Every Part Has a Purpose
The Custom Choice Cruiser wasn't designed by selecting parts from a catalog. Every component was intentionally chosen, tested, and refined to support Bourbon Hackworth's vision of creating an exercise wheel that balanced safety, durability, function, and enrichment.
The following sections explain the reasoning behind the design decisions that have defined the Cruiser since its introduction in 2008.
The Signature Bounce
One of the most recognizable features of the Custom Choice Cruiser is its unique bounce action.
This feature was intentionally created by Bourbon Hackworth through careful testing and adjusting of the center bolt placement. By changing the position of the center bolt, the amount of bounce can be customized to provide different levels of movement.
The Cruiser is available with three bounce options:
As the amount of bounce increases, the glider must put more effort into moving the wheel. This creates a more engaging running experience and encourages additional physical activity.
The bounce action is designed to mimic the natural movement sugar gliders experience in the wild as they leap, glide, and move through the branches of trees. Instead of a completely rigid running experience, the Cruiser provides dynamic movement that encourages gliders to actively engage with the wheel.
The bounce is not created by the flexibility of the running surface. It is the result of the carefully engineered placement of the center bolt and the way the wheel responds during use.
This unique design feature has become one of the defining characteristics of the Custom Choice Cruiser.
The Custom Choice Cruiser wasn't designed by selecting parts from a catalog. Every component was intentionally chosen, tested, and refined to support Bourbon Hackworth's vision of creating an exercise wheel that balanced safety, durability, function, and enrichment.
The following sections explain the reasoning behind the design decisions that have defined the Cruiser since its introduction in 2008.
The Signature Bounce
One of the most recognizable features of the Custom Choice Cruiser is its unique bounce action.
This feature was intentionally created by Bourbon Hackworth through careful testing and adjusting of the center bolt placement. By changing the position of the center bolt, the amount of bounce can be customized to provide different levels of movement.
The Cruiser is available with three bounce options:
- ½ Bounce
- ¾ Bounce
- Full Bounce
As the amount of bounce increases, the glider must put more effort into moving the wheel. This creates a more engaging running experience and encourages additional physical activity.
The bounce action is designed to mimic the natural movement sugar gliders experience in the wild as they leap, glide, and move through the branches of trees. Instead of a completely rigid running experience, the Cruiser provides dynamic movement that encourages gliders to actively engage with the wheel.
The bounce is not created by the flexibility of the running surface. It is the result of the carefully engineered placement of the center bolt and the way the wheel responds during use.
This unique design feature has become one of the defining characteristics of the Custom Choice Cruiser.
The Coated Wire Mesh Running Surface
The running surface of the Custom Choice Cruiser was carefully selected to provide a balance of durability, function, and comfort.
Bourbon chose coated wire mesh because it offered the characteristics she was looking for in a wheel designed for years of dependable use.
The mesh provides secure footing for tiny hands and feet while allowing airflow throughout the running surface. It also allows waste to pass through the track instead of collecting where gliders run, making routine cleaning easier.
Like every other part of the Cruiser, the running surface wasn't chosen because it was convenient—it was chosen because it fit Bourbon's vision of creating an exercise wheel that balanced safety, durability, function, and enrichment for sugar gliders.
The running surface of the Custom Choice Cruiser was carefully selected to provide a balance of durability, function, and comfort.
Bourbon chose coated wire mesh because it offered the characteristics she was looking for in a wheel designed for years of dependable use.
The mesh provides secure footing for tiny hands and feet while allowing airflow throughout the running surface. It also allows waste to pass through the track instead of collecting where gliders run, making routine cleaning easier.
Like every other part of the Cruiser, the running surface wasn't chosen because it was convenient—it was chosen because it fit Bourbon's vision of creating an exercise wheel that balanced safety, durability, function, and enrichment for sugar gliders.
The 12-Inch Diameter
The diameter of the Custom Choice Cruiser was chosen with purpose.
