JF Ptak Science Books Quick Post
Even Scientific American–the 1896 source of this small article on this big bike–was impressed with the virtuoso nature of bigness in this invention, stating in the open paragraph that “in this age of big things one is always prepared for the construction of a mammoth engines, ships, buildings…” but this practice was “invaded by the bicycle world”. The trike was “colossal–no other word can describer it–” at 17′ long, powered by eight people (four per rear wheel), with a 6′-diameter front wheel and 11′-diameter (!) rear wheels (with 1/2-inch diameter spokes) and weighed in at 3000 pounds. It was a beast. The function evidently did not follow form, as there was no discernible use for it except to be displayed during parades and other social events.
