta keep making old popular mechanics builds! This was so fun to watch. The production quality and even the story telling was awesome!

[@peterkiss1204]

Yeah, I would like to see that grown up man sized Little digger he mentioned.

[@FullNelsonYT]

I'd be interested in seeing this setup as a "hybrid" bicycle. Where you still have the normal bike chain & sprocket setup turning the rear wheel, as well as the pulley & belt setup turning the propeller. The normal chain & sprocket setup would get you going, and then the propeller could help on the top end to keep you going with ease.

[@MoinkAndKilo]

At first that's what I thought it was

[@MrBottlecapBill]

That's literally the only way to make this work. You could even use the gears this way.

[@mmmmmmmmmmm10]

Agreed. I thought they would try that to see if it works like an electric bicycle giving it that little bit of extra uummph

[@erikguzman2389]

Agreed that’s what I was thinking

[@bigsmoke1811]

I literally walked into this video expecting exactly what you just said. I think your version would work more efficiently and the bike could be legitimately faster.

[@richardcoram1562]

Man you are the guy who carried the torch from 1963. I remember that mechanics illustrated that had that prop driven bike. I was 15, and a friend was building a buggy that used a square metal plate with go cart seat.It had 4 regular 27 inch bike tires , had two steering forks from bicycles up front, a garden tiller 8 hp, side shaft pulley, throttle cable up through the handle bar to a twist grip metal sleeve. The brake was 2metal pads that when pressed contacted the rear tires ,long brake rod and return spring up to the right foot . Thank you for the awesome memories. Your shop, your workmanship and videography is nothing short of being totally ate up with quality man.

[@samfly87]

This is awesome! As an aerospace enginner, I second the previous comments about the propeller- lots of thrust to be had with some more R&D on that. You'll want some rounded leading edges to prevent flow separation. As a sub-novice machinist, mad props on the actual construction details- shafts, bearings, etc. were spot on. I look forward to the sequel!

[@AimForTheBushes908]

@Jesus is LORD 😂😂😂

[@sandy_knight]

The original prop in the pictures/video looks like it was riveted together, along the blades. The material overlap should help with structural stability of the prop, with a weight penalty, but wouldn't it be a bit easier to prototype?

[@klytouch7515]

My neighbours does that all the time...😑

[@randreas69]

The horizontal rear ends look like they could be in a snow thrower. Some resistance could be shed with a little trimming.

[@blengi]

he needs to put the fan underneath an exercise bike which is on top of something like a scaled down version of a hover craft deck and see if he can make it skim across water lol

[@walnutclose5210]

I can't say that I learn much of use from your videos, because pretty much every one of your tools is way out of my league, but that quibble aside, Fireball publishes the best produced, most whimsical, and most enjoyable, material related to machining to be found, anywhere. Thanks.

[@nathanuncentered6172]

I have been a subscriber for a while now, so I know this isn't the most technically demanding project you have ever built, but I don't care. The fact that you created a propeller bike from plans in a 60-year-old Popular Mechanics print magazine has converted me from a great big nerd subscriber into a great big nerd fan. Just plain fun!!!

[@calvinengelbrecht6708]

*plane fun

[@jonhohensee3258]

How much fun is it to feel like your pedaling a bike in sand? I don't see any advantage to this.

[@archerelms]

@@jonhohensee3258 since when does fun have to do with advantage? The video was fun to see, it seems like the guy had fun building and testing it, and it would be a cool unique experience to try out especially if he makes it better.

[@garyrichardbastian8937]

@@jonhohensee3258 Flight

[@jonhohensee3258]

@@archerelms - It's a lame project. "Hey! Let's see how I can modify this bike so I get far less output for the amount of pedaling I do!"

[@GraeHall]

The high end finish here is just bonkers. Watching that bracket being made to go between the two parts of the bike frame just below the seat, the quality and precision of it, and the clean finish. Damn this is pro stuff.

[@jordanalexander1592]

Standard machinist stuff. But yep he knows what he's doing.

[@wolfkayak9]

Loving this series. So interesting

[@garzajayel4038]

me too!!

[@cavemanvi]

I wish these were like 4 hours long.

[@Diebog]

Same here. The time and effort to recreate this stuff is so awesome!

[@Robc509]

I think you took the words out of all of our mouths

[@toddmarshall416]

@@cavemanvi Actually his gift is taking an activity that is orders of magnitude longer than that 4 hours and distilling it to 37 minutes...a real talent!

[@lancelotdufrane]

A+! That was great on EVERY level! Glad I stopped in! Creative, intelligent, lighthearted, and even top notch editing! Good stuff! Congratulations on your Flying Bicycle!

