Unicycles (unicycles). Unicycles (unicycles) How to make a unicycle at home

Let me tell you a story. It all started with this photo. Isn't it an interesting piece of technology? And judging by the picture, it was taken a long time ago! Why don’t we still see such units on the roads? But this monocycle (or unicycle, as they are also called) was made in Italy in 1931 and, as they say, it reached speeds of up to 150 km/h

Let's find out the history of this vehicle.

To say that the biography of the unicycle “didn’t work out” means to sin against the truth. In fact, it’s even worse: apart from the guerrilla attacks of individual inventors, no one has ever seriously worked on this vehicle. Until recently.

And it all started, according to historians, back in 1884, when an unknown author proposed the concept of a “unicycle,” that is, a bicycle with one wheel.

However, just such a unicycle as depicted in the book Victorian Inventions - “Inventions of the Victorian Era”, apparently, was never created.

If you look closely at the drawing, you will notice that the unicycle pilot is sitting in his device, as if in a cage, surrounded by long spokes.

Air powered.

Although, of course, one can assume that the double rim of the leading and only wheel could open into two parts, like a giant oyster... The next documented appeal to the idea of a unicycle occurred exactly twenty years later - in 1904.

Mono-Carriage.

The gasoline engine has ceased to be a curiosity and the author was able to abandon the use of weak human legs.

The car, which consisted of a huge, almost human-sized wheel and an internal frame with a motor, a seat and stabilizing wheels attached to it, was presented at an exhibition in Milan and, as the newspaper “La Vie de l'Automobile” wrote, aroused the delight of the respectable public . After which the device was safely forgotten.

The twenties and thirties of the last century can rightfully be called the “golden age” of the unicycle: from 1923 to 1937, at least six designs using gasoline and even electric engines were built and even patented.

In 1911, American Tom Coates Clinton patented a unicycle in which he installed a pusher propeller.

The most interesting, perhaps, can be considered the device called by the authors “Dynosphere” (obviously, the creators themselves were afraid of the enormity of their creation). Taking into account the very low stability of most single-wheel units (remember how you rode in truck tires as a child), they did not find a better solution than to use the widest possible supporting frame to build it.

The resulting wheel, apparently, became even more stable than the authors wanted: a rare engine would be able to move such a colossus, and it must be assumed that it was completely impossible to force it to turn away from the once chosen direction of movement.

Anyway, the Dynosphere pilot in the photo looks very tense...

In short, old Europe and its engineers, out of touch with reality, have once again confirmed their complete failure. The business of promoting the idea of a unicycle stalled again for almost sixty years, until an American took up the design. Moreover, not just an American, but a real biker! So to speak, a fanatic in the full sense of the word. A few more 1920 models.

47-year-old Kerry McLean started small: his first unicycle, assembled on the basis of a tractor wheel and equipped with a water-cooled gasoline engine of forty “horses,” had an internal diameter of only about ninety centimeters.

However, this device turned out to be the first unicycle to reach speeds of more than one hundred kilometers per hour and the first unicycle officially registered by the Michigan State Highway Patrol.

According to McLean himself, his car does not exhibit the usual drawback of other unicycles: even with sharp braking, the driver does not turn over his head, but only “nods” a little. Little bit.

The design turned out to be so successful that McLean even founded his own company, McLean Wheel, and based on the record-breaking prototype, he designed a less powerful (only five horsepower), but quite commercial model, which every extreme driving enthusiast can purchase for only $8.5 thousand.

Of course, the American did not stop there and built a couple more units, now equipped with a V-shaped eight from a Buick car: McLean V8 and McLean V8 Rocket Roadster, which more closely resembles a small but evil helicopter.

Unfortunately, the engine power is not indicated, but Buick Wildcat cars were equipped with V-shaped eights with power from 325 to 370 horsepower. So, if everything goes well, Kerry will soon set another world record for unicycles: 160 km in hour!

But what dreams did past generations of designers have?

Magazine clipping from 1925.

Computer controlled.

Mono - Bus.

They even imagined the military use of these units!

From 1867 to the present, about 40 major designs of unicycles - vehicles with one wheel - have been registered and patented. Some designs were so “brilliant” from a technical point of view that it is not possible to implement them even now. And only a few unicycle designs were destined to see the light of day. One of them, embodied in hardware, was the Edison-Puton Monowheel, which was built in 1910 in France.

Naturally, the main problem for a unicycle is its stability. Some modern designs use gyroscopic stabilizers, take RYNO for example, but it is worth noting that at high speeds such a system is unlikely to help, especially since RYNO is just a scooter with a maximum speed of 20 km/h. In any case, until the unicycle is equipped with an intelligent balancing system, riding it will be akin to a circus trick, with a high probability of an accident, as you can see by watching the video.

