The Giant Cycle is an obstacle, firstly introduced on American Ninja Warrior 5, as the second obstacle in Stage One, replacing the Rolling Log from the previous season.
Competitors must jump 11 feet (3.35 meters) from a trampoline and grab a large wheel, which spins when touched. Then, competitors must use momentum from the swing to make a dismount to the landing platform. Some competitors (such as Jesse La Flair) took two swings to get to the platform. Although only 9 competitors failed on this obstacle, it took out some top competitors (e.g. Dan Mast, Sam Sann, Kacy Catanzaro, Nika Muckelroy, Michelle Warnky, and Michael Needham).
During USA vs. Japan, the obstacle took out Asa Kazuma, when he hit the wheel with his face, resulting his grip gave out from the wheel and fell.
Other Season Appearances[]
American Ninja Warrior 6[]
The Giant Cycle returned on American Ninja Warrior 6, once again as the second obstacle in Stage One. However, the obstacle was renamed as the Giant Ring. This time, only 2 competitors failed on this obstacle (however, it took out Sam Sann once again).
On American Ninja Warrior 7, the obstacle was replaced with the Propeller Bar.
Other Appearances[]
Ninja Warrior UK[]
On Ninja Warrior UK, the Giant Cycle appeared as the fourth obstacle during the finals' Stage 1. Similar to its appearance on American Ninja Warrior 6, the obstacle was called as the Giant Ring, and the obstacle didn't eliminate any competitor who attempted it.
Then, on Ninja Warrior UK 5, the Giant Cycle appeared as the second obstacle in Heat 4. This time, after grabbing the ring, competitors must make the transition to a punchbag-shaped pendulum (similar to the one used on the Jumper Cables), and then to the landing platform. Therefore, the obstacle was named as the Giant Wheel to Bag Grab.
Later on the same season, the Giant Cycle reappeared as the second obstacle during the finals' Stage 1. This time, the obstacle was flanked by two pendulum wheels (similar to the ones used on the Fly Wheels). Therefore, the obstacle was named as the Tri-cycle.
Then, on Ninja Warrior UK 6, the Giant Cycle appeared as the second obstacle in Heats 2, 3 and 6. This time, after grabbing the ring, competitors must switch to the bowtie-shaped wheel with pegs (similar to the one used on the Spinning Bowties) using the laché bar as medium to reach the second part of the obstacle. Therefore, the obstacle was named as the Triple Threat.
Ninja Warrior Germany[]
In Ninja Warrior Germany 1, Giant Cycle appeared as the second obstacle of the finals' Second Stage. Oliver Edelmann was the only person to attempt this obstacle, and he completed it.
Then, on Ninja Warrior Germany 5, the Giant Wheel to Bag Grab from Ninja Warrior UK 5 appeared as the fourth obstacle of the First Stage.
On Ninja Warrior Germany 8, Giant Wheel to Bag Grab appeared as the second obstacle of Preliminary Round 6. Instead of a trampoline, a pair of parallel bars was placed before the wheel.
On Ninja Warrior Germany 8: Celebrity Special, the Giant Cycle appeared as the second obstacle of Round 1. It was similar to the version from the corresponding regular season, with the difference that the punching bag was replaced by a ring (similar to the ones from Hoop Omega)
Ninja Warrior France[]
In Ninja Warrior France, the Giant Cycle, locally called La Grande Roue (literally The Great Wheel) appeared as the fourth obstacle in Semifinals, and was very similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior UK.
Then, in Ninja Warrior France 2, the Giant Cycle appeared as the second obstacle in the Finals' Stage Two, which was same as the one used in the previous season.
Later, in Ninja Warrior France 7, a double variant of the Giant Cycle, locally called Les Volants (literally The Ruffles) appeared as the second obstacle in the Stage One. The obstacle featured two large wheels, with a rope and a cargo net (similar to the Rope Ladder) placed at the end of the obstacle.
As a side note, the local name of the obstacle (Les Volants) was previously the local name of the Roulette Row in Ninja Warrior France 5 and Ninja Warrior France 6.
Ninja Warrior Poland[]
On Ninja Warrior Poland 4, the Giant Cycle, combined with Sonic Swing, appeared as the first obstacle in Stage One.
Ninja Israel[]
On Ninja Warrior Israel 3, the Giant Cycle, locally called נדנוד הגלגל (literally Wheel Wobble) appeared as the fourth obstacle of Heat 3 and Heat 7, and was very similar to the Giant Wheel to Bag Grab in Ninja Warrior UK 5. The obstacle was paired with the Stair Hopper as a part of Route B.
Competitors' Success Rate[]
- All results based on the NBC broadcast and external information found
ANW | Clears | Attempts | Percentage |
---|---|---|---|
ANW5 | 72 | 81 | 88.89% |
ANW6 | 88 | 90 | 97.78% |
USA vs. Japan | 5 | 6 | 83.33% |
USA vs. The World | 9 | 9 | 100% |
Total | 174 | 186 | 93.55% |