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Unicycle challenge

Old 02-07-20, 05:49 AM
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Floss Regularly
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Unicycle challenge

Okay, so it's half a bike but my 10 year old lad is preparing to unicycle 10 miles in the summer. Somehow I've got to try and keep up with him on mine which may result in me walking a lot!

He's done 5 already around the amazing cyclepath network of Milton Keynes, so I think he'll swallows it up easily!!
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Old 02-17-20, 03:18 PM
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In my experience, the most critical part is to be able to stay on for just a few pedal revolutions. If you can make it down the driveway, you can go any distance.
Can either of you free mount? A more difficult problem may be mounting where there is nothing to hold on to.
Is the route flat? You might want a wheel larger than usual, perhaps 29". Even better might be a geared hub. Of course, you might not want anything larger than 24" if there are hills.
You probably already know all this. If you regularly go for miles, you no doubt have more experience than I do.
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Old 10-06-20, 09:28 PM
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UniChris
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Originally Posted by Fredo_Adagio
In my experience, the most critical part is to be able to stay on for just a few pedal revolutions. If you can make it down the driveway, you can go any distance.
Eventually. But typically there's an initial adjustment from the way beginners try to control the wheel between their feet (which is insanely exhausting) to simply sitting on the saddle and pushing ever so lightly on the pedals to keep it rolling. Absent a hill, pushing 20 gear inches is, well, pushing on air.

Ironically for true distance rides, it's then necessary to revert back to that initial inefficient mistake and develop the ability to ride while effectively standing on the (still turning) pedals and hovering off the seat for a half minute to get some relief.

Can either of you free mount? A more difficult problem may be mounting where there is nothing to hold on to.
Indeed a concern. Best quick solution would be to arrange a bicycle escort by someone sturdy enough to lend a shoulder. Panniers for water, extra layers, etc could help too - I ride solo centuries with essentially everything but refill water, but it's a lot harder to carry stuff on a unicycle.

You might want a wheel larger than usual, perhaps 29". Even better might be a geared hub.
Larger wheel, perhaps. Geared hub, no - not only do they cost a fortune but they're very unnerving and take a long time to develop confidence to ride, as a geared up medium wheel doesn't have the stability of a large wheel. Apart from the mounting challenge, and the initially intimidating height, an ordinary direct-drive 36" unicycle is a breeze to ride as everything balance wise happens so much more slowly than on a smaller wheel. But that's probably too big a jump for the asker, vs something like a 26.

Anyway, it sounds like the event happened over the summer, how did it go?
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Old 03-20-21, 01:26 PM
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That's pretty ambitious, but it sounds like he's well on his way. I can't say I've ever had much success on a uni the few times I've tried it.
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Old 03-23-21, 10:25 PM
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Well, a unicycle is more efficient than walking. Maybe, best time for you also to learn how to ride one so you catch up easily with your lad.
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Old 03-23-21, 10:56 PM
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Go for it!

Just like bicycling, increasing distance slowly is the way to go. I worked my way up to 15 miles on my uni, a few years ago. It's manageable.
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Old 03-27-21, 06:48 PM
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I got to the point where I could get to the end of the driveway, then winter hit. Hoping to catch up soon.

​​​​​​
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Old 04-01-21, 01:59 PM
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Well, a unicycle is more efficient than walking. I can't say I've ever had much success on a uni the few times I've tried it.
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Old 04-01-21, 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Andrewm1295
Well, a unicycle is more efficient than walking. I can't say I've ever had much success on a uni the few times I've tried it.
It's really simple to learn. Fall off, get back on. Repeat. Self defense causes your brain to learn.
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Old 04-10-21, 07:18 AM
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Here's a goal to reach for

Ed Pratt
https://www.worldunicycletour.com/


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Old 05-22-21, 05:24 PM
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hello
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Old 10-28-21, 12:54 AM
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its faster than walking
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Old 05-11-22, 11:27 AM
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Very ambitious..good luck!
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Old 02-23-23, 09:23 AM
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Ironically for true distance rides, it's then necessary to revert back to that initial inefficient mistake and develop the ability to ride while effectively standing on the (still turning) pedals and hovering off the seat for a half minute to get some relief.
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Old 12-05-23, 07:41 PM
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I saw a guy bikepacking on a unicycle in North Idaho one time, that's commitment!
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