Page: ......
MrConfusedBRONZE Member
addict
529 posts
Location: I wish I knew, United Kingdom


Posted:
I recently got my grubby little hands on a unicycle. Woo, except I'm rather rubbish. So far I have:



fallen off lots

fallen off lots more and worked out that if I grab the seat, the uni doesn't clatter to the ground

managed ride forward somewhat unsteadily, furthest being about 15 metres

managed twice to stop and ride backwards for a couple of revolutions before falling off

idle (more by luck than anything else) for a couple of seconds

bruised my shins lots trying to mount the damn thing

fallen off some more

learnt that a 2 x 1.5 metre patio isn't the ideal place to try to learn



Given the lack of space (meaning I can't really practice going forwards smoothly, as I run out of space before I get going), what is best to attempt to learn next? Idling or mounting?



J

EDITED_BY: MrConfused (1110309471)

If you're not confused, you're not thinking about things hard enough.


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
It's my sisters birthday in a few weeks time and I want to get her a 26" wheel unicycle. I saw this one on Ebay and wondered if any of you more experienced uni people could give me some advice on the quality of this make and if it's a fair price for what it is.

Thanks.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


Mr MajestikSILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia


Posted:
why a 26" to begin with?

*looks at my uni in the corner*.............maybe tomorrow.....

"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"

jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
She already has a 20" Nimbus II and she wants a larger wheel now to travel to and from work on.



I'd love to be able to buy her this one , but I don't have the money right now.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


Mr MajestikSILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia


Posted:
hmm, it doesnt sound too bad, adn its got a two year warranty! i'd go it but i've already got a shiney one myself.

make sure its a real product and not a trap. wink

"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"

jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley


onewheeldaveGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom


Posted:
 Written by: Mr Majestik


why a 26" to begin with?

*looks at my uni in the corner*.............maybe tomorrow.....



A 26" uni, or a 24x3 (24" rim with a 3" tyre, making the effective diameter pretty much 26") is a suitable choice for beginners if they suspect that their main interest is in using the uni for getting around on.

20" unis are good for indoor/freestyle stuff, but not for getting around on.

The old 'beginners should learn on a 20"-er' view is a myth.

"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."

--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32


Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!


UCOFSILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales


Posted:
Whats the best size to begin with, in your opinion Dave?

hug2

Mr MajestikSILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia


Posted:
damn, maybe i should take my 20 back and get a 26, although either way i should just start with riding it heaps more.



why dont you have any photos of you doing your stuff on a uni dave? i wanna see the offroad stuff!

"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"

jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
But the question is Dave, is QU-AX a reliable maker of Uni's? I don't have a huge amount of money to spend, but I'd prefer to tell Cath she'll have to wait for her birthday present whilst I save up for a good one than buy her one that will fall apart in a couple of months.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


onewheeldaveGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom


Posted:
UCOF- there is no 'best' size- it depends on what you're going to do with the uni; for trials or freestyle a 20" is considered the optimum wheel size; but, for getting around on, a 20" is simply too small.

For complete newbies, it's often not possible to know what kind of unicycling you'll be doing once you've learnt and so neither is it possible to decide which size will definitly be best.

However, when it comes to a General Purpose Unicycle, my top contender would be the 24x3 (24" rim with a fat 3" off-road tyre) because: -

1. it's OK for learning the basics on

2. it's OK for getting around on- it's not a 'distance unicycle' by any means, but it will get you from a to b in a perfectly acceptable time, plus, the fat tyre makes it a comfortable ride and means you're not going to get thrown off by small obstacles

3. it's great for muni and riding through woods etc

4. unlike the bigger wheels, it's the kind of uni you can, once you're proficient on it, have a couple of months lay off and still be able to ride well; whereas, i find with the 29"-er that regular riding is necessary to stay in form

But then, I'm biased, cos my main uni is my 24x3 nimbus and i ride it everywhere- partly this is because Sheffield has a lot of exceptionally steep hills and, for that reason, I find the 24x3 to be, in many ways, more practical than the bigger wheels.

But most of all, i'd say to beginners, DON'T get a 20" just because of the old myth that '20" is best for beginners'- it's not true and many people have 20" unis lying unused in the attic because they followed that advice, yet really what they would have got more out of is a machine capeable of outdoor riding.

I myself had a 20"-er tucked away for around 8 years, before I got the outdoor riding bug.

Admittedly, i then spent a whole summer riding the 20" on the streets (so it is possible), but, the day I got my 24x3 is the day the 20" went back in the cupboard- after that, riding a 20" is like riding with your shoe laces tied together.

--------

As for QU-AX- I've no experience of them, though, by all accounts, they're a good budget splined uni (check out unicyclist.com and go to the forums for loads of advice/discussion on these issues).

Personally, I've used the unsplined Nimbus 24x3 for years and, cos I use it for riding rather than attempting big drops etc, it works fine.

For rough stuff, splined is the way to go, but, for riding and mild muni, the unsplined Nimbus is a great choice.

