Unicycles

[George Jung]

Anybody knowledgeable about unicycles? SWMBO Jr. has decided she wants to learn to ride on; I've put her off for a year! And she's still hot on the trail.

From what I've read, for a skinny 14 YO with a 32" inseam, she could ride a 20 - 24" wheel cycle; there seems to be some difference in frames and seats, quick releases etc. Does this all sound right?

[hansp77]

We had a young guy at high school who was right into Unicycles, he used to ride around everywhere on it, between classes, to and from school. He would also juggle fire and knives and stuff on it,
then he got into street performing and, then stage performing with other talented 'side show acts'.
Now I believe he does the worlds deepest sword swallow act, helped by the discovery that he has a stomach deformity which allows a deeper than normal swallow.
His grand finally last I saw was to swallow a turned on fluro light tube, and when they turn the room-lights off you can see it glowing through his throat.:eek:


anyway, that's all beside the point. I really don't know what is the best/easiest size unicycle to start on (I do know there is an optimum size and then anything smaller or larger from there is more challenging)- I would think your best bet would be to talk to a retailer that provides them, or a circus school (you must have circus schools over there- we have more than a few here). They should set you straight pretty quick.

Best of luck to her.

[seanz]

Uh Hans ummm you've probably just given a man in South Dakota a heart attack (that's S.D. right George?)
let me lay it out for ya.
14yo girl+unicycle=firebreathing machete juggling sword swallowing circus-freak.
Maybe not what a fella wants to hear.
:D :D
George,the world is firmly divided into two camps,those who can't ride unicycles (me) and those who can (possibly SWMBO jr) so any purchase decision should factor in resale potential.If she already can ride a unicycle, for petes sake just get her one or she will run off to join the circus.:)
.
And now it's advice from some guy on the internet time.........
I'd go with the 24",the cruiser sized wheel should be more stable.

[seanz]

I think a unicycle thread is just what the bilge needs.
thanks George :)
http://www.unicycle.com/images/catalog/commuter/slumpfh.jpg
Schlumpf 24 inch Geared Unicycle Yes it is finally here! The first production unicycle with a geared hub sets a new standard for distance unicyclists. Now you can change from the standard 1:1 ratio to a 1:1-1/2 overdrive instantly! Easy action, no tools required. Just push the axle to the left or right to engage. A 24-inch wheel in overdrive runs like a 36-inch wheel

from unicycle.com

and it's only $1995.00 :eek:

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

Add me to the list of "Can't Ride A Unicycle", but the sproglette can.

She badgered us for a unicycle, which was a tricky thing to find, so we got one of these (http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=8&subcat=82&cat=Balance+Training) first. (B.T.W. that is NOT a good price).

I can manage those - fun.
Then we located a supplier of unicycles - and she managed, after a considerable struggle, to ride it under fair control.

Advice, buy a cheap (secondhand?) one first - three out of four people fail to learn the trick.

[Ian McColgin]

Uni's are great. I never had a geared uni, but my whole family enjoyed the one we had - even Mom and Dad.

It generates a great sense of balance and timing useful beyond the world of unicycling to skiing, horseback riding, kayaking, mountaineering, and tottering across the foredeck to wrestle in that recalcitrant jib in a gale.

The great thing is that you don't need a really pricy uni to have real fun. If she later becomes a real adept, you can go for the geared uni, maybe even with flexifork for off-road uni-ing. HehHehHeh

But seriously, get one. Small investment for some real fun. If she doesn't use it, extend the seat and enjoy it yourself.

[George Jung]

Thanks, guys; Hanns, and Seanz.... priceless! I will pass those along to Jr.

I've found several unicycles on the net, 'beginners', I should think, for under $100. I'll let ya know how it goes.... Thanks.

[mister_moon]

There's a local guy who started a pretty successful business selling unicycles on the internet. He always has a big bunch riding at the 4th of July parade. It looks like fun but I've never been able to do it.

http://www.unicycle.com

[S.V. Airlie]

I can see it now.. Chad's next post.. "Getting Caught in a Unicycle Race"!:eek:

[seanz]

I think a unicycle thread is just what the bilge needs.
thanks George

Right now The Bilge really really needs a unicycle thread.
:D

[Bobcat]

I have ridden a uni for years off and on. Both daughters do too, although not much recently.

Your thoughts sound right for a good beginning uni.

[seanz]

Bump
Any chance of an update George?
Enquiring minds wish to know..
:D