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Bold Design Trike Places The Rider On The Front Wheel, Providing Radical Riding And Stunning Visuals
The creators of the Grind Hard Plumbing Co channel, Ethan Schlussler and Edwin Olding, have once again captured attention with a crazy project. The new challenge is a giant trike, still in the early stages. Although far from completion, the innovative project is already impressive.
The only purchased piece so far has been the tractor wheel and tire, measuring 80 inches (204.5 cm) tall – taller than an average NBA player. The other parts were salvaged from old projects or recovered from previous inventions.
Ethan Schlussler, described as a “mad scientist” and the group’s master builder, commented: “I had to do something crazier than the helicopter, you know?” This statement perfectly sums up the team’s irreverent and creative spirit.
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BMW Engine And Humvee Rear Axle
The trike will feature a BMW 2.5L E36 engine, an M50B25. The engine was salvaged from an E-series car that the duo destroyed in a previous project. According to them, the engine is expected to produce around 190 hp and 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) of torque, enough for the planned setup.
The rear axle of the trike will come from an M998, a standard US military Humvee. The part was recovered from the snow, with the help of another Humvee. Schlussler plans to transplant the subframe, complete brakes, and suspension to the trike.
The M998 differential provides a 2.73:1 reduction, combined with a 1.92:1 reduction at the hubs. This could result in torque exceeding 900 lb-ft (1,200 Nm).
Giant Tires And Unique Trike Design
The project repurposes the two 46-inch (117 cm) wheels and tires from the “Monster Chopper” at the rear. Surprisingly, these tires look small compared to the front tractor tire, which stands an impressive 6 feet 8.5 inches tall (204.5 cm).
As northern Idaho does not require agricultural tires of this size, the piece will need to be shipped from the Midwest of the United States.
The design of the trike brings an innovative twist: the rider will sit inside the hub of the front wheel, rather than on the trike itself. This concept adds an extra layer of complexity.
The front wheel is about 5.75 times the size of the traditional wheels of the classic Big Wheel Trike, which has front wheels measuring 16 inches (40 cm) and rear wheels measuring 8 inches (20 cm).
Mad Max Style Madness
The idea of riding inside a wheel hub is not new. Kids have been sliding down hills using tires for generations. However, the Grind Hard Plumbing Co project takes this play to an unprecedented level, blending robust engineering with extreme creativity.
Schlussler remarked, laughing: “This vehicle will probably be the most Mad Max thing we’ve ever built”, demonstrating a mix of excitement and concern about the challenge.
With a history of eccentric and successful projects, the anticipation surrounding this giant trike is high. The audience eagerly awaits to see how the team will turn this bold vision into reality.
With information from New Atlas.
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