Pedaling out to sea

Published On: August 1, 2015
Inflatable pontoons make this bicycle water-stable and easy to maneuver for a low impact ride on open water. Photo: Schiller Bikes

Inflatable pontoons make this bicycle water-stable and easy to maneuver for a low impact ride on open water. Photo: Schiller Bikes

Taking the bike out for a spin is a whole new adventure on the Schiller S1, a bicycle built for water. No heavy boats, paddles or special equipment are needed; bikers can get out on the water and enjoy the ride. Like a traditional bike, it has a saddle, handlebars, cranks and pedals. But it also has a marine-grade anodized aluminum frame suitable for fresh and salt water use, a proprietary drive train featuring Gates Carbon Drive belts, a flexible shaft and a propulsion system. The rider simply pedals to spin the propeller and move forward. Navigation is easy, even in tight spaces, by steering the handlebars, which control the rudder.

Designed by Schiller Bikes, based in Mill Valley, Calif., the Schiller S1 has a wide catamaran-style configuration to keep it steady. It floats on two 1100-denier PVC pontoons that are inflatable and provide up to 1,000 pounds of buoyancy for safety and stability. The bike itself weighs 30 pounds, and the total weight is 70 pounds. Assembled, the medium S1 measures 42-by-35-by-8 inches. It is available in three sizes. The pontoons can be attached to the body in less than 10 minutes, and the bike is designed to be easily transportable and stored in a compact space.