Then: Growing up in rural Massachusetts in the ’70s and ’80s, the Big Wheel was a big deal. On my street, this toy “low-rider” with a huge front wheel was a status symbol that afforded the rider street cred. We all joined together and peddled from driveway to driveway like a pack of bikers visiting Daytona Beach during Bike Week. I like to think of that time in my life as a precursor to The Fast and the Furious movie franchise, albeit at slower speeds and with pint-sized fury.
Now: Today’s Big Wheel is essentially an exact replica of the original that was introduced in 1969 by Louis Marx and Company. The current Original Big Wheel Racer retains many of the classic features of the model I proudly piloted, including the yellow, blue, and red color palette, the adjustable three position “grow with me” seat, and the large 16-inch front wheel. Vroom! Alternate models are also available in different colors with names like “Hot Scorcher”, “Pink Cyclone”, and “Cycle Fever” — proving that even after 45 years, the Big Wheel remains a cool ride.
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