Varbiking is the perfect balance for everyone who spends his or her workday primarily sitting. The back and neck muscles are sustainably trained and built up. Varibiking is in no way comparable to conventional biking! Fun and a change of pace are guaranteed through the different use of the arms and legs. The Varibike is optimally designed for off-road use (away from street traffic). It is also so much fun again and again!!
I used to ride a mountain bike. Now I only ride Varibike. It just has so many advantages over cycling. Thanks to Varibiken, my core and back muscles are stronger than ever and I no longer have any tension in my neck. In addition, the driving experience of the full-body drive is so powerful and the propulsion is just bearish. When varibiking I really enjoy being able to change my driving style when I want t - that's a new freedom for me. I take the Varibike at every opportunity, be it to get bread or for long tours around Ulm or in the Alps. I don't want to be without Varibiken anymore!
As an avid cyclist, I now have 4 types of bicycles in the basement. I drive 35 km every day on my way to and from work. The problem of the past: the back doesn't feel better when cycling, no movement in the upper body! When googling for a remedy, I found the Varibike and of course tested it right away. I am Varibiker for a year now. I haven't touched my beautiful new carbon racing bike, which I bought just before, with all its extras, it's gathering dust in the cellar. Whenever I could choose between a racing bike and a Varibike, I opted for the Varibike. That in itself says it all. Nevertheless: Varibike is cycling in a new dimension, it's great fun and training for the entire body. I read somewhere: "Varibike, the fitness studio on wheels" and still in the fresh air. Simply great.
Varibiking is the best sport which I know. Approximately 3 years ago, I started and now I have noticed at age 66 that varibiking is purely the fountain of youth for me. I train my whole body with Varibike and it is extremely gentle to the joints and muscles. During the trip, I can make variations as I see fit. An important factor for me is the high level of fat burning by using all muscle groups and the very positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The whole thing is still just so much fun for me. A traditional bike or even an E-bike is now out the question for me since I ride a Varibike.
I commute every day around 60km from the outskirts of London into the city. For a long time I've been looking for a bike that would enable me to use my arms as well as my legs as it's such a wasted opportunity for fitness using a traditional bike. Varibike fits that bill superbly and I've been using it every day for the last year. I've really felt the difference and couldn't live without it. I can say it was one of my best purchases ever and would thoroughly recommend it.
Interview with Otmar Rösch 27.04.2012 Professional soccer coach TSG Hoffenheim II, graduate in sports When did you start varibiking, and what motivated you to start? I started varibiking in 2011. I saw the bike and caught the bug straight away! I was literally ecstatic as soon as I rode one for the first time, and bought myself a varibike straight away. Rather than fading with time, my enthusiasm has even increased since then ;). What other sports do you do apart from varibiking? Sport is my profession as well as my hobby. I try my hand at all sorts of different sports, anything I enjoy. I play different team sports, and I also go inline skating, skiing, kiting or fitness training. There are now numerous all over body workout outdoor trend sports. For instance Nordic walking or Nordic blading. What are the benefits of the new trend sport varibiking? Well, it is totally unlike Nordic walking. Nordic blading is a bit more like it. However, varibiking has a much stronger locomotive element; it is also surface-independent and much easier than Nordic blading. What satisfies you most about varibiking? That I can exercise my whole body – if I choose to. Then the variety – as the name suggest, vari-ability, you can exercise your arms and /or (!!) your legs, that's just super! When I'm cycling on a 'normal' bike, I usually feel kind of 'nailed down' from the hip upwards. Inactive for no reason. That feels completely different on a varibike, far more satisfying! What does varibiking mean to you? Fun, relaxation, getting from A to B or a workout? Yes!! Exactly. All of those! I use my varibike every day to get about, but I obviously also use it for 'proper' training. Sometimes for a gentle basic workout, but sometimes I also do high intensity interval training on it. And I enjoy the thing, whatever I do on it! And, by the way, it seems other people do, too; people who don't know what it is approach me all the time when I'm out and about on it as they love it so much and want to know more. What is it that fascinates you about varibiking? Well, for a start the concept as such is already pretty fascinating. That I am exercising my whole body and not just one part of it. I am not a technology nerd, so I don't really care about that side of it. But the steering, wow, respect! That is a really brilliant idea and I just can't get enough of it. As a professional soccer trainer, you are already actively involved in sports in your job. So do you still have any time and energy left for varibiking? Not very much. That is why I use the varibike to ride to work on whenever the weather allows it. That is a distance of 26 kilometres, largely through built-up areas, so it does not make much difference in terms of time compared to taking the car ( 35 min.). And considering the current fuel prices, my bike has basically paid for itself within just a few months! The varibike is steered by leaning it into the direction you want to go in. Was that easy to learn? Yes! Getting the hang of it was no trouble at all. Of course, I had some wobbly moments when I started, but that was probably more down to being overawed by a completely new experience rather than to a lack of skill. I think people make the steering sound far more difficult than it is. Anyone who can ride a bicycle is also able to ride a varibike. And the current bikes all feature handlebars as well. So the varibike is totally idiot-proof, really! A lot of my friends have had a go on my bike and they were fine without me having to tell them what to do. Of course you should get a bit of practice in first before zooming around in heavy traffic with it! But, as I said...it's as easy as one-two-three. Is the varibike safe in dangerous situations? Since I've had it, I have tried quite a few adventurous things with it and as far as I am concerned: yes, it's absolutely safe. You tend to respond instinctively in any unexpected situation calling for evasive action, anyway, and the varibike follows your move automatically. In any case, as the varibike as such is extremely safe, you hardly encounter any dangerous situations. What does it feel like to ride a varibike? Phew, difficult to describe. It somehow feels like cycling, climbing and crawling at the same time, when you are just sort of riding along. But when you switch to full speed and you max out all four pedals with hands and legs – wow, that's just an amazing feeling! You can feel the power, there is a sensation of speed and you get a boost of energy that is incomparable to anything else I know. As yet, we haven't seen much of the varibike on our roads. How do passers-by react when you are out and about on your varibike? Well it is certainly a talking point! A while ago, I was riding along in Heidelberg (at full speed!) when a moped rider riding next to me sounded his horn and shouted across to me 'Wow, that's cool!'. Most pedestrians do a double-take when I pass, and watch me go by in amazement. People often approach me as soon as I stop. But their comments are always positive and they are really interested. Have you had any funny or unusual experiences when varibiking? As I mentioned earlier, the totally ecstatic moped rider. But apart from that, riding my varibike has become pretty normal for me by now. And, last but not least, do you have any tips for varibiking beginners? Ride it, ride it, ride it. The thing is just fun, so it is an incredibly motivating experience. I would much rather want to tell all those people who haven't discovered varibiking yet: switch to a varibike! After all, when you are walking or running, you also move the upper part of the body as well. It is simply the most natural way to exercise your body. And the workout is far more comprehensive and intensive. Add the amazing riding sensation to that, and the power... I just love everything about it. However, I do have one piece of final advice to give: start slowly!!! On my first rides, I just pedalled in the normal way, with my legs, and then by and by, I started to use my arms as well. That's OK for a few minutes, but then your circulation goes up all of a sudden, or rather, your body soon tells you soon that it can't cope with the sudden exertion. Do not underestimate how many more of your muscles you use when varibiking, and that your cardiovascular system has to be in a condition to support all of these. When I first started, I was totally exhausted after 4 kilometres; I had to get off and push the bike for a while.
