Rowbike
A
Rowbike or 'rowing bike' is a hybrid fitness machine that combines a
bicycle, generally considered a
recumbent bicycle, and a
rowing machine. "Rowbike" is used as a generic term, but also refers to a specific manufacturer in the USA, the RowBike company. The RowBike company was founded by Scott Olson, the inventor of
Rollerblades. "Rowling", a term attributed to Scott Olson, is a combination of rowing and rolling and is sometimes used in place of rowing when describing a rowbike.
The machine is powered by arms and legs in a rowing motion. Both steering and propulsion is accomplished through the handlebars, and is a knack which requires some practice. Feet may be on fixed foot rests, as opposed to moving pedals. The seat may be fixed or may slide back and forth. Unlike a boat the rider faces forward.
Tricycle and
quadracycle forms have existed in the past and are currently in production. An early version, the 'Irish Mail', was similar to railroad
handcars used by
railroad workers to inspect tracks and seems to have been made in both
tricycle and
quadracycle forms. The Champiot is reminiscent of the 'Irish Mail' type machine in that it uses linkages, not a chain, in its drive train. RowBike produces a
quadracycle, the 420 Crewzer.
Some
rowbike manufacturers sell
stationary bike stands that permit indoor use.
Manufacturers of Rowed Bicycles:
*
RowBike brand rowbikes*
Thys, the rowing bike with "snek" drive*
Aviroute*
SkullTrek and
Scadbike*
VogabikeManufacturers of Rowed Quadracycles:
*
RowBike brand rowbikes*
Champiot, Rowed quadracycles with linkage drive train*
Power Pumper, Rowed quadracycles for childrenWeb sites devoted to rowbike type machines:
*
Rowing bike web site*
Irish Mails