[@handyandy5929]

Reviewing this magazines on camera is a GREAT idea. I could watch that all day. Building one is even cooler.

[@beuxjmusic]

The Host seems like the kind of person who, when met, organically elicits the phrase "What a nice young man.", even from those who've never said it before.

[@msaikhan]

Love the amount of work you put into testing these designs, so interesting to watch. Specially the smoke machine test, so cool. Basically feels like watching myth busters.

[@gadgino]

Yes, you are right. 😀

[@robshnob123]

I am so happy I got this recommended to me! I cannot believe I haven't seen your channel before! This was an amazing video, with a great project, but even better explanations with not only the project design itself but also the tools you are using! Making a cone with the roller was the best; I've seen and known what rollers are, but never seen a cone made, and how to make it. I thank you sir!

[@LaggerSVK]

This is interesting. That smoke gen is really nice and you can see really how ineffective that propeller is. The blade tips because of that big angle of attack are creating some extreme vortices. The trailing edge around center is too perpendicular. It basically twists the air behind you and also creates a big vortices.

[@tomt373]

Not only that, for starters he should have tapered the blades in to a very narrow width at the hub, which successful propeller makers have been doing since the Wright Brothers.

[@tonyvelasquez6776]

@@tomt373 I've got a bit of semen on my fingers

[@imadrifter]

Someone likes the plural of vortex a lot

[@tomt373]

@@tonyvelasquez6776 Ask your mommy or daddy to teach you how to wash your hands.

[@gballs007]

@@imadrifter hahaha..I was about to comment the same..."vortices much!" Lol

[@Mehtibbers]

Interesting, would have loved to see how it works with a chain ring added, hooking up both the back wheel and the propellers maybe on opposite side of each other to balance the force ... I imagine it'd be easier to get up to speed but could I be totally wrong :D

[@tkarlmann]

Thumbs WAY up for Earnest! Doing what he did with the tools he had back then, 1963, was incredible!!!!!! As far as the 'modern' guy's efforts: It might just be possible to also include, in your home-shop's meager selection of tools, one or two Scanning Electron Microscopes -- just for fun.

[@noomapollo5389]

Ha, ha! Yes, why not. Since everyone's got a water jet cutting table in their garage, an electron microscope would add some flair. The wind tunnel testing was impressive, with smoke machines and slow motion airflow analysis.

[@finchers_garage]

The fog test gave me "Major Hardware" vibes with his Fan Showdown series. Love your Popular Mechanics series!

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

Someone's going to send this design in to be tested, you just know it'll happen.

[@pvic6959]

i had the same feeling lol. the funny thing is people were doing fog machine tests LOOONG before the fan showdown, but when i think of a fog test, thats all i can tihnk of

[@peterkiss1204]

When I saw the smoke test my mind started to play *that* upbeat music in my head.

[@finchers_garage]

@@peterkiss1204 Same!

[@byronheisler5416]

I was thinking of doing electric and peddle power. Problem is finding a light motor.

[@thatwomanoverthere5420]

Thank you for the madness Jason, this series is just wonderful for teaching kids so many principles of design and engineering.

[@ruslbicycle6006]

except for the consulting expertise part. Fun, but very naive.

[@hiltonian_1260]

Great video! Recommendation: It’s all about the aerodynamic design of the prop. Your prop is faithful to the original design, but not optimal. That flat section in the center is not helping you. The blade width is giving you a lot of turbulence. Look at the design of wind turbine blades that operate at about the same rpm as your bike propellor as a guide. You want to keep the tip speed down to reduce drag. Amazing project. I hope to see the Mark 2 version.

[@bsheldon2000]

Seeing the original video, can see it had a gearbox mounted in front of the peddles. The bike frame was somewhat unusual, as it had a short straight horizontal part, which allowed room for the gearbox. You can see a non twisted connection between the box and the propeller shaft.

[@NostalgiaforInfinity]

Man, the production value of these videos is amazing. Everything from the narration, direction, cinematography, editing, animations and VFX, not to mention, the content itself, looks extremely polished and professional. Reminds me of the old Discovery Channel/Discovery Kids shows from the 90's and early 2000's.

[@gadgino]

😊

[@jacklougheed4561]

I love this series. It’s awesome watching all of these things come to life. Also the variable pitch is for air speed not torque. The farther out the faster it’s going which will make a single pitch stall out or not be pushing air efficiently along its entire length.

[@littlejackalo5326]

It's actually a combination of both principles. One affecting the other.

[@sirtainlee8725]

You are a throwback to the mechanical inventors of the machine age. Nice work. Even nicer shop. Keep it up.

