Review Sinner velomobile hood

Two weeks ago, during Cycle Vision, I got my hands on the Sinner velomobile hood which I could try out for a week and a half (just before I sold my bike). Now I'll try to write my personal meaning about the hood. Partly about a velomobile hood in general and sometimes about the Sinner hood itself. You also have a race/tour hood from velomobielonderdelen.nl. But I didn't have the chance to test that.

As you can see the hood is made for a Mango and it's well build. The one I have is dark read in finish, standard the are black (but I've seen a spray painted yellow one last weekend). The hood is also usable in a Quest or Strada, but then you have some extra room between the top of the bike and the hood. Not such a problem, because I think it should create some airflow around your head.

Like I said I had the chance to test the hood for a week and a half and in that period it's been quite hot. When I was riding with the visor closed it was getting to hot in the bike for my taste. During that period I rode with my shirt all the way zipped down and when I got home there sometimes was a stream of sweat going down my chest. Fun if you are in a sauna and in the winter, but when it's hot outside the visor should be kept open. With the visor open the heat is manageable and I think it's not much warmer then without the hood.

During this period it also was very windy for a day or two and you'll notice that the bike is more sensitive for crosswinds. It doesn't get out of control, but you have to stay alert. Also because your speed is higher you have to watch out in corners. If you take them at high speed and the wind is in the wrong direction, you could tip over. Not a downside of the hood, but keep in in mind.

The speed. It's definitely higher. I can tell the difference between visor open and closed. When I close it you immediately feel you're pedaling lighter. During my rid home from work I reached a average speed of 41.1 km/h (my fastest ride ever). Although I have to admit that I was very hot (read: waterfalls running down my chest ). I'd say on average the cruising speed is about 5 km/h higher.

I didn't get the chance to test the hood in the rain, because it was dry the whole time. But I can imagine you stay dry for 99% of the time. Only a lost drop may find it's way through the side or under the visor. Not something you should worry about I think. How the visor holds up with drops on it regarding visibility I don't know.

During my rides I did however have some 'bad luck' with the hood. Three of the joints that hold the velcro strips in place got loose which made the hood sit to loosely on the bike (that shouldn't happen according to Sinner). And one time both nuts which hold the visor in place fell of, during one ride. A very nice experience when a cold piece of metal disappears in your shirt at high speed . Fortunately the visor stayed in place. Although it didn't stay open if you adjust it. When I got home I reattached the nuts and the problem was solved. Something to pay attention to. Tighten them once in a while. That keeps the visor from dropping now and then. Maybe my nuts were a little 'worn out'.

The view inside the hood is actually pretty good. You hardly notice there is a hood on the bike. Only in the city it's not that practical, but that's the case anyway when you're riding in a busy city with a velomobile. You also have enough room in front of you to drink from a bottle (I didn't do it, but it's possible). The tho holes on both sides of your face let you stay in contact with the outside world, although you are a bit more enclosed in comparison to riding 'convertible'. The two holes are also fitted with a foam layer which keeps your ears from being tortured. Another funny fact is that one time when I got home I pulled into the parking lot and into a space meant for cars. Then I realized I was by bike and not by car, so I parked my bike beneath the stairs.

Conclusion

Would I want a velomobile hood for myself? No, not in the summer I think. I just like it when the wind goes around my head. And going a little bit faster and a bit more wind noise doesn't matter to me. Only when it's raining or in winter I would like a hood, that way you're warm and dry. Another problem is that you can't put the hood in your bike, in comparison to the foam cover. You either use it or leave it at home.

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