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Explorer
Why should the pleasures of pedal-power be restricted to dry land? On the Hydro-Bike Explorer a whole new experience opens up: quiet, pollution-free travel on the water.

Aquatic travel is never uphill, although you might have to fight against the current. On the Explorer that's no problem. With a cruising speed of 6-10km/h (4-6mph) and a maximum speed of around 15km/h (10mph), you can expect to overtake rowing boats and canoes with ease. The widely-spaced unsinkable floats make the craft extraordinarily stable, and the high riding position gives an excellent view of your surroundings. You can safely stand up and have a stretch from time to time - not something to be recommended on most small craft - and there's a handy 'glove compartment' for lunch and camera. You could even use the Explorer as a swimming or fishing platform.

A retractable rudder at the front controls the steering. The Explorer is highly manoeuverable even in reverse. It needs a minimum water depth of around 45cm (18"), depending on the weight of the rider, and the overall length is just over 3 metres. You can lift the propellor out of the water using the lever behind the saddle. Total weight is around 45kg, and you can mount a fully-assembled Explorer onto a car roof-rack, and it disassembles in minutes to fit into a small van. The Explorer has been designed with the hire market in mind, so durability has been a design priority. Only seawater-resistant components are used, including an aluminium frame and stainless-steel gears. Maintenance requirements are minimal. The whole family can share the Explorer experience. Conventional racks and child-seats can be fitted, or there's also the 'Explorer II': two 'bikes' and three floats coupled together to create a wonderful, waterborne sociable tandem with space for a child-seat between the riders.


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