How long have you been riding Varibike? I've been riding the Varibike for 4 years. How did you come up with the idea of buying a Varibike? There were 2 reasons for everything that moved me: 1. I didn't just want to train my legs. I wanted to exercise my whole body without having to go to the fitness studio. Many years ago I was looking for alternatives to the classic bicycle. 2. I have had osteoarthritis of the kneecap in my right knee for several years and could no longer pedal with this leg - not even with an e-bike, so I had to stop cycling 5 years ago. I really missed the sport itself and the exercise in the open air. I researched a bike like the Varibike for a long time, but found none that convinced me and suited my needs; until I came across Varibike. The great advice from Martin Kraiss and his great effort to adapt the Varibike individually to my needs ultimately convinced me. I was also impressed by the top quality of the bike and its design. I haven't found anything even remotely comparable anywhere. Does your Varibike have special equipment because of your knee osteoarthritis? I have a pendulum crank for the right leg with which I can move the knee with it, but have to bend it much less than with a normal crank. The crank means that the leg is only moved up half as far as with a conventional crank. In my case, this leg only moves passively without having to exert any strength. In order to be able to cope with longer distances and inclines with one leg and two arms, I also had an electric motor installed. What do you use the Varibike for? I use it to go to work regularly, around 37 kilometers a day and often on weekends for excursions and tours. And with your Varibike you can also get up inclines? I can manage smaller inclines without a motor, but larger ones only with the help of the motor. If I could pedal with both legs in addition to using my arms, the motor would not be required. With the Varibike you can switch between different drive styles. For example, cranking with your arms synchronously, or asynchronously, or just driving with your legs, etc. Do you often switch between the drive styles on the Varibike? I change regularly. Sometimes I only pedal with one leg or both legs, sometimes I only pedal with my arms (mostly asynchronously). Especially on the mountain I use arms and legs at the same time, which is the most fun. What do you like about Varibiking? Arms, legs, abdominal and back muscles are trained. The force with which, when I use both legs for a short time, to drive up the mountain or literally float on the flat at 45 kilometers per hour, is enormous fun. Wouldn't a normal e-bike have done it too? There is no comparison, because there is no upper body training and the coordination training with all 4 limbs at the same time is practically "hands-free" without holding onto the steering wheel is a great feeling. Do you have training or rehab goals for Varibiking, or is it more just for fun? At first it was about being able to continue doing sports. In addition, this enabled the knee to be moved without putting any strain on it, which led to pain relief for a long time. By varibiking, I was able to postpone the use of an artificial knee joint for 4 years and even go on short hikes again for a long time. What have you been able to achieve for yourself by varibiking? 3 months ago I received an artificial knee joint and since then I have been able to use the Varibike for my rehab, initially on the home trainer, and now on the road again. This has helped the recovery tremendously and accelerated it. I'm looking forward to the coming months when I can use the Varibike for beautiful and longer tours without any motor assistance. I never want to be without the Varibike again. Did it take you a long time to learn Varibike? Thanks to your one-hour briefing, I was able to ride it safely after another 3-4 hours of my own practice, although at first I only used the cranks on bike paths. After 2 to 3 weeks of practice, I was able to ride it just as easily in traffic and cornering as with any other bike. Do you feel safe on it? Yes. Switching arms and legs, as well as changing from the arm cranks to the steering wheel, as well as the gears and the brake levers, worked after a short while in my sleep - like clutching and shifting a car. In the city too? Even in the city. There, however, I use the arm cranks a little less, as you often have to be ready to brake faster and have your hands on the brake levers quickly. Do people watch when you ride the Varibike? Many look at me with big eyes when I approach them and often look after me. I am approached by other cyclists almost every time I ride, or by pedestrians at traffic lights and at crossings. People are fascinated and ask a lot of questions. Do you have an advice for Varibike beginners? The first 2 to 3 hours are not easy in terms of coordination and also physically demanding, but then the Varibike is more fun every day. So: just show some stamina at the beginning ....
Interview with Max Nagl 25.07.2012 Runner-up world champion in motocross How did you hear about varibiking? My father saw the Varibike in a brochure. Since when do you varibike? I have used it since June 2012. You are a motocross pro. Are there other sports that you do? Only for work out e.g. mountain biking. What are the benefits of varibiking for motocross athletes? The perfect thing in varibiking is, that I can exercise my whole body. I absolutely need this whole body workout for motocross! Besides the training effect - does varibiking has also other advantage for you? It is fun and a good alternation to the other work out! What do you like most in varibiking? That I can really exert myself and additionally exercise the sense of balance! Did your workout became more effective with varibiking, or more diversified, or is it the fun? It became more diversified and I could work out my upper body outdoors for the first time! As motocross pro you spend many hours per week riding your motorbike. Do you still have time and feel like doing varibiking? I work out about 2 - 3 per week on the motorbike. There is still much time to work out on the varibike. In average I varibike 5 hours per week. The Varibike steers by leaning into the curve. Did it take long to learn it? Only 2 units and I did it automatically! Was the learning difficult? No, it was quite simple! Do you feel save on the Varibike? At the beginning I wiggled a bit, but after a few attempts I immediately felt secure! When you are around for varibiking in your hometown in Belgium, how do the people react? I am often stopped by people and then they ask me what it is and how it works. In any case everybody looks when I am on the way with it :-) Have there been funny or exceptional situations? A car driver has overtaken me 3 times in order to see what I am doing. After that, he stopped me to inform himself about the Varibike! Do you have an advice for Varibike beginners? Start slowly, because the strain for your body is new!
