Marine

Pedal-powered trimaran lets cyclists hit the water

Pedal-powered trimaran lets cyclists hit the water
The RedShark Sport trimaran
The RedShark Sport trimaran
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The RedShark trimaran features a retractable rudder, salt water-proof drive shaft, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and a folding design that allows it to be transported on a regular car-mounted bicycle rack
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The RedShark trimaran features a retractable rudder, salt water-proof drive shaft, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and a folding design that allows it to be transported on a regular car-mounted bicycle rack
The RedShark Sport trimaran
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The RedShark Sport trimaran
Prices range from €4,995 (about US$5,783) for the RedShark Fun, up to €6,995 ($8,098) for the Adventure and €9,995 ($11,570) for the Sport
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Prices range from €4,995 (about US$5,783) for the RedShark Fun, up to €6,995 ($8,098) for the Adventure and €9,995 ($11,570) for the Sport
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Among other things, Josep Rubau has designed cars for Volkswagen, and was the creator of the Tramontana supercar. Now, the Spanish industrial designer is CEO of RedShark Bikes, a company that sells a pedal-powered prop-driven trimaran which he invented.

There are actually three versions of the RedShark trimaran – the recreation-oriented Fun, the rough-and-ready Adventure and the high-performance Sport.

The first two models are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), with the Adventure adding frame-mounted packs and a watertight "trunk" for taking extra gear on wilderness trips, along with thicker plastic reinforcing the underside of its three hulls. The Sport is designed more with speed in mind, as it's constructed almost entirely of lightweight carbon fiber, although a protective layer of HDPE is added to its underside.

Additionally, if buyers wish, they can upgrade the Fun and Adventure to carbon fiber.

The RedShark trimaran features a retractable rudder, salt water-proof drive shaft, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and a folding design that allows it to be transported on a regular car-mounted bicycle rack
The RedShark trimaran features a retractable rudder, salt water-proof drive shaft, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and a folding design that allows it to be transported on a regular car-mounted bicycle rack

All three models feature a retractable rudder, salt water-proof drive shaft, stainless steel nuts and bolts, and a folding design that allows them to be transported on a regular car-mounted bicycle rack. In order to get them from that rack to the water, users can roll them along on a small set of wheels built into the rear of the main hull.

Prices range from €4,995 (about US$5,783) for the Fun, up to €6,995 ($8,098) for the Adventure and €9,995 ($11,570) for the Sport. They can be seen in action, in the video below.

Source: RedShark Bikes via BikeRadar

RED SHARK BIKES | WATER BIKE: Discovering new horizons

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7 comments
7 comments
Malatrope
This is an incredibly poor, top-heavy design. Had they used a reclining position and kept the body mass much closer to the surface they might have had something.
Daishi
It's an interesting idea for people who are semi serious cyclists that want a change of scenery. The water is probably a safer location to practice than any roads I've seen near popular bodies of water.
T N Args
Why promote human suffering? ;) Surely this could have been a comfortable recumbent.
Buly
And why is she wearing a HELMET?
Josh!
@Malatrope I think the whole point of the project was to keep the standard riding position that hardcore bikers crave. In which case, its actually a very impressive design.
Jugen
I see where the design has come from, alternative cycle training tool. That high centre of gravity comes at the cost of additional drag in the water, therefore going is slow vs the input energy. Ok not an issue for training, the whole point there is to get a workout. The other models make no sense, sure you could go on an adventure up river, but you'ed be 1km up river and ready to die. Any sailor looking at this will see windage as a potential problem. A strong head wind, could see the craft going down wind if the rider is tired. Therefore this is an out of control boat and the potential to end up on the rocks.
highlandboy
Change to a recumbent or it’s just a high centre of gravity, high wind resistant accident just waiting to happen.