If there's one shared memory of childhood that seems to be pervasive amongst the MTV generation it's gotta be the Big Wheel. The fixed gear king of scraped elbows, bruised tailbones, and mini ramps was one of the signs of summer. It really was a sensory explosion. The feel of the injection-molded grips, the sound of the plastic on the pavement you could hear from two blocks a way, and the sight of your mom racing after you with the antibacterial spray. Growing up in Wisconsin was a particular benefit to owning a big wheel as the salt and sand meant to keep cars on the road in winter provided the perfect mix to ensure you could spin your big wheel right off of it in the spring if you could conger enough speed. 360? Try 1080.
It's also true that some people never grow up. That's why Trek introduced the "Mod" a few years back. Our product manager was once quoted when talking about the Mod that he wanted to create bike that was "Perfect for a 5 year old or a drunk uncle." Mission accomplished. The great thing about the Mod is that it stays true to the Big Wheel soul but has a few of the missing components like hand brakes and a rubber front wheel. Granted those are some nice features but I don't think we ever had in mind what X-Games King, Travis Pastrana did with it. Trek Mod. Perfect for 5 year olds and 45 feet gap jump backflips.
Disclaimer: Trek had nothing to do with the making of this video. It's just something I stumbled upon while on Youtube one day. DO NOT TRY TO DO THIS. EVER.
You know, the bar just keeps getting higher. After flipping a Trikester, what's left besides flipping a Pure Trike? And then, the coup de grace, flipping a tandem with a team mate?
Posted by: JM | February 02, 2009 at 10:45 PM
i do that on weekends
Posted by: the mad dog | February 04, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Too bad for the TREK group that on Pastrana's MTV show, him & his buds kept callin' the Mod a "Big Wheel" the whole show! DOH!!!
Posted by: AZZO45 | February 09, 2009 at 11:50 PM
I know, right? Good Call. Totally a let down. Wondering if "Big Wheel" has turned into one of those generic terms for that style of bike. Like Kleenex or Rollerblade. Ah, well. How often does a Trek kids bike get on MTV?
Posted by: Hootie | February 10, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Too bad for TREK that they discontinued the mod just as those of us who want one were finding out about them.
Posted by: Charlie Alberson | November 27, 2009 at 09:55 PM