I am excited about the Varibiking. When my leg muscles start to burn, I use the arm cranks until my legs have recovered. Even as a relatively untrained cyclist, it is easy for me to pick up speed at times. Varibiken gives you a great new driving experience. You fly through the landscape.
With us, the whole family is completely enthusiastic about the Varibike! For me it is not just a sports device, but above all a therapy device for my back. The whole body is trained during varibic exercises - and that is back-friendly. Since my sons are very athletic, they use the Varibike as a training device. In winter, when it's on the roll, even my wife uses it with gusto. I only ride the Varibike - I don't have any other bike. You can drive on the tar road as well as on gravel or on forest paths and in the city. We can highly recommend it!
"I use my Varibike for the daily trip to work. As a result, I have my back exercises for 15 minutes before and after work, which is definitely good for a computer workplace. I supplemened my Varibike with mud guard and a bicycle basket. I no longer use any other bicycle. And I have never been approached by sporty men more than recently :-) "
Hi varibikers or those who want to become one… I would like to write a short experience report that can maybe help someone to make a decision who is still undecided. I use the Varibike daily for my trip to work – that is approximately 30 km under all weather conditions and I have done this for 2.5 years so that I now have more than 10,000 km "under my belt" with Varibike. For years, I have used a "regular" touring bike. However, what bothered me more and more was the fact that I wantonly neglected my upper body muscles, something which expressed itself it the form of latent back pain. I just did not have the time or desire to go to the gym…so I looked for a "vehicle" which would train my entire body. That was very important to me as a physical education teacher. After doing research for weeks on the Internet and after reading trade publications, I finally came across the Varibike. It seemed to meed my needs in terms of functionality, variability and appearance. All other solutions often seemed a bit risky and not really practice with a closer look or during the test run at the latest. So I contacted Martin Kraiss on the same day. He made me the offer to try the bike once. He even personally dropped it by...that is what I call service!!! This guy is just great because he is putting his heart and soul to fulfil his dream and he can genuinely convince people about his concept...you can certainly see that with the continuous further development of the bike. After an initial test run, I then knew "This is the one!", although you should take a few days to become familiar with the "bike feeling" and the "flow"! Here I should mention that the FR3 has some major benefits compared to the FR2 (with which I started) which I no longer want to do without. The variability and the handling simply cannot be beat for the FR3! With just a little effort, I modified the Varibike so that it is traffic-appropriate with a mud guard, light, baggage carrrier and bag…now I am just simply thrilled. The previous "vehicle" has now become a daily "companion" to me. Boring bike riding is now a thing of the past for me and my improved fitness also makes positively noticeable during my daily routine. I feel better and my body has visually not changed in a negative way…people are rumouring ;-) I was simply convinced by Martin and Varibike, even though individuality and quality of course have their price. I do not want to forego this kind of "luxury" anymore….you only live once! Thanks, Varibike, thanks, Martin!
„"Due to my office job, I really suffered from back pain. The physiotherapist did not really do anything. It was only when I started riding Varibike regularly did my back pain just vanish. In addition, the whole thing is good for the circulation and I am a few pounds lighter on the scale. In general, a really cool thing.
Whilst performing a Google search I came across the Varibike. This is a road bike but with cranks by the handlebars enabling you to cycle with both your legs and arms simultaneously. You can the arm cranks on their own for an upper body workout. You can also use just one arm crank at a time or both together in sync or out of sync ( where the cranks are held at 180 degrees to each other). I was intrigued when looking at the videos on you tube and contacted David the UK distributor to arrange a trial. I must admit I first took the bike to a quiet road and practiced for about 60 minutes before I felt totally confident in combining both legs and arms. However it was well worth this practice because I am now confident in handling the bike when travelling in traffic. The bike itself weighs slightly more than a conventional road bike and is fitted with a 10 speed group set. I have fitted my road bike with Rotator chain rings which are elliptical as opposed to round and therefore easier on my knees. However with the Varibike I found that by incorporating the arms the strain in the knees is reduced and I have had no problems. This provides a distinct advantage over conventional cycling. A further advantage is by incorporating the arm cranks you can attain a higher heart rate and I would suggest a much better overall workout. Climbing gradients is attainable either using the legs only or just one arm. However because of the slower speed on steeper gradients I don't feel in control of the bike trying to use both arms on the cranks. However this might change with further practice. As with any new machine you have to build up gradually and there is a possibility of a back strain if you overdo your distances when combining both legs and arms. I have travelled 50km in one go so far and as I build up I am sure further distances will not be a problem. The cost of the machine is over £3000 which is expensive but considering the engineering that has gone into the manufacture, the quality of the build and the fact it is not mass produced I don't think it is overpriced.
I can only say positive things about the varibike. You can cruise with it in a really cool way, that means cycle normally relaxed as you know it, but the best is the switchable "all-wheel drive", you can iron out shorter, steep climbs in no time. Overtaking on the mountain is also fun! Besides, you do a lot for your fitness and enjoy it outdoors in nature. If you can already ride a bike, you can quickly learn to tilt steering, or you are intuitively back on the handlebars at any time to be able to brake in any dangerous situations. This means that the Varibike can also be moved safely on public roads. In terms of accessories, there is now really everything to make "your" Varibike a reality. Conclusion: people buy a Varibike in this lifetime! I haven't regretted it in any way! Oh yes . . . What is this pedelec hype about? The only true and sensible "pedelec" is. . . .? You can probably guess it! ?? ?? I hereby wish all people courage and an incentive to buy! I wish the Varibike team every success with this great invention in the future.
