Alpha 7 Velomobile
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Forum Name: Building
Forum Description: Anything to do with building HPVs
URL: https://forum.bhpc.org.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=7390
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 3:18am
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Topic: Alpha 7 Velomobile
Posted By: mark aldridge
Subject: Alpha 7 Velomobile
Date Posted: 21 May 2022 at 9:26pm
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I am mulling over buying an Alpha 7 Velomobile. The only thing I am concerned about is the rather high gearing and my aging ability to climb Surrey hills. Does anyone have any experience of fitting current gravel bike chainsets and front changers to replace the road ones. Failing that how about a Mountaindrive. Any other suggestions. Thanks Mark
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Replies:
Posted By: Yanto
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 5:40pm
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There is currently no bottom bracket suitable for a MD on the A7. A small 110 PCD chainring can always be fitted. |
Posted By: XAPBob
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 7:46pm
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How does the BB attach on the alpha? I had a steel BB shell welded onto a section of cut out box for my mango… |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 22 May 2022 at 8:18pm
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Clamps on to the body with bolts. There are photos on Velomobile World. John Williams did a YouTube video of my After 7 which is the same system, that shows how it is fixed.
All the best. Roy < id="BFI_" style="width: 1px; height: 1px; display: none;">
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Posted By: mark aldridge
Date Posted: 23 May 2022 at 12:56pm
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Good afternoon all. Getting old creates all sorts of problems. Looks like it is a 33 tooth inner ring on the current crankset. Will look at whether a gravel bike double will fit or an mtb triple with only two rings. Looks like the Mountaindrive option is not possible. Moving on, Velomobileworld offer a 12 speed 11-52 rear sprocket cluster. I am not keen on 12 speeds. Do you think an 11 speed 11-52 (or nearest) with the appropriate rear mech would work. I am not fixated on getting an Alpha 9 and don't want to have to avoid the hills. If I have to look at other makes/models then that is the way to go. Any thoughts? |
Posted By: RoyMacdonald
Date Posted: 23 May 2022 at 1:44pm
Hi Mark Just have to adapt to getting older. Yes 11 speed will work but I don't see any problem with 12. They can use the same chain and they are made to higher tolerances. My 12 speed changes gear beautifully. The 11-52 cassette is the one I have and I think it's made by Rotor. What's wrong with the Alpha A/M 9? Great Velomobiles. Why would you need to avoid hills? Never have on my After 7 despite being 78 and only having a single chainring and short cranks. All the best. Roy |
mark aldridge wrote:Posted By: legs_larry
Date Posted: 23 May 2022 at 6:14pm
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If you gear really low you run the risk of getting wheelspin, to the detriment of forward progress. ------------- ==================== a bit ov a lyv wyr by slof standirds |