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I've recently been tinkering with chainsaw starters as bicycle motors. If pull-cord type chainsaw starter motors were attached to both sides of a free-wheeling drive wheel hub, then both chain and pedals could be eliminated. This is mainly a design for recumbent bicycles.
However, for conventional
diamond frame bicycles, if the cords were attached to the upper torso from the back then a bicycle could be operated abdominally. In this arrangement, the rider would be using arm and abdominal strength, to pull the cords alternating from aerodynamic position to upright riding position repeatedly.
While experimenting with this type of mechanism, I was thinking about the advantages of using this type of motor over pedals. In conventional bicycles, in most cases when cycling shoes are not worn, the upward motion of the cyclist's legs are wasted. Using cords and pulleys, one leg extension could result in more revolutions than pedals. Furthermore, the bicycle could operate in differential ranges of motion, from short powerful bursts, to long full extensions.
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Annotation:
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operated abdominally [marked-fortagline] |
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More correctly, "recoil starters". |
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There are static exercise machines like this. |
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Because of the arrangement of major muscle groups, human legs are much more effective in the push mode rather than the pull mode - rather like crocodiles having extremely powerful jaw muscles for biting, but only weak ones for opening the mouth. |
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Thought this might be the start of an idea about duelling
bandsaws. |
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This is commercially available, I think it is marketed under the name "string bike". |
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I've seen that before, but no that has pedals. This would just have
a recoil motor . It might be possible to also have a derailleur
system like on a conventional bicycle that changes the
circumference of the winding spool . |
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