Cyclone Review & History, Six Flags New England Defunct Wood Coaster | Should it Have Been RMCed?

Cyclone was a William Cobb wood coaster at Six Flags New England that operated from 1983 to 2014. This compact twister originally opened as the revered Riverside Cyclone; however, this coaster saw several changes over the years including new trains, reprofiled drops, and trim brakes. By the end of its life, the Cyclone had a reputation as a rough and forgettable coaster. In 2015, Rocky Mountain Construction transformed this coaster into Wicked Cyclone, but should this ride have been RMCed? Find out in this review!
Video Credits
Black Widow Off-Ride (Menachem Piekarski)- • 1998 videos black wido...
Cyclone Off-Ride (CivilianSatellite)- • A Coaster Enthusiast's...
Cyclone POV, 2001 (psyclonesteve)- • Cyclone, Six Flags New...
Cyclone POV, 2014 (Six Flags New England)- • Cyclone POV
Raven POV (Holiday World)- • Holiday World Plus | T...
Riverside Cyclone Off-Ride (Menachem Piekarski)- • 1998 videos riverside ...
Background Music
Upbeat Motivational Background by Infraction [No Copyright Music] / Horizons- • Upbeat Motivational Ba...

[@rlynch1980]

I remember going when it was Riverside and thinking that the Cyclone was absolutely insane. The original first drop and especially the turnaround was so rough it just felt dangerous. The rest of the ride was good but kind of meandered a bit. It made sense to me why they neutered it, even though it was sad that they did. I could only imagine the original profile with the heavier trains would have eventually destroyed the ride. I generally think SF does a crap job of operating and maintaining rides, but I think ultimately this one comes down to just an unsustainable design. As you mention Cobb has such a small space to work with, and his design was great at first but ultimately too extreme. Thanks for this coaster - it brings back memories. Long before the SF days this was the biggest and best ride in the park, and one I looked forward to every summer.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have ridden this opening year.

[@gerarddip]

I went on the cyclone with my sister when we were small. I remember a weird contrast of mild swoopy curves and back-breaking airtime and roughness. It looked very pretty also, but I’m glad it is what it is. Still, I wish I could’ve ridden it before it was bought by six flags.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I definitely wish I could've ridden it pre-2000 as well.

[@EOSProductions394]

Nice review. A nice change of pace from operating coasters to defunct coasters reviews. You should do more of this if you could.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I intend to.

[@lukefarley9221]

@@CanobieCoaster do I smell a Dueling Dragons review?

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

@@lukefarley9221 I would like that

[@patrickstrahm05]

Have you ridden the Steel Phantom? Like to see a review of that

[@merekj4716]

@@patrickstrahm05 Nope. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZelo6mIj896nqM

[@OklahomaCoasterFan]

It's very interesting hearing about these pre-RMC woodies from people who have ridden them. I have 3 under my belt in the Rattler, Texas Giant, & Mean Streak, but my memory is quite fuzzy. I remember thinking Rattler & Texas Giant were terrible.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Those two looked much better before they deteriorated.

[@johnfoltz8183]

I only rode two pre rmc woodies, Gwazi and Hurler at KD

[@chefbubba5284]

I frequented riverside at least 3-4 trips each summer. The original cyclone was a great. I just had the pleasure to ride the new wicked cyclone a week ago and I must say I did enjoy it .

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden the Cyclone in its heyday.

[@StanDupp6371]

I rode this in 1996 and I thought it was great, a nice complement to the thunderbolt. People in this coaster club kept saying how they thought the Morgan trains were bad but I thought they were just right for that ride and the coaster club were wrong. Well I rode it again in 2002 or so when after they put these heavier ptc on and they changed the track and it was slow and awful so the coaster club experts got their dream. But the way it was in 1996 was incredible. I would time the ride from end of chain to the 1st skid brake and it was much faster then the later reprofiled version.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden this before the modifications.

[@StanDupp6371]

@@CanobieCoaster I quit the coaster club because i don't really like the way they are building coasters these days. These steel things feel like big safe machine and sterile. But the old wooden ones are like a work of art a real living breathing thing. It runs different on the days depending on temperature and how much grease on the track. They are tearing the old ones down or reprofiling them for the worse. They think that a new coaster to be good has to be the fastest, steepest, or whatever and that is not really the case. That is like a guitar player plays a thousand notes a second so that means it is good music?

[@Dave711701]

I rode the Cyclone 2 weeks after it opened back in 1983 and many more times throughout the 80's & 90's and I'll tell you that was one mean ride in it's original design.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lucky!

