Living and riding the Bülk MK1 Velomobile in Japan

I, Michael Mumford, commute to two different offices where I work, and with the Bulk, I have enough storage space for my change of clothes, Computer, and everything I need for my daily work. The ability to have different hoods and configurations has sold me, and I know I made the right decision to go with the Bulk. The icing on the cake has been working with the Velomobile World service department. I have found that their customer service has been excellent with me. Since I have no dealer in Japan and have never seen a Velomobile here, I have to take care of everything myself. With their support, it’s been perfect.

Here is a video of me riding to Yabitsu Pass. This pass is well known for its views and is always full of cyclists. The summit of the climb is 761 meters. The other ride that is always nice is the Odawara Castle ride, mainly because there are about 20 miles of flat road with only two lights, so you can get the Velo out and running. My fastest has been 55 kmp/h.

My Bulk setup has the Schlumpf Mountain Drive with Multicracks (125, 145, 165mm). I currently have it at the 145mm setting, with a single 58-tooth gear and a rear Rotor cassette 11 – 39 tooth 12-speed. I may need to go a little bigger upfront once I get to be a stronger rider, but for now, it works great for me. Since I have never been on a recumbent cyclist, I don’t have the muscle strength I need to be any faster. I’m working on it. I’m just enjoying the ride.

Riding in Japan is always a pleasure. Luckily, our local speed limits are mostly low, 40 km is the norm, and people here truly care and keep a good distance from me. I have only had one person act like a clown. But most look amazed at the Bulk. Plus, the road conditions here are very nice. If you do find a pothole, it won’t be there long. The road crews here are always looking for and fixing them quickly.