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Frequently Asked Questions on Unicycling Frequently Asked Questions on UnicyclingSeptember 19, 1999*: Means the item is new or recently changed.1. General Why ride a unicycle? How did unicycling begin? Where can I get more information on unicycling? Where's the other wheel? What is a unicycle under the law? *How do you say unicycle in different languages?2. Learning How long does it take to learn? How do you learn to ride? Is unicycling dangerous? How do I learn how to...? What are the 10 skill levels? What are some different mounts?Why do I have to twist to one side to ride straight?3. Buying *Where can I get a unicycle? Where can I get parts for my unicycle? What should I get for my first unicycle? What makes a good unicycle? What size wheel should I get? What are the different types of unicycles?4. Maintenance and Repair How do unicycles work? How much should I inflate the tires? Why don't you get a unicycle with multiple speeds? Which end is the front? How high should the seat be?What do I do about the crank arm on my unicycle that keeps coming loose?1. General 1.1 Why ride a unicycle? The first and most important reason is that it is fun. It's neat being up on one wheel, in control. There are other good reasons, though: Exercise You are always pedaling a unicycle, so riding is a good workout. Riding is a low-impact activity, so it is good for people like me with legs wrecked by jogging. Transportation Cruising speed is 8-9 miles an hour on a standard 24" unicycle, fast enough to use an alternative to a car for local trips. I have commuted 3 miles to work up to 5 days a week, and I use it to run errands. I am not going to pick on bicycles, but I feel safer commuting with the unicycle than with a bike. I can ride the unicycle on the sidewalk, out of the way of traffic, without affecting my speed. Challenges You never run out of unicycling challenges. After you learn to ride forward, you can learn to ride backwards. When you have done that you can learn to ride one-footed. You can enjoy what you know, but you can always learn more. 1.2 How did unicycling begin?The accepted view is that the unicycle came from the penny-farthing bicycle,which had a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. The penny-farthinghad cranks directly connected to the front axle. If a rider stopped quickly, therear wheel would go up in the air as the rider moved forward a bit. Some ridersno doubt found that they could ride a bit with the rear wheel up, and thendecided to see how far they could go. Pictures of unicycles from the late 1800's show big-wheeled unicycles, which would support the idea that the first unicycles camefrom penny-farthing bicycles.The Quebec Unicycle Association has a page in French discussing the origin of the unicyclewhich describes the same view (I think). The URL is http://www.gel.ulaval.ca/~stpier02/amq/homeangl.html. 1.3 Where can I get more information on unicycling? Books I only know of one book that has been available outside of unicycling circles, and that is "The Unicycle Book" by Jack Wiley. Fortunately many libraries bought it; I discovered it at my high school library in the Dominican Republic. Even though the book was written in the early 70's most of the information is still current. It tells how the unicycle works, how to learn to ride (the author has since promoted simpler methods), how to do some tricks, organize a club, build a unicycle, and includes other features as well. The book also features a variety of unicyclists, many of whom you can meet at the National Unicycle Meet today. This book is out of print and replaced by "The Complete Book of Unicycling". From Solipaz Publishing and the Unicycling Society of America, all by Jack Wiley How to Ride a Unicycle: This book covers unicycle physics, how to ride, and how to do some basic tricks. Its method is simpler than that of "The Unicycle Book". It is basically several chapters extracted from "The Complete Book of Unicycling". Novelty Unicycling The Ultimate Wheel Book The Complete Book of Unicycling: This book replaces "The Unicycle Book". Much of the content will look familiar if you have seen "The Unicycle Book", but it goes into a lot more detail on tricks and history. The book is slightly out of date but it is still worth getting, because you will find more unicycling information here than anywhere else. It covers solo tricks, group tricks, clubs, history, records, and props, among other things. Basic Circus Skills How to Build Unicycles and Artistic Bicycles The Whole Unicycle Catalog Inside the Wheel: The Complete Guide to Monocycles Solipaz Publishing Company P.O. Box 366 Lodi, CA 95241 From the Unicycling Society of America Tidbits for Beginners. This contains a variety of articles from "One One Wheel", the newsletter of the Unicycling Society of America. Complete set of all Unicycling Society of America Newsletters since 1974 Official Competition Rulebook "On One Wheel" is the newsletter of the Unicycling Society of America. You need to be a member to receive it but it is worth the price. Unicycling Society of America, P.O. Box 40534, Redford, MI 48240. From Semcycle Learning to Ride by Teresa and Sem Abrahams This is really a pamphlet rather than a book. It has no big secrets, but it does contain a good method for learning to ride. From the New Zealand Juggling Association & Unicycling New Zealand Uni News is the newsletter for NZ unicyclists. It is published in conjunction with the Flying Kiwi the magazine produced quarterly by the NZ Juggling Association. Uni News provides information on the National and International scene, featuring articles on technique, construction and events. Road tests, Buy, sell & Swap. etc. For subscription information call, fax or write the Unicycle Hotline Phone: +64 (07) 839 9005 or 025 761 141 Fax: +64 (07) 839 9006 PO Box 776 Hamilton New Zealand From IUF and Miyata Anyone Can Ride a Unicycle by Jack HalpernFor the material it covers this is the best book on unicycling. In particular,book tells how to learn to ride, as well as a variety of beginning andintermediate skills. It also covers practical issues like unicycling attire,adjusting the unicycle, and theory.The book is based on what are consideredthe most effective ways of learning. John Foss helped a lot withreviewing the manuscript and by providing excellent photographs.Much credit is also due to Bill Jenack,the founder of modern unicycling, who has developed most of the techniques introduced in the book.The book comes with Miyata unicycles, and you canalso get it from Jack Halpern while supplies last.Miyata is out of stock at the moment, and has no definite plans at this time to reprint it.In the meantime, he will be glad to send you photocopies for $15, including airmail.The amount you send need not be $15 exactly if you send it in another currency.You should send this in cash form, not acheck, since it is very difficult to cash a checkin dollars in Japan. Supplies are short, so you maywant to send e-mail to Jack before sending cash toverify availability. His address is: Jack Halpern 1-3-502 3-Chome Niiza Niiza-shi Saitama 352 JAPAN E-mail: jack@kanji.orgBeirne Konarski beirne@neo.lrun.com Available in GermanUnicycling From Beginner to Expert by Sebastian HoeherI think Mr. Hoehr's book is pretty good. It's a translation from German, withsome resultant oddities, but on the whole I think it is comprehensive, andprovides good learning progressions. The book covers learning steps, and some more advanced riding. It also hassections on specialty cycles (mainly giraffes), and a brief history section. Ithink that this is now one of the better books out on the subject, but couldstill be improved upon. Jasan Catan CATANZ47@snycorva.cortland.edu"Die Kunst des Einradfahrens" (The Art of Unicycling) is a practical guidefor beginners who want to learn unicycling, but it also describes somemore advanced tricks and gives hints on how to use the Unicycle in a show.100 pages, German language.Angela Lahm (106647.1305@compuserve.com)"How to ride your Unicycle" by Charlie Dancey. Here is the blurb from the web page at http://www.dialspace.dial.pipex.com/dancey/unicycle.html:ANYONE can learn to ride a unicycle, and this step-by-step guide shows you how. From your first faltering one-wheeled wobbles to incredible feats of balance with the Giraffe Unicycle, and the Ultimate Wheel, Charlie Dancey gives you the tips and tells you the secrets that turn the impossible into reality. With comprehensive safety advice, hints on maintaining your machine, and the rules of Unicycle Gladiators and Unicycle Jousting, this is a book that every budding unicyclist should have. "How to ride your Unicycle" is publushed by Butterfingers Juggling Equipment and Books, ISBN 1-898591-18-0, and should be available from all good unicycle stockists, juggling shops, and the better bookstores. Videos From the Unicycling Society of America I.U.F. Achievement Skill Levels. This is the easiest way for most people to see what the 10 skill levels look like. It was filmed at a past National Unicycle Meet and has a different person do each skill level, and then give some hints. Rough Terrain Unicycling by George Peck. This is a good tapeto get even if you don't want to ride over boulders or picnic tables, asGeorge does in this tape. It is good to see even if you just want to dobetter on rough roads, trails, and curbs. Unicycling Society of America, P.O. Box 40534, Redford, MI 48240.If you live in the UK be careful when ordering Video's from the states (or anywhere abroad), as the NTSC video system used there is not compatible with your UK PAL video. If you do order specify a PAL version of the tape, which they may or may not be able to provide !A good video specialist could convert an NTSC video to PAL format, butthis is going to cost you ! 1.5 Where's the other wheel? In Nanny's room, behind the clock. It'll be along in a minute. Where's your originality? That's the nth time I've heard that one today. Real men (women) don't need two wheels. I'm paying for it in installments. You're kidding, it was there last time I looked (and promptly fall off) I didn't put enough locks on it. I loaned the other wheel to a friend. Sit here and make sure he comes by. I don't need it! I got the bike on sale, half off...I didn't realize they meant the bike. It's the economy; can't afford the other wheel. This is the recession model. I'm on a time payment plan. It's this downsizing thing. It's on the train to Glasgow. It's on an exchange program withanother wheel. It fell behind the fridge. Two wheels? That's twice as hard! Don't be daft, where would I put a second wheel? My other wheel? Why, I don't need a training wheel anymore! It's having a rest, it'll be along on the next cycle.My Grandma is riding on itCorporate downsizingIt's on back order. 