Solar powered/assisted TT bike?!

Triathlon Forum
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Saint Thomas Academy Solar Bike Wins National Championship, May 21, 2004 - The Rotor equipped/Gravity Lab sponsored bike finished the 100 Km race in 2hours 8 minutes almost 20 minutes ahead of second place, riding solo at 30 MPH for over two hours. This is a prototype solar/rider powered bike that runs off of Rotors, battery and solar panel. Note they guy who won is a CAT 4, imagine how fast this sled could go on the flats with a pro at the helm:

http://www.rotorcranksusa.com/images/solar2.jpg

http://www.rotorcranksusa.com/images/solar3.jpg

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Very interesting. Any idea how much this weighs? I’m wondering whether the advantage would be reduced in the hills, that is whether the additional power would offset the weight. As with all things pedal powered, I’d like to ride it.

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It is likely pretty heavy, with the solar panel, battery, and front hub (which I assume is a motor?)

But hey, the SLR saddle lightens things up a bit!