Bicycles

New ElliptiGO 3C 'running on air' bike released

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ElliptiGO has announced the release of a new three-speed elliptical bike that is said to offer all the benefits of running and cycling, in one machine
Getting ready to run and ride on the ElliptiGO 3C elliptical bicycle
Runners/riders should be able to comfortably cruise at speeds of between 12 to 15 mph
Riders can push their workout up a notch to get up to 20 to 25 mph
ElliptiGO has announced the release of a new three-speed elliptical bike that is said to offer all the benefits of running and cycling, in one machine
The ElliptoGO 3C elliptical bike
The ElliptoGO 3C elliptical bike is available in three colors
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ElliptiGO has announced the arrival of a new sibling for its 8-speed elliptical running bike. Elliptical bikes are said to offer users all the benefits of running and cycling in one (strange-looking) machine, without many of the negative aspects, such as back and leg problems or saddle-soreness. The upright position also makes runners/riders more visible in traffic. The new 3C comes in a new color option, is a little heavier than its older brother and has only three gears, but is being offered at a lower price point to open up the unique workout to more consumers.

The elliptical bike was first developed after hip and knee injuries stopped ElliptiGO founder Bryan Pate from running. Looking for a way to keep fit, and finding cycling's riding position to be somewhat alien and uncomfortable, he started to use an indoor elliptical trainer. He wanted to escape the confines of the gym, however, so called on Brent Teal to make a low-impact running device that he could used on the street. The first generation elliptical bike - named Alfa - was born.

The next prototype was entered into the 2008 Rosarito to Ensenada 50-mile Bike Ride, as a proof of concept. Although Pate didn't win the race, he did finish amongst the middle of the pack, which spurred the pair onto making a production model. The very first ElliptiGO 8C was shipped in February of last year, and has now been joined by a cheaper model - the ElliptiGO 3C.

Riders can push their workout up a notch to get up to 20 to 25 mph

The company says that runners/riders should be able to comfortably cruise at speeds of between 12 to 15 mph (19 - 24 kph) and be able to handle inclines of up to five percent, or can push their workout up a notch and get up to 20 to 25 mph (32 - 40 kph). Different-sized users can be accommodated by adjustment of stride length (between 16-25 inches/41-64 cm) and by way of the telescopic steering column.

The new three-speed elliptical bike has a 54-inch (137 cm) wheelbase, weighs 42 lbs (19.1 kg) and has 20-inch aluminum wheels front and back, with linear pull rim brakes. The drive arms and frame are made from aluminum alloys and the foot platforms from composite nylon. A Sturmey Archer S30 trigger shifter is used to operate the three-speed internally-geared hub.

The ElliptiGO 3C is available now in green, black or orange for US$1,799.

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19 comments
Michael Mantion
Kinda don\'t know what to say. At first it seems like a stupid idea, but then i think it might be a lot of fun.. hmmm then again I only like mountain biking, but maybe this would make road biking fun.. IDK.. I think I would have to try it. Pitty they couldn\'t make it drive the wheel directly or perhaps an internal planetary gear in the hub.
Walt Stawicki
It\'s sorta impossible to connect directly. being there is a frame to work around, and some geometric constraints involving levers and lengths for the leg, the torques involved...but I saw the first model on Greenlake in Seattle and thought it an efficient fairly simple/eligant design.
Dear Gizmag- you maybe did not Lie, but you certainly misled me. Saw the forwarded headline and I thought they had added a compressed air tank, a sort of a powerboost passing gear...NOT. Thanks for the idea tho
walt low kinetic human hybrid project
Gadgeteer
Pate should have tried a recumbent bike. They\'re not perfect, but they solve most of the problems he cites such as back and neck problems. And there is a much wider range of models available, quite a few at much lower prices than the ElliptiGO. This is more of an exercise fad machine, sort of like the Rowbike. I\'d also be wary of the high and forward center of gravity. While the upright posture may give him better visibility, it also makes the machine more liable to topple forward if the rider hits an unexpected pothole or has to make an emergency stop.
Renārs Grebežs
Looks pretty much okay, but the weight and price is really disconcerting. And what about riding on a hill?
Carlos Grados
Hope we can find one to test drive in Minneapolis. This looks like a blast to ride.
coryatjohn
I see a couple of negatives: 1. Price: 3 speeds for $1800? Too much for a circus toy. 2. Weight: 42 lbs! Ouch! 3. Replacement parts: How long are they going to stay in business? 4. Wind resistance: Standing up like that would be like putting out a sail. Going 25 mph would only be possible down a steep hill or in a stiff tail wind.
I\'d go with the recumbent bike before jumping on one of these.
William H Lanteigne
I\'ll wait for the $179.99 Wal-Mart knock-off.
John M
i will go with the recumbent bike. It is with-out a doubt the most comfortable bike you will ever ride. If you have had an operation for Postrate cancer it is impossibe to ride a conventional cycle. The narrow seats cause so much pain. A new seat design please some-one. Being an old fart I like my comforts.
\'RECUMBENTS FOR EVER\" YEAH\" Cheers John M
DoctorDee
I can\'t see why people who want their cycling to be more like running don\'t just run.
I appreciate that Bryan Pate found \"cycling\'s riding position to be somewhat alien and uncomfortable\", but with a little more practice, or by trying a recumbent, he\'d have become used to it (as hundreds of millions have before him) and saved himself the time and effort of producing this heavy, expensive novelty. Time he could have enjoyed cycling.
Renārs Grebežs
I agree with coryatjohn and John M - recumbent ftw! Too bad that the market has so few of them and that they cost so much. Maybe you guys know of a good dealer located in EU and with shipping to EU countries?