[@noname-jh3bd]

They should have left it

[@crittah74]

I can't speak to any of the redesigns, but I rode and loved the original Cyclone in 1984 @ Riverside. That same year People magazine named it the #5 coaster in America, which is how it appeared on my radar. It didn't disappoint. Back then I found Cyclone to be thrilling and most definitely the highlight of the park. I don't remember it feeling rougher than most coasters were back then. That first drop was intense, but amazing! One of my favorites from childhood memories.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it in that form.

[@MattMcIrvin]

I never rode this, but late in its life, I remember web reviewer The Coaster Critic giving it his one and only "Demolish" rating, because of the extreme roughness. RMC's conversions do give me such mixed feelings--the results are often among the best roller coasters in the world, and Wicked Cyclone specifically is a favorite of mine, but the situation that leads to them is still usually a shame. It's interesting that in this case, RMC had already tried to save the original coaster with Topper Track.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I remember that site! Such a throwback. It's a shame since the old layout sounded amazing. It was just too hard to maintain.

[@andyroman8223]

Enthusiasts are probably fighting rn about whether or not each version of Cyclone is a new credit.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

😂

[@CanobieCoaster]

Lol

[@johnfoltz8183]

Or now if Lightning Rod is a new credit in 2021 with RMC steel track in several places.

[@ticksterman]

This coaster was absolutely fantastic when it opened in 1983! It was an experience. Conversely, it was absolute crap after the conversion in my humble opinion. The original is easier one of my top 10 all time roller coasters and I rode many back in my hey day. I love a great coaster and the original Cyclone takes me back to my youth when I think about it.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden the original.

[@genericnameryan]

I rode it once and never again. I remember hating it a lot. It was rough and boring to my memory, but I rode it in 2013 or 2014, so I was like 10 or 11 years old. It was my #1 worst coaster until I rode Kiddy Hawk at Carowinds.

[@CanobieCoaster]

At least you got on it.

[@genericnameryan]

@@CanobieCoaster Yeh tru. I also got to ride Catapult a couple times too. 2 rides I'll never get to ride again, but one was clearly better than the other.

[@overbanked]

Kitty Hawk must have aged very badly. Goliath there at SFNE is my current worst. Thankfully it looks like it's finally gonna get the axe, because the sign is gone. It's a shame, because with the original train, GIBs actually are very fun. Hopefully Goliath won't be a relocation, because I don't wish that pain on anyone.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: This drop kicked off the second half and it was comparable to the fifth drop on GhostRider at Knott's Berry Farm or Raven at Holiday World, considering its placement and power. If you were in the back, this drop delivered some major ejector airtime. But while Raven and GhostRider flourish in the second half, Cyclone...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Was dull.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: This drop kicked off the second half and it was comparable to the fifth drop on GhostRider at Knott's Berry Farm or Raven at Holiday World, considering its placement and power. If you were in the back, this drop delivered some major ejector airtime. But while Raven and GhostRider flourish in the second half, Cyclone died. I know people often complain that Wicked Cyclone's finale is slow, but it was nothing compared to the original Cyclone. What do you think? Canobie Coaster said... A) Both Cyclone and Wicked Cyclone's finales were equally as slow. B) Cyclone's was much slower. C) Wicked Cyclone's is a bit slower.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: Once dispatched, Cyclone began with a slow 180 degree turn out of the station and another slow lift hill. But that was the calm before the storm. The first drop, even though it had been reprofiled, was still very aggressive. You were thrown over the drop and it delivered an extremely abrupt pop of ejector airtime in the back. Several of my non-enthusiast friends found the abruptness too much for them. But we all agreed, the landing was far less than ideal. It really jackhammered the train and the bumpiness continued through the following turn. So if I ask you, did you like the abrupt pop of ejector airtime and the landing? Canobie Coaster said... A) I loved both the abrupt pop of ejector airtime and the landing. B) I loved the abrupt pop of ejector airtime, the landing was uncomfortable though.

[@CanobieCoaster]

B

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: Once dispatched, Cyclone began with a slow 180 degree turn out of the station and another slow lift hill. But that was the calm before the storm. The first drop, even though it had been reprofiled, was still very aggressive. You were thrown over the drop and it delivered an extremely abrupt pop of ejector airtime in the back. Several of my non-enthusiast friends found the abruptness too much for them. But we all agreed, the landing was...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Rough.

[@mateoalvira3514]

Canobie Coaster said: Once dispatched, Cyclone began with a slow 180 degree turn out of the station and another slow lift hill. But that was the calm before the storm. The first drop, even though it had been reprofiled, was still very aggressive. You were thrown over the drop and it delivered an extremely abrupt pop of ejector airtime in the back. Several of my non-enthusiast friends found the abruptness...

[@CanobieCoaster]

Uncomfortable

[@BigDCoasterFam]

Why did they label The Great American Scream Machine being from SFOT instead of SFOG?

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

Idk email SFNE

[@CanobieCoaster]

Probably just a mistake.

[@BadBeepBoy]

I loved this ride. I never got to go on it before the re-profiling, and I'm not entirely sure when the trims were added and if I got on it before that. But this always used to be my last ride of the day at the park. Once it was nice and warmed up I really adored the way it yanked me out of my seat. It was definitely rough, but I always sat in the same spot - front row of the last car - and braced my legs against the seat divider and train wall. That was tolerable and gave me the best ejector.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That was the best seat.

[@TheJFish94]

Got to ride the original Cyclone back in 2011 and 2012. But yesterday I finally got to ride Wicked Cyclone for the first time. And I prefer Wicked Cyclone over the original. In terms of ride experience, it is my new favorite coaster overall, but it terms of intensity, Superman is still the best coaster in the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree!

[@CivilianSatellite]

After Superman, Cyclone is probably the coaster I've done the most laps on in my lifetime. It was always there when the lines for the other rides got too long. Wicked Cyclone is unquestionably the much better coaster, but I do miss that wild first drop in the back row. Great review, and thanks for the trip down memory lane! Also, it was great riding Legend with you last weekend 😀

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks again for the footage and it was nice running into you!

[@jayducharme]

Nice examination of this legend. I rode it in the '80s and '90s. The best experience IMO was after Premier bought the park and added the new PTC 2-bench trains. The ride was remarkable smooth yet really thrilling. Bill Cobb went through open heart surgery during the ride's design. He was asked what his inspiration for the coaster was. His response was, "I think I had gas the night I thought that one up." IMO, RMC did a terrific job with Wicked Cyclone. They kept echoes of Cobb's original design, kept it just as thrilling yet made it extremely re-ridable. Though I wish the Cobb original were still around (especially since there are so few of his coasters remaining), I'm glad a great ride replaced it.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

I remember that story! I MISS "my Texas Cyclone!!!"

[@StamfordBridge]

Speaking of legends, I’ve loved your walk-thru videos over the years!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I didn't realize Cobb designed the ride in that state. That's dedication!

[@jayducharme]

@@StamfordBridge Thanks! I have some new ones coming this year.

[@joepilcicki3838]

I rode right after it opened ❤loved that coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice! Wish I could have ridden it in the early years.

[@joepilcicki3838]

I remember when I got there waiting in line and it shut down. I waited until nobody was left and then when it re-opened I had the front seat first right out I did the same on Magnum XL 100 it was right after the chain snaped I waited five hours while they were still fixing it, but they had told me it would probably open that day and then we got stuck right at the tub believe me you 200 feet felt like 1000 back then I was in the front seat for that ride out to getting stuck just adds to the thrill:-)

[@coastermaniacs]

Ah yes the cyclone 🌀 my home park I'm so glad they went to rmc now they just need to get rid of Goliath and flashback put a nice launch coaster

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think Goliath is done.

[@coastermaniacs]

@@CanobieCoaster yeah to be fair it was done after they changed trains sadly

[@james05271]

I first rode the Cyclone in 1997 and onward. The original first drop was pretty awesome and unique, from what I remember riding in the back row, you were violently ejected only to be slammed back down into your set with extreme force during the turn, only to be ejected again on the second drop. The heavy trim breaking on the second half was there for good reason because taking at full speed, that part of the ride violently jackhammered. Overall I agree that half the ride really did have pacing issues.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have ridden this in its original state before it got rough.

[@07coasters80]

sfne is my home park, but unfortunately, i never got to ride the cyclone, as i didnt reach 54 inches tall until 2015. my mom grew up with this coaster though and she says its one of her favorites. she loved it so much she left work early on one of the last days it was open to get her last rides.

[@CanobieCoaster]

That's a bummer you couldn't get on the original.

[@noname-jh3bd]

Should it have been rmc'd? In one word, no. You don't need a 10 minute video explaining why, or why not it should have been ruined by rmc. RMC pisses me off, because they ruined a lot of good coasters

[@CanobieCoaster]

Cyclone un-neutered looked amazing. But I think Wicked Cyclone is better than the 2014 Cyclone that had been severely neuetered.

