Among the wildest creations we've seen in some time was the Dopo (Double Powered Bike), an add-on system that its inventor claims can boost power output by 10-20 percent – by incorporating a seesaw-like rocking motion in the handlebars.
Critical elements include a proprietary stem that can rotate about the extension axis, a tie-rod connecting the handlebar to a bell crank mounted below the fork crown, and a set of U-joints, cogs, and chains that transfers energy into the crankset. The amplitude of handlebar motion can be adjusted depending on the tie-rod clamp position on the bar and steering is performed as usual.
It's unclear exactly how much weight the system adds though it certainly looks fairly weighty to us what with its network of metallic machinery, rods, chains and clamps, and given the intricacy of construction it's likely quite expensive as well. A brief test ride (on a stationary trainer) proved interesting to say the least but whether or not it'll actually be successful in the marketplace when it arrives in early '10 is anyone's guess.
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― dj rolando the aztec fish stick (haitch), Wednesday, 2 September 2009 12:35 (fourteen years ago) link