Unicycle Explained

A unicycle is a vehicle that touches the ground with only one wheel. The most common variation has a frame with a saddle, and has a pedal-driven direct-drive. A two speed hub is commercially available for faster unicycling. Unicycling is practiced professionally in circuses, by street performers, in festivals, and as a hobby. Unicycles have also been used to create new sports such as unicycle hockey. In recent years, unicycles have also been used in mountain unicycling, an activity similar to mountain biking or trials.

History

US patents for single-wheeled 'velocipedes' were published in 1869 by Frederick Myers[1] and in 1881 by Battista Scuri.[2]

Unicycle design has developed since the Penny Farthing and later the advent of the first unicycle into many variations including: the seatless unicycle ("ultimate wheel") and the tall ("giraffe") unicycle. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and modified unicycles to enable them to engage in off-road or mountain unicycling, trials unicycling and street unicycling.

Unicycles compared to other pedal powered vehicles

Bicycles, tricycles and quadracycles share (with minor variations) several basic parts including wheels, pedals, cranks, forks, and the saddle with unicycles.Without a rider, unicycles lack stability – however, a proficient unicyclist is usually more stable than a similarly proficient rider on a bicycle as the wheel is not constrained by the linear axis of a frame.Unicycles usually, but not always, lack brakes, gears, and the ability to freewheel. Given these differences, the injuries that can occur from unicycle use tend to be different from that of bicycle use. In particular, head injuries are significantly less likely among unicycle use compared to bicycle use.[3]

Construction

Unicycles have a few key parts:

The wheel is usually similar to a bicycle wheel with a special hub designed so the axle is a fixed part of the hub. This means the rotation of the cranks directly controls the rotation of the wheel (called direct-drive). The frame sits on top of the axle bearings, while the cranks attach to the ends of the axle, and the seatpost slides into the frame to allow the saddle to be height adjusted.

Types of unicycles

Types of unicycle include:

Each type has many combinations of frame strength, wheel diameter, and crank length.

Freestyle unicycles

Generally used for flatland skills and freestyle routines, freestyle unicycles typically have a relatively high seatpost, a narrow saddle, and a squared fork (used for one-footed tricks). These unicycles are used similarly to flatland bicycles. Wheel size is usually 20inches, but smaller riders may use 16or unicycles. Some people prefer 24inches wheels. Many freestyle unicyclists will use white tires to avoid tire marks when riding indoors.

Trials unicycles

Designed for unicycle trials, these unicycles are stronger than standard unicycles in order to withstand the stresses caused by jumping, dropping, and supporting the weight of the unicycle and rider on components such as the pedals and cranks. Many trials unicycles also have wide, 19or knobby tires to absorb some of the impact on drops.

Mountain unicycles ("Munis")

Mountain unicycling (abbreviated to muni or mUni) consists of riding specialized unicycles on mountain bike trails or otherwise off-roading. Mountain unicycles have thicker, wider tires for better traction. Riders may occasionally lower air pressure for increased shock absorption. Many riders choose to use long cranks to increase power when riding up hills and over rough terrain. A disc brake is sometimes used for descents; the brake handle is attached to the underside of the handle on the front of the saddle.

Touring/commuter unicycles

Used for long distances, these unicycles are specially made to cover distances. They have a large wheel diameter, between 26and, so more distance is covered in less pedal rotation. A 36″ unicycle made by the Coker Tire company started the big wheel trend.[4] Some variations on the traditional touring unicycle include the Schlumpf "GUni" (geared unicycle), which uses a two-speed internal fixed-geared hub. Larger direct-drive wheels tend to have shorter cranks to allow for easier cadence and more speed. Geared wheels, with an effective diameter larger than the wheel itself, tend to use longer cranks to increase torque as they are not required to achieve such high cadences as direct-drive wheels, but demand greater force per pedal stroke.

Other variations

Training aids

Training aids are sometimes used to make it easier to become comfortable with riding a unicycle. One method for training is using a spotter to make riding easier. Another method is finding a narrow hallway that can be used to help alleviate left and right balancing while allowing a beginner to focus on forward and backward balance. Equally, riding back and forth between two chairs, faced back to back, while holding on to the chair backs allows the user to gauge how to appropriately position oneself before setting off. Using props such as sticks or ski poles is generally discouraged as they hinder balance and create dependence. A fall onto props could also cause serious injury.[11]

Riding styles

Traditionally, unicycling has been seen as a circus skill which has been performed at events to entertain the public in the circus or during parades, carnivals or street festivals. Recent developments in the strength and durability of bicycle (and consequently unicycle) parts have given rise to many new activities including trials unicycling and mountain unicycling. Unicycling is arguably now as much a competitive sport and recreational pursuit as an entertainment activity.