[@BigYak]

Thank you for making this series!! Your ingenuity, skills and know how are awesome to watch. I will certainly never have the shop and or skill, I can live vicariously through your channel so again THANK YOU. I think a “Modern day” version of the prop bike would be another great video.

[@jasonmartin357]

I think it would be a huge improvement in speed and performance if there was a way to keep the gear chain attached to the wheel while also having a belt attached to the propeller. It would act more like a boost than the main mode of propulsion.

[@LouisJr]

I agree

[@RCAvhstape]

Chain drive for initial torque on startup, propeller for cruise. Would be cool.

[@tommurphy4307]

@@RCAvhstape i dont think thats what he meant..

[@hjf3022]

I think any boost you will get will be over the propeller version, but not the pure bike version - except when there's a decent tailwind. Having the pedals attached to both means it will always be more effort to pedal over the bike version, and the propeller reaches a peak efficiency at a particular airspeed, at all other speeds slower or faster it becomes less efficient - efficiency being the thrust to drag ratio. The bike part on the other hand has gears, so can always be somewhat close to matching maximum efficiency from effort. Plus the weight of prop system. So unless you have a decent tail wind, I don't imagine it ever beating a well geared bicycle.

[@ragnarok7976]

I don't think that would be that good. You'd have two drive mechanisms both with some degree of loss to them. You'd be getting less real benefit of either but you'd be paying full price for both... At least your legs would be.

[@Snib1]

The range of tools you're proficient with is amazing. Do you have any mechanical engineering / machinist background? I don't even know if schooling could prepare you for the types of projects you get yourself into lol. Love the videos and the detail you go into.

[@ussxrequin]

Wow. The production quality here is insane. First video of yours watched, instantly subbed. I look forward to more great content!

[@atlantic_love]

How often do you spam channels with your "production quality here is insane" posts? Asking for a friend.

[@palmermonsen9098]

Definitly do a follow up, would love to see this done with modern materials and capabilities to try and go faster and maybe even fly like Ernest wanted to.

[@the_mowron]

Ernest was motivated by the Kremer prize that was established in 1959. The prize would be awarded to the first human powered aircraft that could fly one mile over a figure 8 course. The prize was won by Paul Macready in 1977 with the Gossamer Condor. He later built the Gossamer Albatross that flew across the English Channel. The planes were piloted by an accomplished cyclist.

[@dartanyonrichards6345]

Your editing and added animations always appeals to the audience and needless to say your creations. Great work!!

[@legrandebadger]

I'm so impressed with these videos! The combination of craftsmanship, skill, video quality/editing and Jasons character is so unique and enjoyable. It's hard to find videos where you learn something while enjoying yourself in the process. Thank you for this amazing content!

[@d.s.parentsr6502]

I didn't plan on watching the whole thing. I actually planned on skipping to the end to see how well it actually does. But you grabbed me in the beginning and kept me till the end. Well done.

[@DanteYewToob]

I’d just like to say how much I appreciate the effort you put into these videos! I do basic animation and it’s not easy, and it’s very time consuming. Also, I appreciate how even though you make silly useless projects sometimes you still focus on the engineering, explaining the thought process and WHYs and show a good workflow. It’s educational as well as inspirational and very helpful for newbies to tools and making things like me, to understand how and where to begin, and why to do things. Too many build channels just show WHAT they’re doing and never explain WHY, or sometimes even how… I learn a ton from these videos and I’m very thankful that you put so much effort into making them as entertaining and polished as they are full of great information. P.S. I’ve been here for a while and your editing and videography skills are really growing… you’ve been putting in the work and learning and it definitely shows!

[@raygun1414]

I honestly didn't realize that I've watched the whole entire thing. Next thing I knew, it was over! What a great presenter and most importantly an amazing master craftsman!

[@mattwebster7266]

I just want to congratulate you on building a bike that actually works using a propeller and shaft. I was very impressed with this. Well done 👏 I would also be interested in knowing what kind of speed this bike would do ? if it was fitted with a small bolt on petrol driven engine, just turning the propeller.

[@CorgiCorner]

Could probably get more out of it with gears

[@theblackcatvieweraccount5402]

@@CorgiCorner and a drive chain... And a gear box... And integrating the rear wheel... And changing the propeller design so it'll create less drag then it currently does... And adding breaks...

[@CorgiCorner]

@@theblackcatvieweraccount5402 not even all that. No need for a gear box when you have a mountain bike. I think the best design would be one that isn’t over-engineered, don’t want to have excessive weight that isn’t needed else you go from performance to luxury real quick.

[@vojacked305]

And there are cooler stuff than that like now, you know Like, uhh, ebikes.

