Power Kite Forum

Solo Wheel?

Bladerunner - 7-6-2018 at 03:28 PM

OK. I know not to use a Solo Wheel with a kite but I know a few of you have experience with them.

I am seriously considering one for commuting to work. It is just over 1 mile and mostly bike lanes.

Probably my main concern is their weatherproof rating. I would hope to use it on wet roads between showers on too many days. I see it has a rating but don't know what it means.

Do I really want to spring an extra $300 for the faster model? Range should not be an issue with either?

Do they ever come up second hand? The bottom dweller in me had to ask!

cheezycheese - 7-6-2018 at 04:07 PM

Without a kite...? Says who...?
https://youtu.be/ywB5kbOhTzY

jeffnyc - 7-6-2018 at 04:07 PM

Not exactly what you're asking, but just came across this article about electric scooters: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/06/06/technology/how-i-learn...
I've not tried either one, but they seem like a good solution for short hops around the city. I think they're banned here though. Already enough people aimlessly walking into bike lanes, I could only imagine what an army of these things would be like.
Wold love to hear an update of how you get on with it if you decide to get one.

jy1zoom - 7-6-2018 at 04:21 PM

Great idea!

Bladerunner - 7-6-2018 at 04:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by cheezycheese  
Without a kite...? Says who...?
https://youtu.be/ywB5kbOhTzY


Why did I think I heard that this adventure ended with the Solo Wheel busted? I thought the kites pull burned out the motor or something like that?

I bought a cheap electric scooter when they 1st came out. I managed to burn that motor out by riding it faster than the stupid slow max speed going down a long hill? NO WAY it would have stood up to wet roads.

I have considered a scooter. Solo Wheel seems more my style. Never one for convention.

shehatesmyhobbies - 7-6-2018 at 05:00 PM

Teri is always out on his solo wheel with a kite, no real pull as the solo wheel can really move. He kind of just keeps power in the lines and moves along. He's usually only flying a hydra 250. At wildwood you will several hanging around in solo wheels including myself, but teri is the only one that takes his on the beach.

1 mile?

tomdiving - 7-6-2018 at 06:51 PM

hey
one mile? walk! that should be about 20 minutes. use any normal bike and be there in less than 10 minutes.
a unicycle should be between the two, but could be considerably faster than you think. and... you want a leg workout? a unicycle will beat your quads like no other, until you get used to it. standard learning curve for a uni is generally accepted to be less than 20 hours and is fun, exciting and challenging. easiest way is to take it to a shopping center and bang around behind a shopping cart in the parking lot. wish i would have known that when i got going on them 40 years ago. my brother and i just held onto our fence and went back and forth for a while.
schwinn shops carry them, or try unicycle.com to blow your mind. i use a 29 incher. the 20's make you pedal like a maniac. my schwinn 24 was stolen from a pal's garage long ago. a few years ago i replaced it with one from from hayneedle.com and am quite pleased with it.
a helmet and wrist guards are recommended.
tom

jeffnyc - 7-6-2018 at 06:59 PM

Quote:

I have considered a scooter. Solo Wheel seems more my style. Never one for convention.

I think I'm with you there. Thought the article was interesting because of the acceptance vs. fad aspect. Ubiquitousness was Segway's dream, but I guess they didn't think enough about cost. And Mall Cop didn't help matters...

Kober - 7-6-2018 at 07:33 PM

Solowheel is awesome

I am using it a lot rain or not , mostly when going to my buddy for a drink ... lol ... so I keep my car at home and solowheel keep me excercising my balance on way back .... lol ....

Here is me and Terry on short OBX ride .... I tak it with me to any vacation destination .... including WBB ...

eric67m - 7-6-2018 at 09:13 PM

Another one wheeled, powered option. This conversation reminded me that it existed...

https://onewheel.com

jeffnyc - 7-6-2018 at 10:07 PM

That's the one we need Bladerunner! No fun unless they're fast enough to kill you.

But the sticker shock...

Let me know when I can try yours :evil:


Quote:

Another one wheeled, powered option. This conversation reminded me that it existed...

https://onewheel.com

Solo Wheel?

indigo_wolf - 8-6-2018 at 03:22 AM

FWIW: The maker of the SoloWheel has a new product out that is cheaper and more portable than the SoloWheel (a little larger than a six pack of beer).