For me, the Varibike is a leisure, training and work bike in one, simply an all-rounder, mostly I use my Varibike for my commute, which is a total of 24 km there and back, in the past I always rode a normal bike to work and back home to have a little workout, but only the legs are trained and the rest of the body is neglected, i.e. the upper body, upper arms and back. I wanted to look for an alternative and have found the perfect training machine in the Varibike. Riding the Varibike is easy to learn and after a few minutes you can ride safely and then you can start right away. With the Varibike you can train your endurance extremely by operating the leg cranks and arm cranks at the same time, which demands the whole body, as in boxing training, or you can only use the arm cranks to train the shoulders, chest, biceps and triceps. You can vary as you want and above all you never get bored on the Varibike, the kilometers fly by because you try so much. You are also very fast with the Varibike, if you add the hand cranks you get an extra boost of speed - so far I have won every sprint against other cyclists and with the Varibike nobody overtakes you so easily, then the eyes and mouths are the others are always torn wide open and then you are riddled with questions about the Varibike: No matter where you go with the Varibike, you always get a positive response, in any case, with the Varibike you are sure to attract the attention of other cyclists. The Varibike is first and foremost a lot of fun and then of course there is also the physical aspect. The endurance is increased very quickly and the entire body becomes more athletic and efficient, so you can save yourself the fitness center. The best thing to do is to try the Varibike yourself and see for yourself how cool it is.
The Varibike is my ideal training device, with which I also have the opportunity to conquer my local mountain slope of 18% at more than walking pace. Using my arms alternately increases my stamina. The Rohloff circuit is the best choice for my very different route profiles.
Varibiken is my counterbalance to desk work and takes care of shoulder and neck pain. Photo of my "everyday Varibike" attached.
At this point I would like to thank you for the excellent quality of the Varibike! I have already driven around 3500 km with it and apart from pumping and cleaning, no maintenance was necessary so far. It's really fun and contributes significantly to my daily fitness!
From 'Senseless Knowledge for Varibikers Chap. 3': Contrary to the Star Trek mythology, Zefram Cochrane will not invent the WARP drive in 2063. The Winding Arms Rotate Power Drive has existed in Ulm since 2012.
I have owned my Varibike for two years and drive it to work almost every day on forest paths. I am absolutely thrilled with the bike - for me it is a whole-body piece of sports equipment! My second bike is only in the garage, I only use the Varibike. I used to have problems with my back on my conventional bike during the cold season - thanks to Varibike and strengthened back muscles, that's a thing of the past! Varibiken puts a smile on your face - and due to the stable construction of the bike, I will certainly have a lot of fun with it for long times!
I've been driving the Varibike F3 for almost a year now and have never regretted the purchase. With the Varibike, cycling is simply more fun, you don't have to use the arm cranks all the time, but it offers additional fun. With the cranks I can easily cope with any incline. At first I was concerned that I could handle the bike because I'm not exactly a born "freehand rider". But I got along with the Varibike very quickly, after 3 hours I was up to it, despite my advanced age of 54 years.
As a commuter from the southern part of Cologne to Porz am Rhein, I have been keeping fit on my bike for years on the daily commute to work, enjoy the fresh air on the Rhine before and after the office and like to show my cyclist calves in summer. Commuting by bike had one disadvantage: it trains the body one-sided, and I had to plan annoying workouts for the upper body. It would be great if I could train my upper body on the way to work, I thought to myself. I looked for a possibility on the internet and found an article in the "Fahrradzukunft" magazine that presented different "HF bikes". I dealt intensively with the bikes presented. The Varibike turned out to be optimal for me because, in my opinion, it is the best thought out and the most developed over the years. The Varibike allows me to train different muscle groups through different training styles. In contrast to the other bikes, I can freely decide whether I only use arms, only legs, both together, one arm or two arms to drive. In addition, the arm drive cooperates together with the leg drive so that I can train my upper body even at high speeds. You don't make an investment of € 5,000 overnight. For a few months I let my thoughts mature and worked out for myself what the bike would bring me: a fitness studio, for which I sometimes spent € 50 per month. The way to work, which costs around € 5 each way with a car sharing car. And right at the front and priceless: a new hobby! Since I've owned the Varibike, I've been doing bike tours to a whole new level. I no longer only use the bike for commuting to work, shopping or going to the lake, but regularly plan tours within a good 111 km around my city. With my Varibike I get to know my area in a completely new way! I discover places that I have never seen before, that I would never have thought of visiting without Varibike! My 12 km commute to work, on the other hand, has become almost too short for me. A bit of fun I've been making for a few months is driving the commutes of colleagues who would rather spend their money on creating traffic jams by car than on a decent bike. With some of them I was already faster than their average rush hour traffic. There are also sports events that I now tackle with my Varibike. In June I will compete in the first HF-Bike World Championships in Mannheim and in July in the 100 mile race of the Prudential Ride in London. Next year I want to do the cycling part of an Ironman in the relay. These are experiences that I would not have had without Varibike. And what do you see? I'm really impressed with the training effect on the triceps and upper back. I now train the biceps in a targeted manner by grasping the crank from below more often. And you can train your lower back sufficiently with "normal" varibiking. Today, I no longer just like to show my cyclist calves, but rather my entire varibike muscles.
With my Varibike I do not go on extremely long tours, but i use it on leisurely tours on the Moselle cycle path in Luxembourg and / or Germany. My back especially feels the difference between the Varibike and a normal bike and thanks me for it.
Varibiking is also something for mums. My daughter loves to be with me like this!
Dear Varibikers and those who still want to become one, Before I got my Varibike, I had thought about it carefully. I was looking for a change in my mobility behavior according to the motto: "Use the way to work wisely". Wisely here means that I personally want to do it without the car, on the one hand to make my contribution to a healthy environment and on the other hand to maintain (and perhaps even improve) my own health. Well, it should also be fun;) The Varibike has met all these criteria and has been my loyal companion on the way to work (36km, 2-3x a week) ever since. I use ALL muscles (especially the back can benefit;)), the variability of the driving style is almost inexhaustible (it never gets boring) and I achieve a higher average speed with "all fours". I can only recommend the Varibike to you and I congratulate all those who choose it in advance. Have fun!
