Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
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Underbike

 Turn the world upside down
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Lie on your back, on a long padded bench “seat”, head between the front tires, facing front. A shoulder rest holds you comfortably, and you buckle yourself in place with straps.
Refer to the napkin illustration [link], which includes a stickman representing the rider. It’s a 3-wheeler, with a large tire in back, and two smaller ones in front. The front tires are connected by a rod, similar to a soapbox derby racer. Steer with your hands – the handlebars are connected to that front rod. Brake levers (not shown) are on the handlebar grips. Pedals, which have straps to hold them to your feet, are above the rear tire, and a chain connects to a gear on the tire hub. It uses the new “automatic shifting system” found in some modern bikes to eliminate gear levers, while allowing easy pedaling uphill. The seat and handlebars are adjustable for rider size.
Note: In this version, you will definitely have to pedal "backwards" to move forward. A simple addition of one gear will allow ordinary pedalage.
—Amos Kito, May 26 2003

Underbike Sketch: Shown driving from right to left. Headfirst. http://i47.tinypic.com/35ho54y.jpg
[Amos Kito, Oct 05 2004, last modified Dec 07 2012]

for [gnomethang]. http://www4.mailord...roducts.asp?dept=80
Install a bumper. [Amos Kito, Oct 05 2004, last modified Feb 26 2011]

Prone Low Profile http://www.encycleo...D=50&thePage=photos
lying down, facing forward [willard_b_trophy, Oct 05 2004]


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Annotation:







       Any particular shampoo you recommend?
—thumbwax, May 27 2003
   

       Sorry, but I think this would soon get very uncomfortable.
—saker, May 27 2003
   

       Nah, ya think?   

       I love it. Going downhill headfirst, on that angle, you'd be almost completely upside down.
—waugsqueke, May 27 2003
   

       Your idea can still be powered with forward pedaling but I've always thought that backwards pedaling would be more ergonomic. I've sketched out some ideas for this to reduce or eliminate the lower leg rotation in pedaling but I'm no physiologist nor have I done any serious research to support my hypothesis so for now my idea is just that. I do like the thought of having such a different perspective for cruising around in as you propose. Your idea may just change the meaning of Sunday Driver! Croissant.
—Tiger Lily, May 27 2003
   

       This is an angled recumbent bike. These bikes are know for their efficiency although they are a bit too low on the ground to be safe on the roads.   

       I'll find a link.
—Aristotle, May 27 2003
   

       Croissant for the blast of cycling with that perspective but may I suggest that your front bumper looks a little squishy (not to mention terminal!)
—gnomethang, May 27 2003
   

       Duh, if it had a missing link you'd have no input to the drivewheel.
—egbert, May 27 2003
   

       link doesn't work anymore. sad that halfbakery doesn't have image storage...
—pashute, Feb 24 2011
   

       Fixed link.
—Amos Kito, Feb 26 2011
   


 

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