1.6 What is a unicycle under the law?Note: These are the opinions of laymen, and should not be considered legaladvice.United KingdomSomeone recently posted on uk.rec.cycling implying that it is legal to ride a bicycle on the pavement (US Sidewalk) as long as the wheel size doesn't exceed 20". This got me wondering whether it was true, and if so what the implications might be for unicyclists. So, it was back to the library to look through the law books. The Highway Code goes through the cycling laws and makes it fairly clear that there should be no problem with riding on the road. But forget about The Highway Code, what it *doesn't* give is a legal definition of a cycle. That's what I managed to find: '"Cycle" means a bicycle, tricycle, or cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor vehicle.' So cycle laws don't cover a unicycle. There is nothing about unicycles anywhere in the road traffic legislation. I'm not going to wade through the whole of English law looking for any reference to unicycling, so if anyone knows of a reference elsewhere I'd be interested. It seems that it is quite legal to ride a unicycle on the pavement in England. Does anyone know what the law says in the rest of the UK? If anyone fancies getting a copy of this definition (you never know when it might be useful), my source is: Halsbury's Laws of England, 4th edn, vol. 40 (Road Traffic), published in 1983 by Butterworths, London.Danny Colyer/bs1dwc@bath.ac.ukNew ZealandBefore starting Unicycling New Zealand back in March 1993, I approachedTransit NZ to find out the real truth about unicycling in this country...Several letters between myself and the Minister of Transport brought usboth to the following conclusion...A bicycle, by NZ law, must have AT LEAST TWO wheels. ...well, that rules out a standard unicycle instantly!So was it a toy? In the book of NZ road religion, a toy may have a wheeldiametre no larger than 355mm (14inches) INCLUDING any tyre. ...rules out the standard uni again!therefore we came to the conclusion that in NZ, the unicycle, fell in tothe category of a "vehicle" by default.this means it is quite legal to ride the unicycle on the roads, as youwould any vehicle in this country, accommodating the laws of hand signals atall times, and lights at night, etc. No helmet is required (as compulsorywith a bicycle in this country), no brakes or steering etc.I guess we are lucky as I believe unicycling is not cool with authoritiesin some states in America... wot a bummer!Ross Mackintosh romack@hn.planet.gen.nzCaliforniaIn California a bicycle can have one wheel, but it must also have gears, a belt, ora chain, which means that a standard unicycle is not a bicycle.From the "Words and Phrases Defined" division of the California Vehicle Code (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.html/veh_table_of_contents.html):231. A bicycle is a device upon which any person may ride,propelled exclusively by human power through a belt, chain, or gears,and having one or more wheels. Persons riding bicycles are subjectto the provisions of this code specified in Sections 21200 and21200.5.This definition does include giraffe unicycles, however, which is unfortunatebecause elsewhere the law requires that bicycles be able to leave skid markswhen braking. Whether multi-wheel unicycles (in which only one wheel touchesthe ground, but the wheels turn against each other to propel the bottom wheel)are bicycles is an open issue.A rider on a standard unicycle appears to be a pedestrian. Here is the definitionof a pedestrian in California, again from the California Vehicle Code:467. (a) A "pedestrian" is any person who is afoot or who is usinga means of conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle. (b) "Pedestrian" includes any person who is operating aself-propelled wheelchair, invalid tricycle, or motorized quadricycleand, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to moveabout as a pedestrian, as specified in subdivision (a).Several years ago the Gonzo Unicycle Madness club at Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA)put the legal definitions of the bicycle and pedestrian on their club shirts, with thetitle "Unicycling is not a Crime".Beirne KonarskiJennie HangoCraig Rogers1.8 How do you say unicycle in different languages?Chinese:   Dutch:eenwielerEnglish:unicycleFrench:monocycleGerman:einradHebrew: Italian:unicicloJapanese:ichirinsha(preferred), yunisaikuruPortuguese:monocicloRussian: Spanish:monociclo(preferred), unicicloSwedish:enhjulingFinnish:YksipyoraGreek:monopodelotoJack HalpernIsaac OrrBeirne KonarskiJ. Alan Atherton2. Learning 2.1 How long does it take to learn? There is a wide variation in athletic fitness, balance perception, and reaction time among those learning to ride a unicycle. So it is difficult to predict roughly how many hours it will take to learn certain unicycling skills. An experienced unicycling instructor may be able to make a good guess after watching someone ride, but it is impossible without first seeing the rider in action. It has taken people as short as 15 min. and as long as 6 months to learn to ride. However, it generally takes 2-6 weeks of regular practice to learn to ride and a few more weeks to learn to do turns. Ken Fuchs - kfuchs@winternet.comA good rule of thumb is that it will take about one week for every day ittook you to learn to ride a bike.Ed Falk<Ed.Falk@Eng.Sun.COM> 2.2 How do you learn to ride? This comes from a posting by Robert Bernstein(rbernstein@igc.apc.org): I am a big proponent of the getting friends to help. I do not like falling down! I learned by the MIT Unicycle Club method: Get two friends to stand on either side of you and get up on the unicycle with your arms around their shoulders. Sit up straight; look straight ahead; weight on seat, not on pedals. Rock