Kw-logo-smaller

Unicycles - One-Wheeled Fun

Picture of two unicyclists riding freestyle.
Unicycling
Photo of a freestyle unicycle.
Courtesy of Unicycle.com

Riding a unicyle isn't as difficult as you might think. Kidzworld checks out the single-wheeled world of unicycling.

Unicycles - History

A unicycle is a one-wheeled vehicle with a frame that sits above the wheel and a seat that sits on top of the frame. Unicycles are believed to have been adapted from the Penny Farthing - the world's first bicycle. These bicycles had a large wheel in front, to which the pedals were attached, and a much smaller wheel behind for balance. When these bicycles hit a bump, or the rider attempted to slow down suddenly, the rear wheel would come off the ground, forcing the rider to balance on the one wheel.

Unicycles - Different Styles

While some unicyle riders use their one wheel for regular transport, there are now several other different styles of unicycle riding, much like regular two-wheeled biking:
  • Mountain Unicycling - This sport is not for the timid. Riders cycle down mountains or off-road trails using a unicyle with a larger tire. A helmet and lots of safety gear is obviously recommended.
  • Freestyle Unicycling - Riders perform tricks similar to those done by skateboarders or BMX riders, including jumps, spins and grinds. Freestyle unicycling may also involve stair jumps, rails or other obstacles.
  • Unicycle hockey - This sport is just like playing street hockey or roller hockey, except players ride a unicycle, while using regular hockey sticks and a tennis ball.
  • Unicycles - Getting Started

    While riding a unicycle isn't as easy as riding a bike, it's easier than you might think. Learning to ride forwards usually takes between five and 10 hours of practice, unless you have incredible balance and a natural ability. But to truly master the sport of unicycling takes years, as there are always new things to learn. The biggest problem for beginners is learning to mount a unicyle without any help. This can take a number of days to learn. You can buy a unicycle at many bike shops for about $100 - $150 US. Use a wall for support when you're starting out and be patient.

    Unicycles - Facts and Records

  • Peter Rosendahl set a unicycle sprint record for 100m from a standing start of 12.11 sec at Las Vegas, Nevada on March 25, 1994.
  • The world's tallest unicycle is 114.8 feet (35 meters) tall. It was ridden by Sem Abrahams, using a safety wire suspended from an overhead crane, for a distance of 28 feet.
  • Between July 10 and August 22, 1992, Akira Matsushima, of Japan, rode his unicycle from Newport, Oregon to Washington DC - a total of 3,261 miles (5,248 km).
  • Related Stories:

  • Unicycling With Unisteve
  • Juggling 101
  • Flatlanding BMX - Tricks and Tips
  • Fixing A Flat Tire
  • More Action Sports
  • readers voted!

    Comments

    there are 0 comments

    Please login or register to add comments

    share with your friends


    Twitter Facebook MySpace Digg


    like this article?
    get more just like it in your email

    F1129762282078

    Unicycles - Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

    • Thumbs up. One wheel's better than two.
    • Thumbs down. Not my style
    • They're okay. But I'd rather ride a bicycle.
    • Whats a unicycle?

    related stories

    Sports in the forums

    shae508
    shae508 posted in Xtreme Sports:
    Maybe just butter them up then when they are all nice and happy ask them. if they say no then try to compermise.
    reply about 4 hours
    Nimsajeay
    "Nimsajeay" wrote:"bpbpbp" wrote: O.o You're only nine and you can do any trick in the book? I'm ten.  And almost any trick in the book.  I can do no foot and no hands at the same time, can do over 200 jumps, can go up and down a curb, can go off a curb with no hands, and can do the twister.  Although, today I'm having a mental block with the twister. xD    Oh yeah, and I forgot like the jump within a jump, and the split jump.   
    reply about 5 hours
    Nimsajeay
    "Odd_Toddlers" wrote:"Nimsajeay" wrote:"Odd_Toddlers" wrote: That's rad. Uhmm the only way I think you can convince them is by just telling them you really enjoy pogosticking and then just ask them if they can get ya one. Yeah, I guess so.  But I doubt without persuasion they would get me one.  Those things are a parent's nightmare.  (Lost teeth, broken arm, etc. xD) True, true. Maybe you can make a deal with them? Like, "If I get all A's by the end of the school year can i get this pogostick?" or "If I do yardwork for the next *blah blah blah* weeks can I get this pogostick?" You can butter 'em up before you ask too.   I'm homeschooled. :P
    reply about 5 hours
    9bella
    9bella posted in Xtreme Sports:
    inpress   them     like  doing   chores   and   stuff   and  do  not  tell  them   no  to   anything  and  when  your  going  to  go  for  ice   cream   ask
    reply about 5 hours
    Odd_Toddlers
    "Nimsajeay" wrote:"Odd_Toddlers" wrote: That's rad. Uhmm the only way I think you can convince them is by just telling them you really enjoy pogosticking and then just ask them if they can get ya one. Yeah, I guess so.  But I doubt without persuasion they would get me one.  Those things are a parent's nightmare.  (Lost teeth, broken arm, etc. xD) True, true. Maybe you can make a deal with them? Like, "If I get all A's by the end of the school year can i get this pogostick?" or "If I do yardwork for the next *blah blah blah* weeks can I get this pogostick?" You can butter 'em up before you ask too.  
    reply about 5 hours

    play online games

    Family-barn100

    Welcome to Family Barn! A game about true country living. Featuring the cutest o...

    Tri_basicintegration_100

    Triviador is a game like no other, merging strategy with trivia. The rich multi...

    1005_cc_kidz_100x100_vlh

    Candy's got her candies into a terrible mess, can you help her to sort them out?

    Goodgame_empire-startscreen-100

    Goodgame Empire is a great strategy title by Goodgame Studios. Build your own ca...

    Owtokidoki100x100

    Explore the world or hang out with friends in your own condo. Get a unique look,...