Pre-Order Price - $499.00 (Until 2/28/18)
Free shipping for US orders. All others $80.00
Expected shipping date: 2/28/18
Retail Price $599.00 (After 2/28/18)

Expect there will be some release date slippage, but worth a look.

Quick Specs


FAQ lists it as being able to handle rain and small puddles.... U-Boat commanders need not apply (bonus points for the movie reference).





ATB,
Sam

zero gee - 8-6-2018 at 12:22 PM

Not a onewheel thing but still a fun way to get around. I have used it to do some shopping in the OBX too. It has a 2 hour (50km) range at 21 to 23kph. Goes off road. Feels like carving a surfboard or snowboard. :cool:

aronma - 8-6-2018 at 12:45 PM

I've got an airwheel. It's fun and fine in light rain. The problem as a commuter is the overall weight. Too bad you don't live closer or I'd make you a great deal on mine. I don't use it much since I've been riding a electric longboard. Much better commuter vehicle if you ask me....

aronma - 8-6-2018 at 12:45 PM

I've got an airwheel. It's fun and fine in light rain. The problem as a commuter is the overall weight. Too bad you don't live closer or I'd make you a great deal on mine. I don't use it much since I've been riding a electric longboard. Much better commuter vehicle if you ask me....

Bladerunner - 8-6-2018 at 02:02 PM

Thanks for all the info.

I discovered that while I used to blade, board and bike into my old job at a similar location. I am getting old and lazy. I find myself sleeping later and taking tha car these days. :( .
Saving the parking fee is how I justify it.
+ i may save $3 an hour at my kite park if I can take it there.

I looked at electric bikes and long boards. Both cost more than even the glide 3 Solowheel.

The cheapo in me likes the newer smaller Iodatrax but I have a strong feeling 10mph will suck knowing I could go twice as fast but at twice the price ????

I have found the Glide 2 Solowheel for $898 cdn shipped. I am going to sleep on it but think I will order tomorrow. Sort of a nice middle ground.





skimtwashington - 8-6-2018 at 03:23 PM

I had trouble balancing the Solo wheel...and failed to my surprise', @ the WBB event several years back..


Close to home, I tried the One Wheel and had no trouble with the fore and aft' balancing that dominates ride positioning. It is also the positioning for it's acceleration or deceleration. The wide tire means little lateral balance focus-especially compared to the Solo Wheel

So, the One Wheel is easier, by far... for me anyway.

Bladerunner - 8-6-2018 at 03:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by skimtwashington  
I had trouble balancing the Solo wheel...and failed to my surprise', @ the WBB event several years back..


Close to home, I tried the One Wheel and had no trouble with the fore and aft' balancing that dominates ride positioning. It is also the positioning for it's acceleration or deceleration. The wide tire means little lateral balance focus-especially compared to the Solo Wheel

So, the One Wheel is easier, by far... for me anyway.


I considered the fact I may struggle getting started alone. I can take lessons locally if need be.

Bladerunner - 9-6-2018 at 03:31 PM

Glide 2 ordered.

I saw a Glide 2 light an sale for $598cdn. Too slow and not enough range.

Bladerunner - 16-6-2018 at 06:46 PM

Solowheel glide 2 arrived yesterday.

I used it on the deck for a couple of hours last night and felt confined. After a short stint in the parking lot I was off. Within 1/2 hour I was pushing it hard enough to get the verbal warning and a thing called kick back = to a face spanking if you did not know it does it.

Starting, stopping and going super slow need much work but I'M OFF!

The manual says " not for people under 12 or over 60 " . good thing I am 59 and act like I'm 12. :P

Randy - 16-6-2018 at 06:53 PM

Not for people over 60? Is it ok to kite buggy if you are over 60?

Bladerunner - 16-6-2018 at 09:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Randy  
Not for people over 60? Is it ok to kite buggy if you are over 60?



I know. I have never seen a warning like that before. The guy who invented it must be approaching 60. I doubt he will feel the same then! ;)

skimtwashington - 17-6-2018 at 08:58 AM



Big dif on price between one year and two year warranty w/purchase...

skimtwashington - 17-6-2018 at 09:19 AM



double post again!