Tech Talk Ep. 12: What things should you check regularly on your velomobile?

[@GregCantori]

Nice check list - You got it all - Also look at your tire side walls are not worn esp if they are rubbing on the shell when making hard turns.

[@mnveloguy]

@@GregCantori yes. Good addition. Should have specified that when I mentioned checking the tires.

[@MaddoxxGaming]

Does the Bülk MK1 now also have the larger openings like the Bülk Urban on the underside (where the tiller is attached) and on the front above the crank and at the rear near the gearshift?

[@mnveloguy]

@@MaddoxxGaming it does not. There is an access hole for the ball joints under the tiller that is covered by a sticker on the MK1. I actually prefer that approach because I think it is more aerodynamic and it’s extremely rare to need to access the steering or ball joints in that area. The MK1 has sufficiently large access panels over the cranks and at the rear derailleur. They are large enough for me, but I know some people prefer more room to maneuver, so in that case the Urban would be the better choice from a maintenance perspective. But then, how much time do most people even spend working on their Velomobiles? Really not very much, so access panel size wouldn’t be the main criteria I would consider when making a purchase.

[@MaddoxxGaming]

@@mnveloguy Thank you for your answer. But I would like to see the same large openings on the MK1, or is an MK2 planned soon?

[@mnveloguy]

@@MaddoxxGaming this would be a major change to the molds to add large access hatches. It will not happen with the MK1. I have no information to share about any future plans for an MK2. If large access hatches are a priority, I’d recommend the Urban then. The speed difference is really only in their to upper 20mph range where most people don’t spend much time riding. The wider track allows higher speeds through corners so it’s theoretically easier to maintain speed cornering than with the MK1 making up for quite a lot of difference in average speed. Both are great Velomobiles and are enjoyable to ride. I use mine equally and set them up for slightly different scenarios. I use the MK1 for long rides and the Urban for commuting where I’m doing a lot more technical riding and cornering. Come winter I’ll set one up for bad weather and the other for riding when the roads are clear.

[@MaddoxxGaming]

Good video. Can you tell me how the wheel covers are attached to the Bülk Urban? And will there soon be the option of “Hosen” for the Urban?

[@mnveloguy]

@@MaddoxxGaming the wheel covers are glued on. This is normally how they are attached now so they do not fall off. HoVelo has tested the new Wide Pants from the Swiss dealer and found that they do fit. But really if you want to ride most of the time with Hosen it is better to get the mk1 unless you really need the extra width between the front wheel wells. The mk1 will have a smaller turning circle than the Urban with Hosen.

[@MaddoxxGaming]

@@mnveloguy Thanks for the answer. And how are the wheels centered at the front (spokes)? Do you have to remove the cover every time?

[@mnveloguy]

@@MaddoxxGaming I don’t quite understand your question. Centered in the wheel wells? Or are the wheels set to be offset like the special wheels for running Hosen that the DF used? Removing the wheels for what purpose? To inflate the tires, or did you mean something else?

[@MaddoxxGaming]

@@mnveloguy I mean when you remove the wheels to center them later, i.e. to optimize the concentricity with the spoke tension. Or what happens if you have to change a spoke?

[@mnveloguy]

@@MaddoxxGaming you can reach in from the back side of the wheel to adjust the spokes.