Cycling UK Forum

Bmblbzzz wrote: 4 Sep 2024, 12:10pm [quote=hercule post_id=<a href="tel:1866085">1866085</a> time=<a href="tel:1724785379">1724785379</a> user_id=18206]
My kickbikes have actually logged more miles over the last few years than all the rest of my bikes put together, though.

Sorry to go off track somewhat, but could you explain more? I know what it is: a large scooter with bike-sized wheels and bike-type brakes – and it looks great fun for, well, having fun on, but I'm surprised it has become your "main" bike. Mind you, I feel a similar comprehension puzzle about Elliptigoes (also known as stepper-bikes) – looks like fun and a great form of exercise, and I have no doubt there's a race series somewhere, but when people use them for tours or long audaxes, it just strikes me as the wrong tool for the job. Of course, sometimes it's good to push something seemingly inappropriate just because. Anyways, curious as to what makes kickbikes not just attractive but a big attraction.
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Well, I just posted a long and beautifully crafted reply complete with photos and my iPad has gone and eaten it!

Short answer: physical similarities between bikes and scooters are deceiving. It’s not a hobbled bike, it’s a running machine (and that’s what it’s called in some European languages, a running-bike). Dynamically it’s more running or cross-country skiing than cycling, and for me it gives me the same buzz as running, mentally and physically. It’s worth knowing that I’ve been running for over 40 years, mostly “long distance”, ultras in the recent past, so that’s the angle I approach it from; not a harder or more laborious form of cycling, but a faster form of running that allows me to go further.

hercule wrote: 4 Sep 2024, 8:48pm

Bmblbzzz wrote: 4 Sep 2024, 12:10pm

hercule wrote:27 Aug 2024, 8:02pm My kickbikes have actually logged more miles over the last few years than all the rest of my bikes put together, though.

Sorry to go off track somewhat, but could you explain more? I know what it is: a large scooter with bike-sized wheels and bike-type brakes – and it looks great fun for, well, having fun on, but I'm surprised it has become your "main" bike. Mind you, I feel a similar comprehension puzzle about Elliptigoes (also known as stepper-bikes) – looks like fun and a great form of exercise, and I have no doubt there's a race series somewhere, but when people use them for tours or long audaxes, it just strikes me as the wrong tool for the job. Of course, sometimes it's good to push something seemingly inappropriate just because. Anyways, curious as to what makes kickbikes not just attractive but a big attraction.

Well, I just posted a long and beautifully crafted reply complete with photos and my iPad has gone and eaten it!

Short answer: physical similarities between bikes and scooters are deceiving. It’s not a hobbled bike, it’s a running machine (and that’s what it’s called in some European languages, a running-bike). Dynamically it’s more running or cross-country skiing than cycling, and for me it gives me the same buzz as running, mentally and physically. It’s worth knowing that I’ve been running for over 40 years, mostly “long distance”, ultras in the recent past, so that’s the angle I approach it from; not a harder or more laborious form of cycling, but a faster form of running that allows me to go further.

Thanks. Sorry your iPad ate your reply. I've had that happen and it's very annoying.

Searching "running bike" suggests you're probably talking about something more like what I referred to as "stepper bike" than what I thought of as "kick bike". In which case, it looks nothing like a scooter at all!



Like that?

Like these:
The Czech term is “ koloběžka” which I understand literally means running bike. Most of the major manufacturers (Kostka, Mibo, Yedoo) are based in the Czech Republic. Kickbike is from Finland.

If competition is your thing then they are a whole series of races across Europe, including the recent World Championships:

https://youtu.be/RxfArdbVwlI?si=RNWNiIH7XzXwdlQq

Thanks Hercule. I like biking and running, but not tried run-biking. I hope you carry on enjoying it!