[@RClaffieJr]

I rode Cyclone towards the end of the run when the park was Riverside: The Great Escape. At the time I was terrified of roller coasters thanks to some bad experiences as a child. Alas I was talked into going on Cyclone and it's thanks to the retracked first drop that cured my fear. That and sitting in the middle of the train, this time. However, it was way too rough. I'd get bruises on my legs from getting bounced around. I once tried to wedge myself in place and got a leg cramp for my troubles. In the end, I swore off Cyclone until RMC came to my rescue and remade the coaster the best. Definitely #1 over Superman.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Wicked Cyclone looks way better.

[@EastCoasters]

I still think Wicked Cyclone is a top tier RMC in the states. Also my POVs show that that final lap is going a lot faster this year. 🥃

[@CanobieCoaster]

It helps when the train is fully loaded (assuming the official POV was an empty train).

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I rode this the last month it was open before they shut it down and revamped it. The paint was peeling, the metal starting to rust, the whole thing just looked damned rickety. But we weren't about to "wuss out", and sat in the last row. I can't think of another ride in my entire life that was this rough. Just brutal. I felt like I needed a chiropractor when I got off it. In other words, it was f*cking awesome! So super glad I rode it before the thing was dismantled.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad it was converted though.

[@jaypeterson8747]

I rember going on this ride in the early 90's it was insane and ruff! It wasn't the same after six flags modified it but they had to it was getting too dangerous

[@CanobieCoaster]

I heard it was crazy in the 80s.

[@matwithonet1984]

I absolutely LOVE the Wicked Cyclone. I grew up with Riverside and was sad when Six Flags bought it out. The Cyclone was one of my favorite rides because of how rough and shaky the wooden construction was. The Wicked Cyclone is super smooth and fast. Plus, you go through cork screws with only a lap bar. It's such a great ride.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wicked Cyclone is my 2nd favorite there.

[@abigllama]

In '83 this was the most insane ride I'd been on. It lost something with the Morgan trains, then with the fist drop change it lost a lot. Six Flags didn't buy Riverside. Premier parks bought Riverside from the family that owned it in the '90s. Time Warner Six Flags was actually planning to open a built from the ground park in the '90s, I've actually seen conceptions of it as Six Flags New England in Connecticut. So Premier Parks in a pissing match over Six Flags Over Texas and losing bought all Six Flags from Time Warner. They branded their already owned Riverside as Six Flags New England and ditched the plans to build a new park. I was working for Six Flags at the time and the Premier thing was a nightmare that basically ran me and dozens out of the industry.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Sorry to hear the sale was a negative for you and so many.

[@jaydenchrist6152]

Yes it should've been RMCD. Now we have one of the best coasters in the world. Also without wicked Cyclone Six flags new England would just be six flags America -_-.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree with the decision.

[@jarchaski]

Unless.you rode it before Six Flags ruined it, sadly you didn't experience the true Cyclone. The original Riverside Cyclone was phenomenal. The first drop literally took your breath away and all the issues that you mention with the pacing were nonexistent because you had enough speed. It was the best wooden coaster ever. That said, the hybrid coaster that they have put in it's stead is fantastic and I agree that it is currently the best attraction at the park.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I only rode it after Six Flags neutered it unfortunately.

[@squirellyF457]

I was lucky enough to visit riverside once in the late 70s (I remember the loop coaster, the rotor, skyride etc. but no cyclone yet. I got to visit riverside again in about 85-85ish? The loop coaster had become the black widow and the riverside cyclone was an absolute beast. It definitely wasn't smooth but it wasn't exactly rough either. At least I didn't mind so much back then when it somehow seemed to go faster and faster. I got to visit six flags just recently and I have to say I was definitely impressed by wicked cyclone. I disagree with some who say it's the best ride in the park, I love it but my favorite ride was Harley quinn spinsanity and I liked the height, speed and smoothness of super man too. They both are definitely a must ride though if you like really aggressive coasters or even just thrill rides in general. I was lucky back in the 80s that time to finish out the trip with a second, night ride on cyclone. I'm so glad I got to experience that. Next time I go out there I want to get a night ride on superman, which I got to ride twice but not at night. I got night rides on thunderbolt which is fun but too well lit really for night riding and wicked cyclone which was absolutely mind blowing in the front row at night.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Superman is my personal favorite there, but Wicked Cyclone and Harley Quinn are fun.

[@zacharylunsford2]

Since you making history, review of defunct coasters, why not history and review of David Pickstone’s Wild Mouse at Brean Leisure Park?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm focusing on rides I rode to give my own perspective. I never rode that one.

[@godisg1]

When I was working at Six Flags Darien Lake in the early 2000's Six Flags New England needed help for a private event. They asked are park and Great Adventure to come and help with operations. I got to work the Cyclone for the event. Only had to work 3 hrs and then we got to play in the park for a few hours. That trip was awesome because we came in the day before and got to ride Superman ERT before started to work.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Very cool!

