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Old 11-09-2018, 08:17   #1
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Unicycles

A year or two ago I took a unicycle class but never became proficient. One of these days I need to get a smaller uni that I can practice on without concern about hurting myself in a fall. The 24" I have sits pretty high.


Part of the reason I took the class was that unicycles are much more portable than bicycles -- even folding ones -- and for a skilled rider, provide many of the same benefits.



Does anyone use a unicycle for shore trips? Has anyone thought about it?
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Old 11-09-2018, 08:41   #2
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Re: Unicycles

I never thought of a unicycle as a practical form of transport until I did a group bike ride from NYC to Washington DC a few years ago. One guy rode a unicycle the entire way... over 250 mi. He usually made it to camp a little later than everyone else, but he made me a believer. He had a hard time on the hills though.
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Old 11-09-2018, 09:05   #3
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Re: Unicycles

The problem is the gear ratio for long vs short runs. I've got 2. The normal 16" model is good for maneuverabilityand the ratio is pretty pretty close to 1:1 since the peddles come within 4" of the ground. The other is a road or COKER model with a large 36" tire and shorter cranks for speed.


The trick with unicycles is learning how to pull the rip cord and bail out without doing a face plant or breaking your wrists. Speed is not your friend. Luckily I learned all this at 8 years old.


Almost 50 years later I can still ride them but wipe outs hurt a LOT more than I remember and last a LOT longer.


And that's why I park them next to my GasGas Trials bike. None of which should be ridden on a bet after drinking.........
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Old 11-09-2018, 12:47   #4
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Re: Unicycles

There are also electric unicycles, oddly enough. Riding a unicycle on hilly terrain, or sandy roadsides, or with a backpack full of groceries...Reminds me of the Nancy Kerrigan incident. "Fall down Go BOOM." Which is why I neither ice skate nor unicycle.
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Old 23-09-2018, 08:45   #5
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Re: Unicycles

I prefer roller skating for getting groceries and touring near the boat. This works best if there are good smooth paved lightly traveled roads nearby.
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Old 23-09-2018, 09:29   #6
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Re: Unicycles

So I did learn to ride one when I was a kid and I still amaze my classes that an old guy can still ride one... but it is not a form of transportation. A Razor scooter with larger wheels can fold up maybe smaller than a unicycle and that with a backpack is WAY more realistic.
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Old 23-09-2018, 17:15   #7
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Re: Unicycles

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammer View Post
A year or two ago I took a unicycle class but never became proficient. One of these days I need to get a smaller uni that I can practice on without concern about hurting myself in a fall. The 24" I have sits pretty high.


Part of the reason I took the class was that unicycles are much more portable than bicycles -- even folding ones -- and for a skilled rider, provide many of the same benefits.



Does anyone use a unicycle for shore trips? Has anyone thought about it?
We met a family of 5 one time, who lived on a boat, and went all over town on their unicycles. So, yes, it works for some. And with 5 people wearing backpacks, you can carry a fair wee bit per trip.

Riding a unicycle is a rather conspicuous undertaking. Not sure I want to stand out that much, but ymmv.

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Old 23-09-2018, 18:26   #8
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Re: Unicycles

Doubt that many of us are going to run out and buy a unicycle unless we have a death wish. Might look at a Bike Friday 'paKIT' if you want an easy to fold, light weight, means of transportation that will be a lot easier to ride. https://www.bikefriday.com/folding-b...ommuting-bikes
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Old 23-09-2018, 23:15   #9
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Re: Unicycles

I'm battling to stay upright on two feet these days let alone one wheel.
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