The Varibike is the solution I've always been looking for for my training: almost all muscle groups are used! In addition, the workmanship of the bike is great - so I use it not only for training but also in everyday life and even with a child trailer! A great bike!
I use the Varibike every day when I drive to work and I am extremely enthusiastic about training my upper body in addition to my leg muscles! Movement is everything ;-)
Varibiken is great. I never want another bike again. Other bikes are way too boring compared to Varibike. With Varibike I have several options for getting around. At the same time I strengthen my back and arm muscles. I love my Varibike.
I received my Varibike in July 2020. Since then I've been on the road a lot and use it as a means of transport and as a training device at the same time. I haven't regretted it so far.
I've been a Varibiker for 5 years now and I have to say that there is no better full body workout for me. It's fun and the perfect full-body sport. You move in nature and train both strength and endurance. I'm happy to be a Varibiker - it couldn't be better
Track cyclist, fitness world champion team sprint. just click to see the video:
For me, the Varibike is the ultimate fitness machine, because I don't have much time to do sports and with Varibike I can train my whole body. just click to the video:
Video just click:
Interview with Danie Schulte-Kump September 18, 2014 You are a personal trainer and a successful canoeist and dragon boat driver. How did you get into Varibiking? I got to know Varibike at Fibo 2104 and was immediately completely enthusiastic about this concept. Why Varibiking, there are many other sports that offer good training? The Varibike enables me to fully train my body in just one training session. As a canoeist, I always need my upper body more than my legs. Nevertheless, during training I have to see that I train my whole body. The Varibike enables me to do additional endurance training for my arms and core muscles during endurance training. This is particularly in demand in our sport. A complete workout in the fresh air and in nature. A perfect addition to normal strength training and sport-specific training in the boat. What is the special fun factor about Varibiken for you? It consists in the fact that I can play with the individual burdens. I can vary how much I want to load my individual limbs at any time. It is demanding driving dynamics and also trains my coordination. With Varibiken, you can switch between different driving styles, i.e. only legs, only arms, one arm, arms and legs, synchronous or alternate style. Does this make sense? This is exactly what impresses me as a personal trainer, canoeist and graduate sports scientist. The fact that it is possible to adopt these different driving styles makes driving highly effective and special. Do you often switch between driving styles when varibiking? I constantly switch between driving styles in order to achieve as much variation as possible. It's fun and there is never boredom when training / driving. The Varibike steers like a bicycle, but it also has tilt steering. How do you like the tilt steering? The tilt steering takes a lot of getting used to at the beginning, but once you get used to it, it makes riding easier and enables completely different riding fun than usual with normal bicycles. Was it difficult to learn tilt steering? I don't want to say difficult, but you just need a while to get used to it. And do you feel safe doing it? Now I feel very safe and I realize that it gets better from time to time. As an experienced personal trainer, what would you say - for whom is Varibiking recommended? The Varibike is basically something for everyone. It is perfect for a full body workout and therefore a perfect replacement for normal cycling. Many people have weak core muscles and under-trained arms and shoulders. This piece of sports equipment enables you to prevent back problems or to do something specifically for your back. It is definitely a must for athletes. Time savings through holistic training of the entire musculature and effective training in endurance sports. Varibiking is a new sport. How do the people you meet with the Varibike react? It's amazing how all the people look. I can never drive around town in peace because someone keeps asking something. People are totally interested and want information. Finally, do you have a tip for Varibike beginners? Slowly touch the sports equipment and then slowly become bolder. Have fun with the thing and recognize and feel the benefits yourself.
I am not only an avid bicyclist, and Health/Fitness trainer, but love all things cycling. That includes bikemobilia such as pictures of the old Penny-farthings (and the actual bikes themselves) and all the historical aspects. While I ride for health as well, my primary reason for riding is for enjoyment. My two wheeled machines have been my "thinking place, my happy place, my safe place" since I was about ten years old. I have a rather electric though small collection of two wheeled "bicycles". I'm a former competitor, and current big fan of two wheeled touring. My (near) daily regiment consists of a minimum of 12 to 18 miles of two wheeled work out laced with intermittent bouts of resistance and suspension workouts. On leisurely weekend rides I will do between 30 to 80 miles of two wheeled travel at an average rate of 17 to 22 mph, max rate on the flats of 27 to 30 mph sustained. I also am fortunate in that I am an indoor cycling instructor, and I have both a Indoor Varibike and an Outdoor Varibike at my disposal (I am the Varibike Distributor for the USA). And I enjoy it and use it to maintain my riding abilities year round when time or weather prohibit my enjoyment of the Outdoor Varibike FR3. I live in the USA, in New England which is hilly and mountainous and Connecticut which has seasonal snow all of which test ones riding dedication and abilities. I have actually gained a 3 to 5 mph increase, as well as upper body strength since starting to ride Varibike in March of 2014. When I talk of this increase it is not only on the Varibike, but transfers to my experience when riding my 37 year old Motobecane road bike or my Rowingbike, or my latest carbon fiber steed. The real thrill though I have to say is that despite all I have written or you might imagine from my words, is that I have a terrible back, and it has been trouble free since late 2013 which I attribute to my riding my traditional bikes, my Rowingbikes and my Varibike. There is no question that the Varibike has made my entire upper body happier and stronger. It has also increased my power (WATT) output and given me greater endurance in all aspects of life. I'm a cyclist first, and a Varibike distributor second, so you can count on my words: for fun, competition or health why settle for one when you can have all three. Varibike is amazing for enjoyment, improving your competitive advantage and creating health benefits far beyond traditional bicycling. Varibiking is a whole new category of riding. Experience Varbike, experience joy!
I bought a Varibike FR 3 4 weeks ago. After a very good introduction and test ride on the Varibike test route, I of course still needed a few very strenuous kilometers to get used to it so that I could ride the bike safely with its special features. Now I have discovered that this ingenious invention is exactly what I have always been looking for. A training device for the whole body that can be used for exercise in the fresh air. My concerns that when using the arm cranks you can only steer by shifting your weight are unfounded. Even on uneven surfaces, driving is absolutely no problem for me. But something is bothering me.........I should have bought it sooner.
