Welcome to the UniPaco Page!

The site devoted to everything Paco knows about unicycling

Wecome to my page. My goal here is to introduce you to the theory and methodology of unicycling. Now, I won't try and convince you that this is the best page about unicycling. I won't try and convince you that this has the most information. But heck, you're already here, so might as well read what I've gotta say. Oh yeah, and I'll try and add links to all my favorite unicycling sites, so if you want some good information, I can show you where to get that as well.

Content:
1. What is a unicycle?
2. How do you ride it?
3. Somewhat easy tricks
4. Mountain unicycling
5. Buying a unicycle
6. Where can I learn more?
7. My Unicycling Pictures



1. What is a unicycle?

A unicycle, in the simplest definition, is a one-wheeled device. A more thorough definition would be, a unicycle is a human-powered device, kind of like a bike, but with only one wheel. I know, not a pretty definition, but I'm trying to include all types. Most unicycles are divided into two categories: Chain Driven, and non-chain driven.
Chain driven unicycles are usually called giraffe unicycles as well, because they're usually the really tall ones. They're usually the ones you think about when you think of the circus. I personally can't say much about them, since, I've never actually got to try one.
I don't know what non-chain driven unis (uni is short for unicycle) are supposed to be called. But basically they are unis with the crank attached directly to the wheel. So when you pedal forward one rotation, you move forward one rotation. When you pedal backwards, you move backwards. And when you stop pedaling, well, you stop moving. These unis stand about three feet high, so when you sit on them, you really don't gain any height.
Then, there are types, such as the Ultimate Wheel, but I will leave these to the professionals. Basically, the Ultimate wheel is a Uni with no seat, post, or fork.
Basic components:
There are a few parts to a Uni that I should define. First off, you have the wheel. This is basically like a normal bicycle wheel, with a rim, tire, and spokes, but when you get to the center, it is a little different. Like I said earlier, a unicycle has the crank attached directly, so the wheel doesn't spin freely. The axle of the wheel is attached to the cranks, which in turn are attached to the pedals. Then you have the fork of the unicycle. The axle passes through the arms of the fork, and these arms have ball bearings in them. The fork is attached to the post (which is adjustable for your height), which in turn goes up the seat. The seat is a special uni seat, which usually has extra padding (you'll understand why after riding for a while). The uni seat also is shaped to give you more control, as there is no other place to hang on to. Plus, the uni seat has some sort of crash bars on the front and back, which is used to hold onto while jumping, and for cushioning when the uni falls down, which it will.


2. How do you ride it?

So, feeling adventurous enough to try and ride one? There's only one secret to riding a uni. Do you want to know what it is? Okay. Here it goes-
Don't give up.
I'm serious. All you have to do to learn how to unicycle is keep practicing. I believe that anyone can learn, as long as they don't get discouraged. It took me about a month before I felt like I had any sense of control. Then you've got my brother-in-law, who was going 20 feet without falling, on his first day. So it just takes practice and determination.
I'll describe how I learned, but feel free to try other things. There really is no right way to learn. But if you end up in the hospital as a result of trying something, it's a pretty good indication that you should try a different way next time.
Enough stalling. Now, to start, I suggest that you find a nice flat area of road with little traffic. I was there with my friend, and we took his car and parked it on the side of the road. The next trick is getting on. Rotate the wheel until one of the pedals is close to the ground. This is the pedal you'll start with. *Note* Do NOT try putting your foot on the high pedal, as you would with a bike. Most likely you'll end up with a bruised shin. Believe me. Next, lean the uni back until you can sit on the seat. Put your foot on the low pedal, and, while holding onto the side of the car, do a sort of hop up until the seat is directly above the pedal. Now put your foot on the other pedal, and try and get yourself situated. The most difficult part to start off with is figuring out the correct weight ratio between the pedals and the seat. Once you feel comfortable, try pedaling back half a step (so the cranks are parallel with the ground). Now, take a deep breath, and start pedaling forward.
Two things should happen at this point. Soon, you're going to run out of car to hold on to, and at this point, most likely, you're going to fall off. This takes us to the next point.
Falling off
This is a natural occurence, so don't be afraid of letting it happen. One of the nice things about unicycles, as compared to bicycles, is that it's very easy to bail off a uni. When you start to feel yourself losing balance, take your feet off the pedals and put them on the ground. That's it. Sometimes, you'll grab the uni before it hits the ground. Other times, the uni will go crashing down, but they're built to withstand that kind of abuse. But the important thing is that you haven't hurt yourself. When I was learning, I only fell once. Usually you have time to bail off before hurting yourself.
Basically, that is all there is to unicycling. Keep getting on and riding forward until you can go five feet or so without falling off. It is such a rush once you get this far. Then keep practicing until you can go farther, and just keep it up until you can ride.
One more tip. If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a break. If you get tired, take a break. Don't be afraid of stopping for a little bit. I found that sometimes after I rested I actually performed better. I guess it gives your mind a chance to process everything you've been shoving into it. Good Luck! And if you want more information, check out the links. They do a much better job of explaining it than I do.


