Velomobile Adjustability
Adjustability, Einstellung, Instelling
Adjustment for rider leg length can be achieved by moving the seat or lengthening/shortening the seat-to-bottom-bracket distance. Height adjustment keeps eye level optimal for different riders. Assume that you need tools for adjustment of the bottom bracket position unless otherwise noted, and that you may have to lengthen or shorten the chain. Seat adjustment is usually accomplished with quick-releases.
Adjustable velomobiles are easier to share, rent, and re-sell. Fixed-position or limited-adjustment velomobiles weigh less, are less complex to build and maintain, and fit better and waste less space for small riders. However, offering several different sizes is expensive for manufacturers. Leitra builds velomobiles in three sizes, and Alligt builds them in two. Cab-Bike, Leiba, Quest, Mango, Versatile and WAW have an adjustment range set during construction. Information on adjustment is hard to find; corrections and additions are welcome.
updated 4 February 2007
| Velomobile | Bottom bracket
Tretlager
Trapas | Seat
Sitz
Zitting |
| user adjustment | manufacturer adjustment? | comment | user adjustment | manufacturer adjustment? | comment |
| Aerorider | no | no | | yes | | angle & length |
| Alleweder (Alligt A3) | no | ? |
| yes | | |
| Alleweder (Alligt A4) | yes | yes | |
| Alleweder (Alligt A5) |
| Alleweder (Flevobike) | | | | yes | | |
| Alleweder (US Flevo) | | | | yes | | |
| Aurora | | | | | | |
| Butterfly | | | | yes - 6 cm height, 5 cm length adjustment | | easy adjustment |
| Cab-Bike | no | no | | yes, height, angle, and length | yes- pre-positioned for range | improved in 2006 |
| go-one3 (carbon) | | | | no | yes | can order more than one seat & switch for different riders. |
| go-one3 (fiberglass) | | | |
| Leiba | yes | yes | automatic chain-length adjustment | | | |
| Leitra (small) | yes (adjustable boom) | yes | older Leitras have a fixed boom length. | no
| different size VM for different rider heights | seat is a shell that snaps onto the frame and is easily removed to prevent joy-riding and deter theft. |
| Leitra (Sport and medium) |
| Leitra (extra long/tall) |
| Mango | yes | yes | | no | yes | |
| Quest (26" - current model) | yes | yes | | yes | | The older Quests were built in two sizes and seat position was set at the factory. Seat position is adjustable in the new model. |
| Quest (20" - low floor) | | recline adjustable | adjustable by manufacturer |
| Quest (20" - flat floor) | | recline adjustable | adjustable by manufacturer |
| Sorcerer | ? | ? | | ? | ? | |
| Stormy Weather | no | ? | | yes (easy) | | |
| Sunrider | no | no | | yes | | angle & length |
| Thunderstorm | ? | ? | | ? | ? | |
| Versatile | "yes". There are four possible positions, accessed by r/r screws with a TORX driver. Two alu sideplates are reversible, and drilled for two bb positions. | yes | | yes | | solid construction, easy adjustment |
| WAW | yes | | | no | | |
Velomobile Rider Characteristics