[@andrewhutton8138]

I feel that keeping the chain in the bike alongside the prop may actually give the best results. it would definitely add a lot more resistance, but it would probably make starting off the bike a little smoother than just using the prop. It'd be interesting to see if it has any significant effect at the very least

[@funnycatvideos5490]

the fan just slows you down

[@groovin2theblues323]

@@funnycatvideos5490 Can you have a split transmission where the chain goes at one speed and the prop spins at a faster speed.

[@groovin2theblues323]

reverse the ratios and you can use the fan to brake. how about a e bike where the motor does the wheel and the pedal does the prop or visa versa.

[@kylegonthier5448]

@@groovin2theblues323 I thought this too then remembered the whole deal was to be self propelled

[@Barefoot433]

@@groovin2theblues323 That's basically what he did with the pullies, a 4:1 ratio. But I'm with the idea of using the gears so that you can vary the ratio as you accelerate. I think that would get him going faster. That, plus an optimal blade curvature.

[@anmafab]

This channel is just so damn good! A great mix of history, education and fun. Love your work Jason!

[@aletapearce2369]

This made my day!!!! You just can't go wrong with a vintage Schwinn, a legacy edition of Popular Mechanics and some fun with fluid dynamics. Thank you!

[@gretchenmorfea5988]

Nice build! Cool to see the old ideas brought back to life! Love the use of the shop and animated explanations! Right on!

[@tonywright560]

I've resisted watching this video for quite a while because I thought it looked weird. I still think the concept is weird but I finally gave in and had a look. What amazed me the most was your skill in making things and the tools you have to make them. That was so interesting and impressive.

[@terrablypunny2729]

I would watch hours of you improving the design and testing it. This has been a treat to watch.

[@leezuhars9937]

As a commuter and bicycle tourist of 45 years I am impressed. Thank you for taking this to where you did. No reason to take it further. We all know there could be infinite tweaks. You accomplished exactly what you set out to do. Make it work from a vague picture and at a speed to equate the original. Well done.

[@mkzhero]

This might be interesting to see and research further, but velomobiles are the future.

[@Gorvaunity]

Loved the video! Great project. Little side note though, variable pitch propellers are those props that can change their pitch during operation (so, finer pitch for takeoff and landing, coarser pitch for cruising), as opposed to "fixed pitch" like the ones found in most small GA aircraft, like a Cessna 172. What you refer to as "variable pitch" is actually variable incidence and obviously is a must for at least a mildly efficient propeller.

[@theinc1776]

The beautiful placement of the dirt on your fingers, chef’s kiss😂

[@JohnnyYenn]

The production quality of this was absolutely professional level. Was reminded of old days of watching Mythbusters! Steller job!

[@John-of5ud]

I'm a cnc machinist for an aerospace and defense company.. you're very talented and knowledgeable. How did you get access to so many different machines? This is incredible. I'd love the opportunity to learn all of them and learn from your engineering mindset. Very interesting.

[@Ihavetruth22]

theyre probably his. he has lots of subscribers and does this fulltime.

[@johnkoch1888]

The 1962 British Pathé short movie, "Ealing - Propeller for Bike," shows that Harold Ernest Winter (1899-1962) did use a gearbox and belt. As an "ivory turner" by trade, he was familiar with machine parts. It appears the propeller bike required a 10-mph running start to operate properly. It must have been very vulnerable to air turbulence, as well as unstable if the gearbox froze or the propeller stopped, while the bike was in motion. It was risky in city traffic, especially if "flown" without a helmet. Attempts to exceed 20 MPH may explain his traumatic fate in October of that year. I can find no newspaper obituary, only the civil record confirming death. He left a widow, Minnie, but no direct descendants to remember him or his feats.

[@matthewbailey2013]

Seems true, thanks

[@jlavere]

Your competence is matched only by the absurdity of this project. Bravo! my good man.

[@JaiRestore]

I'm honestly impressed by the time and effort you put into these videos, Keep it up!💛

[@jackdevan997]

क्या आपको वीडियो पसंद है?

[@sharondsouza8054]

@@jackdevan997 ha pasand hai

[@jlfrandsen]

i'd love to see it with a centrifugal clutch to adjust the ratio on the fly, easier to start, higher top end speed

[@user-kr5953]

I think it needs a gearbow to speed it up but also a cage to protect thoughs poor inocent people the get to close

[@glenwaldrop8166]

I was thinking that as well as a flywheel to keep inertia.

[@DavidSmith-vr1nb]

@@glenwaldrop8166 Not so sure about a flywheel if the final goal is flight. It would make the initial acceleration even more difficult, add weight to the machine, and cause pedal feedback.

[@alanfro55]

Ducted fan like aircraft engines employ? Seems like the "fan" would produce more thrust.