But let's return to our main topic. The Edison-Pouton unicycle was restored by the German Ferdinand Schlenker and is currently in fully functional condition. Its single wheel is driven by a De Dion petrol engine with a capacity of 150 cubic centimeters and a power of 3.5 horsepower.

Designer Ben Wilson presented his version of a unicycle at the 21st Century Man exhibition in Tokyo. The exhibition involved solving those problems that had not been solved in past centuries, and Ben’s bicycle fully fits the conditions of the exhibition.

“I understand that humanity will not immediately switch to unicycles to replace the old, two-wheeled ones. My invention rather proves that a person can solve any problem he takes on,” says Ben.

Judging by the diagram and photo, blind transmission is used. In theory, longitudinal balancing is impossible without it (?). Also, I wonder how he is doing with lateral balancing - in the photo he is resting the steering wheel against the wall. The center of gravity is low, I think there should be no problems. In general, an interesting concept.

Look, this is almost half of an ordinary motorcycle! And this is how a design solution can come out. This is an Italian model.

Greetings from Russia.

For example, there is a one-wheeled RIOT Wheel, which looks absolutely amazing - it looks like it just visited the set of some movie with a post-apocalyptic theme. I have never seen a driver in such an unusually located place.

Jack Lyall from the USA reinvented the wheel (“Re Invention Of The Wheel”), giving it the functionality of a unicycle. This exotic vehicle in a steampunk style was demonstrated by Jack in 2003 at the annual Burning Man festival, where such flights of fancy are very welcome.

While watching the video, it appears that the driver's seat is being held up due to acceleration. In fact, there is a heavy counterweight inside the wheel, as well as a motor from a Honda scooter, which can change their position inside the wheel to achieve balance. Thanks to the movement of the engine inside the wheel and the “squirrels in the wheel” principle, the RIOT Wheel can reach a speed of 46 km/h. The stability of the unicycle is given not only by the width of the wheel and the weight of the structure (almost half a ton), but also by the installed gyroscope. Turning on the RIOT Wheel is very difficult, but there are some improvements in control - due to the tilting of the gyroscope and the seat.

Lyall built his wheel specifically for the next (2003) annual Burning Man festival, which takes place for a week in the American Black Rock desert. Here one cannot avoid a few words about the festival, which perfectly characterizes the author of the invention. Tens of thousands of people come to this forum, which, as we would say, were all in one place.
They learn to be like everyone else. They need self-expression. In a creative and constructive form, we note. So, once a year, outlandish luminous castles and unusual sculptures, mysterious machines and other products of the activity of restless individuals appear in the desert.

Unlike well-known unicycles, the RIOT Wheel driver sits not inside the wheel, but outside. Ahead. From the outside it looks like he should fall. That when accelerating sharply, it will tip over onto its back, and when braking, it will bury its nose in the ground. But nothing like this happens, as you might guess, due to the resistance of a cunning system of weights hidden inside the wheel.

Actually, there are two main counterweights. One is a special weight (204 kilograms) at the end of the “crane” - a system of levers that automatically occupy the desired position.

The second counterweight is an engine (ICE, 80 cc, 4 stroke, 6 horsepower, Honda), capable of changing its position inside the wheel regardless of the first counterweight.

There is also a gyroscope (weighing 30 kilograms), rotating in a vertical plane, but capable of deflecting along the horizontal axis, responding to the rotation of the control handles. It serves as a “steering wheel.” The driver’s seat, tilted to the sides by 15 degrees, also helps control the car. The main counterweight is in such a position as to balance the seated driver. Regardless of whether the wheel is standing still or moving.

Let us note in passing that a very wide tire (along with the gyroscope) also contributes to the stability of the structure in the “starting” position, when the driver’s seat on a special frame comes off the ground. The internal combustion engine itself deflects forward (during acceleration) or backward (during braking), in proportion to the developed torque (braking) torque.

Diagram of Lyalla's unicycle. A - frame, B - seat, C - control handles for the engine, gyroscope and “crane”, D - internal combustion engine, E - transmission, F - brake, G - main counterweight, H - gyroscope, I - gas tank, J - tire width 50 centimeters (illustration from popsci.com). All mechanics are designed to automatically maintain the center of gravity of the entire system at the desired point: in front of the wheel axle during acceleration and uniform movement, behind the axle during braking or under the axle during stopping without lowering chairs on the ground.

The deviation of the center of gravity, says the engineer, is enough to realize the full torque of the internal combustion engine and intensive braking up to skidding. The weight of the entire car is 500 kilograms, the speed is approximately 46 kilometers per hour.

