Schiller X1 Water Bike Delivers Wave-Top Cardio

Biking offers excellent low-impact exercise, but who says it has to be limited to the road or mountain trail? The Schiller X1 is a water bike that lets you get your cardio on while riding the waves like a pedal-powered pontoon boat.

Designed and built in Northern California, the X1 is constructed from anodized aluminum and stainless steel, with a proprietary propulsion and steering system. I gave the X1 a test run in the waters off Fort Lauderdale, and by the time I pedaled from the marina to open water, I was already gassed from driving the twin props through the water. Gassed, but hooked. This is serious exercise that’s serious fun. (And seriously head turning. With all the pics people were snapping, I’m guessing I ended up on a few dozen Twitter feeds…)

The X1 has a wide stance and long, rugged pontoons, so it’s just about impossible to tip over, even in heavy chop—so you can bundle up and ride the waves right up until they freeze over. (Or catch a ride on an X1 at one of the resorts that have now included them in their water sports arsenals.) In the summer, the pontoons can double as a standing platform, making diving and fishing possible without the need for a boat. Also making it perfectly acceptable to claim fishing as exercise.

schillerbikes.com
Schiller X1: $6495
Limited Founder’s Edition: $8775