[@glenwaldrop8166]

@@DavidSmith-vr1nb it would have to be matched to the job but given how fans/props work it needs a little more mass to keep it going. We're talking people powered here, not mechanical.

[@russellstephan6844]

I picked up a 1970's Schwinn Continental a number of years ago. I've since upgraded the gear system to a cassette and the wheels to 700c. It's accumulated a half dozen thousand miles. It's the way I do most of my small errand running. Recently, I scored a discarded kiddy carrier which I use for 50 to 75 lbs. of grocery getting. My cars/trucks now go weeks between uses due to the bicycle and cart being the go-to solution unless the distances and cargo are large.

[@low-end-power]

So, every time he make a progress, he says that "this is gonna be challenging" then comes with the solution right away. You are a genius

[@kenwoodfl]

I love that you still have the imagination of decades gone by… your engineering is infectious!! Thanks

[@thanethebrain]

Wow! Impressive work. As an avid cyclist, I'm surprised that even the pro could only get up to 20 mph.

[@fargeeks]

i went faster than that with my own propelling leg work

[@nickstebbens]

Dude this is so awesome, you really went 110% with this. I am super impressed

[@derekmoore1612]

Table saws scare me too! Hopefully, they never scar me.

[@J4yT3a]

Lol

[@EpicUrethra]

You have lost your mind

[@allenrearden4690]

I know a guy who put weed eater motor on mountain bike with using all 18 speeds he got going too fast and crashed it tore him up good

[@allenrearden4690]

@@J4yT3a I like to build stuff like drift trikes and go karts

[@dragonfireproductions790]

Lathes are what worries me

[@robinpaine161]

Everything about this video is brilliant. A great project and fantastic engineering. Wow! I envy your workshop. I'm sure the prop. is your weak point. Prop. design is very specialised and I'm amazed your guesswork job performed so well. Well done and thanks so much for not feeling the need to put some bloody awful music over it.

[@Tesoro1996]

I think you could make it go much faster. If you kept the chain so the pedals move the rear wheel as well as the propeller and make some changes to gearing, so at low gear, the propeller is slower and at high gear, it picks up speed.

[@Cloxxki]

​@CryptoSpace2TheMoon Sad. Huge opportunity to make use of tail and head wind.

[@Cloxxki]

@CryptoSpace2TheMoon kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5W2gZ-gmb6Cp5o

[@davideloewen]

I think even with the current design they could go faster. His experienced rider looked like he was still accelerating when they cut off the test at (33:49) according to his velocity vs time graph, he hadn't plateaus yet, making me think he could have gone faster given more runway.

[@stavrosk.2868]

Before going to university, I went to technical secundary school (as they call it in Belgium), mechanics. You're a very good mechanic when i see how you handle the machinery. Cool video also.

[@MyNathanking]

33:08: Pedaling into the wind will produce another weird effect --- in that it will be easier to turn the pedals but you won't succeed in going nearly as fast because of the increased propeller slippage with the wind. For your thrust ultimately comes down to your propeller airspeed --- so anything that messes with your airspeed --- like wind --- will mess with your thrust ability.

[@celioissof2943]

But is it was airoplane would work. Why?

[@MyNathanking]

@@celioissof2943 "But is it was airoplane would work." What kind of a sentence is that?

[@ryanwasilewski7742]

@@MyNathanking bruh you gotta realize English isn’t everyone on this platforms first language. Imagine shitting on someone for trying to ask a question 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@ryanwasilewski7742]

@@celioissof2943 the same principle applies with planes as well, flying into the wind the engines have to work harder and the plane typically can’t sustain as high of speeds. Some flights you will notice are shorter in one direction than the other because the plane is having to fight the wind in one direction

[@MyNathanking]

@@ryanwasilewski7742 I am sorry. I shouldn't have said that. I will delete the last part of what I said, and I'll do it NOW....THERE. I just did it.

[@popparock6506]

Love the Popular Mechanics builds! Love the vid edits! would love to see you do a record-breaking propeller build as well!

[@toddbreitenstein8522]

I’d be curious to see what affects leaving the chain drive on along with the propeller mechanism would have. Acceleration would be through the wheel and at some point it would begin to freewheel and the propeller would take over.

[@kevinpulver4027]

That's an interesting idea! But I don't think the propeller would ever "take over" because it just plain isn't as efficient as the ground Drive.

[@joshuamerto4476]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKq0qJp4dsZ1l8k

[@Tekwyzard]

@@kevinpulver4027 Depends what gear the bicycle is in, it's quite feasible that a certain gear would actually start 'freewheeling' at for instance 7 mph, as you're transitioning on prop thrust to 8 mph and then higher. So at least it'd make for an easier setting off, instead of the 'pedalling through sand' experience and all the wobbling.

