New for 2008, Tri-Sled's Avatar SuperVelo is designed for speed. Based on the simple
principle that going fast improves practicality, this velomobile makes very few
compromises. With its small frontal area and completely enclosed wheels and rider, Avatar is
arguably the most streamlined and aerodynamically 'pure' velomobile available
today.
Twelve years of research and development has maximised the aerodynamic performance of
Tri-Sled's human powered vehicles. But it's not just this vehicle's superior speed that
stands out. Avatar's smooth symmetrical curves are achieved through
computer-assisted design and mold manufacture.
Furthermore, our integrated design process encompassing both chassis and fairing makes the Avatar one of the lightest and most wholistically designed velomobiles commercially available.
Each Avatar vehicle is individually manufactured at our factory and features a lightweight and
strong vacuum-infused kevlar/composite body. Weighing approximately 28 kilograms, velomobile
performance doesn't get better than this!
The Avatar SuperVelo has internal front wheel covers for full weather protection. Ventilation
is achieved through a rear-wheel vacuum which is designed to operate at average speeds. Avatar
comes fitted with fully-adjustable mirrors and features front and side removable and replaceable windscreens.
Avatar has an 8.5 meter turning circle which is similar to a small car or motorcycle and is
designed to clear spoon drains and speed humps.
Wheel protection: Internal front wheel covers (weather protected)
Load space: 40 litres (20 each side)
Steering: Tri-Sled 'all-in-one' two hands steering and braking
Colour: Customers choice subject to availability. Black machines not recommended for road use.
Hatch system: Fully removable vacuum-infused kevlar/composite hatch with PETG screens
Suspension: Rubber elastomer, vibration isolating
Mirrors: fully-adjustable and fitted to hatch
Pricing
Avatar SuperVelo: AU$9500
Available extras
Lights, hydration systems and pannier systems can be fitted to this vehicle on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Avatar a 'SuperVelo'?
Avatar is best described as a SuperVelo, implying that it is a highly specialised, high-end velomobile designed to prioritise speed.
In other words, Avatar is
a modified racing human powered vehicle incorporating extra design features necessary for safe riding in
traffic, such as greater maneuverability and a wider gear range. This gives the everyday rider the
thrill of a high-performance machine on normal roads.
How is the Avatar different from other velomobiles?
The Avatar has been designed to
prioritise speed, whereas most other velomobiles on the market prioritise practical features which can add
weight and compromise aerodynamic performance. While the Avatar is still functional and suitable for
road use, our focus on simple design and 'clean lines' keeps the weight down and the ride
fast!
Why is this velomobile so much lighter than other models on the market?
Tri-Sled’s velomobiles have been
developed through our extensive HPV racing experience where every gram counts! We’re constantly on the
lookout for potential weight reductions in our vehicles and have prioritised simple, elegant designs as
a result. We’ve also been working at this for years, building many prototypes with small increments of
improvement. We are extremely careful in the components and materials we select for our vehicles and
ensure all building techniques prioritise minimum weight and durability.
How stable is the Avatar?
We’ve done extensive testing in wind tunnels and real-world situations to
maximise the stability of Avatar. For example, the aerodynamic profile of Avatar’s tail is shaped to
naturally point into the wind. This means that the vehicle fights strong cross-winds and passes other
vehicles without noticeable turbulence.
What does the ride feel like?
Nothing can describe the thrill of going fast using the power of your own
two legs, and Avatar gives you plenty of those thrills! Once you’ve gained a little speed, the
aerodynamics will kick in and you’ll find yourself looking over your shoulder to make sure no-one has
installed a motor! At higher speeds (50-60km or more), the ride feels a little like a small
aeroplane, with small movements from side to side. You will still feel plenty of wind rushing over your
body, particularly your head, cooling you down and keeping the windscreen clear of fog. Everyone
experiences the ride differently, so we recommend you take a test ride at our factory before placing an
order.
What does it look like inside?
Is Avatar suitable for long trips?
Avatar's high performance is best appreciated on long day trips or extended road tours. Its efficiency
enables you to extend the distance you can travel by as much as double that of a conventional bike.
How fast does it go?
That depends on the engine! However, the Avatar Road HPV will comfortably sit on
over 50km/h using as little as 200 watts.
How much road racing and testing have you done with the Avatar? The Avatar is
one of Tri-Sled’s newest models. However, it was designed to build and improve on our Sorcerer series of
vehicles, which we’ve been racing for around ten years. We’ve tested many variants of the Sorcerer model
at countless 24-hour and 6-hour races and on extensive road trips. Avatar was raced at a 24-hour AIPP
Super Series event in 2008, and we have tested it on roads around Victoria. For more information on our
velomobile experience, visit our research and records page.
What lighting systems are available for the Avatar?
We offer optional LED turning signal lights mounted
to the rear of the vehicle. Standard bicycle LED lights can also be fitted to the front
and rear of the vehicle. Lights are fitted through small holes in the body but are not integral to the
fairing, as in our Sorcerer Velomobile model.
Can you take the hatch off and ride with it in the luggage space?
No, unfortunately Avatar’s hatch does
not fit inside the vehicle.
How does the hatch work?
The hatch can be completely removed from the vehicle and is
attached by two elastic straps connected to the fairing. This minimalist approach keeps the weight down,
allows you to easily remove the hatch, and avoids complications and fatigue with hinge systems.
How do you lock the Avatar?
We recommend that you attach a conventional bike lock through your vehicle’s
wheel and lock it to a stable post, u-rail or another non-moveable object. Avatar also has a parking
brake.
How do you transport an Avatar?
The best way to transport an Avatar is to ride it where you need to go.