The position of the center of gravity of the system (red dot), driver, engine (blue square) and counterweight (green sector) during landing, ready position, acceleration and braking (illustrations from theriotwheel.com). Now under the “veil of secrecy”, as the inventor jokes , Lyall is building RIOT 2 and RIOT 3.

They will be significantly (about half) lighter than the first sample, and will be driven not by a weak internal combustion engine, but by hefty electric motors with a capacity of 30 and 200 horsepower, respectively. One of these devices (the third) should become the fastest unicycle in the world. By the way, as far as we were able to find out, the current record for unicycles is 85 kilometers per hour.

In this photo you can see some of the stuffing of the RIOT Wheel.

By the way, we have not yet heard anything about testing another American monster - the McLean V8 monowheel, with an eight-cylinder engine from a passenger Buick, at full speed.

One Spaniard, who was interested in the history of bicycles, decided to recreate a unicycle from 1873. To do this, he studied a lot of information and documents of the 19th century, and using the technologies of those times, he was able to make his dream come true, creating his stunning masterpiece - an exact copy of the unicycle of 1873, invented in France

To create this unique vehicle, steel and bronze parts, wood (oak), and leather were used. It is also interesting that you can ride it, i.e. The device is fully functional. The inventor put his work up for sale, the starting price was 13 thousand dollars.

But for example, this is the concept.

Unicycles have been developed and designed for quite some time. The difference between the Yamaha concept and many others similar to it is in principle and in size. Here the pilot sits not ON, but IN this very one-wheeled vehicle.

The wheel is very big. With smooth mirror elements. It looks very, very futuristic. So far it exists only in pictures and in design programs.
The author of the project is Japanese designer Yuji Fujimura. Moreover, Yamaha notes that they ordered this authoritative person to develop the design of this ultra-modern model for a reason, but with an eye to commercial use - so that someday in the future such wheels could actually start driving around the streets!

Somewhere in Japan they came up with this option.

Iranian artist and designer Mohammad Ghezel presented a futuristic concept of an electric car. eRinGo looks like a mobile beer keg and is reminiscent of the spinning druid warrior from the first Star Wars series.

eRinGo, which is still only a computer model, should in theory accommodate two people. An electric motor rotates three rings around the circumference of this gondola. Similar to the Segway, the integrated gyroscope ensures the eRinGo's stability while moving.

This device is driven by one central ring, the diameter of which is larger than that of the side rings, which provides additional stability and also allows you to turn sharply.

In Iran, Ghezel is already known. For his two previous works, he received an award from the Iran Khodro Design Competition, which showcases Iran's largest car manufacturers.

“I love futuristic design and believe that basically anything is possible,” Ghezel told the US online publication Wired. “Current technologies can easily be found in modern cars, but we can create the future ourselves. Perhaps this will encourage engineers and scientists to develop our ideas."

The name eRinGo means electric rings that make it go and translated as “electric rings that create movement.” This “car” can be controlled by each of the two people sitting inside. As soon as one of the “pilots” takes control, the partner’s electronics are deactivated.

When creating his unusual car, Ghezel took the most important part - the wheel - as a basis and integrated the engine and cabin into it. “Perhaps this form is still considered unsuitable today, but my motto is: Nothing is impossible. Fantasy is limitless"

eRinGo looks fantastic, but in reality there are already similar concepts. So-called unicycles have been built since 1869, but at that time they were manually driven. It is believed that the first motorized wheel was the Garavaglia unicycle from 1904.

Here's another interesting modern option.

If you're tired of walking from the garage to the house, don't hesitate to buy a NAO Aphaenogaster scooter. A three-wheeled cart just looks ridiculous, but in fact, this is a very convenient means of transportation. It is light (20 kg), quite fast (more than 20 km/h) and environmentally friendly - it runs on electricity (350 V motor). Only one knob is used for control and no rights are required. True, the battery charge is only enough for 12 km.

The Chinese army trains balance using unicycles.

“Time passes, the eco-trend rules and it’s time, after children’s bicycles with a gyroscope, heavy and expensive Segways and other clumsy experiments, to transfer people from bicycles and cars to proper transport, more convenient and compact.” The designer of the Solowheel unicycle and the founder of Inventist, Shane Chen, reasoned something like this. A Solowheel is a wheel with footrests and a battery that propels the rider itself. When driving, the passenger-driver stands on the footrests, and the wheel spins in a casing between his legs. To accelerate, you need to lean forward, loading your weight on your toes; to brake, you need to lean back, loading your heels. Shifting your weight left and right allows you to maneuver.