the pedals to get a sense of balance. Get the pedals level; this is when you are in control. Pedal half turns then stop. Then full turns, two turns, etc. Doing multiples of half turns (from pedals level to pedals level again) is harder than continuously pedaling, but keeps you in control. Switch to holding on to your friends' wrists. Switch to holding on to one friend's wrist. Go off and use a wall instead of your one friend. (If you can't find a wall and a flat surface to ride on then continue with one friend, but let go as much as you can. Ed.) Steps 1-5 should not take more than an hour (perhaps in 10 minute sessions). The thing I liked about learning this way is that I never hurt myself in the process. I have used this technique to teach a couple of dozen people. For some people, the get on, fall off do-it-yourself cycle works best. It's a matter of personality! 2.3 Is unicycling dangerous? As dangerous as you want it to be. The vast majority of falls leave the rider on their feet, as dismounting is a skill learned while learning to ride. Most falls occur for just a few reasons: excessive speed, exhaustion, lack of attention to the road, and learning new tricks. The rider can control all of these factors to their desired comfort and safety level. 2.4 How do I learn how to...?The Unicycling Home Page has information on learning a variety of skills.The web version of the faq (http://www.unicycling.org/unicycling/faq.html)has a number of references in the 10 skill levelsection and the mount section. There are also some references in the Fun Things to do on a Unicycle section of theUnicycling page. 2.5 What are the 10 skill levels? Here is the list thanks to Andy Cotter (cotter@skypoint.com). Comments in parentheses are mine. GENERAL INFORMATION In order to be eligible to achieve a level, a rider must have achieved all previous levels. All skills start and end with the rider riding forward, seated with both feet on the pedals. All mounts end with the rider riding forward with both feet on the pedals. PROCEDURE FOR TESTING To achieve a skill level a rider must pass a skill level exam with an authorized examiner. Examiners must be authorized by the Unicycling Society of America, the IUF, or by a connected organization. In order to pass an exam a rider must perform all skills in the level at the first attempt except for 3 skills maximum which must be performed at the second attempt.For some advice on preparing for a level test, check out the level testing hintson the unicycle home page. Level 1 Mount Unicycle unassisted Ride 50 meters Dismount gracefully with unicycle in front Level 2 Mount with left foot Mount with right foot Ride 10 m between two parallel lines 30 cm apart Ride a figure 8 with circle diameters smaller then 3 m Ride down a 15 cm vertical drop Make a sharp 90 degree turn to the left Make a sharp 90 degree turn to the right Level 3 Demonstrate 3 types of mounts Ride a figure 8 with circle diameters smaller than 1.5 m Come to stop, pedal half a revolution backward and continue forward Ride with the stomach on the seat for 10 m Make a sharp 180 degree turn to the left Make a sharp 180 degree turn to the right Hop 5 times Ride over a 10 X 10 cm obstacle Level 4 Demonstrate 4 types of mounts Ride backward for 10 m Ride one footed for 10 m Idle with left foot down 25 times Idle with right foot down 25 times Ride with the seat out in front for 10 m Ride with the seat out in back for 10 m Make a sharp 360 degree turn to the left Make a sharp 360 degree turn to the right Level 5 Demonstrate 5 types of mounts Ride backward in a circle Ride one footed in a figure eight Idle one footed with left foot down 25 times Idle one footed with right foot down 25 times Ride with the seat out in front in a circle Ride with the seat out in back in a circle Ride with the seat on the side in a circle Hop-twist 90 degrees to the left Hop-twist 90 degrees to the right Walk the wheel for 10 m (No feet on the pedals, instead you propel the unicycle by walking on the surface of the tire while sitting) Level 6 Demonstrate 6 types of mounts Ride backward in a figure 8 Ride with the seat out in front in a figure eight Ride with the seat out in back in a figure eight Ride backward with the seat out in front for 10 m Ride with seat on the side in a circle to the left Ride with seat on the side in a circle to the right Ride one footed with the left foot for 10 m Ride one footed with the right foot for 10 m Backspin Frontspin Spin Hop standing on wheel 5 times Level 7 Demonstrate 7 types of mounts Ride backward with seat out in front in a circle Ride one footed with left foot in a circle Ride one footed with right foot in a circle Walk the wheel in a circle Walk the wheel one footed for 10 m Hop-twist 180 degrees to the left Hop-twist 180 degrees to the right Ride backward with the seat out in back for 10 m Spin the left Spin to the right Level 8 Demonstrate 8 types of mounts Ride one footed with the left foot in a figure 8 Ride one footed with the right foot in a figure 8 Walk the wheel in a figure eight Walk the wheel one footed in a circle Ride backward one footed for 10 m Glide for 10 m (no feet on the pedals, you can use a foot on the surface of the tire as a brake.) Hand wheel walk for 10 m Pirouette Backward spin Level 9 Demonstrate 9 types of mounts Walk the wheel one footed in a figure 8 Ride backward one footed in a circle Ride backward with the seat out in front in figure 8 Ride backward with the seat out in back in a circle Walk the wheel one footed with left foot for 10 m Walk the wheel one