About the Whike
The Whike
You won’t find an easier, greener, more comfortable and or more original means of transportation than the Whike. But above all: Whiking is also serious fun, especially on a ride with plenty of wind and the sail up. You can use the wind as your power, lie back and sail. If there is less or even no wind you will find that the Whike is still an excelent pedal cycle. Whiking is road legal for both bike paths and roads in the Netherlands and the UK. (please ask if you would like to know the regulations for other countries).
About the Whike
The Whike is a recumbent tricycle and an exciting yet comfortable form of transportation, legal on both cycle paths and roads. The Sail propulsion comes from a 1.6 m² fully battened mylar sail. It is also a high quality, fast and fun trike without the sail, in low winds the sail can be stowed on the back of the whike and you can still enjoy all the benefits of a high quality recumbent trike. However the real thrill starts when the wind begins to take over propulsion, pushing the Whike forward at speeds up to 30mph! Weighing only 23kg, getting started is easy and you can benefit from the sail up to 40° into the wind. If the wind is higher than force 6 you also have the option of the 1.0 m² gale sail.
Being a Dutch invention and with being hand made in the Netherlands the Whike has very high standards of safety, quality and comfort. With triple avid disc brakes and automatic sail release with braking, you’re sure to stop quickly and safely. In strong winds you will also find the Whike is still easy to steer thanks to its clever sail specific geometry. In addition to this the low CG trike design and high performance tires will keep you on a straight course. The sail also has the advantage of making the Whike very visible to other road users.
In light to medium winds the sail makes pedaling easier, but as the wind increases the sail can take over propulsion right up until you are doing 30 mph with no pedaling at all. Here is a wind speed guide for the Whike:
| Wind Speed MPH | Wind Speed KMH |
Wind Speed Beaufort | Effect: |
| up to 11 | up to 21 |
1 to 3 | You will feel the sail start to help you move, however pedals will be main source of power. |
| 12 - 19 | 21 - 30 |
4 | You can now really start to feel the power of the wind, you will be able easily overtake other cyclists and can start to use sail power only on reaches (sailing right angles to the wind). |
| 20 - 25 | 30 - 40 |
5 | Now the Whike turns into a true road sailor, with an unobstructed wind you can just sit back and cruise at speed. |
| 26-30 | 40 -50 |
6 |
Now things will start to get fast, more experienced thrill riders will push top speeds in these winds, we do however recommend the storm sail in these winds. |
| 30 + | 50 + | 7+ | Things will be difficult in these conditions, storm sail still an option for the more experienced, we do recommend you stow all sails at this point, you will always have the pedals to get you home. |
If you would like more information or have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Whike is an eco-freindly, fast, fun machine!
If you would like to know more about the technical specifications of Whike just click on the link or use the buttons at the top of the page. Want to know more about pricing and where you can try and buy the Whike? Feel free to contact us. We look forward to answering your questions!
History of the Whike
The Whike was invented by Fredjan Twigt. Fredjan was educated as an architect and he used these skills as an aid worker in Africa for many years. After his return to the Netherlands he became 'addicted' to riding recumbents. As he was unable to buy his ideal recumbent he decided to start designing his own models, some of these are still in production today. Next to riding recumbents Fredjan has an avid passion for sailing. In 2007 he decided to combine his two passions in one design: the Whike. The first prototypes had large wheels and a smaller sails and have been radically improved over the past few years. The result is the highly refined, ultimate sailing bike!
Future of the Whike
We at Whike are always developing new ideas and models of the Whike. We strive to achieve even higher speeds by saving weight and creating a improved, streamlined body. We have a number of design ideas, prototypes are being continuously built modified and improved. These include designs for a electrically assisted Whike and designs for a solar sail. The Whike team contians creative, innovative thinkers that will continue to evolve the Whike to bring it closer to ultimate transportation!
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Like to know more about the Whike? Feel free to contact us!
2012 | Whike