Lastly, I'll say again, I'm not dissing 20" unis- they have their place (indoors freestyle, outdoor trials), but they are not the 'best' uni for beginners, the 24x3 is more suitable if ridng outdoors for moderate distance is intended.

"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."

--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32


Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!


jemima (jem)SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,750 posts
Location: london, United Kingdom


Posted:
I can peddle, and i can fall safely ubblol im on the brink of not holding on


oop
https://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseac...E16A97045955127

Never assume
Always Acknowledge


UCOFSILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales


Posted:
 Written by: OWD

I use it for riding rather than attempting big drops


Wuss.. wink

Skully and her sister bought me a unicycle for my birthday, and today I went 3m unassisted, and got a very zinc oxided right hand from holding onto a fence whilst learning.

My nuts are throbbing... (oo er..)
but im smiling smile
and rolling ubbrollsmile

Its this one I believe.
Ive been staring at people all day. Dont they look wierd not wheeling a unicycle around. wink

jemima (jem)SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,750 posts
Location: london, United Kingdom


Posted:
......I think your at my level then ubblol

there is no longer a hole in my hand rolleyes

Never assume
Always Acknowledge


UCOFSILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales


Posted:
OWD (or anyone who knows): Whats the difference between splined and unsplined?



Oh, and I just managed to go about 4m unassisted ubblol

The one I have is: https://www.qu-ax.de/data/htmls/m_ein.html
Then click standard at the bottom, its a 26" wheel )

Rouge DragonBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia


Posted:
Just making myself known in the unicycle thread. I don't have my own (yet). so i have been stealing my flatmate's. Took it down to my hometown the other week and took it out there, managing to go a few metres before falling off! whee!

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
the other night, i freemounted in rouges front garden, went out her gate, dropped off her gutter, then rode to the shop. it was wet pavement all the way and i didnt come off once, i feel soo proud tongue

cheers, pete hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


Rouge DragonBRONZE Member
Insert Champagne Here
13,215 posts
Location: without class distinction, Australia


Posted:
AND you came back with chocolate! ubblove

I didn't realise you had freemounted in my garden or dropped my gutter! *applause*

i would have changed ***** to phallus, and claire to petey Petey

Rougie: but that's what I'm doing here
Arnwyn: what letting me adjust myself in your room?..don't you dare quote that on HoP...


onewheeldaveGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom


Posted:
 Written by: mbiliciformCraterOnFace




OWD (or anyone who knows): Whats the difference between splined and unsplined?





Till a few years ago most unicycles had square-taper hubs i.e. the ends of the hubs where the cranks attach, were of square cross-section.

The cranks had matching square holes and slipped over the hub ends where they were secured with a bolt.

This works fine for the types of riding done back then when unicycling was mainly for performance or indoor freestyle work.

As muni/outdoor trials developed, people started doing high drops off obstacles of several feet and found that breakages where common.

Splined hub/crank set-ups had been in use for extreme biking (a bike is a kind of unicycle variant with two wheels) for some time, so using them in unicycles was a natural progression.

A splined hub end has a cross-section more like a cog i.e. it has jutting out splines which match up with the same pattern in the hole in the crank end.

Splined set-ups are much better at coping with high drops than non-splined ones and are becoming standard for munis above beginner level.

However, square-taper hubs/cranks are fine for distance unicycling and any muni-ing that doesn't involve high drops.

"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."

--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32


Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
(UCOF here)
Cheers Dave, I think mines unsplined, but as a first uni, it will do me fine. ubbrollsmile

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


onewheeldaveGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom


Posted:
Unsplined is fine for riding that doesn't involve big drops- I've ridden thousands of miles over the past few years, all on an unsplined Nimbus muni.

"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."

--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32


Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!


Mr MajestikSILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia


Posted:
 Written by: onewheeldave


Splined hub/crank set-ups had been in use for extreme biking (a bike is a kind of unicycle variant with two wheels) for some time, so using them in unicycles was a natural progression.
.



ubblol

"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"

jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
im almost nearly getting there tongue i idled with my right foot down 5 times without holding onto anything bounce

cheers, pete hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
hey, does anyone know if there is much of a difference between riding a 3wheel unicycle, and riding a girraffe of similar height?

cheers, pete hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


Mr MajestikSILVER Member
coming to a country near you
4,696 posts
Location: home of the tiney toothy bear, Australia


Posted:
are you refering to the three wheeler thats in Juggleart? i'd expect the three wheeler would have a bit more resistance when peddling and be a lot heavier to turn, but thats just a guess wink

"but have you considered there is more to life than your eyelids?"

jointly owned by Fire_Spinning_Angel and Blu_Valley


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
well, yes and no. same style, all three wheels stacked up, but not that exact one smile

hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


jemima (jem)SILVER Member
Pooh-Bah
1,750 posts
Location: london, United Kingdom


Posted:
I got shouted at by a family member, because i said yes to go for a walk and took my unicyle just to keep up the practice..............the reason why was that they wanted to get back in time to watch big brother rolleyes

Never assume
Always Acknowledge


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
my riding has started to go through the roof. been going almost everywhere on it recently, including work. am getting down gutters about 50% of the time, but cant yet get up them.



had a wee bit of a breakthrough last night. i was workin on juggling while riding. at first i could barely get 3catches, but after a bit i was happily getting cascade, mills and reverse chops smile later that night i got 22 catches doing a cascade with clubs bounce



does anyone know much about the nimbus brand unicycles. im looking at investing in either their giraffe or their extendable giraffe later down the track.



cheers, pete hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


SkulduggeryGOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales


Posted:
My sister has a 20" Nimbus II Unicycle . She loves it and it appears to be well made as it has put up with her bashing it about as she has been learning.