Dear Martin, thank you so much again for this unique training and REHABILITATION DEVICE!!! After a moderate shoulder injury, I was able to regain almost my old mobility, strength and zest for life in a very short time - and all of this in the fresh air and with my faithful dog by my side!!! Fatbike outdoors and my so-called little SPORTY on the roller at home - I always come back to it with great joy and GRATITUDE. And here is a video report on the Varibike
Video ErfahrungsberichtIch lebe derzeit in der Nähe von Berlin komme aber aus Portugal. Einer meiner früheren Vorgesetzten von einem Unternehmen hatte ein Ganzkörper Fahrrad. Daher wusste ich, dass ich auch so ein solches Fahrrad haben möchte. Daraufhin bin ich vor einiger Zeit auf das Varibike im Internet gestoßen, dass ich nun seit Anfang März 2024 besitze. Ein Kollege und ich entschieden uns die Estrada National 2, bekannt als Route 66 Portugals. Mit ein bisschen Training vorab ging es dann Mitte Mai, mit dem Varibike auf die Estrada Nacional 2. Sie führt von Nord nach Süd durchs ganze Land. Die Straße beginnt in Chaves, einer der nördlichsten Städte Portugals und endet in Faro, der südlichsten Stadt in der Algarve. Die Strecke hat 738,5 km und hat ungefähr 11.000 Höhenmeter Unterschied. Wir haben uns entschieden, in der Mitte der Tour noch einen Abstecher nach Coimbra zu machen und so ist die Tour um etwa 70 km länger geworden, also auf ca. 808,5 km gesamt. Wir haben die ganze Tour in 8 Tagen geschafft. Um diese Tour zu ermöglichen, mussten wir samt Varibike von Berlin aus, mit dem Flugzeug nach Porto fliegen um von dort aus mit dem Bus nach Chaves weiterreisen. Die Fahrräder wurden in großen Rad- Kartons verpackt und mit doppelten Panzer- Tape gesichert. Das Wetter war unangenehm zum Radfahren, und die Strecke verlief nicht auf Fahrradwegen, es kam oft vor, dass LKWs sehr nah an uns vorbeifuhren. Mitunter mussten wir auf einer Schotterpiste fahren, wo ich keine Probleme mit dem Varibike hatte diese zu bewältigen, wobei ich auf der Schotterpiste meistens nur mit einer Hand an der Kurbel war. Durch den doppelten Antrieb konnte ich in den Bergen schneller vorankommen als mein Kollege, der Vorsprung verschaffte mir kleine Pausen, etwas Zeit zum Nachrichten schreiben an die Familie. Es fehlten ungefähr noch 40 km bis zum Ende vor der letzten Etappe, da bekam ich Schmerzen im rechten Knie, aber dank der Handkurbeln konnte ich noch 20 km fahren, dann haben wir uns doch entschieden ein Taxi zu nehmen, das groß genug war um das Varibike, das Fahrrad vom Kollegen und uns bis an das Ende dieser Etappe zu bringen. Am nächsten Tag wahren die Schmerzen wie von Geisterhand wieder weg und die Tour konnte vorgesetzt werden. Wir sind dann bis nach Loulé gefahren wo wir uns ausgeruht hatten, um dann am nächsten Tag entspannt bis zum Ziel zu fahren. Wir hatten dann noch zwei Tage frei, dann sind wir wieder nach Berlin zurückgeflogen. Es war eine anstrengende Tour, jedoch ein schönes Abenteuer das ich jedem empfehlen würde. In Berlin benutze ich nun das Fahrrad nicht nur um Sport zu machen, sondern auch für den Alltag wie zB. zum Einkaufen oder in den Biergarten zu fahren. Ich bin heute immer noch von dem Varibike begeistert und es macht Spaß, mit Beine und Arme, sodass ich meinen ganzen Körper einsetze um vorwärtszukommen.
Fotos der Tour hier klickenI've been an enthusiastic Varibike trike rider for almost a year now and have been reluctant to get on a conventional bike ever since. Since I am very challenged in my job, this is my ideal balance both physically and to come down to good thoughts. Mainly I ride along the very well developed Danube Cycle Path, where I can be seen regularly even in winter. I bring the trike into my station wagon, which of course gives me a lot of flexibility in choosing my tours. You already have a lot of watchers, because such a "bicycle" is still very rarely seen here. The children in particular are enthusiastic and marvel at my special vehicle, which I lovingly call my “power plant”. I appreciate this special training device that will warm you up very quickly, even in winter when it is just above freezing point. For this I use a lambskin, which I put over the very comfortable seat. The training effect is insanely great for the whole body in the fresh air, and gentle on the joints. Thank you for this great invention!
Varitrike-my fitness studio on 3 wheels.
Well-being with holistic training, after getting used to it, even on tours.
My motivation for wanting combined arm and leg drive are twofold: I need to improve and maintain fitness. High intensity interval training is supposed to be good for that, but I get bored in gyms, and when cycling, my legs get tired before I really get out of breath. I thought adding the arms would take care of that. And it does. On my commute to work, there are four climbs long and steep enough to get my pulse and breathing rate up, especially when I am late. I was surprised by how much difference arm power makes to uphill speed. I thought with the arms having so much less muscle than the legs, there would be little added speed, but it mattered even at the beginning, and now that I have adapted enough that I can go one gear higher on the hills, it matters even more. My other reason for wanting the combined leg and arm drive is that one of my knees is weak. Having the cranks attached to the fork helps, but I thought reducing peak load would still be a good thing. The Varibike Trike's front wheel drive is just right for me on both counts. I had tried two other designs with combined arm and leg drive before, neither was quite right for me. I got the Varibike Trike set up to my satisfaction on Christmas Day: I added lots of reflectors, extended the front mud guard a little so salty spray doesn't reach the steering (Norwegian roads are salted when the temperature is still close to freezing, gritted when it is well below), and I fitted a screen between front wheel and chain to protect the chain from salt, too. It works. In fact, it all works well enough that the Varibike Trike has been the only transport I have used for distances up to 20km ever since I started riding it.