[@MAGAMAN]

@@Tekwyzard "it's quite feasible that a certain gear would actually start 'freewheeling' at for instance 7 mph" If you just want it to freewheel, just leave the chain off the bike.

[@riccardoorlando2262]

@@MAGAMAN I believe the commenter meant that leaving the chain on makes for a much much easier start, while losing very little performance

[@sraps2007]

You have a great mechanical prowess. The video was expertly edited and perfectly paced. Much better than production TV shows. i really enjoyed this. Nice job!

[@volkankaya1557]

Im actually very impressed to see how the smoke test shows how the backside of the propella had the most smoke move at once instead of the scooping front part

[@KraussEMUS1]

This was one of the most inspiring videos I've seen in a long time! Those old magazines really used to inspire people to build things and to be inventors! You did a great job with this! it's obviously challenging to construct. I'll bet you could double the efficiency of it and further human powered aircraft technology if you extend the project to the next level!!

[@StaticMusic]

My questions/thoughts: Investigate puller vs pusher (front vs back mounted) Investigate number of blades (1,2, 3,4,5?) Design your propeller shape to be most efficient at your max pedal speed, at the forwards speed you intend to target (i.e. 200RPM at 25mph) Consider adding a small spinner (cone at the centre) to reduce drag. Optimise drag everywhere you can

[@DavidSmith-vr1nb]

Did you not see the modern ones near the beginning? The investigation here was for a specific design attempt as shown in the magazine.

[@jrsviking215]

The propeller design was just terrible tho, way too much turbulence. All the energy that goes into turbulence is energy thats not pushing you forward, the blades shouldn't be flat at the centre but art an angle all the way

[@scienceteam9254]

The purpose of this series is to test the efficacy of the designs shown in the magazines. Hence the constant introduction of said magazine at the beginning of these videos.

[@jrsviking215]

I feel like this is a project he should come back to later to see if he can make it work better

[@deathblosomrules]

@@scienceteam9254 But he said he wants to go faster with a carbon fiber bike, etc, so Static Music is spot on.

[@specializedpetcare9346]

I have a huge collection of those! My dad loved them! I never get tired of looking through them!

[@erggml1887]

Aircraft Mechanic here: You might benefit from balancing the propeller so as to avoid un needed vibration. And while the source material did not do this, it might be worthwhile to consider making the prop blades into an airfoil.

[@SpeedDemonExpress]

I'm surprised that style prop was as effective as it was. Would be great to see what a prop of proven efficiency can do.

[@kentaltobelli1840]

yeah like take a blade off a comparable commercial fan designed for higher velocities

[@Beakerbite]

The problem with a modern prop is that they don't have torque issues due to powerful motors behind them. This prop will always spin at slow speed and the maximum torque that a human can supply is quite low. There's also not a lot of opportunity to get mechanical advantage due to weight constraints. It may be that a standard prop is still the best but I wouldn't assume it is.

[@JoeGator23]

@@Beakerbite How about a hybrid where the human spins a generator powering an electric ducted fan?

[@gibbo1112]

@@JoeGator23 A good suggestion, it doesn't seem intuitive but this is a good way to maintain efficiency. The downside I would expect is that you need a lot of peak power to get moving but once up to speed this should be better. The solution would be stored power to use for getting going but I reckon people will see that as cheating

[@swisswildpicsswp3095]

@@Beakerbite there exist some low speed prop designs. He should ask an engineering school to design and build one out of carbon fiber. It would be a nice assignment

[@charlesdeens8927]

Whoa, what an amazing production. I haven't seen something so well produced, entertaining, and educational in a looong time.

[@chrisakaschulbus4903]

I saw the thumbnail so many times but always thought "i don't wanna watch 30 minutes of DIY"... well, now i'm here. The slomo fog was beautifully amazing btw.

[@sham8723]

I'd bet a propeller redesign would increase your speed..... the prop looks like some pre-wright brothers tech. The angle of attack of the leading edge looks almost perpendicular to the forward direction...... so at speed (where the relative wind comes at an angle) it would prob be limited and inefficient.

[@rave_q]

at least one comment about it, didnt want to be the one poiting it out

[@player1GR]

True

[@sebaldc.2681]

I've seen something similar before, i'm from the Netherlands and i saw a project with a bike with a propellor behind it (powered by a motor) on television like at least 20 years ago, going 50 miles an hour (i'm pretty sure i remember this speed correctly).

