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I propose to create an adult version of the popular kids toy the big wheel (which is basically a todler version of a "recumbant tricycle" The first Link below shows a good picture of it, thanks squeak for posting). We have all ridden these plastic monsters and remember spinning around in them for endless
hours of joy. Now with modern materials and technologies I think we can update the big wheel to compete with same market that Segway is going for.
First, the big wheel would need to be built of a stronger plastic than the kid’s version, perhaps even going so far to build it out of carbon-fiber or Kevlar for the more extreme models which would undoubtedly be used to jump off ramps in some future X-games. Second, the problem of having to pedal the big wheel would be addressed twith clutching the pedals through a hub mounted electric motor to help the rider gain speed and tackle big hills. Last, the seat would be cushioned this time and have more adjustment parameters than the original three-holed seat adjustment on the youth big wheel.
The key marketing segment here is to appeal to the flavor the original big wheel had so it will retain the side handbrake and that little plastic part on the rear wheel to make that annoying clicking sound that drives dogs nuts. Also the wheels would stay plastic that way whenever you felt like it you could get going at a good clip and then yank the hand-brake and turn the main wheel and send yourself into a wicked Batmoblie like spin.
Customizing: The Adult Big Wheel could also capitalize on the current popularity of motorcycle choppers. Big Wheels could be all chromed out with black paint jobs and flames on the side.
The only real competitor to the Adult Big Wheel is the Segway which, lets face it, is incredibly stupid looking. Who wants to stand up on a modern day chariot that needs a Pentium computer and gyros to keep it upright when you could be lounged back “old-school” style in a chromed out, flame paint job, no fear of falling over unless your roll the damn doing a spin out trying to impress a supermodel, bad-ass Big Wheel. Oh yeah I think we could build them initially for a hell of a lot less than the $5k Segway price.
Big Wheel
http://shop.store.y...spastllc/em701.html
For the bemused. [squeak, Oct 17 2004]
(?) almost baked
http://www.boomersr...specialty-items.asp
[FarmerJohn, Oct 17 2004]
Penny Farthing
http://www.inet-shi...cycles/HISTORY1.htm
What *lovely* moustaches. [my face your, Oct 17 2004]
Skid Car
http://www.trcpg.com/Skid_Car_System.htm
Found at high performance driving schools. [half, Oct 17 2004]
(?) Big Wheel
http://www.cc-pedalcars.com
I've seen a picture of an adult sized Big Wheel. It looks plastic. scroll down at www.gearboxtoys.com/alphahome.html [cybershop, Oct 17 2004]
Aesthetic Guidelines
http://www.bikemenu...nster%20Garage.html
.. for the appropriate badass look .. [bpilot, Oct 17 2004]
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Big Wheels were after my time - never rode a tricycle either, just got on anything with two wheels, even if it meant being between the crossbars of a 10 speed with arms above head and legs stretched back. I took the training wheels off my Schwinn Stingray within 3 minutes of receiving it. |
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Yeahyeahyeah! Want one want one want one. This would be perfect as I cannot ride a two wheeler bike. And I would deffo go for the chopper version. I predict buns aplenty for this idea and you can have one from me too. |
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For all those who have no idea what a big wheel is, it's a Tricycle. Maybe put it in the idea somewhere [Gideon]. I couldn't tell what this was until I googled it a bit. |
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I agree that the plastic wheels had almost no traction and were quick to wear out. There are modern materials that would probably fit the purpose better but part of the appeal for the Big Wheel was the complete lack of traction and its ability to "spin-out". One of my thoughts proposed putting a traction material similar to what is on the bottom of some cross country ski's...as the material moves in one direction it provided traction but moving in another direction and its very slick. WOuld give good traction for driving and the right surface to do spin-outs and other crazy things. One draw back is if you started to roll down a hill in reverse even with the brakes on you wouldnt stop but hey that could be fun too. |
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Well, I'll try it - beats coasting on a shopping cart. Segways *are* cool though - saw one being ridden by a hipster a few months ago. |
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Nice one. Pretty easy to build. Probably many have been
made. No problem with adults weight, as long as the
bearings are good, and it's designed with the seat far
enough in front of the back wheels to give the front
wheel some traction. I remember having fun spinning the
front wheel for a while before going anywhere. |
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And you gotta have those cool 70's bad mag wheels, and
the stickers with the dashboard on em. |
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Seems like the plastic wheels would sink this idea. However, if the side handle instead caused a transferof the load of the vehicle to a set of casters as is done on a "skid car", you might just have something. |
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A few years ago I was on a flight and there was either a contest or they were selling the Adult Big Wheel. What this means is that they were manufactured at one time and may be able to reproduce or at least identify that they are out there, somewhere! I want one to ride with my Kids. It would be so cool! If any one know anything about the adult one that were made please get contact with me. I will research and find the details given that I can receive enough evidence for a good lead.
Dan Lasher d_lasher@yahoo.com |
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Razor and Terf Dog both make a tubular steel, front rubber inflated tire big wheel. They have a free wheel peddal system so you can keep your feet on the peddals when coasting fast and a hand brake on the handle bars. The Razor claims to be able to support up to 220 or 230 pounds. I bought a Terf Dog at Kmart on clearance for 20 bucks. The handle bars are ajustable so adult can peddal. I had to change the seat though because it was to small and uncomfortable. The Razor (Scream Machine) has a larger seat, but I do not know if the handle bars are adjustable so an adult can peddal without hitting the them. The Razor also sells there version with an 12volt motor that can push it along at 9 mph. Huffy has recreated the Green Machine big wheel from the earlier 80's. It has two levers that turn the rear wheels alowing for better skidding action. It is also tubular steel with rubber tires. Scottgt, May 27, 2004 |
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Wouldn't it be interesting to see if "Orange County Choppers" or any othe custom builder in the country, would take on the challenge of building a full blown streetable version...motorized of course. |
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There's a television program called "Big!". The episode I saw was the building of a 20 ft. long motorcycle. Maybe they'd take on the task. |
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I remember the comedian Ghallagher had one he used on a TV appearance at least once. It might be interesting to find out where he got it. |
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