[@crooked-halo]

I love Canobie Coaster's videos, they're excellent, but I can't/won't watch this one out of sentimentality. Cyclone was too special, and too good. It's first 2-3 years, before modifications began, there was nothing better. This and Texas Cyclone (again, before it was also neutered) were the ultimate wood coasters of the 1980s, even of modern coaster history. Both held my #1 spot for many years. The original first drop of Riverside Cyclone remains the single most thrilling and intense moment of any roller coaster I've ridden since beginning this hobby in 1980. That's over 700 coasters total presently, 250+ wood. The wood Cyclone most enthusiasts rode was highly modified, tamed, and rough through neglected maintenance.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden this before Six Flags touched it.

[@nature_nd]

I lived about 30 minutes from Riverside from 1982 - 1995 when I graduated high school. If you went to the park after 5PM in the summer, you could get in for free! I clearly remember riding the Cyclone and the Black Widow hundreds of times! You would just get off, walk around and get right back on with no line. The cyclone definitely gave you air, and I remember both the bruises from sliding around in the seat, and practically standing up because the bar clicked in so high off of your lap. Glad nothing bad happened, but it was a blast!

[@CanobieCoaster]

Cyclone definitely had its wild moments.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Soooo, former AstroWorld had a Bill Cobb Texas Cyclone. The ONLY mirror image Cyclone of the "clones" Done so because of loading station. Coney Is. AW was gonna move NY cyclone, but Cobb built (improved TX version) Ours started with PTC's, later Morgan's (same thing Morgan's had to be modified after finding axle issues) down to one train til' problems could be fixed. Ran great in later yrs. b4 it closed in 2005. RS Cyclone was designed by the 'ol man after open heart surgery (he designed while in hospital!! It WAS wicked back in the day!!!) Cobb coasters NEED TLC. His 2nd hills were usually the ones that would get ya! I think the Monstre in Canada was his last one b4 he passed in 1990.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I heard the Texas Cyclone was arguably the best Cyclone clone and wish I could've ridden it.

[@IanWagner-zx4ld]

I rode it around 1999 and sat in the back seat with my nephew, we got beat up lol! I piece of wood fell off the structure while we were in line. There was a flat ride I can’t find any info about called Batman. You lay down in a prone position clamped in and it spun and went vertical. My son and I got stuck on that thing doing continuous loop the loops for almost 10 minutes. Worst ride ever! The circular pad is still there just above the where the Wonder Woman flat ride is.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Are you referring to Nightwing? I liked that ride.

[@bodsnvimto]

It was indeed sooo much better prior to Six Flags, even with those brutal Morgan trains. It was definitely in my top 20 woodies back then. I was lucky enough To be one of a large no. of enthusiasts who were once invited for free to have a full day plus a couple of hours' ERS after the gen pub in the park. It was the year of the second season of the Vekoma SLC which briefly at that point was actually running superbly. Two whole hours in the dark spent going back and forth between these two coasters. Some of the happiest bruises I've ever incurred. I always headed to the far superior rear on this once wonderful woodie, mind.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've experienced it pre-Six Flags.

[@msharp138]

I love your reviews...I was fortunate to ride it with old layout but with Morgan trains...Later I caught the reprofile with PTC trains...The first time I rode it I couldn't believe a coaster like this was allowed to run. The most intense wooden coaster I had ever been on. The later reprofile basically nurtured it...

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have ridden this in its prime.

[@themeparknewengland7909]

I rode it when it was the Riverside days and the six flags new england days it was different rides lol I remember when I used to work at the park I got off of work early and I change my clothes and I rode the Cyclone with a bad head ache one time that was the worst ride that I ever had on that coaster it was rough and my Head ache got even more worst that was the worst coaster ride that I ever had lol.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can see how that would be nasty with a headache.

[@drnotebender6442]

As cool as RMC coasters are, it would be nice to see some of these old unique wooden coasters restored/retracked instead of just RMC’d all the time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agre if the base layout is good.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

Kinda ironic how sfne put rmc topper track in 2014, only to close it for a rmc hybrid

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm not sure if that was a stopgap or they realized it wasn't worth fixing the whole ride.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

Fun fact, this ride with originally supposed to be an exact replica of the Coney Island cyclone, but due to space issues, they decide to go with a completely original layout instead.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I heard that story too. Makes sense with the tight plot.

