Hitchhiker Spinning Wheel

Denise Jackson wrote

on Jun 17, 2008 7:52 AM

I'm curious about the Hitchhiker Spinning Wheel. I'm looking for a portable spinning wheel for classes and spin-ins.

Does it work as well as people say it does? Any opinions out there? Any other recomendations?

Rebecca S wrote

on Jun 18, 2008 4:04 PM

 Hi Denise!
I have a Kromski Sonata wheel that I just love and its very portable- folds flat, and best yet, spins like a full size wheel.  It has one of the highest orifice heights - 28"-30" which really  saves on your back!  It comes with a very nicely made, padded bag that has a pocket for extra bobbins, tools and such. I have had mine for several months and just love it!

HettyB wrote

on Aug 11, 2008 11:22 PM

I don't have a Hitchhiker wheel but am intrigued by them.  Right now I'm not at a place where I can buy another wheel, but it's on the list.

Any actual owners out there?

SusanD@4 wrote

on Sep 9, 2008 3:00 AM

I'm newly joined, so late in replying.  I actually own a Hitchhiker and LOVE it.  It is my second wheel - the first is a Louet S10dt.  My Hitchhiker hums gently.  I pay attention to the direction the flyer is going and don't trouble my mind with the wheel itself.  The only thing I would do differently if I were buying it again is to get one without the cute handle - then it would fit tidily under the dashboard of my husband's van.  Otherwise it is easy to carry and great to spin.

SharonW wrote

on Sep 9, 2008 7:39 AM

Hi Rebecca --- I am glad you love your Sonata.  I have a Kromski Minstrel that I love too, but I want a Sonata.  I am thinking of selling the Minstrel and getting a Sonata.  I also have an Ashford Traditional that I have set up with a bulky flyer for bulky weight spinning, which I'll keep just for that. 

I've spun on the Sonata and it was nice and smooth.  My friends say I should sell the Ashford and get the Sonata.  So, I am trying to decide what to do.

Sharon in Canandaigua

MullersLaneFarm wrote

on Sep 23, 2008 12:05 PM

 I don't have a hitchhiker, but have spun on one and it was my first choice (until I spun on the Sonata).

It is a direct drive, which took a couple minutes to get use to, but it spun like a charm.

BlueShadow wrote

on Nov 8, 2008 7:52 PM

Hi, I'm a little late to this discussion, but I have a Hitchhiker and love it. I bought it without the "hand" handle, and while I like the look better this way, it's a bit harder to carry. It spins very well, and is so sturdy that I've taken it in a basket on the back of my motorcycle while camping. It's the portable workhorse of my spinning wheel collection!

DUchida wrote

on Nov 19, 2008 8:46 PM

 I too am curious about hands on experience.  I've had an Ashford Traveller, sold when my husband bought me a Kromski Travelling spinning wheel but by the time it takes me to set up and get spinning my lunch time is nearly over at work.  I want one that all I have to do is set it, spin then tuck it under my desk when my lunch hour is over.  Does any one have any hands on experience?  Pros/Cons?