Performance characteristics of the Solowheel unicycle:
speed – up to 19 km/h
Power reserve – up to 2 hours
weight – 9 kg
Battery charging time is less than an hour.
price – about $1500

the machine has folding footrests and a carrying handle. The unicycle is charged from a regular electrical outlet; in addition, when riding with a low load on the motor, for example, downhill, the battery charges itself. It is clear that, despite the optimism of those riding in the commercial, for a comfortable ride on a unicycle you need excellent coverage under the wheel, without holes and curbs, and a helmet, knee pads and other protective accessories are also appropriate. And then the journey from home to work or store can be done on one wheel without standing in traffic jams. Since 2003, the Inventist company has been implementing various crazy ideas and is interested in distributing its products.

But modern cinematography!

In November 2011, at the office of Ryno Motors, founded by engineer Chris Hoffmann, the release of a limited edition of the Ryno one-wheeled self-balancing scooter was announced, prior to mass production of the new product. We were talking about 50 hand-built copies costing $25,000 each.

The concept of an electric unicycle was presented by Ryno Motors back in 2010. Then its creators assumed that the cost of one copy would be $3,500, but they were in no hurry to launch Ryno into mass production.

Leaning the body forward leads to acceleration of the unicycle, backward – to braking, left or right – the corresponding turn. Moreover, the unicycle itself maintains its stable position while moving; the balance of the device is monitored by sensors hidden inside the body. The weight of the unicycle is 57 kg. A full battery charge is enough to cover 48 km at a speed of about 40 km/h. The monitoring system indicates the battery status to the user by changing the color of the indicator: when fully charged, the indicator lights up green, when there is less than 25% of power left - yellow, less than 5% - red. It takes an hour and a half to recharge the battery.

The main advantages of the new unicycle are its compact size and good maneuverability. An Engadget correspondent who tested the unicycle claims that you can learn how to control a unicycle in a few minutes. A motorcycle handlebar, which has a brake lever and a gas button, helps the rider move the device to the sides.

Source: masterok.livejournal.com

fishki.net

Assembly steps

So, the future unicycle lover should have at his disposal an old two-wheeled bicycle and a set of tools.

It is important to immediately decide on the method in which you will make your new hobby. There are two generally accepted ones:

based on an extended front fork;
using the rear triangle

We will briefly consider the first option. You will need a carriage, pedals, saddle, bearings and some other components. Particularly creative creators design their two-wheeled vehicles with a steering wheel, which is brought forward by welding.

Remove the fork and widen it slightly at the base. Experts recommend a fixed width of about 130 mm. The rear wheel will be installed in it. You can use different wheel diameters, some models have less than 12 mm.
We clean the carriage of all unnecessary parts. Only the seat tube should remain on it. The main spare parts for the unicycle are ready.
In the next step you will need welding as these parts need to be connected.
In the upper part of the fork, drill a hole with a diameter equal to the diameter of the carriage. Use special drills, but if you decide to work with improvised means, then a round file is perfect.
At this stage it is important to align the chain line. It should be perfectly straight. Aligns along the axes of the carriage and the top of the fork.
Having connected both parts through a pre-made socket, proceed to welding.

The next step in assembling a unicycle with your own hands is to create a fixed gear. If a unicycle has a large number of gears, it will be difficult to control. This implies the absence of stars of different diameters. The pedals are attached to the wheel in both directions. The usual rear brakes are missing. You can ride both forward and backward. Braking on a unicycle requires certain skills. The brake is controlled by changing the direction of pressure on the pedals. Overclocking works on the same principle. Of course, high technology has done its job, you can buy a model with brakes, but we are talking about classics here. The parts that complete the hub are securely attached there: connecting rods, rim, spokes and others.
There are several ways to set up fixed gear. The simplest and not the most accurate is to weld the ratchet.

Most products of this kind have one problem. The chain falls on them. Moreover, minor differences in length can make riding a unicycle impossible. So the next step is to add dropouts. Weld them to the bottom and bolt them to the top through special holes. This will fix the straight line of the chain, not necessarily that it will work, but try it.

Additionally, this problem is created by the presence of stars in different planes or their backlash. Professional unicyclists recommend using 28-tooth sprockets.

A good way would be to change the position of the front fork. Adjusting the angle will either tighten the chain or loosen it.

Special attention should be paid to the saddle. On a unicycle, the load goes along the spine and ease of fit is an important component of unicycles.

Selecting your type

The main use of unicycles - performing acrobatic stunts in circuses - made it into a circus stereotype. But among amateurs he has more and more fans every year. When choosing a bike for your daily walks, consider the terrain you plan to drive through.

