Re: New improved Coker–is it for real?
On 24 Oct 2000, Maxfield D wrote:
> There was talk back in the early summer about a group in Minnesota working to
> create an improved Coker–perhaps for a ride across Europe. Is this project
> making progress? The world is waiting to see what you come up with–rim
> design, axle length, frame design, time frame, cost…
>
> If the Minnesota group has given up on an advanced Coker, then please let us
> know. Perhaps we can find another way to get one designed and built. That
> builder in Austria expressed some interest.
We have not given up on the advanced Coker. Since we are planning on doing a
really long distance ride next summer, we want to have a distance Coker
available.
Our first choice was to buy the tire from Coker and build the unicycle from
there, but this depends on getting a rim (the rim that currently comes on a
Coker is not the greatest). Wayne van Wijk from Australia was looking into
getting a rim made but his first attempt didn’t work out. As he mentioned in his
email, he is looking at another place.
But, we need to make sure we have our Cokers ready early next year so we are
going with plan B. That is, buy a Coker and ‘throw’ everything away but the
tire, tube, rim and spokes. From there, put on a new hub, upgrade the bearings,
make a new frame (that uses the Miyata bearing cups instead of Coker’s bearing
holders that pinch the bearing), change cranks (125 mm for starters), new
‘gripy’ pedals, carbon fiber seat, break assembly, and cycle computer. The break
assembly is the most unknown at this time, we have some interesting ideas and if
it works out, this will be one of the better features.
As of right now, a prototype is being made. After the prototype is done, we
will be making more for others going on the ride. But, not everybody wants/need
all the ‘features’ that I want so some people are getting what they need and
can afford.
-Andy
Andy Cotter - cotter@skypoint.com Unicycle Video “One Wheel - No Limit” -
http://www.tcuc.org/nolimit/ Twin City Unicycle Club, Pres - http://www.tcuc.org