The Dutch company Velomobiel.nl has developed the Snoek racing bike, named after a sleek fish. Designed specifically for racing, or at least high-speed driving, the velomobile is basically a recumbent tricycle enclosed within an aerodynamic body.
Its lightweight fish-shaped body is made of carbon fiber, which makes the Snoek weigh only 20 kg, while most velomobiles weigh 30-40 kg. Compared to its predecessor, the Quest, the Snoek has a 20% smaller frontal area. All components of the model are designed to ensure, above all, the fastest possible movement.
The velomobile is equipped with Sturmey Archer single-sided drum brakes, 20-inch front wheels, and a 28-inches in the rear, a 2 x 11 drivetrain, which includes Shimano 105 front derailleur, SLX Shadow rear derailleur, 11-36 SRAM cassette. All wheels are attached to the frame of the velomobile through a suspension. The upper opening of the body, through which the user gets into the velomobile, is closed either by a flexible aerodynamic cover or by a hard Racehood cover. According to the co-founder of the company Theo van Andel, Snoek is capable of accelerating to 60 km/h (37 mph).
The upper opening of the body, through which the user gets into the Velomobile, can be closed during movement either with a flexible aerodynamic cover or with a hard Racehood cover. The model is already equipped with a side mirror. In the near future, a lighting system will be developed for the velomobile, including direction indicators.
Snoek does not differ in particular cross-country ability, especially when driving uphill, but thanks to its streamlining on a good road, you can develop fairly higher speeds with less effort, on flat roads, at least.
Although test samples of the Velomobile SnoekVelomobile Snoek are already being tested, the model’s serial production will not begin soon. The company will produce Snoek in various trim levels, including those designed for comfortable and safe city travel. However, it is not yet known when exactly the vehicle will go on sale. Velomobiel.nl has already received orders for the production of 22 copies of the racing velomobile, which should take about nine months to fill. If Snoek becomes large-scale, it will sell for approximately €8,000 (US$9,663).