For jumps and drops, structures made of durable metals are used; they are equipped with wide rubber that serves as a shock absorber.
Freestyle. Models with a high fork are used here. The wheel diameter is selected according to the driver’s height.
Varieties for walking are equipped with tires with a large radius. This makes it possible to get more wheel revolutions with a small scroll.
There are also mountain unicycles. Like the previous type, they are equipped with large, tall tires and durable components. Landing cushioning is essential when riding in this type of terrain.

There are less popular models. The simplest of them is ultimate. Essentially, it's a wheel and two pedals, no saddle or frame. The most high-tech ones are equipped with computers and other gadgets.

Modern manufacturers produce one-wheeled models for every taste. You can do it yourself or choose a ready-made design. But don't think you can buy it for half a bike. Professional unicycles cost good money.

Materials used from the site https://unicikl.ru.

aktsport.ru

Who is this model suitable for?

Beginners who doubt the right choice. M-wave will allow you to try unicycling at minimal cost. Test your strength and interest in this new sport.
Clubs, sections in which you want to teach children how to ride a unicycle, for staging performances. Colorful options will brighten up your performances. The minimum budget is especially important when purchasing for a team.
For those who love tuning, do it yourself. The m-wave unicycle as a constructor can be improved in parts, thus improving your bike to suit your skills.

Unicycle tuning, or how to make a unicycle better

Most often, in unicycles (not only in this model), the first thing you have to change is the pedals, since the plastic quickly becomes unusable. A tire - if you practice most of the time on asphalt or buy a colored one for training in the gym.

Technical data:

saddle made of elastic shock-absorbing polymer. Rear bumper and saddle handle are removable;
carbon steel seatpost with diamond knurling to prevent rotation;
steel clamp with eccentric clamp;
U-shaped steel frame;
wheel with a diameter of 20 inches (36 spokes, with a steel rim);
steel connecting rods with mounting to the bushing – “square”, length – 114 mm;
polymer pedals;
tire size – 20″x1.95″.

Video review of the M-wave 20″ unicycle

unicikl.ru

Unicycle - what is the name of such a vehicle?

The correct name for a unicycle is unicycle. When a person hears this definition for the first time, some incredibly complex means of transportation usually appears in his imagination. Although each of us has repeatedly seen the “younger brothers” of modern unicycles during circus performances. Bicycles, which consist of a seat, a pair of pedals, and a single wheel, are by definition unicycles.

How difficult is it to ride a unicycle?

Mastering a unicycle is not much more difficult than a regular bicycle, especially if an experienced cyclist takes up the task. Moreover, only a little depends on proper balancing. To move, the rider needs to timely parry periodically occurring deviations, performing micro-movements with the seat, which acts here as a kind of steering wheel. The pedal control also plays a role in changing the position and direction of movement.

Security issue

Looking at the design of a unicycle, you might think that riding such a vehicle is extremely unsafe. However, in reality, riding a unicycle is several times safer than riding two-wheeled bicycles.

What usually happens when the front wheel of a two-wheeler gets stuck in a groove while traveling at high speed? Often the rider flies over the handlebars, after which the weight of the bicycle falls on him with full force. Finding himself in such a situation, the unicycle rider has the opportunity to simply jump forward from the seat, thus continuing the inertial movement. Moreover, this happens automatically, naturally. Therefore, only extreme sports enthusiasts get injured when riding unicycles.

Advantages of a unicycle

A unicycle can become not only a godsend for experienced cycling enthusiasts for whom the adrenaline is no longer enough. This option can be used for convenient movement in a populated city with heavy traffic.

Among other things, modern unicycles have the following advantages:

such bicycles are as compact as possible, which allows them to be conveniently placed in any free corner;
if necessary, you can make an impromptu trailer for a one-wheeled bicycle from a unicycle, securely attaching it to a two-wheeled model using improvised means;
With a unicycle, you can easily go on a visit, visit shops, cafes, entertainment venues, office premises, not only take it with you, but also use it in the subway, take it on public transport (and you don’t need to pay for travel with a unicycle, since the price is it can be used as a separate part of a full-fledged bicycle);
a unicycle is absolutely safe for its owner, you need to try hard to get damaged or injured even at the stage of learning to ride a unicycle;
due to their high maneuverability and low weight, unicycle bicycle models are safe for pedestrians;
If you wish, you can make a unicycle with your own hands, using old spare parts from a regular two-wheeler.

Where is it legal to ride a unicycle?

Traffic inspectors classify unicycles as a cross between an ordinary pedestrian and a vehicle. Officially, unicycles do not belong to transport and therefore should not travel on public roads, subject to the traffic rules established for cars.

