After I recently sold my Milan SL, I started to think about what velomobile to get as a stable mate to my DF velomobile. I looked around and was considering a new Milan SL Mk7 but suddenly Velomobileworld cancelled production of that model. The next best thing is the Bulk Mk 1. I placed the order with NorthlandVelo just before the president launched his tariff war sinking the US dollar and causing chaos in the shipping industry. As it turns out I managed to get my Bulk shipped to LAX without suffering as much financial damage as I had feared.

My friend David drove me down to the Air France Cargo Warehouse by LAX to pick up the giant 10ft, 200lb crate in his Dodge RAM pickup.

I ordered a fairly standard Bulk with a couple of exceptions. First, I had everything painted in Porsche Miami Blue paint. The Bulk derailleur cover is always delivered in naked carbon fiber so I painted that blue to match. Most Bulks come with a light tower on top of the hood. I think that it’s much bigger than it needs to be and also quite ugly.

After checking over the entire velomobile for loose bolts, alignment issues I made some minor changes and adjustments. I got the seat situated so that I can fit under the hood with a helmet, my knees and shins clear the cockpit coaming and my toes and heels clear the inside of the shell. I added my mirror covers which double as turn indicators and I removed some pads from inside the hood to allow for more head room.

Next, I moved on to cosmetics. Bulks all come with advertisement and slogan stickers. I think they look kind of ridiculous so I asked that they not be placed on my Bulk. I was denied. I also ordered standard orange stripes. My Bulk was delivered with all silver stickers and stripes as shown below.

So first, I applied my customary “No Motor” sticker. Then, I committed a sin against Velomobileworld.com – I re-did the stickers, stripes and tail reflector, eliminating the slogans and any trace of silver for the orange that I had ordered. Here’s how it looks now:

I’ve put about 100 miles on it in the last week. Compared to my DF, I’d say that the Bulk feels lighter, more rigid in its handling and in transmitting the power. Also, it’s quieter – fewer rattles. I haven’t tested the power meter readings but it seems quicker for the amount of effort.