3. Somewhat easy tricks

Easy tricks are defined by tricks I know how to do. I don't know that many, as it has always been my goal to see where I could go, not what I could do (hence my interest in mountain unicycling). So I'll share a few different things, and you'll soon know more than I do.
Idling
This is when you sit in one spot, rocking back and forth. This comes in handy if you're planning on riding around town and have to wait for a red light or something. Plus it looks pretty cool when you can sit there, talking to someone, without ever dismounting.
I'm not actually sure how to learn this. The way I learned was very weird. I'd been riding for a couple of years, and one night, I had a dream about being able to idle. So the next morning, I got on my uni, and tried it, and I could do it! Wierd. But basically, what it comes down to is you pedal forward a half pedal or so, stop, then pedal back a half pedal or so. When you pedal forward, you lean backwards, and when you pedal backwards, you lean forwards. Just prectice until you can do it.
Going off curbs
This is another useful trick when you are going around town. This can also be applied to going off higher objects as well, but I wouldn't suggest it until you feel comfortable with curbs. Ride towards a curb at an average speed. Grasp hold of the front of the seat, and then ride off. As you land, try and take most of the shock through the pedals instead of the seat, as it will give you more control, as well as saving yourself from lots of pain (if you're a guy).
Hopping
This is more for show than anything else, unless you learn how to hop onto curbs. Then it becomes useful. This is pretty simple, but you might want to move the seat down just a little, because it makes it easier. Once again, hold onto the front of the seat. Next, transfer all your weight off the seat and onto the pedals. Use your legs to jump, and at the same moment, pull the seat up. You should be able to get some air this way. If not, try again.
That's basically all the tricks I know. You may be thinking, this guy must be really slow if that's all he's learned. But check out my off-road unicycling section to see where my real passion lies.


4. Mountain Unicycling

Instead of filling up this entire page with Muni stuff, I've made a separate page for it. So check out my Muni Page.


5. Buying a unicycle

Once again, I really can't offer you much advice on buying unis, as all I've bought so far are at the low end of the uni spectrum. I can give you a couple hints though. First off, I would highly suggest buying a cheap uni to start off with. I've known many people who never did learn, and it's better to spend less than more if you never end up learning. Plus, if you do learn, chances are that you will pretty much destroy your first unicycle. Like I said, you don't fall down very much, but the unicycle does. My recommendation would either be a Savage or a Zephyr, as they are the only two I've ever owned. Both cost about a hundred bucks, and mine both came with a quick release seat post (very nice). They are durable enough to learn the basics on, but I cracked the forks on both of mine. Don't expect them to last forever. But they seemed to be common in all the bike stores I checked.
That's another thing, most bike stores carry unicycles, or at the very least can order them for you. Don't be afraid to call around and ask. The three important things to ask about are the brand, the wheel size, and the price. I learned on a 20 inch wheel, and I've heard that this is a good size to start with. But for what I use mine for, I prefer the 24 inch wheel. There is an online catalogue where you can buy these two brands cheaper, but I don't know about shipping and handling.
I've heard that you can also get a good unicycle at garage sales. I talked to a juggler who said he bought a giraffe unicycle at a garage sale for $25.00! This is a very good price. But when you do go garage sale hopping, stay away from homemade unis. They usually don't work (believe me, built one and never did learn how to ride it).


6. Where can I learn more?

All right. Now here is where this page gets useful. I will try and direct you to as many pages as I can, so good luck hunting!
So I haven't got any of the links on here yet. While you're waiting, check out my Hey, it's a start.

7. My Unicycling Pictures

How about a couple of pics of me on my uni? Check out myUnicycling Pics.


Return to the PacoPage

Passions / Interests / MyLife