[@Simonpup12-vi5tp]

I miss the cyclone….. I spent my high school summers riding it like crazy, couple times at night (which was wild) Wicked is great but I miss the wildness and swaying of track of the old man cyclone

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Wicked Cyclone over how Cyclone ran in its final decade

[@Simonpup12-vi5tp]

@@CanobieCoaster I’ll admit I missed the final years, I rode it during the riverside years and early six flags. I wish they had kept something of the original ride there however. Let the wicked cyclone have destroyed the original or something like that

[@blayedd_]

This was fun to ride as a kid but I don’t miss it at all. I found it to be boring at points. Wicked Cyclone is so much better, Six Flags really nailed it with the layout

[@CanobieCoaster]

Agreed!

[@NoLanConnection]

I rode Cyclone before the topper track was added and thought it was pretty rough but at the same time great in the first half. I think the roughness added to the fun in the first half. The second half though was just slow and rough. If the second half actually delivered airtime it would have been a great coaster all around.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The four main drops had some good airtime.

[@Lkendrick]

My childhood! I remember one time I lost my hat on the coaster sitting in the front row, and some guy caught the hat in the backseat and gave it to me in the station. This was right after the drop. Me and my dad loved the Cyclone and the Thunderbolt, and while I rode the Thunderbolt with joy many years later, I remember staring at Wicked Cyclone profusely disappointed. Great Video!!!

[@StamfordBridge]

Sounds like my childhood love of Colossus at Magic Mountain. I was broken-hearted when they announced it was closing, but all was forgiven when I rode Twisted Colossus. Did you feel the same way about Wicked Cyclone once you rode it?

[@CanobieCoaster]

I definitely prefer Wicked Cyclone even if I did have a lot of memories on the old Cyclone.

[@jaydenchrist6152]

Cyclone looks like a ok wooden coaster looks slow but what do you expect from a old coaster not made by PTC.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It had some great drops in the back though.

[@bigc1280]

I think I rode it at the end of the season in the year with the Original profile, but the new trains. I remember the trains lap bars had carabiners attaching them to the train seat to make sure they stayed down. I think this was the original Thighcrush! It was even rougher than Mean streak!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I can see it!

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

I knew the Cyclone existed (duh) but I never knew about this great history. Great review. You’re lucky to have ridden a coaster of such great history even if it is rough as me pulling my brother’s wagon

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@collinparsons3363]

I rode Wicked Cyclone for the first time yesterday, and it was also the first RMC I ever rode. Never got to ride the original.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wicked Cyclone is an immense upgrade.

[@Adrians_films]

Only woodie I ever seen with over the shoulder anything

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's weird to see.

[@shernigz]

I rode that ride When it had a 3 bench seat. I was 5 and my father and uncle made me go on it with them. It was so awesome. Best wooden roller coaster I every Rode on.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nice!

[@burgerboi1678]

Cyclone is the best ride at six flags over Georgia too

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer Goliath at that park.

[@massachusettscoasters]

I think the RMC topper track was added in 2011 not 2014

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's possible.

[@MillenniumForceMan]

Six flags has to ruin everything lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Six Flags and big wood coasters aren't always the best combo.

[@oofintic5734]

I actually think the layout looks pretty decent

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was before it was slowed down and trimmed.

[@screamparadise7265]

I rode Cyclone three times on July 18, 2014, two days before its last day of operation. two of which I sat in the front row. In my opinion, it was not a terrible coaster when I rode it. P.S. SFNE is my home park

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was ok, but Wicked Cyclone is significantly better.

[@screamparadise7265]

@@CanobieCoaster I agree that Wicked Cyclone is better than its predecessor. I rode it in its current form in 2018 and it was great.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

I think I’ve ridden this I don’t really remember it

[@CanobieCoaster]

It wasn't super special in the end.

[@foxcoaster3047]

It’s great to see someone still talking about these iconic defunct coasters! A few days before it’s closing, I went to the park on a rainy day and marathoned this thing in the back row. It may of had some awkward pacing, but that first drop may have been the most violent moment of airtime I’ve ever experienced. After 11 rides my neck felt destroyed but it was well worth it- wicked is great but I do miss the original from time to time.

[@CanobieCoaster]

It had its moments.

[@newenglandcoastershots]

I rode cyclone once and never rode it again, it was jenky af and now that it's WC I ride it every time in there

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wicked Cyclone is way better.

[@newenglandcoastershots]

It really is, last row on that first drop has me in the air untill it hits the bottom. Riverside was awesome, Black widow was my first upside down coaster 🥺 I miss it and they should bring it back since the spots open again (golliath is officially a pile of steel)

[@AggroCEC]

This is one of those rides where in their current dilapidated and neutered states, yes they should be RMCed, but their old forms, with the untrimmed parts and still intense ejector parts and insane finales, just *nah.*

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've experienced this in its prime.

