Feedback on my experience with the Bülk velomobile (Olivier Royo)

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Feedback on my experience with the Bülk velomobile

Author: Olivier Royo (France)

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⬇️ All the details about Bülk velomobile

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Here is my feedback after regularly riding my Bülk. I mainly use my Bülk to go to work and for my daily trips: going to the bakery, to the doctor, to the supermarket. However, I continue to use the car for certain cases where I have to transport too much equipment.

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Commuting to work doesn't have to be difficult; it can be a great way to get daily exercise. Using my Bülk, I found that the journey was much more pleasant and less strenuous. I'm no longer cold, my back doesn't hurt, the saddle doesn't hurt, I'm protected from the wind and rain. The effort required is also less; I arrive at work less tired than when I'm on a regular bike, and I'm even ready to make the journey in the other direction! Since I got my Bülk, I cover the 30 km that separate me from work more easily and more quickly (10 to 15 minutes less than with my traditional bike).

 

I also tested my Bülk on uphill climbs; I tried a 20% slope. To say it was easy would be a lie, but doing it on a bike is just as difficult, perhaps a little less, but it's doable.

 

I am not an accomplished athlete, but thanks to the Bülk, I was able to cover 150 km for the first time on flat terrain. I rode with an average speed of 34 km/h on the way out and 36 km/h on the way back. We even reached speeds of over 50 km/h!

 

What about safety? Like many, I worried about being low; would I be visible? How would motorists react? I quickly got my answer. The lighting and visibility are excellent; I can be seen clearly, and people pay attention. I must even admit that I feel safer than on a regular bike. Overtaking is wider and better calculated. In town, I add a flag to be visible above parked cars to signal my presence. I don't fear for my safety any more than on a traditional bike.

 

All of this has convinced me: the velomobile is ideal for covering medium to long distances without excessive effort. My road bikes are becoming obsolete and taking up space in my garage. I haven't used them since purchasing my Bülk. I sold them and kept only one mountain bike so I could ride in the forest, on country roads, or for short road trips (less than 2 km).

 

Riding a Bülk has definitely changed my perspective on cycling. It's so much easier compared to regular cycling that my motivation to go out on the road has increased tenfold. Is it raining? Is it cold? No matter; I'm riding! Even today, on my way to work, I thought to myself that what motivates me even more are all the thumbs up, the girl who says thank you when you let her pass at the pedestrian crossing, and you can hear and respond to, children smiling, and more - in short, real human interaction.

 

So, yes, at the beginning, it's an investment, but I no longer have to buy additional equipment like lights, rain gear, or cold-weather clothing, gloves to keep my fingers from freezing. The Bülk already has everything you need for a comfortable ride. In the future, I even plan to try selling one of my two cars and keeping only our family car.

 

Just one word of caution: "If you try it, you'll buy it!" So, be prepared!

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