Hi: I am interested in finding out information on monocycles like the one
pictured here: <A HREF=“http://www.unicycling.org/unicycling/whatsnew.html”>Wh
at’s new on the Unicycle Page</A> Do you know anything about this type of
vehicle or similar human powered versions. I am an Industrial Designer
interested in developing this concept. Any info at this point would be helpful.
Thank you for your time…Andrew
RE: No Subject
> I am interested in finding out information on monocycles like the one pictured
> here: <A HREF=“http://www.unicycling.org/unicycling/whatsnew.html”>Wh at’s new
> on the Unicycle Page</A> Do you know anything about this type of vehicle or
> similar human powered versions. I am an Industrial Designer interested in
> developing this concept.
I can offer some basic advice, but I don’t know details about the various
pictured monocycles. I’m sure someone on this newsgroup can tell you more.
>From an industrail design point of view, the concept of a monocycle with
rider inside works, but is not a useful replacement for anything. It’s a great
novelty vehicle but has its problems:
- They are hard to stop safely (apply the brakes too hard and suddenly you’re
taking a ride inside the clothes dryer) - Quick acceleration on a motorized one would have similar problems (now you’re
a hamster!) - They are hard to steer, due to your low point within the wheel, and the
size/weight of the wheel - They would be much heavier than the equivalent bicycle (or unicycle) due to
the sheer amount of materials required to make such a large wheel, and to make
it strong enough to support itself without spokes) - Lastly, they won’t easily fit in the car trunk, or on the bike rack on top,
making them hard to transport and store.
John Foss (never ridden one, but that’s what I can figure out from the various
pictures, videos, and written accounts I’ve been exposed to) www.unicycling.com
Re: No Subject
>- Quick acceleration on a motorized one would have similar problems (now you’re
> a hamster!)
LOL!