footed with right foot for 10 m Walk the wheel backward for 10 m Drag seat in front 10 m Drag seat in back for 10 m Ride backward one footed with the left foot 10 m Ride backward one footed with the right foot 10 m Ride one footed with the seat out in front for 10 m Backward pirouette Level 10 Demonstrate 10 types of mounts Ride backward with seat out in back in a figure 8 Ride backward one footed in a figure 8 Walk the wheel one footed with left foot in circle Walk the wheel one footed with right foot in circle Walk the wheel backward in a circle 180 uni spin Sideways wheel walk for 10 m Coast for 10 m Side ride for 10 m Walk the wheel one footed backward for 10 m 2.6 What are some different mounts? Left and right can be switched in the descriptions if you are left footed. Standard Put a foot on the rear pedal and the seat underneath you. Step up onto the unicycle. Side Put your left foot on the left pedal and hold the seat in your hand. Move your right foot between your left leg and the unicycle. Swing it around the front of the seat, put the seat underneath you, and your right foot on the pedal. side mount with foot around twice Like the side mount, but your foot makes an extra trip around the seat. side mount with foot around 3X Like the side mount, but your foot makes an extra two trips around the seat. side mount reverse Put your left foot on the left pedal and hold the seat in your hand. Move your right foot around the back of the seat, put the seat underneath you, and your right foot on the pedal. side mount reverse, leg around Put your left foot on the left pedal and hold the seat in your hand. Move your right foot around the back of the seat, swing your foot 360 degrees around the seat again, put the seat underneath you, and your right foot on the pedal. stepover mount Start on the sideholding onto the seat with both hands bring the other foot up over the seatwithout releasing the seat with either hand.Step over the top of the seat without letting go of the seat.It is not a fun way to crash if you have your foot on the seat, but a goodhigh step and its no more difficult than one of the other side mounts. Reverse Stand in front of the unicycle with the seat underneath you. Put one foot on the lower pedal. Step back and up so that the unicycle is underneath you. The motion will be similar to idling once you are up. Jump Hold the unicycle upright and jump up onto the pedals and the seat. Land with all your weight on the pedals or you will be unhappy. 180 spin mount Hold the unicycle in front of you with the front facing you. Jump into the air, spin the unicycle around 180 degrees, and land on it. 360 spin mount Hold the unicycle in front of you with the front facing away from you. Jump into the air, spin the unicycle around 360 degrees, and land on it. kick up Lay the unicycle on its side. Put your foot on the pedal that is pointing up. Use your other foot to kick the seat up underneath you, and put the free foot on its pedal. rolling mount Roll the unicycle, put your foot on one pedal and get up, without the wheel ever stopping. one foot mount Like a standard mount, but the second foot goes over the pedal and the stays in the air. You can then go backwards or forwards with one foot. one foot reverse mount Like the reverse mount, but the second foot goes over the pedal and the stays in the air. You can then go backwards or forwards with one foot. side mount from standing on wheel side jump mount Start at the side of the unicycle, then jump on the pedals and settle on the seat. free side jump mount Start at the side of the unicycle, let go of the unicycle, then jump on the pedals and settle on the seat. jump mount Stand behind the unicycle, jump up on both pedals simultaneously, and settle on the seat. free jump mount Like a regular jump mount, but the rider lets go of the seat before their feet leave the ground. rolling mount to one foot jump mount to one foot idle kick up to walk the wheel kick up to walk the wheel one footed kick up to spin side jump mount to walk the wheel Like jump mount, but land in the wheel walk position. side mount to seat out in front frog mount rolling jump mount to seat in back jump mount to seat in front Like a jump mount, but you leave the seat out front and ride this way. pick up mount spin mount spin mount to one foot riding kick up with foot wrapped around frame side jump mount to seat at back jump mount with 180 seat spin whilst airborne jump mount with 360 seat spin whilst airborne turn around jump mount The rider turns around 180 degrees before landing on the unicycle. Andy Cotter/cotter@skypoint.comBeirne Konarski/beirne@neo.lrun.comDoug Borngasser/dborngas@sdcc3.ucsd.edu 2.7 Why do I have to twist to one side to ride straight?This could be caused by the left to right pitch or crown on mostroads. Does the problem persist when riding on level ground or afloor?This could also be caused by riding posture. Consciously try to ridewith a straight back, looking forward with most of one's weight on theseat. Putting less weight on the pedals and more weight on the seatreally makes riding far easier. It may take a few weeks to adjust tothis better method of riding, so don't worry if things don't instantlyget better.The plane of the wheel may not intersect the seat exactly in half. Inother words the frame may be bend or misaligned to the right or theleft. If this is the case, try bending the frame in the otherdirection in a vise, protecting the chrome or paint with blocks ofwood. However, the chrome or paint may crack or rinkle at the stresspoints of