I have been using the Varibike Trike for 6 weeks now and so feel I have enough experience to write a review. The trike has an adjustable back rest so you can alter the angle. I find it exceptionally comfortable when using it even for 3-4 hours at a time. Martin also ensures the pedal to seat length is correct for your individual leg length. I ordered the version with Shimano Alfine gears so changing gears is smooth and consistent. The machine itself takes no getting used to and you have all the options available on the Varibike ie legs only, arms only, one arm at a time. It is an engineering masterpiece with steering no problems. I regularly use the bike in London but have attached a flag pole to increase my visibility, with this I am confident on the trike even in rush hour traffic. The bike provides a great workout and there are no "off limits" in terms of hills. In the lowest gear I have mastered the steepest hill in my area (approx 18 degrees at some points). Although the wheels are only 20 inches there is no real loss of speed when compared to the bike version I regularly average 26-28kmh which I don't think is too bad when you consider the traffic. The Varibike Trike is comfortable, easy to master, enables you to climb hills utilizing both arms and legs and provides a great workout. If you have the budget for it I would highly recommend it.
Every day, when I have the time and the mood and the weather cooperates, I ride the VARIBIKE TRIKE - in the Innviertel (Upper Austria) the area is overgrown with hills - so I'm glad I took the trike with a battery and a smaller pinion - because my respiratory system is usefully scratched - I sit (lie) satisfied with my broken vertebrae - I find the stabilizer wheels a little annoying because one should avoid the gravel paths, but very important for my safety (appearance when moving) - the additional lighting of the rear is great (2 lights on the fenders, 1 light under the seat and 1 light behind the headrest) - the color combination is very well done (is very noticeable) -Drive in general at the moment: approx. 45% with the hands. All in all, I am very satisfied with this purchase
Our Varibike Trike - the number one in our bike fleet since 2 years. We have a fable for "whole body workouts" and we also like it cozy. The Vari-Trike is the ideal trike for everything. My wife loves the walker rides. With the dog at eye level, you don't always have to get off and ride up and down hills at exactly the right pace and after the sprint on the level with the dog, breathe deeply together with the dog without getting off the trike. The trike is technically well thought out, neatly crafted and trimmed for reliability. German engineering and that from a family company ;) Whether for vacation or "Every Day Use", it is a hit !! Try it out. Looking forward to a big Varibike meeting
The Varibike - an amazing trike! Only flying is more beautiful, but also more expensive and more polluting. I'm excited! Man and wife are faster and more rested on a Varitrike than on any other recumbent. Especially on the mountain, I also use arm strength and can decide at any time whether I let my legs rest or pedal. Essential is of course the choice of gear. With the second variant, the speed even remains constant. Incredible! A purely mobile sports device, a variable fitness center on wheels ...
Bought a varibike trike, it looks awsome in black. With it I can workout hard as well as drive in chilled mode, depending on my needs. The service is brilliant, the seller is always available if I have any questions. You can feel that he is there with his heart. Just great.
I have a Varibike trike since a few months. Because I have a partial spinal cord injury, I can no longer ride a normal bicycle. The Varibike Trike is a great solution for me. Every day I go out with my trike and do laps of about 30 km. If my right leg falls out, it just keeps turning because of the locking system on my pedals. And later I take it over with my arms, after all I only drive with my left arm. You will understand that my left arm is getting quite muscular again. A great invention that gave me back some freedom!
Zehn Jahre mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit, sieben Kilometer hin, sieben zurück, da sind die Beine leidlich fit. Was tun für den Oberkörper? Krafttraining ist nicht das Gleiche wie eine regelmäßige, gut regulierbare Dauerbelastung, dass wird spürbar. Nordic Walking am Wochenende reicht nicht. Ideal wäre es, den Weg zur Arbeit für beides zu nutzen. Ein Fahrrad, das mit Beinen und Armen angetrieben wird - da müssen andere doch auch schon darauf gekommen sein. Wie könnte das heißen? Handfahrräder sind bekannt für Menschen mit gelähmten Beinen - also Hand-Fuß-Fahrrad? Die Suche im Internet führt rasch zu der überzeugenden Lösung: Varibike und Varitrike. Da ich mir jeden Winter ein Dreirad wünsche, um auch bei Glatteisgefahr und Schnee fahren zu können, war schnell klar: Das Varitrike ist das Richtige. Mit allen Informationen aus dem Internet und einem Telefonat mit Martin Kraiß habe ich es ohne Probefahrt bestellt - und es nie bereut. Seit einem Dreiviertel Jahr bringt es mich treu zur Arbeit und zurück. Die Fahrweise war rasch erlernt, Dank der für die Eingewöhnung angebauten Stabilisatoren lernte ich, das Gewicht in der Kurve zu verlagern, so dass auch enge Kurven kein Problem sind. Alles Nötige für die Verkehrstauglichkeit kann angebaut werden, auch ein Rückspiegel ist nützlich, und die Handy Halterung, die den Fahrradcomputer ersetzt, ein Licht mit USB-Ladeanschluss, alles was das Herz begehrt. Das Fahren macht richtig Spaß, mit meinen 60 Lenzen musste ich aufpassen, anfangs nicht in ein Übertraining zu kommen, aber der Krafteinsatz ist mit der 11 Gangschaltung sehr gut dosierbar. Man bekommt vom Feinsten, ich staune immer wieder, wie weit das Varitrike rollt, wenn ich vor einer roten Ampel aufhöre mit dem Kurbeln, die Lager laufen! Das Beinkurbelsystem Extreme musste schon sein, wennschon, dennschon. Damit sind Fahrradschuhe und Cleats erforderlich, das lohnt sich. So wird Fahrrad-, Paddel- und Rudertraining möglich. Die Abwechslung der Bewegungsabläufe erleichtert die Kontinuität des Tempos, bei Erschöpfung mit der einen Variante geht noch die Andere. So wird nun endlich der ganze Körper gleichmäßig fit, auch mit 60, wenn auch nicht mehr ganz so schnell. Alle anfänglichen Sorgen sind zerstreut. Ich komme durch die Gartenzauntüren und auch auf schmalen Wegen ist ausreichend Platz, wo für ein Fahrrad Platz ist, kann auch ein Varitrike fahren. auch Waldwege mit hervorstehenden Wurzeln sind fahrbar, Regenwasser wird