The principal types of unicycling are:

Freestyle: Perhaps the oldest form of unicycling, traditional freestyle riding is based on performance. Freestyle tricks and moves are derived from different ways of riding the unicycle, and linking these moves together into one long flowing line that is aesthetically pleasing. Competitions look very similar to figure skating, with riders performing routines to music.
Comedy: Along with freestyle it is a performance style of unicycling. Often employed by clowns and other circus skills performers. Comedy unicycling exaggerates the perceived difficulty of riding a unicycle to create a comedic performance.
Trials unicycling: Trials unicycling is specifically aimed at negotiating obstacles. Analogous to trials bike riding.
Street unicycling: Street unicycling as a style involves riders using a combination of objects found in urbanized settings (such as ledges, handrails, and stairs) to perform a wide variety of tricks. Many tricks are similar to those performed in other extreme sports, such as BMX and skateboarding.
Off-road or mountain unicycling (abbreviated to 'MUni'): Muni is riding on rough terrain and has developed as a form of unicycling in recent years.
Touring or commuting: This style concentrates on distance riding. With a 29or wheel cruising speeds of 10to or more can easily be reached.
Flatland unicycling: This style of unicycling is similar to freestyle in that various tricks and movements are performed on flat ground. Flatland, however, does not have the performance element of freestyle, but instead has tricks that are similar to those in BMX and skateboarding.

Unicycle team sports

Unicycling is also performed as a team sport.

Unicycle basketball

Unicycle basketball uses a regulation basketball on a regular basketball court with the same rules, e.g., one must dribble the ball while riding. There are a number of rules that are particular to unicycle basketball as well, e.g., a player must be mounted on the unicycle when in-bounding the ball. Unicycle basketball is usually played using or smaller unicycles, and using plastic pedals, both to preserve the court and the players' shins. In North America, regular unicycle basketball games are organized in Berkeley, San Luis Obispo, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Toronto. Switzerland, France, Germany and Puerto Rico are all field teams. The Puerto Rico All Star Unicycling Basketball Team has been one of the dominant teams and has won several world championships.

Unicycle hockey

See main article: Unicycle hockey. Unicycle hockey follows rules basically similar to rink hockey, using a tennis ball and ice-hockey sticks. Play is mostly non-contact. The sport has active leagues in Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the UK and international tournaments held at least bi-annually. Tournaments in the UK are held by various teams across the country usually in sports halls, but occasionally outside. Each tournament lasts a day and around 8 teams normally compete in a round-robin league with the winner being whoever has the most points. If two teams have the same number of points the winner can be decided by goal difference or a penalty shoot-out.

Notable unicyclists

Known as unicyclists

Individuals

Groups

Known in other fields

UNICON and regional championships

UNICON, Eurocycle and APUC are regular international unicycling conventions.

The biennial UNICON (International Unicycling Convention), sanctioned by the International Unicycling Federation, comprises all major unicycling disciplines and is a major event on the international unicycling calendar. Events include: artistic (group, pairs, individual, standard skill, open-X), track racing (100 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 30 metres walk the wheel, 50 metres one-foot), 10 kilometres, marathon (42.195 km), muni (cross-country, uphill, downhill, North Shore downhill), trials, basketball and hockey.[38]

The Eurocycle (EUROpean uniCYCLE meeting) is a similar convention but based in Europe.

APUC, the Asia Pacific Unicycle Championships, are held biannually, alternately with Unicon. The first APUC, in 2007, was in Singapore. Subsequently, the event has been held in Hong Kong (2009), Seoul (2011), Canberra (2013), and Singapore (2015).

EUC, the Extreme Unicycle Championship, is the convention for urban unicycling (Street, Trials and Flatland). The event is held in two editions: summer and winter. Winter EUC is usually held at Cologne, Germany, while locations of the summer edition vary.[39]

Races

The world's first multi-stage unicycle race, Ride the Lobster, took place in Nova Scotia in June 2008. Some 35 teams from 14 countries competed over a total distance of 800 km.[40] Each team consisted of a maximum of 3 riders and 1 support person.

Unicross, or unicycle cyclocross is an emerging race format in which unicycles race over a cyclocross course.

Manufacturers

Unicycle makers include:

