From The Archives: Vintage PopSci's Obsession with Big, Big Wheels

4 Comments

So what's the original publish date of the "Moto-Mono-Cycle" image?

Image 3 looks like it would have a 100% fatality rate. The steering wheel in both that and image 5 is beyond perplexing. One would think that the normal way to change directions in such a device would be to lean one way or the other -- which might actually work in image 3 if only the driver could survive long enough to execute such a maneuver.

Of course, leaning to make a turn would be very difficult for image 5 since the rider, and most of the device's mass, is situated below its natural axis of rotation.

Popular? Maybe. But, science? Phooey!

@ A1Bme
I saw a guy hauling a** on one he built, much like image #5.

He had a problem with wobble before, but maneuvering sure didn't seem to be a problem in some of the very fast runs I watched.

I, too, have seen, albeit in video only, current
exemplars.

Would suggest that the 'ball tank' (armoured fighting
vehicle....) from mid thirties might be included in
'the set'???

best



June 2013: American Energy Independence

Five amazing, clean technologies that will set us free, in this month's energy-focused issue. Also: how to build a better bomb detector, the robotic toys that are raising your children, a human catapult, the world's smallest arcade, and much more.


Online Content Director: Suzanne LaBarre | Email
Senior Editor: Paul Adams | Email
Associate Editor: Dan Nosowitz | Email
Assistant Editor: Colin Lecher | Email
Assistant Editor: Rose Pastore | Email

Contributing Writers:
Rebecca Boyle | Email
Kelsey D. Atherton | Email
Francie Diep | Email
Shaunacy Ferro | Email

circ-top-header.gif
circ-cover.gif