I got if for her for Christmas and had no idea what type of uni to buy. I talked to the guy at unicycle.com and he was very friendly and helpful. Give him an email. I'm sure he would give you loads of good advice.

Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!


pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
will do, thanks a bunch skully hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


UCOFSILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales


Posted:
 Written by: PK


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 meters between two parallel lines 30 cm apart
ride a figure eight with circle diameters smaller than 3 meters
ride down a 15 cm vertical drop
make a 90 degree turn to the left inside a 1 meter circle
make a 90 degree turn to the right inside a 1 meter circle

Level 3
demonstrate 3 types of mounts
ride a figure eight with circle diameters smaller than 1.5 meters
come to a stop, pedal half a revolution backward and continue forward
ride with the stomach on the seat for 10 meters
make a 180 degree turn to the left within a 1 meter circle
make a 180 degree turn to the right within a 1 meter circle
hop 5 times
ride or hop over a 10 x 10 cm. obstacle

Level 4
demonstrate 4 types of mounts
ride backward for 10 meters
ride one footed for 10 meters
idle with left foot down 25 times
idle with right foot down 25 times
ride with seat out in front for 10 meters
ride with the seat out in back for 10 meters
make a 360 degree turn to the left inside a 1 meter circle
make a 360 degree turn to the right inside a 1 meter circle

Level 5
demonstrate 5 types of mounts
ride backward in a circle
ride one footed in a figure eight
idle one footed with the left foot 25 times
idle one footed with the right foot 25 times
ride with 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 meters

Level 6
demonstrate 6 types of mounts
ride backward in a figure eight
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 meters
hop standing on wheel 5 times
ride with the seat on the side in a circle to the left
ride with the seat on the side in a circle to the right
ride one footed with the left foot for 10 meters
ride one footed with the right foot for 10 meters
backspin
frontspin
spin

Level 7
demonstrate 7 types of mounts
ride backward with the seat out in front in a circle
ride one footed with the left foot in a circle
ride one footed with the right foot in a circle
walk the wheel in a circle
walk the wheel one footed for 10 meters
hop-twist 180 degrees to the left
hop-twist 180 degrees to the right
ride backward with the seat out in back for 10 meters
spin to the left
spin to the right

Level 8
demonstrate 8 types of mounts
ride one footed with the left foot in a figure eight
ride one footed with the right foot in a figure eight
walk the wheel in a figure eight
walk the wheel one footed in a circle
ride backward one footed for 10 meters
glide for 10 meters
hand wheel walk for 10 meters
pirouette
backward spin

Level 9
demonstrate 9 types of mounts
walk the wheel one footed in a figure eight
ride backward one footed in a circle
ride backward with the seat out in front in a figure eight
ride backward with the seat out in back in a circle
walk the wheel one footed with the left foot for 10 meters
walk the wheel one footed with the right foot for 10 meters
walk the wheel backward for 10 meters
drag seat in front for 10 meters
drag seat in back for 10 meters
ride backward one footed with the left foot for 10 meters
ride backward one footed with the right foot for 10 meters
one footed with the seat out in front for 10 meters
backward pirouette

Level 10
demonstrate 10 types of mounts
ride backward with the seat out in back in a figure eight
ride backward one footed in a figure eight
walk the wheel one footed with the left foot in a circle
walk the wheel one footed with the right foot in a circle
walk the wheel backward in a circle
180 uni spin
sideways wheel walk for 10 meters
coast for 10 meters
side ride for 10 meters
walk the wheel one footed backward for 10 meters



Im at the start of level 2 bounce

It just clicked last this morning as I was only my way home from work. I fll off twice though biggrin Both times when someone was close and watching! *punches air*

I have been taking my uni into work for the past month or so, and although I have to put up with all the hassle I get going to the station from people who genuinly look as if they have never seen a unicycle before eek, it think its helping me learn much quicker. biggrin

People in my office are picking it up and having a go when im not using it ubblol

pineapple peteSILVER Member
water based
5,125 posts
Location: melbourne, Australia


Posted:
hey kool! im nearly at the end of level 2. just gotta get those left foot mounts down smile

cheers, pete hug

"you know there are no trophys for doing silly things in real life yeah pete?" said ant "you wont get a 'listened to ride of the valkyries all the way to vietnam' trophy"

*proud owner of the very cute fire_spinning_angel, birgit and neon shaolin*


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