A 12-inch wheel allows sugar gliders to run with a more natural stride while providing ample room for comfortable movement. The larger diameter gives gliders the space to run freely and helps support a smooth, consistent running motion.
Just as importantly, the 12-inch size complements the Cruiser's signature bounce action. Together, they create a running experience designed to encourage natural movement while providing an engaging form of exercise.
Like every other design decision in the Cruiser, the wheel's size was selected with the goal of creating an exercise wheel that balances comfort, function, and enrichment.
The diameter of the Custom Choice Cruiser was chosen with purpose.
A 12-inch wheel allows sugar gliders to run with a more natural stride while providing ample room for comfortable movement. The larger diameter gives gliders the space to run freely and helps support a smooth, consistent running motion.
Just as importantly, the 12-inch size complements the Cruiser's signature bounce action. Together, they create a running experience designed to encourage natural movement while providing an engaging form of exercise.
Like every other design decision in the Cruiser, the wheel's size was selected with the goal of creating an exercise wheel that balances comfort, function, and enrichment.
Dual Precision Bearings
The Custom Choice Cruiser is built with two precision skateboard bearings that were carefully selected for their smoothness, quiet operation, and durability. The bearings feature a titanium-coated, high-micro-finish surface and Grade 10 balls, providing a high level of precision and durability.
Rather than placing the bearings together, the Cruiser's bearing system intentionally spaces them apart. This design helps reduce friction within the assembly, contributing to smoother operation while enhancing the longevity of the bearings. The separation also provides greater stability within the bearing assembly and helps distribute the forces generated by the Cruiser's unique offset design.
Together, these design choices allow the wheel to spin effortlessly with minimal resistance, creating a smooth and consistent running experience for sugar gliders while providing the quiet performance and long-term reliability that Cruiser owners have come to appreciate.
The Custom Choice Cruiser is built with two precision skateboard bearings that were carefully selected for their smoothness, quiet operation, and durability. The bearings feature a titanium-coated, high-micro-finish surface and Grade 10 balls, providing a high level of precision and durability.
Rather than placing the bearings together, the Cruiser's bearing system intentionally spaces them apart. This design helps reduce friction within the assembly, contributing to smoother operation while enhancing the longevity of the bearings. The separation also provides greater stability within the bearing assembly and helps distribute the forces generated by the Cruiser's unique offset design.
Together, these design choices allow the wheel to spin effortlessly with minimal resistance, creating a smooth and consistent running experience for sugar gliders while providing the quiet performance and long-term reliability that Cruiser owners have come to appreciate.
The Stand-Mounted Design
When Bourbon designed the Custom Choice Cruiser, she chose a freestanding design as the standard configuration.
Her decision was intentional. While many cages are built to support a hanging wheel without issue, others are constructed with lighter materials. Over time, the weight and vibration of an exercise wheel can place stress on cage bars, potentially leading to damage.
The stand itself was thoughtfully engineered with the same attention to detail as the rest of the Cruiser. The support pole leans slightly backward so that, once the wheel is mounted to the stand, the wheel itself sits in the proper upright position. The base is also slightly wider at the front, providing additional stability and helping to prevent tipping during use.
By supporting the wheel on its own stand, the Cruiser places its weight on the stand rather than the cage itself, providing a stable foundation while helping to reduce stress on the enclosure.
For additional stability, it is recommended that the stand be secured to the cage to help prevent the wheel from "walking" across the cage floor during use.
A cage-mount option is currently being explored for possible future availability. Just as with every other aspect of the Cruiser, any future mounting option will reflect the same commitment to thoughtful engineering, quality craftsmanship, and sugar glider safety.
When Bourbon designed the Custom Choice Cruiser, she chose a freestanding design as the standard configuration.
Her decision was intentional. While many cages are built to support a hanging wheel without issue, others are constructed with lighter materials. Over time, the weight and vibration of an exercise wheel can place stress on cage bars, potentially leading to damage.
