Cycle turns mobile gym gear

VADODARA: Cycling is good for health - a senior citizen has taken this adage to build a unique workout vehicle. Sudhir Bhave (66) has developed and designed a unique bicycle - 'SiyaGo' - a fusion of a cardio workout instrument and a cycle that can be driven on the city streets.
Unlike conventional cycle, on SiyaGo you stand and drive. "I derived inspiration to make the cycle after my recent visit to the United States, where I came across 'ElliptiGo' a unique cycle.The idea of using a cross trainer on the go fascinated me. Promoting health while travelling motivated me to build SiyaGo," said Bhave, who is an alumnus of M S University's Faculty of Technology and Engineering.
Bhave developed the cycle in three months at a cost of around Rs 50,000. He made the cycle based on the videos of 'ElliptiGo' on the internet. According to Bhave, the cycle was made using locally available materials.
"Although the cycle is for people above eight years of age, it can be beneficial particularly for elders. As we grow old, the mind and body synchronization reduces. Cycling for half an hour day on SiyaGo can help senior citizens regain balance and tune their motor skills," said Bhave, who was honoured by Vadodara Innovation Council on March 8 for his creation. According to Bhave, cycling on SiyaGo can help people in managing cardio-vascular issues, cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure. Other health concerns like weight loss, muscle building, belly fat reduction can also be addressed using the cycle. Maximum speed of the vehicle is at 15 kilometre per hour.
"This bicycle can be kept on stationary mode to practice before riding it on the streets. The biggest advantage of the cycle is that there is no strain on the knees. It keeps the entire body active," said Himanshu Khara, an Ahmedabad-based orthopaedic surgeon and friend of Bhave, who has started to recommend the cycle to his patients.
"Travelling one kilometre on SiyaGo is equivalent to five kilometres on an ordinary cycle. In fact it is quite better than a morning stroll. We are planning to make more prototypes of the cycle," said Anil Jadhav, who helped Bhave make the cycle.