Dee Ann Edwards knows how to put a great idea in motion.
She thought of the Mini-cycle in April, and now they're ready for the Christmas market.They're available in each of her seven Tie One On stores in Utah, and she's selling them by mail order as well.
"You know there's a fitness craze in America," said Edwards. "I like to get exercise, but there's so much to do all the time - working, taking care of a family - I just couldn't get in the exercise I wanted.
"One day, I was riding in my car and thought, `if I just had something I could use while I'm riding I could exercise now.'
"That struck me as a great idea, so I started to draw pictures and cut out cardboard models. I just couldn't get the idea out of my head."
She contacted a vendor in Taiwan who helped her create a prototype - a compact, portable cycle that's only 10 inches high and weighs just 10 pounds.
"It fits under your desk, on the floor of your car, even in an airplane under the seat ahead of you," said Edwards. "I tried it on the plane and I got quite a lot of attention."
The cycle can be "ridden" with varying amounts of tension, and for the more ambitious, power bands can be added for arm lifts and pulls.
"It's very comfortable, very relaxing, but it can be aerobic, too, if you want it to be."
Edwards thinks the Mini-cycle is the answer for the busy executive, the working mother, the TV watcher who still wants some exercise.
The cycles sell for $59 each and are in her retail stores. Edwards is excited about venturing out as an inventor with a brand-new product.
"I've been in retail and I'm familiar with taking risks, but this is all new," she said.