The stand itself was thoughtfully engineered with the same attention to detail as the rest of the Cruiser. The support pole leans slightly backward so that, once the wheel is mounted to the stand, the wheel itself sits in the proper upright position. The base is also slightly wider at the front, providing additional stability and helping to prevent tipping during use.
By supporting the wheel on its own stand, the Cruiser places its weight on the stand rather than the cage itself, providing a stable foundation while helping to reduce stress on the enclosure.
For additional stability, it is recommended that the stand be secured to the cage to help prevent the wheel from "walking" across the cage floor during use.
A cage-mount option is currently being explored for possible future availability. Just as with every other aspect of the Cruiser, any future mounting option will reflect the same commitment to thoughtful engineering, quality craftsmanship, and sugar glider safety.
The Bearing Housing Adapter
From the very beginning of the Custom Choice Cruiser's design, Bourbon included the gray adapter on the back of the wheel as an important safety component.
This adapter covers the bearing assembly and helps protect tiny toes and tails from coming into contact with the moving parts inside the housing.
The adapter also creates intentional space behind the wheel. Sugar gliders are naturally curious and often enjoy hiding behind their wheel. The additional clearance allows them to comfortably sit behind the Cruiser while providing owners enough room to safely reach behind the wheel and scoop them out when needed.
The space behind the wheel also helps prevent a glider from being too close to the wall of the cage while another glider is running. This allows room between the cage wall and the moving wheel, reducing the chance of the wheel rubbing against a glider that may be resting nearby.
The Cruiser's design includes approximately 1.5 inches of clearance from the wheel to the first bearing, allowing proper space for the bearing assembly. From the back of the wheel to the cage wall, there is approximately 5 inches of clearance, providing ample room for even two gliders to sit comfortably behind the wheel.
This additional spacing also helps protect the bearing system during routine cleaning. The clearance and design of the bearing housing helps reduce the risk of water reaching the bearing system. The most common area where water can enter is through the stand pole opening.
Every part of the Cruiser was designed with purpose. The bearing housing adapter and its surrounding clearances are another example of thoughtful engineering focused on safety, function, and the everyday experience of the gliders and their owners.
From the very beginning of the Custom Choice Cruiser's design, Bourbon included the gray adapter on the back of the wheel as an important safety component.
This adapter covers the bearing assembly and helps protect tiny toes and tails from coming into contact with the moving parts inside the housing.
The adapter also creates intentional space behind the wheel. Sugar gliders are naturally curious and often enjoy hiding behind their wheel. The additional clearance allows them to comfortably sit behind the Cruiser while providing owners enough room to safely reach behind the wheel and scoop them out when needed.
The space behind the wheel also helps prevent a glider from being too close to the wall of the cage while another glider is running. This allows room between the cage wall and the moving wheel, reducing the chance of the wheel rubbing against a glider that may be resting nearby.
The Cruiser's design includes approximately 1.5 inches of clearance from the wheel to the first bearing, allowing proper space for the bearing assembly. From the back of the wheel to the cage wall, there is approximately 5 inches of clearance, providing ample room for even two gliders to sit comfortably behind the wheel.
This additional spacing also helps protect the bearing system during routine cleaning. The clearance and design of the bearing housing helps reduce the risk of water reaching the bearing system. The most common area where water can enter is through the stand pole opening.
Every part of the Cruiser was designed with purpose. The bearing housing adapter and its surrounding clearances are another example of thoughtful engineering focused on safety, function, and the everyday experience of the gliders and their owners.
The Track Connector
The track connector serves several important purposes within the Custom Choice Cruiser design.
Its primary function is to connect the coated wire mesh track while also creating a smooth transition along the running surface. By covering the track connection points, the connector helps provide a more seamless running area for gliders.
The connector also slides into the groove of the lid, creating a secure and finished fit that helps maintain the intentional design of the Cruiser.