[@bigring6424]

@@sebaldc.2681 Realizing that it's all good fun, but the way to increase speed is of course to use that nice carbon race bike. Bicycles are already about 97% efficient and you'll never be able to go faster with this than you could on a normal bike. In the end, a certain speed with a certain sized rider requires a certain amount of power to overcome drag (most air drag, a little tire drag), and the rider can either provide that much power or not. That competitive racer can of course already go much faster on his bike or even on this steel bike before it was modified. I'm impressed actually how close the host got to his original speed on the bike. It means he already made it pretty well.

[@digdotrihendro1]

how about to add more blades, become 3 or 4 blades, make it smaller and lighter... maybe can reduce the wiggling...

[@pickingusernamessux]

Let me say this: this is single-handedly THEE BEST KZbin video I have seen from a content creator. You explain everything so well and gave us an incredible look into how engineering works, how and why problems arise, and MULTIPLE thoughts and options on how to solve them. Great work!! I rarely comment and I don’t subscribe much but I watched your video, subscribed, and can’t wait to see if you achieve that world record! !

[@BRUXXUS]

This was so much fun! As others have said, I'd love to see a modern version!

[@whoaaanelly65]

Very fun video. The company I used to work for invented the indoor "wind trainer". It generates the similar "wind curve" to riding your bike on a flat road with only wind resistance. Couldn't patent the thing, so there were lots of competitors, but this video was hilarious considering my history. Thank you 1963

[@KarlenBell]

This is great. The fan's angle reminds me of early inefficient jet engines. Looking at the GE9X engine's fan blades, you can see how much tech has gone into it to make it suck as much air as it can while not creating too much drag.

[@disklamer]

Hook them up with a design?

[@xnoreq]

Yeah this is a horrible prop design. Even worse than the original design. An ordinary road bike has like 95% efficiency. I'd be surprised if this propeller thing reached 20%.

[@paulslevinsky580]

@@xnoreq The road bike with a human rider is the most efficient mode of transportation for calories consumed versus miles traveled (something like 130 calories/mile). I doubt you're making anywhere near 50% efficiency with that rig, tho. A good prop could achieve around 80%...which is still far less than a chain-drive to the wheel. p.s. Just add wing-warping and a funny hat, then call yourself Orville.

[@thelelanatorlol3978]

@@paulslevinsky580 Most efficient mode of transport on flat ground and light hills*. Get to a steep hill and suddenly walking and climbing is much less energy intensive.

[@paulslevinsky580]

@@thelelanatorlol3978 haha I rode a bike thru the Canadian Rockies when I was a kid. The steep, high passes killed VWs dead like Raid.

[@craigsudman4556]

Hey that was cool Jason! I remember reading about a homemade rig one could make so that you would be able to ride on railway tracks. Popular Mechanics magazine was a staple in our household along with Popular Science magazine when I was growing up in the '60's. Great video Jason thumbs up.

[@shannonhughes8488]

first video i've seen from you and i'm suuuuper impressed. your process is like a modern mythbusters, so cool. absolutely going to check out your other work

[@torinoneal7595]

😀😄

[@Shannock9]

Thank you very much, a great view. I note the old video at the end actually shows more detail of Ernest's build.

[@dogyerf21]

As a fellow fabricator, this is the coolest video I’ve watched in a long time!

[@oohshiny8713]

The prize talked about in the article is the Kremer prize, established in 1959; the first two categories were claimed by the Gossamer Condor (1977) and the Gossamer Albatross (1979). There were earlier human-powered aircraft which achieved flight, but couldn't complete the course required to claim the prize.

[@johnmcanulty7341]

I was at the Rose Bowl with 1st version, Caltech roommates were working on the prop design so I was asked to come be an extra hand at flights. I believe Innerspace peeps were also involved in some fashion. Being able to rebuild a crash quickly was a key component. Fun times, Osborn portable computer, etc. HP Hydrofoils, submarines. AC Propulsion honda, etc.

[@justurbaby]

I would love to see a follow up to this with one of those aftermarket bolt on electric bike motors either on the wheel for taking off easier or somehow on the prop for faster air flow

[@hauntedkellySZ]

When you gave the bike a test drive and you said “Prepare to laugh”, “No laughing”, I was smiling because I didnt think it was funny. Instead, I thought of how attractive you are. The intelligence, ingenuity, the nerve to give it a go. You really did the thing.

[@Prionel]

One of the most interesting and thoughtful videos I've come across in a long time! Thank you, Sir!

[@ast_rsk]

Woah that's great! That last video at the end was fun, you can see he definitely used a pulley in a slightly different config with what looks like a gearbox at the pedals, which makes sense to reduce the undesired torque on power delivery. I would love to see a followup with lighter equipment and applying improvements wherever you learned from this first model.