the bend.Misaligned crankarms may also cause problems.The seat might be cracked or flex more in one direction or the other.The tire can be worn more on one side than the other. This occursmost commonly when the unicycle is used for gliding with predominantlyone foot or the other. Not very likely unless the unicycle is usedfor gliding.Worn bearings or other unicycle parts could even be a factor, butreally not likely to cause "twisting to the right" or left.3. Buying 3.1 Where can I get a unicycle?The reviews of manufacturers and retailers that follow are written byindividuals who are not associated with the companies they review. Pleasedo not write to the reviewers asking for product information. Insteadcontact the companies themselves or dealers selling their products.Manufacturers Miyata This is a popular Japanese brand that recently quit selling in the US due to the cheap dollar. You may be able to find some leftover in the retail channels in the US. You may also be able to get them in Canada, and you can of course get them in Japan. There are rumors that they will be imported into the US from Canada. I don't know about availability in countries other than Japan. The Standard and Deluxe Miyata both have an extremely loyal following, and have been used by nearly every world champion unicyclist thus far. They also make a 5' blue painted giraffe unicycle. Semcycle Run by Sem and Theresa Abrahams, who were actually married on unicycles. There are two regular models, and a giraffe. The Semcycle, though relatively expensive, has extremely strong axle and crank arms, and is intended for heavy use by the most demanding of riders. The XL models are much less expensive, and built more along the lines of many other brands of Taiwanese origin, but with an above-average saddle. Both regular wheel models come in 26" wheel size, as well as the usual 24" and 20". The 6' giraffe is a chrome A-frame, available with either one or two chains.For more information write to semcycle@aol.com orgo to http://members.aol.com/semcycle/The Semcycle reviewer is John Foss (jfoss@unicycling.com). Siegmono-CycleSiegmono-CycleD. & G. SiegmonSchreberweg 4D - 24119 Kronshagen b. KielTel: +49 431 541441Fax: +49 431 549099E-mail: gsiegmon@kernphysik.uni-kiel.d400.deWe produce our own brand SIEGMONO. The idea of our unicycleproduction is to distinguish between three kinds of components: a)crucial, b) not so crucial and c) individual. As a result theSIEGMONOs consist of a strong wheel (strong axle and crank arms), arelatively cheap fork (Taiwanese) and one of three saddles (acontoured one which is completely resilient to hitting the street,a symmetric Pashley like model with bumpers and a saddle similar tothe Semcycle).Written by Georg Siegmon of Siegmono-Cycle. DMDMs are very sturdy and look good. The contour saddlesare matched only by Semcycles for comfort, though DMstraight saddles are an instrument of torture (somepeople apparently prefer them, it takes allsorts...). DM contour saddles also have front and backgrab rails which do duty for holding on to, wheeling,catching while dismounting, but mostly taking all theknocks when dropped; my saddle is unscathed after ayear's abuse, though there's no chrome left on the grabrails. DM's giraffes are works of art with twin chains for realdurability and no twist. The only complaint is thatthey're a bit heavy, but they're built to last. DM'sclassic design is the 5' to 8' convertible, where theframe has a 3' extension tube and a long set of chains.Review written by Peter Lister(p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk).For sales information contact DM engineering by snail mail, email(DMUNICYCLES@LDS.CO.UK) or a retailer. Unicycle Factory The Unicycle Factory is your one stop source for custom cycles, parts, and expert information about unicycles. If you can't find it anywhere else, it's because Tom Miller has it. Some of his custom models are big wheels (up to 56"), multi-wheels, tennis shoe wheels, ultimate wheel kits, giraffes up to 24', basketball-wheeled unicycles, etc.For catalogs, advice or further information call Tom Miller at (765) 452-2692. (Sorry, no e-mail)WWW: http://www.tux.org/~bagleyd/unicycle_factory/index.htmlReview written by John Foss. Pashley Pashley is a British unicycle that has gone from making junky beginner's unicycles to be the first company to make production mountain unicycles.The older Pashley's have one screw holding each bearing to the fork. Once these get stripped (it won't take long), you are out of luck.Pashley has been actively involved indeveloping a specific machine for mountain unicycling.Their products are the most costeffective way of riding uni's off-road and new products are in the pipeline.The bearings are double bolted into the forks,and show no trace of looseness. The saddle is contoured, completely resilient to hitting the concrete (still looks like new), and comfortable. The weight is about 6Kg, which is not excessively heavy. After a year of use (by Chris Hughes) the whole thing is like new except for tyrewear and bashed pedals. Review written by:Chris Hughes, Duncan Castling, andBeirne KonarskiAdditional information, provided by Matt Dekker of Dekker Service, animporter and distributor (not retailer) of Pashley products:The Pashley Muni is available in either a 20" or 26" wheel, with an aluminum rim, knobby tire, 36 hole steel Suzue hub, and stainless spokes. The bearings are similar to what Pashley uses on their industrial grade trikes, an alloy housing surrounding a large cartridge bearing. The alloy housing