on Oct 23rd, 2008Bicycle makers tout two-wheeled hybrids for commuters
LAS VEGAS — If you lose your car to the economic downturn, you can get a hybrid that uses no gasoline.
The two power sources: electricity and your thighs.
Schwinn has just unveiled the Tailwind, which uses new battery technology from Toshiba Corp. to get about 30 miles (depending on the terrain and on how hard you pedal) on a 30-minute charge. That’s a drastic reduction in charge time compared with what was previously available.
Also on view this week here at Interbike, the nation’s largest bicycle trade show, were numerous casual models propelled by pure leg power and gravity. They feature comfortable seats, high handlebars and covered gears to protect the rider from grime.
And there has been much hype about another old standard — folding bikes that with the click of a couple of levers break down to sizes that can be carried onto a bus or tucked under a desk… read more