[@gwydonvishnevsky]

And what if try to use two belts - on the wheels and on the propeller at the same time. Or find out if the propeller has an advantage over the wheels after a certain speed, and in this case implement switching between belts? I also think that we need to add a deployable sail.

[@ishot2pac69]

Looks like the same setup but instead of the prop being welded on the shaft, the shaft was a worm gear to drive the prop

[@RogerHale]

This was incredible! Thank you so much for producing these videos. I look forward to watching more :-)

[@felixmeyer1972]

Verdammt noch mal, diese handgezeichneten Animationen verleihen diesen Episoden das nächste Level! Die ganze Mehrarbeit lohnt sich. Aktiviere die Kanalmitgliedschaft, lass uns diese Videos unterstützen! Danke wie immer für all die durchdachten Erklärungen und Definitionen, die überall verteilt sind. Symbol „Von der Community überprüft“

[@antagonizerr]

I think a combo of chain rear tire drive with the propeller would be a winning combo. You could design a cable movable limited slip clutch that would engage the sprocket for the chain, then with the flick of your thumb, would disengage it so you're 100% on wind power.

[@antagonizerr]

The sprocket would spin freely on the shaft between the pedals on a needle bearing until actuated where it would compress a friction pad between it and the pulley. So from right to left it would be; pulley-friction pad-sprocket-thrust bearing-ratcheting system-cable to actuate the ratcheting system (like the one that shifts gears on a bike) that leads to the handle bars where you could use a simple gear selector to move it and engage the clutch. It would be 'limited slip' and so have nominal torque, so you won't be doing any power take-offs, but it would be enough to get you to speed before being disengaged leaving you fully on wind power.

[@Skinflaps_Meatslapper]

Really the biggest issue with that is a chain driven tire is far more efficient at transferring power than a prop is, until you reach a speed that aerodynamics plays a bigger part and the prop becomes more efficient at transferring power....but that speed is probably 5x faster than the world record top speed for a bike. You'd never get to the point where a prop would be a better choice. Plus think of the additional weight and complexity for a selectable drive to even function like that...the weight and drivetrain losses would add up fast and really hinder your top speed.

[@onemansjunk6142]

Your thinking about it too much. The bikes freewheel will do what you are asking. If and when the propeller powers you faster than the sprocket can the bike will freewheel.

[@samuelgonzalez1891]

I thought you was going to put the chain back on

[@Curt_Sampson]

@@Skinflaps_Meatslapper _"...but that speed is probably 5x faster than the world record top speed for a bike."_ I'm doubting it's anywhere near that fast. That's darn near airliner speed, given that the world record bicycle speeds (unpaced, flying start, 200 m) are well over 130 km/h. Those were done on faired recumbents because of course air drag is by far the biggest problem at those speeds, but once you're putting a propeller on a bike I don't think there's any point in trying to stick to other UCI rules about bike design and riding position. But even if you're talking about just the UCI Hour Records, which mandate a traditional bike frame and riding position, and even disallow aerodynamic improvements such as disc or tri-spoke wheels and time-trial helmets, the world records approach 50 km/h. It's no big deal for a good cyclist on a modern bike to hit 60 km/h on a short sprint.

[@bambamnj]

This was cool to watch. I'm wondering if you could make a modification that would keep the rear tire sprocket and also have the propeller (two separate drive chains connected to the peddle sprocket) and what would be cool is if you could engage and disengage the propeller. This would allow you to get up a little speed to steady the bike. Also, maybe the rear wheel sprocket could be at an easier peddling setting but the propeller would be at a higher setting so it spins faster (ie a different sprocket size). Maybe that is too much to ask.

[@ValisJankis]

Why not both at the same time? Like normal chain and propeller working at the same time, would it make easier to drive or not really?

[@stephendinkler9851]

@@ValisJankis I have no idea if this is correct, but I imagine if you use both of them at the same time, you'll actually only end up using whichever one is faster, presumably the chain. Although I had the exact same thought.

[@bambamnj]

@@stephendinkler9851 right I was thinking the same thing which is why I add the bit about different sprockets. I am sure there is some mathematical way to figure out how to get them to work together. You most likely need the propeller to spin faster. I am certainly not smart enough to figure it out LOL

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

Maybe a generator that would charge up a boost like Formula One to get you started on the next launch.

[@ShiriaruKitaOld]

I'd love to see a modern version of this

[@SlickArmor]

I think he accomplished this.

[@rogerwhiting9310]

It is

[@clintonleonard5187]

Modern as in more modern than 5 days ago, when this video was uploaded?

[@Drrck11]

My opinion: You may want to consider installing a larger sprocket so the propeller will turn faster and generate more thrust.

[@collinkaufman2316]

I think it would be too hard to turn or it will cause too much gyroscopic forces