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ElliptiGo

Most cyclists and gym-equipment enthusiasts would ask why anyone would ever want to combine a bicycle with an elliptical machine. Engineer and ultramarathoner Brent Teal's answer may not satisfy the diehards, but he can tell you just how to do it. After a year spent building five prototypes out of off-the-shelf steel tubing, abandoned bike parts and skateboard decks, and riding thousands of test miles on these DIY bike mashups, Teal built ElliptiGo, the first ever bike-cum-ellipitcal machine.



One of the most difficult parts of building this bike, which was the brain child of injury-plagued Ironman athlete Bryan Pate, was getting the long stride length, Teal says. To extend the frame and create an adjustable platform, Teal designed a long span in the middle of the bike that was light and rigid. Crank arms attached to this platform are made from 7000-series aluminum, and to keep it light, the platforms that hold bikers are made of carbon fiber. The ElliptiGo stride length is adjustable from 18 to 25.5 inches so it can accommodate different rider sizes and preferences.



One thing can be said about the ride: The bike moves like nothing else on the road. It's surprisingly agile when taking turns, and smooth when accelerating. While standing and biking is at first awkward, it gives the rider better vision, although it's not made for mobile efficiency—a strenuous workout is a given. The ElliptiGo will be for sale in July 2010 for about $2200. -Tyghe Trimble