It is advisable to ride a unicycle in the city on sidewalks, moving carefully and performing maneuvers that are safe for others.

It takes practice to become confident in riding a unicycle. It is advisable to start with the simplest exercises, not forgetting the need to use protective equipment: helmet, knee pads, gloves, elbow pads, etc.

You can learn to ride a unicycle through regular training, which consists of several stages:

First you need to learn to keep your balance. You can use either a modern or an old circus unicycle for this. A friend can help keep the body upright. Alternatively, you can lean on a wall or reliable supports. The main task in this case is to acquire the most stable position, being in the seat without moving back and forth.
As soon as a confident stance is developed, you can move on to the next stage of training - movement. To start moving on a unicycle, a slight, almost imperceptible tilt in the required direction is enough. At the same time, you should begin to rotate the pedals in the same direction. The speed of movement can be adjusted by touching the tire of the wheel with the sole of your foot.
The third stage is learning to accelerate, maintain speed and braking. The more a unicycle rider leans his body forward, the faster he will have to pedal to maintain balance. Leaning your body back will help reduce your speed somewhat. In general, you need to be able to find a balance between body movements and moving the unicycle.

Naturally, confident and even masterful control of a unicycle requires considerable perseverance, good willpower and, of course, practice. Indeed, without special enthusiasm, consistent attempts and significant efforts, not everyone can even learn to roller skate.

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Details and structure of the unicycle

The structure of a unicycle consists of a wheel, connecting rods, frame, pedals and saddle. The difference between a unicycle wheel and a bicycle wheel is direct transmission - the axle and hub are combined, so the rotation of the pedals is directly transmitted to the wheel. The frame is similar to the fork of a two-wheeled bike, the saddle mount is located at the top of the frame. The steering wheel does not direct movement, but helps control the unicycle as an additional point of support.

Optional equipment:

Trunk
Klaxon
Wing
Reflectors
Brake

Unicycle saddles differ from bicycle saddles; their ergonomics are designed for an upright rider position. There are no foot supports due to frequent jumps when losing balance.

Types of unicycles

At the moment, there are about 12 types of unicycles in the arsenal. Even the unicycling community is still getting used to the huge increase in interest in their subculture and the choice of equipment - there are almost as many of them as there are types of bicycles or even cars. This also applies to the price range and possibilities of their use.

Let's look at the types of unicycles and their purpose.

Unicycle series for beginners (Beginner or Neighborhood/Gym)

Strictly speaking, these are “simple” unicycles that are also suitable for beginners. Most unicyclists learn to ride universal models and only over time decide on the type of riding.

About fifteen years ago, you could find only this category in stores, differing only in wheel sizes from 12″ to 24″. The required size according to the type of ride is chosen something like this:

12″-16″ - the choice of circus performers for comedic effect and for children. Convenient size for transportation and storage.
20″ is the most common size for learning unicycling, plus a large selection of tires.
24″ is a transitional shape between basic models and cruisers. Suitable for both basic tricks and for riding around the surrounding area.
26″ and larger - racing and for long trips.

24″ Cruiser unicycles are still in the all-rounder category, but with the ability to cover longer distances due to wheel size. Suitable for improving driving skills and learning a few tricks.

Touring, racing and commuting unicycles 26″-36″ (Touring/Commuter Unicycles)

Unicycles are limited in speed by wheel diameter, so models for long trips are produced with an impressive 26″ - 29″. This is the classic size for road style bicycle wheels. Besides their size, touring unicycles have massive tires. These models still fit in the trunk of a car, but are much more comfortable for walking.

Even a large wheel is inferior in efficiency to two, but the unicycle pilot receives intense training and muscle development from the lower back to the lower leg.

Unicycles for regular travel have wheels with a diameter of 32″-36″, which are sometimes equipped with two-speed freewheels, disc brakes and handlebars. The bushings accelerate 24″ to the equivalent of 36″, 29″ to 42″, 36″ to 54″, and allow you to coast without pedaling. In models with a rudder, part of the pilot's weight is moved forward, thereby providing a more aerodynamic driving position.

Is it more difficult to ride on larger wheels? It takes a little practice, but you need to start mastering a unicycle with 20″-24″ diameters.

How far can you ride on one wheel? The experience of hundreds of travelers says that distance does not matter - dozens of unicyclists travel thousands of miles around the world on one wheel. If you're not planning a continental unicycle adventure, it's a great way to get to work and school every day while staying fit and turning heads.

Mountain unicycles, Muni, off-road and cross-country (Mountain, Off-road, Muni)

Any place a mountain bike can go, a mountain unicycle can go. Mountain uniscycling is a rapidly growing extreme sport with its own International Federation headquartered in Auckland.