[@AggroCEC]

@@CanobieCoaster Same, But we should all be glad that Wicked Cyclone lives up to the Riverside version and that it is a good ride, *with no neutered or smoothened out parts to ruin it.*

[@donnarobinson6092]

I went on the cyclone

[@CanobieCoaster]

Hope you liked it!

[@drummerboy2215]

My favorite Coaster to go on

[@CanobieCoaster]

I had some fun times on it.

[@jameswadkins2809]

I'd thought I'd be at six flags now lol

[@CanobieCoaster]

Today's weather wasn't the best.

[@jameswadkins2809]

I see a few clouds

[@RemixedVoice]

I adored Cyclone, it was so fun; I can't imagine what is was like in the 80s and 90s, must have been nuts lol. At least Thunderbolt still stands... Wicked Cyclone is obviously amazing, but I miss Cyclone.

[@CanobieCoaster]

The Riverside Cyclone is one of my rides I wish I could have experienced in its heyday.

[@supafrogg258]

Thank you for your review. One Summer morning around year 2000, I first rode the post-Six Flags-modified Cyclone. It was very rough, and I had no interest in riding it again. The same morning right afterwards, I rode the Thunderbolt, and had a blast! It was an obviously much tamer old-timey type of coaster ride. But it was a lot of fun! I remember thinking "Boy, I'd enjoy waking up every day, with a quick ride on the Thunderbolt, in place of coffee!". Compared to my very enjoyable experience on the Thunderbolt, the post-Six-Flags-modified Cyclone had felt like crap! I never got to ride the original Riverside Amusement Park William Cobb designed Cyclone, & wish that I had. Thank you for explaining all the changes made to the Cyclone over the years. I view my Cyclone experience in a different context now!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have ridden the original form.

[@chazzstorie2981]

Absolutely they should have. I’ve ridden the original Cyclone and that first drop was terrifying. When SFNE took over, it was altered to make it more tame and it turned into a rough mess. Wicked Cyclone was a significant improvement that I really enjoyed riding

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could have ridden the old Cyclone opening year before it was modified.

[@overbanked]

I agree, SFNE made an excellent choice by RMCing Cyclone; maybe the best RMC conversion in America? I can't say, because I haven't ridden all of them. I love WC, my current fave at SFNE.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer some of their later conversions, but Wicked Cyclone is still excellent.

[@jtwoolley]

It is.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Prefer the RMC form.

[@yael_is_yes6212]

Why is everyone obsessed with airtime? Not everything's gonna have airtime, calm down and enjoy what it is and stop complaining and being nickpicky.

[@CanobieCoaster]

My biggest issue was the lack of pacing. I'm fine if a ride offers something else like Legend's laterals.

[@railblaze7196]

I rode the cyclone in 1989. It was awesome from what I remember. I was only14 yrs old at the time . I don't remember it being rough . I also thought it was running PTC trains. I'll have to look at some old pics.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I think it ran Morgans at that time.

[@Official.foxy_the_pirate_]

You should definitely do this same video for rolling Thunder at six flags great adventure! Great video!

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm not sure if I'll review Rolling Thunder. I didn't ride it as often as Cyclone and my last rides were significantly better than my prior ones due to the rain.

[@zack9777]

I rode the new original back in 8th grade,Haven’t been back since, since I’m in college it’s been while, I thought it was fun, good forces for me and was fun

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm glad you got on the original.

[@jeffc1347]

I've been on over 600 coasters, Cyclone at SFNE was one of the most terrible coasters I have ever been on. Wicked Cyclone is in my top 5.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I agree Wicked Cyclone is a major upgrade.

[@Cje_-yj8ov]

I wish I had given this more of a fair shake when I grew up a bit. My first rides were in 2007 and 2008, when I was 9 and 10 years old. I had little to no coaster experience, and I found this thing unbearably rough. Since my memories were so bad, I avoided this thing on all of my subsequent visits up to 2014. I doubt it would’ve been elite to me, but I can see why you thought it was a decent ride

[@CanobieCoaster]

It had some wild moments peppered in.

[@maxhagenauer24]

Usually if it gets RACed, it's not that great but this looks pretty fun. Obviously not as good now lol but for what parks had back then, it's not all that bad.

[@CanobieCoaster]

In its prime, it looked fantastic.

[@iandf305]

I did ride this... I remember all of the jackhammering and it was bad, but it was my first "big" coaster. Although I did ride it the year before it closed, I did ride it a lot and even on the last night during the fireworks that the park did for it. The lines got worse when they announced the closure in June of that year. Six Flags did in fact make a good decision to RMC it. Despite not riding Wicked Cyclone since its opening year, it still is in my top 25.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Wicked Cyclone is a vast improvement.