However, it will fit in some vehicles if you need to take it over a long distance.
Where is the 40 litre storage located? The luggage space is located on either side of the
seat (20 litres each side). This is a simple open space where you can put things. We recommend you use a
set of Radical Design low-racer pannier bags available through our online store.
How does the ventilation work?
Avatar’s fairing has been designed to naturally draw air in from the rear
wheel hole for ventilation and cooling. Air is exhausted out the front wheel holes and under the body.
This negates the need for vents and reduces aerodynamic drag.
Do Avatar’s windows fog?
On a normal sunny day, Avatar has built-in ventilation to keep the window clear
while the vehicle is moving (see previous question). If there are particularly foggy conditions, Avatar
can be easily configured with a partial window for extra fog clearance.
How much ground clearance does the Avatar have?
The Avatar has 70mm ground clearance at its lowest point.
The floor has been constructed to provide ground clearance over most curbs and spoon drains.
How do you fix a flat tyre on the Avatar?
Avatar’s wheels (and wheel covers) are removable from the inside of the vehicle
using an 8mm hex key. The back wheel fits through a space in the rear of the fairing and uses
a quick-release system. Only the lid of the fairing needs to be removed to change a tyre.
Does the Avatar have foot holes for reversing?
These are optional but are recommended for road
use. You may prefer not to have these as they do compromise a small amount of aerodynamic performance.
Does Avatar have suspension?
Avatar has rubber elastomer vibration isolators located between the fairing and the chassis, and between the rider and the chassis.
Given that the rider represents the majority of mass in the vehicle, this system allows us to minimise the unsprung mass of the vehicle without adding extra weight and complexity.
The overall result is that the rider still receives a suspension benefit without the extra weight of a full suspension system.
Why does the Avatar need its own cranks?
We make our own cranks to enable more space inside the front of
the fairing which gives the vehicle a more optimal aerodynamic shape.
Can the Avatar be adjusted to suit different riders?
Yes. There is an adjustable crank boom and
seat inside the vehicle.
What is the maximum height and weight range for the Avatar?
Height: 187cm (6.1 feet)
Weight:100kg
Do you build the Avatar to size?
We prefer to know your x-seam, torso and total height
measurements before we start building your Avatar so we can ensure you have maximum adjustability.
What colours are available?
A range of auto-style colours can be selected, although colour matches are
not guaranteed. We recommend bright colours that maximise your road presence. Two-tones or patterns and
designs can be arranged on request.
How long does it take for you to build an Avatar?
Around 8-12 weeks plus shipping time after the booking
deposit has been received.
Is the Avatar available in other countries?
Yes, we welcome overseas customers.
Can I pick up my Avatar when it’s ready?
Yes, we recommend personal pick-up if you live in Australia.
However, sea freight is often cheaper for overseas customers, as you will probably still require a
shipping box (AU$600) and may also need to pay overseas freight or excess baggage with your airline if
you pick-up the vehicle personally.
How much does it cost to freight an Avatar to other Australian states? Tri-Sled uses TNT
Express to transport all of our products and models within Australia. Freight costs for an Avatar vary
between approxmiately AU$200-800 plus packaging (approx. AU$200) depending on your location.
Does Tri-Sled have experience with shipping velomobiles abroad?
Yes, Tri-Sled has shipped several velomobiles, racing HPVs and speed bikes around the world.
What type of freight do you recommend for international transport?
We generally recommend sea freight as air freight can be very
expensive. We fabricate a full wooden shipping box for your machine. We recommend you pick up
your Avatar from your nearest port but door-to-door service can be arranged.
What does it cost to freight an Avatar outside Australia?
Tri-Sled can arrange freight to your country on
your behalf using one of our specially fabricated shipping boxes (AU$600). Freight costs vary
dramatically between countries and are subject to change. Current sea freight quotes between our factory
and European or US ports vary between approximately AU$700-1300. This service takes approximately 40
days. Sea freight to New Zealand ports is currently around AU$500 and between AU$500-1000 to Japanese
ports. These prices do not include import duties applicable to your country or marine insurance. For a
more accurate estimated shipping quote that suits your requirements we suggest you contact us.
Can I install an electric assist system in my Avatar?
Tri-Sled does not install electric assist systems
to the Avatar model, nor do we recommend that you install them yourself. Tri-Sled strongly
encourages anyone considering installing electric assist to consider the following points.
The Avatar Velomobile has been designed to maximise the speed you can achieve using your own power and is
is already capable of achieving significant speeds without electric assist. Adding electric
assist systems to this vehicle will contribute weight, and possibly make the vehicle more difficult or
cumbersome to ride. If attached to any part of the fairing, it will also compromise the aerodynamic
performance of the vehicle. You should be aware that there may be laws in your country that restrict the
use of electric assist systems on bicycles. Tri-Sled has never fitted an electric assist system to an
Avatar, and we cannot guarantee that it won’t affect the safety or performance of this vehicle.
Who designed the Avatar?
The Avatar was designed by Tri-Sled's Director, Ben Goodall (pictured above left). Ben
has been working in the HPV field for fourteen years, designing and prototyping all of Tri-Sled’s past
and present models. Ben is passionate about building human powered vehicles that deliver practical real-world outcomes.
Who will build my Avatar?
Your Avatar velomobile will be hand built at our factory on the
Mornington Peninsula. Some parts of the machine are outsourced to local contractors to ensure high
quality throughout the production process. Components are sourced from our local and international
suppliers or manufactured in-house. Where possible we try to use standard, easily replaceable bicycle
components.
Where can I test ride an Avatar?
We offer test rides at our factory
in the Mornington Peninsula by appointment.