extends roughly two inches into the fork and is held in by two bolts and nyloc nuts per side. The cranks are "bullet proof" cotterless steel, 5" on the 20" and 6" on the 26". Pedals are double sided platform BMX style. The saddle is asymmetrical, with the rear of the saddle flared upwards a bit. The standard colors are gunmetal gray or brilliant blue. There is a braze on water bottle cage mount on the front of the seat tube.Brett Bymaster has written an in-depth review of the Pashley Muni on his web page at http://shay.ecn.purdue.edu/%7ebymaster/muni/munipics.html.Rideable Bicycle ReplicasThey specialize in making antique bicycles, including the penny farthing, the ancestor of the unicycle. They also make big wheel unicycles,38" to 52".Emory Mfg. Co.Has been making unicycles since 1976. Sells unicycles wholesale and retail. Schwinn Schwinn has reentered the unicycle business, though. They have a 20" anda 24" model. They are of the same general style as the 1980's Schwinns,with some size differences in the axle. CycleproAnother decent value for the price. Made in Taiwan, steel fork with bearing holders as described in Pashley/Absolute. Different colors. Taiwan steel contour seat with chrome bumpers. Available in 20", 24", and sometimes 16".Review written by John Foss (jfoss@unicycling.com).For more information contact Cyclepro or a dealer. BogglefingersButterfingers and Boggle, juggling shops based inBristol and Bath respectively import these. Can't reallycomment on the quality, but they look a better "budget"option than Pashley, for those people who can't affordDMs or Sems.Review written by Peter Lister(p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk).For sales information contact Bogglefingers by snail mail, or a retailer. Oddcycle Oddball's own uni, built by Sem, looks much like a rebadged Sem trainer.Cycle DesignCycle Design is a part of a company named "Ridgeway Products" thatsells bike parts (not whole bikes). They also carry both a 24" and a 20"uni. I have heard the name "Zephyr" when referring to these unis -- Idon't know if that came from the company or is a Muddism.The unis are medium quality: they are definitely superior to thegeneric kind that probably all come from the same factory inTaiwan. They have a tubular fork with a sloping face where the Miatashave a flat one. The fork is very lightweight, but very strong. It ischromed from top to bottom.The seat is (in my opinion) very comfortable. It is made out of a hardplastic frame with black foam molded around it. It is very easy tocatch when dismounting either forwards or backwards. This is a goodthing, since there is NO protection for the seat (like a metal bar, ora plastic piece). The first damage that happens to them is that thefoam cracks in the front as a result of falling on the ground. Theseat uses a standard Schwinn seat mount (the curved piece of metalwith four oval holes) so you can easily replace the seat. Seats thatfit this mounting style are easy to come by.The seat post connects to the frame by a standard seat clamp. Peoplehave a lot of trouble keeping these tight enough to resist rotationduring tricks. One solution is to put a machine screw through the forkand post just to hold the alignment and keep the clamp to transfer therider's weight. The metal is almost definitely too thin to handlesystem like Schwinn unis use.There's not much to be said about the wheel. It's got a chromed rimand some spokes. It seems to be well built. It comes with a black tirethat looks sharp with the black pedals and seat. The biggest problemin the design is in the axle. The axles of the unis belonging to ourtwo most demanding riders (hopping, curbs, jump mounts, etc.) havebeen sheared off at the connection between the crank arm and theaxle. This does not bode well for long-term reliability. These uniswere less than six months old when they broke. The bike shop has beenvery friendly about getting them repaired, though.The bearing mounts are also only rank 5 on a scale of 1 to 10. Theyare mounted directly at the end of the fork, providing a goodmetal to metal fit. From the bottom, though, four small bolts hold apiece of metal over them to keep them connected to the fork. Thislooks like an accident waiting to happen, since the bolts are verysmall, but we have had no problems with it. I suppose I am spoiled bywhat I consider a 10: the Schwinn method of surrounding the bearingwith 1/4 inch steel.The pedals are standard bicycle types of some sort. They havereflectors and little pegs to help keep your foot on. They work ok,but this is another place where there is room for modification. Thecranks connect to the axle just like a Schwinn -- no bolts to foreverbe tightening here! They are 180mm long, from end to end (155mm fromcenter to center).All in all, I'd say that for the $100 we paid (I think we got a slightbulk discount) these unis are good beginner models. If you buy one,and really get into the sport, don't expect it to last much more thana year or two. Use it to learn on, then buy a real uni, like aSemcycle or a Miyata.The company can be reached at (US only, sorry) 800-869-9866. They onlysell to dealers, but they can probably find you a dealer in yourarea. The bike shop we (the HMC uni club) does business with isMulrooney's Sea Schwinn in Newport Beach. Their number is(714) 646-7706.Review written by Jeff R. Allen jeff@hmc.eduFor more information contact Cycle Designs or a dealer. Coker Makes The Big One, a unicycle with a 36" wheel, the largest in regular production.Phone: 1-800-251-6336WWW: http://www.coker.com/collect/bigone.htmlRetailers Australia Juggleart 1st floor, rear of 230 Brunswick StreetFitzroy, Melbourne, Australia(entrance on St. David st).Phone number is: +61 03 9417 7772 Fax number : +61 03 9417 7878E-mail: juggle@ozemail.com.auSells Juggleart and DM unicycles. Canada Darren Bedford71 Jasper Ave.Toronto, OntarioM6N 2N2(416) 767-4742Sells Miyatas and Semcycles.Braun's OnlineBraun's OnlineBRAUNS ONLINE 27 Scott St. Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2H 1P8 Voice: 1 519 579-2453 WWW: http://brauns.com/E-mail: online@brauns.comSells 20" and 24" unicycles, as well as 5-foot giraffes. NorcoWWW: http://www.norco.com/24uni.htmSells inexpensive 20" and 24" unicycles. The brand is also available in bike shops. France Unicycle 3 Impass Jules Dalou 9100 Evry France phone number is: (33-1)60 77 37 36fax number : (33-1)60 78 09 88Sells their own unicycles, imported from Taiwan. GermanyClipclapClipclapRegerstr. 1492318 Neumarkt Tel. 09181 - 33343Tel. 0171 - 2377386Fax. 09181 - 45807email: service@clipclap.deWWW: http://www.clipclap.deSells standard and giraffe unicycles.Siegmono-CycleSiegmono-CycleD. & G. SiegmonSchreberweg 4D - 24119 Kronshagen b. KielTel: +49 431 541441Fax: +49 431 549099E-mail: gsiegmon@kernphysik.uni-kiel.d400.deThey sell lots of parts for Uni's and Giraffe, and 20 to 26" (28" perhaps)Unicycles including a 48 spoke 26" one. They also sell Miyatas. Holland Semcycle Box 16753600 Br MaarssenHollandTel: 03465-7 05 63Fax: 03465-7 60 07E-mail: semcyclenl@aol.comShowtimeFa v.d.Wel/SHOWTIMEEmmaweg 273603 AL Maarssen-Dorpthe NetherlandsVoice: (*31) (0) 346 551562Fax: (*31) (0) 346 552076E-mail: info@showtimejuggling.netWWW: http://www.showtimejuggling.net Italy Alivola Giocoleria via Case Nuove7 - 02034 MontopoliRieti, Italytel. +39-0765-29821fax. +39-0765-29559E-mail: alivolak@uni.netWWW: http://www.alivola.com/iunicicl.htmSells standard and giraffe unicycles as well as parts. Jasper Store Box 1675Via Madama Cristina 40/c10125 Torino ItalyTel. +39+011+650.77.77fax +39+011+6508756E-mail: joy@arpnet.itSells Unicycle brand, Semcycle, and giraffes from Picher.New Zealand Ross MackintoshRoss sells Taiwanese unicycles.They have fully welded frames, 36 spokes, cotterless cranks and seats with crash barsRoss Mackintoshromack@hn.planet.gen.nz* Phone: (07) 839 9005 * Shoe: (025) 761 141 * Fax: (07) 839 9006* Snail mail: Box 776, Hamilton, New ZealandDavid WhittamDavid WhittamCycle suppliesPO Box 33051ChristchurchTel: +64 3 338 6803Sells Pashley unicycles and parts. United Kingdom DM Unicycles DM Unicycles 59 Fairmile Rd, Christchurch,Dorset, BH23 2LATel: 0202 471943Email: DMUNICYCLES@LDS.CO.UKUnicycle Source UKWWW: http://www.unicycle.uk.com/Sells a variety of unicycle models on the Web.ButterfingersButterfingersUnit 10, Burnett Business ParkGypsy LaneBurnettKeynshamBristol BS18 2EDEnglandTel +44 117 986 6680fax +44 117 986 6690They do mail order, and offer a complete range of circus equipment,including unicycles. They are, are far as I know, still run by PippaTee and Charlie Dancey. Charlie is the author of two standard works onjuggling.Review written by Tim Sheppard. Contact Butterfingers directly for more information. Zero G Juggling Co. Zero G Juggling Co. The Victoria Centre Mostyn Street Llandudno Gwnedd Tel: 0492-514039The Boggle Juggling ShopThe Boggle Juggling Shop9 Broad StreetBath BA1 5LJEnglandTel +44 1225 446685The Brighton Juggling StoreThe Brighton Juggling Store24 Kensongton GardensBrighton, East SusEnglandTel +44 1273 696068Stocks Semcycle, D.M., PashleyJugglemaniaJugglemania119 Children DriveSurbitonKT5 8LSEnglandTel +44 181 390 6855Mushy PeaMushy Pea23 Brown StreetManchesterEnglandTel +44 161 834 6195Oddballs (Camden)Oddballs (Camden)2 Camden Lock PlaceLondonEnglandTel +44 171 254 5660 United StatesAgee's BicyclesAgee's BicyclesWWW: http://www.ageebike.com/Unicycle.htmSells Cyclepro unicycles.Compleat GamesterCompleat Gamester350 MOODY STWALTHAM MA 02154 USAVoice: 1-800-698-9505 or (617)893-9505WWW: http://world.std.com/~gamesterE-mail: gamester@world.std.comSells standard and XL Semcycles. Coker Makes The Big One, a unicycle with a 36" wheel, the largest in regular production.Phone: 1-800-251-6336WWW: http://www.coker.com/collect/bigone.htmlDekker Service, Inc.Dekker Service Inc.5433 116th Ave. SEBellevue, WA 98006-3317Voice: (206) 641-9639Fax: (206) 641-0151Email: mdekker@eskimo.comWWW: http://www.eskimo.com/~mdekker/index.htmlThey are actually a wholesaler, and do not do retail business. They do import the Pashley mountain unicycle, though. They encourage you to have your local bike shopcontact them for prices and product availability.EbayThis is an auction site that sometimes has unicycles for sale.WWW: http://www.ebay.comEmory Mfg. Co.Emory Mfg. Co.1730 Westcott St.Jacksonville, FL 32206Tel: (904) 354-3339Fax: (904) 354-3488E-Mail: clayton@aerofast.comWWW: http://www.aerofast.com/Has been making unicycles since 1976. Sells their own unicycles.Osell's Bicycle/Unicycle ShopOsell's Bicycle/Unicycle ShopMinnesotaVoice: 612-788-5200 This company sells Miyatas as well as other brands.Rideable Bicycle ReplicasThey sell their own unicycles, which are big wheels from 38" to 52".Rideable Bicycle Replicas 2329 Eagle Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: 510-523-9938 Fax: 510-521-7145 Semcycle SemcycleP.O. Box 40353Redford, MI 48240(313) 537-8175WWW: http://members.aol.com/semcycle/E-mail: SEMCYCLE@aol.comSerious JugglingSerious Juggling5022 S.E. Division St.Portland, OR 97206-1546(800) JUGGLE-0 |
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