Rowbike

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The rowbike

A rowbike is an example of a rowed vehicle, hybrid fitness/transport machine that combines a bicycle, generally considered a recumbent bicycle, and a rowing machine. "Rowbike" is used as a generic term, but also refers to a specific manufacturer in the USA, the RowBike company. The RowBike company was founded by Scott Olson, the inventor of Rollerblades. "Rowling", a term attributed to Scott Olson, is a combination of rowing and rolling and is sometimes used in place of rowing when describing a rowbike.

A rowbike is differentiated from a handcycle in that a handcycle typically uses a circular motion as opposed to a back and forth, rowing motion. Handcycles are typically marketed to people who have lost the use of their legs, while rowbikes are marketed to people who want to include rowing in their exercise routine.

Although a rowbike could be classified as a human powered vehicle, as opposed to a fitness machine, rowbikes are used almost exclusively for exercise and fitness, rather than for transportation.

1 Propulsion and steering
2 Drive train
3 Health and safety
4 Acceptance
5 See also

[edit] Propulsion and steering

Steering, braking, shifting, and propulsion are accomplished through the handlebars. Feet are on fixed foot rests, as opposed to moving pedals. The seat slides back and forth. Unlike a boat the rider faces forward. If the rider's stroke favors the left or right side, the rowbike will pull off course, as would be the case with a boat. Balancing on a two wheeled rowbike while rowing requires some practice, even for a skilled bicyclist. Four wheel variants also exist, and like most bicycles, rowbikes can be used with a stand that permits use as a stationary bike or indoor rower.

[edit] Drive train

RowBikes transmit power from the rider to the wheels using a standard bicycle chain, rear gears, and derailleur. It should be noted that the chain on a Rowbike does not travel in a loop, as is the case with a standard bicycle. It moves back and forth over the rear cog in a sawing motion. The chain is connected at one end to the frame of the rowbike and to a bungee cord on the other. As the rower pulls back the chain engages the rear cog and the bungee cord is extended, and when the rower returns forward the bungee cord contracts, pulling the chain back and ensuring there is no slack in the chain. All Rowbikes have a rear derailleur, even single speeds, due to the need to keep proper tension in the chain.

In 2006 RowBike introduced an improvement called the "Dave Cam".[1] If the gears on the rear wheel are not optimal an ordinary bicycle has the possibility of changing the size of the gear on the crankset(the chainring). Unlike a bicycle a Rowbike does not have a crank set. To optimize the gearing Rowbike introduced a pulley, called a "Dave Cam". The Dave Cam doubles the amount of chain pulled with each stroke. Only Rowbikes produced in 2006 or later have this feature, and older models cannot be upgraded. [2]

Older models can be upgraded to about double the amount of chain that moves over the gears (gear inching). Using a 3 inch diameter garage door pulley on the power lever with a longer lag bolt and more washers. Lengthening the bike chain by adding a chain segment and routing over pulley. Attaching the chain via the swing arm plate to a shackle that's rated for at least 400 lbs and has an internal diameter that will fit over the u-bolt threads but not the u-bolt nut. Attaching the shackle to one side of the treaded 3/4 inch u-bolt wire rope clip bolted to lower right chainstay a 3.5 inches distal to the junction of the frame and chainstay (distance from frame needed to keep chain from hitting the kickstand mount).

Modification of older model

[edit] Health and safety

In general rowbikes are not for use in close proximity to automobile traffic and pedestrians. However, some people do use Rowbikes to commute to work and ride with 'C' group bike club rides. Riders without experience in rowing should educate themselves as to rowing related injuries that would not be experienced by bicyclists.