The track connector has been part of the Custom Choice Cruiser since its original design. Over time, Bourbon continued refining small details based on real-world use and feedback from Cruiser owners.
Early in the Cruiser's history, customer feedback led Bourbon to evaluate the placement of the track connector. Because of the Cruiser's unique bounce action and the offset created by the center bolt placement, she was able to position the connector consistently at the top of the running surface.
Placing the connector at the top of the Cruiser helps reduce the opportunity for food waste and other debris to collect in that area, minimizing attention to the track and connector during use.
This small but important refinement is another example of Bourbon's commitment to listening to owners, evaluating real-world use, and continuing to improve the details of the Custom Choice Cruiser while maintaining its original design philosophy.
The track connector serves several important purposes within the Custom Choice Cruiser design.
Its primary function is to connect the coated wire mesh track while also creating a smooth transition along the running surface. By covering the track connection points, the connector helps provide a more seamless running area for gliders.
The connector also slides into the groove of the lid, creating a secure and finished fit that helps maintain the intentional design of the Cruiser.
The track connector has been part of the Custom Choice Cruiser since its original design. Over time, Bourbon continued refining small details based on real-world use and feedback from Cruiser owners.
Early in the Cruiser's history, customer feedback led Bourbon to evaluate the placement of the track connector. Because of the Cruiser's unique bounce action and the offset created by the center bolt placement, she was able to position the connector consistently at the top of the running surface.
Placing the connector at the top of the Cruiser helps reduce the opportunity for food waste and other debris to collect in that area, minimizing attention to the track and connector during use.
This small but important refinement is another example of Bourbon's commitment to listening to owners, evaluating real-world use, and continuing to improve the details of the Custom Choice Cruiser while maintaining its original design philosophy.
The 5.5- to 6-Inch Pole Height and Clearances
The height of the support pole—positioning the wheel approximately 5.5 to 6 inches up from the cage floor—was chosen with a very important safety reason in mind: clearance.
Sugar gliders are notoriously playful and adventurous, and it is common for one glider to ride on the outside of the wheel while another is running inside. Providing this height clearance from the cage floor ensures there is a safe gap underneath, preventing a riding glider from being pinched or trapped between the bottom of the wheel and the floor below.
While I cannot control where each customer ultimately places their wheel within the enclosure, the Cruiser's freestanding stand and rear housing are specifically designed to maintain the minimum suggested clearance at the back. For the rest of the setup, we trust that owners will place the wheel accordingly to maintain at least a minimum of 3 inches of clearance above and to the sides, ensuring active gliders have plenty of room to move around the wheel safely.
(Note: When choosing custom options or dimensions, please know that we will never go below these established safety minimums, but we can always go higher or wider to suit your colony's specific needs!)
Every measurement on the Custom Choice Cruiser—from the pole height to the rear spacing—was intentionally engineered to prioritize the safety and well-being of your gliders.
The height of the support pole—positioning the wheel approximately 5.5 to 6 inches up from the cage floor—was chosen with a very important safety reason in mind: clearance.
Sugar gliders are notoriously playful and adventurous, and it is common for one glider to ride on the outside of the wheel while another is running inside. Providing this height clearance from the cage floor ensures there is a safe gap underneath, preventing a riding glider from being pinched or trapped between the bottom of the wheel and the floor below.
While I cannot control where each customer ultimately places their wheel within the enclosure, the Cruiser's freestanding stand and rear housing are specifically designed to maintain the minimum suggested clearance at the back. For the rest of the setup, we trust that owners will place the wheel accordingly to maintain at least a minimum of 3 inches of clearance above and to the sides, ensuring active gliders have plenty of room to move around the wheel safely.
(Note: When choosing custom options or dimensions, please know that we will never go below these established safety minimums, but we can always go higher or wider to suit your colony's specific needs!)
Every measurement on the Custom Choice Cruiser—from the pole height to the rear spacing—was intentionally engineered to prioritize the safety and well-being of your gliders.