von vorbeifahrenden Autos kaum so hoch und weit gespritzt - und ein Lastwagen, der durch Pfützen rauscht, wie das bei Fahrschülern vorgekommen ist, der macht mich selbst auf auf dem Fahrrad und dem Radweg von Kopf bis Fuß nass. Martin wies mich darauf hin, dass manche Mountainbikelenker fast genauso breit sind wie das Varitrike. So komme ich auch auf Radwegen mit Gegenverkehr an den Lastendreirädern vorbei, die in stark zunehmender Zahl unterwegs sind. Und Großstadtverkehr? Viele Bekannte machen sich Sorgen, mit einem Liegerad nicht gesehen zu werden. Nun, ich lebe. Bis jetzt bin ich gesehen worden, auch auf Supermarktparkplätzen, sogar ohne Fahne. An der Ampel neben einem rechts blinkenden Lastwagen ist auch mit dem Fahrrad nicht der richtige Augenblick, auf sein Vorfahrtsrecht zu bestehen. Da lohnt immer ein Blick zur Vergewisserung, ob der Abbiegende wartet, auch bei PKWs. Sonst wäre ich schon mit dem Fahrrad unter die Räder gekommen. Ich bin in Berlin unterwegs, das auch hinsichtlich der Fahrradwegeplanung von der 2010 unvermittelt eingesetzten Metropolisierung überrumpelt wurde. Nun, sowohl Fahrrad-, als auch Autofahrer haben sich ganz überwiegend aufeinander eingestellt. Manche fahren eben nicht nach oder in Berlin, dass ist wohl in vielen Großstädten so. Nun ist Berlin ja nicht nur, es hat auch ein raues Pflaster. Wäre nicht eine Federung sinnvoll? Ich vermisse sie nicht. Sie ist schwer, was lästig wäre, wenn ich mein Varibike vor mir her die ca. 50 Stufen den Spreetunnel hinunterlasse (Licht ausmachen, blendet!) und vor allem, wenn ich es wieder hinaufziehe. Außerdem sind Federungen irgendwann wartungsintensiv; wer täglich fährt, liebt wartungsarme Gefährte. Ich muss auf den ärgsten Holperstrecken keine Geschwindigkeitsrekorde aufstellen; das ist auch mit dem Citybike nicht empfehlenswert. Auf verkehrsreichen Straßen ohne Fahrradweg halten mehr Autos als mit dem Fahrrad respektvoll Abstand. Manchmal habe ich das Gefühl, sie fahren auch länger als nötig hinter mir her, um sich die Sache einmal anzuschauen. Ganz schön schlau! Ich bin überzeugt davon, dass sich das Varitrike durchsetzen wird, wenn anfängliche Irritation, Verwunderung und unnötige Bedenken nachlassen. Der ungewohnte Bewegungsablauf wird immer häufiger in seiner Trainingswirkung erkannt und geschätzt werden. Zugegeben: Für den Preis könnte man für den Preis auch lange ins Fitnessstudio gehen. Wer aber im Alltag das Nützliche mit dem Praktischen, Gesunden und Fitness steigernden verbinden kann und will, wer bereit ist, Neues zu probieren, der landet beim Varitrike.
Experience and test of the Varibike Trike at a TV report of the MDR see https://www.varibike.com/t-en-us/experience-test-varibike-trike
Youtube Video Test Varibike TrikeI have been working with recumbent bikes since around 2015, because I often have problems with my back. After various test rides with other single and three-track recumbent bikes and building a Tadpole trike myself, I came across the Varibike trike because it always bothered me that I could only use my legs for propulsion. After an extensive test ride in July 2022, I decided to buy the Varibike trike. At the beginning of April 2023 I was able to receive the vehicle, mounted a luggage box on the rear frame and immediately afterwards set off on a 14-day bike tour in Holland. I'm still very happy with with the Varibike Trike; It serves me both as a touring bike for multi-day tours and as a training device on the weekend. With the 11-speed hub gear you can tour in a relaxed manner, or even overtake e-bikes with a little sporty effort - I've already been asked where the motor was and received astonished looks when I denied its existence. Even inclines can be easily managed thanks to the additional drive with the arms; The lying position protects your back and your arms also get a workout. Daily distances of up to 100km are possible because you can always take a break from your arms or legs and your bottom doesn't hurt. I tend to mount the “Extreme” leg crank system for training rides on the weekend. I dismantled the stabilizer after the adaption period. With the low silhouette, it's logically a little harder to be seen than a "normal" cyclist - in city traffic when the situation is confusing, I usually have one hand on the brake while the other is cranking, so I can react more quickly. In general, overtaking cars will pass you at a sufficient distance; it is more critical to drive into intersections where there are vehicles parked on the left and right - the only thing that helps is to slow down and, if necessary, not necessarily enforce your right of way. Due to the very unusual silhouette, you are also noticeable; some people look very closely at what they are overtaking before and during overtaking. For better visibility, I had a hub dynamo and lighting installed. I also have these on during the day, you hardly notice the resistance. A rear-view mirror is highly recommended; due to the lying position you are a little less maneuverable and can therefore always keep an eye on the road users approaching from behind. For tours, I installed a cell phone holder so that I can see the planned route or if I want to track my workout. I have now swapped the mesh seat for a bucket seat, which is easier for my back to cope with, I don't miss any suspension, and the seat mat and the larger support surface compensate for unevenness sufficiently. Another serious advantage is that you can also ride the Varibike Trike hands-free. Unlike the Tadpoles with two wheels at the front, you can still keep it on track just by steering with your legs. Conclusion: A great product, well thought-out concept and clean workmanship, the price is okay considering the quality and service you get for it.
“LOVE THE BIKE!”
After 5 months of use of the Varibike Trike, you will find the contents of my achat. With a jambe inutilisable depuis mes 16 ans suite à un accident, this is a very renaissance de pouvoir à new goûter aux joies du bike. With the energy of a jambe and with two bras, each person attends the most interesting things. This bike position is convenient and comfortable. I recommend that the Varibike be used in all cases where the four members fail: three other parts compensate for the work of the ensemble. The material is of good quality, and with rapid disassembly of the wheels, the transport without problems in a car with a banquette can be arranged at a discount. When you travel to Laichingen you can meet the concept designer and manufacturer of the Varibike, Martin KRAISS: very sympathetic, he met a quad to find a solution that conveniently suits the owner.