To overcome rough terrain, athletes began modifying simple unicycle models by adding cleats and pedal mounts, then manufacturers came up with wider frames and tires. But most of the attention was paid to the heart of the unicycle - the axle/hub assembly. The basis was a BMX drive, which was adapted for a unicycle. Conventional single-lever axles broke under the load; in mountain models, the Q-Axle splined axle appeared - a reliable system for attaching the connecting rod to the bushing.

Trial, Street and Flatland unicycles

Designed specifically for jumping and riding with obstacles, including climbing stairs, fences, railings, etc. Wheel sizes vary from 19″ to 20″; in this size, unicycles are lighter and ideal for maneuvers. Due to constant impacts and jumps, street models have reinforced axles and connecting rods, and thick tires.

The trial format is great for children and shorter pilots. For street riding and stunt riding, the requirements for unicycles are basically similar. It is better not to jump too high on them, they are not as fast as racing models.

Flatland versions are suitable for the street, but without the trickery and obstacles. This is an intermediate option between freestyle and trials, a relatively new area of riding.

100% stunt and show unicycles. Such models are used for competitions in individual freestyle, pairs and group. What makes mono freestyle? 20″ wheel, optimized for indoor riding (no metal parts that can touch the floor and tires that leave marks on the surface), very high quality, durable build, designed for non-standard loads, often has a fork crown designed for placing feet.

Is it possible to practice freestyle on other types of unicycles? Yes, but specially designed models provide better grip on the floor and have other advantages: freestyle tires do not leave marks on the floor, shortened cranks are specially made to facilitate tricks, the distance between the pedals is optimal for acrobatics and maneuvers, special forks that are comfortable for placing your feet, less dangerous pedals.

The 20″ size is convenient indoors, optimal for certain types of tricks, and lightweight.

Ultimate Wheel unicycle without saddle and frame

The simplest design of a unicycle, consisting of a wheel with two pedals. Complex, but also the most desirable type of unicycle to master. I recommend watching a few videos with ultimates here. Ultimate Wheels can be made with your own hands, with a unique design. As a training tool this is an excellent tool.

Any unicycle can be equipped with two additional safety wheels for balance during training. If this type of urban extreme is too extravagant for you, pay attention to stunt scooters.

How to choose a unicycle?

First you need to decide on the type of ride, and according to this criterion, choose the type of unicycle. The optimal wheel sizes for beginners were discussed above, but this is not the only criterion - the size of the unicycle must match the length of your leg. You need to choose according to the length from the crotch to the floor in the shoes, and not according to the measurement of the trousers:

You also need to decide what you want to do on your unicycle. A short guide to wheel sizes:

12": designed for preschool children, not really suitable for outdoor activities, it needs a flat surface. By the way, the smallest unicyclist was only 18 months old.
16": unicycle for children from 5 to 8 years old, suitable only for ideal road surfaces or indoors.
20": The most popular size, ideal for both training and sports. There are many tires sold in this diameter. Such models are already quite fast and suitable for tricks, but they are also easy to store and transport.
24″: Universal size among adult unicycles. Good for outdoors and rough terrain, but great for indoors. It's too big for freestyle and tricks, but it's suitable for training and Muni.
29″: good diameter for long trips, large wheel is fast and smooth on the road surface. For trained riders.
36″: Ideal for long walks, everyday riding and speed riding. Not for beginners.

If the wheel is too small for you, riding it will feel like riding a child's tricycle. With a big one there are other problems - it is difficult to maintain balance and maneuver. The choice of frame height is no less important - a seat stand that is too high will not allow you to control the unicycle steadily, a small stand will make you feel like a clown in the circus and will cause pain in your knees.

A few words about unicycle saddles. The seat for a touring model and regular riding should be wider, like the Kris Holm Freeride Saddle. Stunt models are equipped with narrow saddles, and freestyle ones are also equipped with plastic ones.

Long legs are not a death sentence. Buy a higher frame to suit your dimensions for any wheel. It’s nice that there are no weight restrictions for unicyclists. If you are heavier than 100kg, just choose a Muni or a fortified freestyle.

How to learn to ride a unicycle?

Theory alone won’t do it, but there are several really important details when mastering a unicycle:

You must learn to keep your weight on the saddle and not on the pedals.
You need to sit perfectly straight, as if the stand is an extension of your tailbone.
Once you start moving, keep pedaling—the forward momentum helps you maintain your balance.
The ideal place for the first training is a narrow long corridor in which you can reach both walls.
Don't look down, just forward. This rule works wherever it is necessary to maintain balance.

