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



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