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: US 87355 A. March 2, 1869. 2015-03-29.
  2. Web site: US 242161 A. May 31, 1881. 2015-03-29.
  3. Wang. Marvin L.. October 2013. Unicycle injuries in the United States. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. 45. 4. 502–507. 10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.05.024. 0736-4679. 23871477.
  4. Web site: "To Coker" is a verb with one wheel and tire on it! . 2008-05-13 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080316010236/http://blog.coker.com/index.php/2008/01/11/to-coker-is-a-verb-with-one-wheel-and-tire-on-it/#more-151 . 2008-03-16.
  5. Web site: Multi Wheeled Unicycles. Foss. John. 2012-06-26.
  6. Web site: Schlumpf Geared Unicycle Hub. Holm. Kris. Schlumpf. 2012-06-26. 2012-01-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20120130203052/http://www.unicycle.uk.com/unicycle-spares/hubs-bearings/kris-holm-schlumpf-geared-unicycle-hub.html. dead.
  7. Web site: Multi Wheeled Unicycles.
  8. Web site: Embrio One-Wheel Concept. 4 June 2004.
  9. Web site: Been there. Done that. - Unique Unicycles . 2009-06-03 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090417232758/http://www.unicycling.org/btdt/unique.html . 2009-04-17 .
  10. Web site: Recumbent Unicycle.
  11. Book: Wiley , Jack . The unicycle book. Stackpole Books. Pennsylvania. 1973. 0-8117-0416-5. registration.
  12. Web site: On this day 1976 . BBC Archive on Twitter . 19 July 2020.
  13. Web site: He Built a Unicycle THEN Rode it Around The World in the 1970s! [Wobbling Wally Watts] ]. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/bv5XkanLuIk. 2021-12-11 . live. YouTube . 19 July 2020.
  14. Web site: ABOUT. 2021-03-26. zmiketaylor. en.
  15. Web site: Unicon « International Unicycling Federation. 2021-03-26. unicycling.org.
  16. News: The Wendy Williams Show. Wendy's Shameless Surprise Stunt: The King Charles Unicycle Troupe. November 11, 2011. 2013-09-29. https://web.archive.org/web/20140110103447/http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/11/11/king-charles-unicycle-troupe/. 2014-01-10. dead.
  17. News: Built to Amaze: King Charles Troupe. Ringling Brothers & Barnes & Bailey. 29 September 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131002035224/http://www.ringling.com/ContentPage.aspx?id=46888&parentID=1409&assetFolderID=1428. 2 October 2013.
  18. News: Blue Moon Talen. King Charles Troupe: Unicycle Basketball Troupe. 29 September 2013.
  19. News: April 26 "Lisa Tolliver Show" features Ray Aydelott, Joe Franklin and David Reid . Lisa Tolliver Show. April 24, 2006.
  20. http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2008/04/dancing-with-the-stars-eliminates-adam-carolla/ 'Dancing With The Stars Eliminates Adam Carolla'
  21. http://extratv.com/2009/07/15/9-fun-facts-about-rupert-grint/#8_secret_talent ohne Autor (15 July 2009): 9 Fun Facts about Rupert Grint!
  22. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fCGhQMlrJE4
  23. http://en.espnf1.com/lotus/motorsport/driver/1142.html 'Mika Häkkinen bio'
  24. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/mar/15/lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg-rivalry-mercedes Lewis Hamilton relishing reunion with old unicycle rival Nico Rosberg
  25. https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/profiles/eddie_izzard.shtml 'Eddie Izzard'
  26. http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Leslie-Mann-Interview-Leslie-Mann-ParaNorman Stephanie Palumbo (September 2012). How Leslie Mann Lives Her Best Life. The star of the new animated film ParaNorman talks about her love of unicycles, her kids, and all things supernatural.
  27. https://web.archive.org/web/20111020194717/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1672803/coldplay-paradise-video.jhtml 'Chris Martin Rides Unicycles'
  28. http://www.vanityfair.com/online/oscars/2011/04/demetri-martin-qa Eric Spitznagel (7 April 2011). Demetri Martin on Twitter Battles, Kurt Vonnegut Asterisks, and Unicycle Regret.
  29. Web site: 22. Juli 2007 – Todestag des Schauspielers Ulrich Mühe. 22 July 2012.
  30. http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/jess-riegel-makes-documentary-about-unicycle-world-championships Paul Cambra (7 February 2013). Jess Riegel makes documentary about Unicycle World Championships. 'Unicon 16 Brixen' available at three Auburn bike shops.
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvAP3KGYBpQ 'Miles Plumlee Rides a Unicycle at Duke basketball game'
  32. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/19/donald-rumsfeld-unicycle_n_687431.html 'Donald Rumsfeld On A Unicycle'
  33. http://www.ospmag.com/issue/article/042009-Stoffels 'Claude Shannon obituary'
  34. http://intelligentdiplomat.free.fr/articles/article21.html Babylon By Bike
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/books/review/Dreisinger-t.html 'Hope You Like Jamming Too (Review of Peter Tosh biography)
  36. https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=20000703&id=qudPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mggEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6639,1209224 'Quarterback always called right plays'
  37. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/technology/ilya-zhitomirskiy-co-founder-of-social-network-dies-at-22.html Paul Vitello (15 November 2011). Ilya Zhitomirskiy Dies at 22; Co-Founded Social Network.
  38. http://www.unicycling.org/iuf/ International Unicycling Federation
  39. Web site: Extreme Unicycling Championship. 2021-03-26. camponthecrank.com.
  40. http://www.ridethelobster.com/race/riders.php Ride the Lobster