This bicycle does not have a single 'internal' frame which is centered but an 'external frame' which is split and surrounds the rider.

Wheels are connected to the bike in the same manner with a steering column turning the front wheel, and the back wheel squeezed between forks.

Pedaling is different because pedals are on the inside of the frame rather than on the outside of the frame. With room to move inside the shape of the bicycle, more options for crank and seat placement become available.

I suggest the seat be placed further forward than usual and the pedals placed further back so the rider can pedal 'down in' the frame for a lower center of gravity and protection by the frame.
-- rcarty, Dec 11 2009

Something like this? http://www.quadracycleinc.com
a product of a family biz. [RayfordSteele, Dec 12 2009]

you need a rain enclosure like this http://yfrog.com/5c1999bikej
maybe you need a motor too... [scootie, Dec 17 2009]

Velocar. http://www.recumben...IL/misc/velocar.htm
for [pocmloc] [2 fries shy of a happy meal, Dec 17 2009]

Link a picture of the type of paddle boat you have in mind?
-- rcarty, Dec 11 2009


No that's not at all what I'm thinking of.

This is like two diamond framed bicycles joined together at the ends and curved away from each other making space for the rider in between.
-- rcarty, Dec 11 2009


How do you get in without falling over?
-- rocdoc, Dec 11 2009


I was thinking the pedals would be as they are normally unless there is a better reason to use the paddle boat system.

Actually, I like those pedals because they could connect to the outside frame and suspend the chainring between. Yes those would be the pedals to use.

Put one leg in first, and only once that leg is touching the ground do you lift the other leg in.
-- rcarty, Dec 11 2009


bicycle based deathtrap
-- WcW, Dec 11 2009


Baked in the 30s, like a Velocar but with only 2 wheels so you have to steer-balance. 2 little legs hold it upright when stopped. Sorry, no pic.
-- pocmloc, Dec 12 2009


// bicycle based deathtrap //

Oh yes. [+]
-- 8th of 7, Dec 12 2009


Probably, I might just delete it because its boring.
-- rcarty, Dec 12 2009


Its not boring.. just dangerous and unergonomic and pointless... sorry I have to vote against
-- afinehowdoyoudo, Dec 12 2009


It's not unergonomic... the seat and pedals can be placed normally. And it's not pointless because the frame offers protection from falling and can be easily equipped with fairings. However, the way I wrote it was boring because there is no additional level of narration which I like.
-- rcarty, Dec 12 2009


The unergonomic part is the getting into and out of. The dangerous part is closely related, because it is not enough stuff to protect from any real accident, but enough to prevent the rider from making a hasty departure from things gone wrong. I will grudgingly rescind the 'pointless' part on the grounds of fairing attachment.
-- afinehowdoyoudo, Dec 12 2009


I think it sounds like fun. The one thing I have a problem with is when I'm riding a road bike (with hands on the bottom part of the handlebars), I get a sore neck trying to look up to see the road. If the seat is //placed further forward than usual and the pedals placed further back// it sounds like the rider will be even more face-downward. Would a recumbent position be better?
-- lurch, Dec 12 2009


sp. "fram"
-- Dub, Dec 12 2009


No [rayfordsteele], not like that, even though that's pretty awesome. That's the kind of thing that's going on in the alternate reality that I call "my happy place", where I go when commuter traffic and neoliberal bureaucracies are getting me down.

I'd link you a picture of what I'm alluding to but I'm afaid it hasn't been invented yet.
-- rcarty, Dec 16 2009


Dash off a sketch, rcarty.
-- wjt, Dec 16 2009


Thanks [2 fry's], but that's not it - the one I was thinking of looked like an open top car made of an old cardboard box, but had only 2 bicycle wheels. Upright seating position.
-- pocmloc, Dec 17 2009



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