rollagain

Wow, such an incredible idea! And what a bargain, too!

https://www.honeybadgerwheel.com/collections/options

indyfabz

Except they are not bicycles. They are basically wheel barrows with front platforms instead of barrows. They are propelled by walking.

rollagain

Yeah, I forgot to install the snark. They're a modern version of the Chinese wheelbarrow. I got the link from this article,

https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2011...eelbarrow.html

which describes the invention as an adaptation to decaying infrastructure. The roads got so bad that two-wheeled carts became useless on them. None of which explains why someone thinks they're worthy of a modern reinvention.

CliffordK

Interesting device.

I could imagine they missed their calling 20 years ago before POT legalization.

I'm trying to imagine if they'd be useful for hiking/camping.

If I was going to build one, it would be primarily for access to flat-land camping sites. So, folding and compact would be a MUST. Perhaps design it around the Schwinn 16x3 tires.

However, the E-Cart could be handy for more rugged terrain. It mentions hunting.

Doctor Morbius

There's actually an e-bike version?! At only $1,800 on sale I should get TWO!!!

Moe Zhoost

Interesting take on the venerable wheelbarrow. Unlike a wheelbarrow, though, this device balances the load over the axle, which likely allows better control with less of a workout. One of their models can carry 250 lbs. I imagine that's possible to handle on a smooth level surface, but probably a bit tough on a rough uphill route. A small trailer might be more suitable in that situation.

indyfabz

FIFY, as there is nothing "bike" about them.

This thread belongs in Foo.

FiftySix

But where's the kickstand?

At least a wheelbarrow can be rested on the ground without having to unload it first.

indyfabz

Good point. Maybe they think a kickstand would be too Freddy, like bells.

GrainBrain

Um the picture from the website shows a guy doing single track/hiking trail maintenance with one so there's that.

autonomy

I'll supply the snark. Is it really that difficult to come to terms with an idea that some people might have a need for a modern-material rough-terrain wheelbarrow?
https://www.google.com/search?q=hone...wheel&tbm=isch

This actually looks more useful than other bicycle-like 'inventions'
https://www.google.com/search?q=treadmill+bike&tbm=isch
https://www.google.com/search?q=fliz+bike&tbm=isch
https://www.google.com/search?q=half+bike&tbm=isch (the REAL HALF bike)
https://www.google.com/search?q=elli...+bike&tbm=isch

And so on.

rollagain

No kickstand. That's what the handlebar ends are for. I just hope they put locking brake levers on them.

CliffordK

The Kickstarter Campaign. They sold:
9 Fattie II
2 Fattie II electric
1 Personal Operator Hunt Adventure

They've posted a few photos of the thing parked on the Kickstarter Campaign. It does look a bit awkward.



The photo with the coolers looks a bit odd. Did they tie the coolers on strange for the parked photo, then tie them on again fro the carrying photo?




I'm not quite sure how to deal with those issues. Perhaps stands that would drop down.

Miele Man

Now if it had a single center handle and a means to attach it to say a bicycle seatpost then it might make a decent bicycle trailer.

Cheers

badger1

Pfffft. Not interested. For one thing, it doesn't have illusory drop bars. And then there's the question whether one gets the same 'workout' with a digital barrow as with an analog barrow.
#realwheelbarrowist

CliffordK

I wonder if there is an issue with too little handle weight.

So, say one encounters a rock or log to push the thing over. Would the pushing force tend to simply revolve around the axle rather than lifting the load over the obstruction?

Pull? Walk backwards?

Handle height?

bedtime

Poor idea, too be sure.

First, the load would need to be balanced or it would tip.

Second, I question the ability of one being able to push a 50lb+ load on one tire through soft (dry) sand. I believe it would likely sink enough to make pushing the load too difficult.

Third, once the load tips about 30+ degrees on either side, she's gonna topple, and there's not much you could do but watch her fall and crash.

CliffordK

Hmmm... thinking of using wheelbarrows. I do like the 2 wheel garden carts, but I've used plenty of single wheel ones. Often with far more than 50lbs. There have been times when one slams the rear supports down onto the ground to prevent it from tipping. Not practical with this system.



The Kickstarter page says 150 to 200 lb capacity. Not unexpected, but that is a big load.

Nonetheless, in my younger years, I carried a load of about 130 lbs (backpack + shoulder strap luggage). WHEW!!! Getting the big loads onto a wheel makes a lot of sense. Nonetheless, it would still be a big problem in rugged terrain.

Even getting a 50 lb load off the back and onto the ground would be a benefit. Toddler stroller?

Jeff of Vt

It seems poorly thought out, especially considering the price. A single wheel would make sense if it had linkage to a ruck frame and trailed behind the hauling hiker. You could even route the braking cable and a lever by the hiker's hip. Otherwise it's a lot more energy to keep upright over rugged terrain. Something like a ruck frame attached unit could have potential. It would offload a lot of the weight on the hiker compared to the traditional ruck.

FWIW, the closest thing to this I've seen is a pole and belt system offered as a "jogger" kit by Burley for their trailers.

There's a reason the ubiquitous wheelbarrow has a small wheel, legs, and a low center of gravity. Balancing that on a traditional bike wheel would take a lot of energy and upper body strength. One thing would be certain, it would be an excellent upper body workout.

Homebrew01

Another solution in search of a problem.

N00b_Cyclist

So was just at "Cycle Mode International" here in Japan last weekend, and they had some of these bike things. They had them in all shapes/sizes from just "normal" bikes with a cutout in the middle for "utility boxes", all the way to more wheelbarrow looking ones. Most of them were e-bikes, and overall, it was just an odd sight.

Milton Keynes

I can't wait to read posts from people complaining about them on MUP's.

indyfabz

You win General for the day.

But I still don't understand why some people are still referring to them as "bikes."

Kedosto

Wait, what? Is it April already?

Up to 200+ pounds balanced on a single wheel with a center of gravity that high and anyone expects stability and usefulness?! Riiiiight. Fools and their money...


-Kedosto

CliffordK

At least they will be taken along the MUPS at walking pace.

That is unless the kids figure out how to unicycle them downhill on mountain trails.