[@moosepickles1882]

I remember riding this for the first time in the back row (this had to have been around 2002) and it felt like the track was falling apart behind the train. It was SO rough, but it was actually pretty enjoyable :) I remember being violently flung out and around in my seat!

[@CanobieCoaster]

The airtime was great at points.

[@cathedraldarkness]

I rode this during the six flag years before it was RMC’d. It was one of the most painful coasters I’ve ever been on.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Understandable.

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

Does Wicked Cyclone also have a 54” inch height requirement too or a 48”/52” one on the other RMC’s

[@CanobieCoaster]

It's 48".

[@coasterhockygamingboy9549]

I’m not an English weeb but I love the type of language you use in your videos “radically different” It’s also great you take some time and paste captions in your videos (auto generated captions just guess what you say)

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

This wasn’t your average Coney Island Cyclone coaster it was a little similar but not much

[@CanobieCoaster]

It was a unique one.

[@thespian302]

commenting for the algorithm. great vids, deserves a larger audience.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@hedgehogcoasters7239]

I'm glad wicked cyclone was built (it's my all time #1), but thunderbolt isn't that good, and the park probably won't build another woodie or demolish thunderbolt anytime soon. I love wicked cyclone, but i think thunderbolt was more necessary.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thunderbolt is good for families.

[@hedgehogcoasters7239]

@@CanobieCoaster that is true, but the coaster does need some areas to be retracked

[@mitchellries256]

When I visit this place in two months, should I go on this or Superman: The Ride first?

[@CanobieCoaster]

If avoiding long lines is your top goal, I'd recommend hitting Pandemonium on the way to Wicked Cyclone. Then you should be able to get a few rides on Wicked Cyclone without too much of a line. Most people head to Superman first. And Superman usually needs an hour to warm up while Wicked Cyclone doesn't change much with the time of day.

[@owengalvin1522]

i’m going for my second time tommorow and i agree the pandemonium line gets soo long after like and hour of opening, i wouldn’t make the same mistake i did my first time (which was to go to wicked cyclone first) and def go pandemonium if you plan on riding it at all

[@AggroCEC]

From the looks of the old 1983 version, it would have been some where around 8 to 9 out of ten. Great video! Also I was kinda late but it didn’t matter to me.

[@CanobieCoaster]

Thanks!

[@AggroCEC]

@@CanobieCoaster Your welcome ;) keep up the great work and reviews and stay strong as an enthusiast! 1200 credits (I think) and counting. :)

[@d3th2m3rikkka]

I thought this was just an ordinary cyclone clone

[@CanobieCoaster]

Nope, this was a unique one.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

It’s sort of similar not by much

[@Latexghost]

I love this coaster ^_^

[@CanobieCoaster]

I prefer the RMC.

[@railblaze7196]

Thanks for the review. I did know they reprofiled the first drop.

[@CanobieCoaster]

You'rewelcome!

[@railblaze7196]

I ment to say I dod not know they reprofiled the first drop

[@railblaze7196]

You might be right on the trains. I usually remember Morgan trains because I'm not a big fan of them.lol

[@garyhenderson6504]

I rode the maiden voyage of this coaster when it opened in 1983. And even when I moved to Vermont, I continued to buy a season pass to Riverside just to ride this coaster. I was a member of ACE, and I have ridden coasters all over the world. This one was the best I ever rode. Happily, I never rode it after Six Flags purchased it and ruined the ride. I always rode in the back seat, and I would get a hundred or so rides in every year. The Coney Island and the Atlanta Cyclones couldn't come close to the thrill provided by this one. Sadly, the Crystal Beach Cyclone was gone before I was born in 1951.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I wish I could've ridden it in its opening year.

[@FanThemePark]

I don't know if you have already done a review of Green Lantern First Flight at Magic Mountain or not, but that one would be entertaining to hear a review for.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I only had 2 rides on that one so I'm not sure I rode it enough to give an accurate review other than ouch.

[@zacharystewart5344]

I rode the old cyclone in 2005 a few times. Yes. It was definetly the right move to RMC it. Even though it had a wonky layout and I liked the small first drop into a turn and then another drop, it was unbearably rough during my few rides on it and it was terrible fro the park to operate. It valleyed during 5 of my visits to the park when it was my home park that year. 2 of those times it valleyed at the top of the layout and guests were forced to walk down the whole structure.

[@CanobieCoaster]

I'm not surprised you saw it valley that often.