An excellent article on the topic of learning to ride a unicycle on the jugglers website, I highly recommend reading it. The author of the article interviews several professional unicyclists, and each of them describes in detail their method of training. We can say that this link is a comprehensive theory that remains only to be tested in practice. Everyone says that mastering a unicycle is not difficult, but learning is not linear - a breakthrough happens after several unsuccessful attempts and everything goes like clockwork.

Family active holiday on unicycles

Didn't say anything about prices. The cheapest unicycle of the Beginner level costs about $80, the most expensive of the Kris Holm series is $770. I often see almost new used unicycles for sale on flea market sites, for some symbolic money. It makes sense to start even with a used bike to understand whether it is for you or not.

pro-extrim.com

Unicycles are called unicycles. To assemble it, the author decided to use an old bicycle. Unicycles come in several types, with direct drive and chain drive. When using a direct drive, the front fork serves as the basis, and when using a chain drive, the rear triangle is used. The author decided to assemble a unicycle based on a chain drive, what he did, read on.

Materials and tools for homemade work:
- old bicycle;
— a key to remove the steering wheel (6 mm hexagon);
- an adjustable wrench to remove the plug;
- 15mm wrench (for wheel nuts);
— everything needed to remove the connecting rods;
- vice (for stretching the fork);
- a hacksaw or other tool to cut the frame;
- file (semicircular);
— tools for opening the circuit;
- welding.

Unicycle manufacturing process:

Step one. We obtain the necessary elements
First, the bike will have to be disassembled and cut in places to obtain the necessary elements. The first step is to remove the fork; it needs to be clamped in a vice. Then take a large lever (a crowbar will do) and use it to expand the fork to 130 mm. This is done so that the rear wheel can fit into it.

Then you need to work with a grinder or hacksaw. All excess must be cut off from the carriage; only the pipe on which the seat is located should remain. The details will be cleaned more thoroughly later. As a result, you should get two parts, from which a unicycle will be assembled in the future.

Step two. We prepare elements for welding
At the first stage, the two elements of the bicycle frame simply need to be connected to each other.

First you need to remove the paint from the carriage.

Now the two axles need to be aligned with each other; they must be at the same level relative to the wheel axis. As a result, the chain line should be straight.

Step three. Welding work
Before you start welding the elements, they must be carefully fixed at the same level using bricks and clamps.

As a result, the elements were carefully welded together.

After this, you need to check the structure for strength, for this the author stood on the structure in the center, it immediately fell apart. To re-weld the parts, I had to work with a file again.

On the second attempt at welding, good structural strength was achieved.

Step four. Making an asterisk (optional)
To make a fixed gear, both unicycle sprockets must have the same number of teeth. Otherwise, riding such a bike will be very difficult.

On most mountain bikes, the largest rear sprocket has 28 teeth, while the smallest front sprocket also has 28 teeth, resulting in a perfect design that does not require much modification. The author only had two sprockets installed on the front, so he had to suffer a little.

As a result, the rear largest sprocket was removed from another bike and welded to the crank. When welding there is a disk of deformation, the author struggled with this using an adjustable wrench.

Step five. How to make a fixed gear
The unicycle differs from ordinary bicycles in that it does not have a ratchet. To block it, the author used welding. But there are more accurate ways to do this.

Step six. Installing the chain
The chain will need to be shortened, but the author turned out that the size was inaccurate by half a link. In such a design, even half a link can play a key role; the chain will either be poorly tensioned or it will not be possible to install it at all.

The author tried to make some kind of tensioner based on the old gear selector and reflector mount, but this design did not work. Any attempts to stabilize the chain resulted in it falling off.
As a result, it was necessary to modify the front fork so that the chain could be tensioned.

Step seven. Creating an Adjustable Dropout
So that the chain could be tensioned, the author decided to install dropouts from the rear fork on the front fork. To securely fix them to the frame before welding, the author used boots with nuts. Next, they are welded together with bolts to the frame.

Step eight. The final stage. Homemade testing
Despite the good chain tension, the author’s chain still continued to fly off. The reason for this was never found. This was probably due to the deformation of the star, or perhaps the teeth on different stars did not match. In general, the problem was solved by installing a new 28-tooth drive sprocket from the old bicycle.

According to the author, the unicycle turned out to be quite functional and lived up to expectations. Of course, this transport is quite dangerous and the most unpleasant thing is falling forward. The author almost fell on his back during testing. He explained this by the inappropriate type of seat for this type of transport.

usamodelkina.ru

What does a unicycle bike consist of and its varieties?

When a person unfamiliar with the term “unicycle” hears this word, complex associations may arise in his imagination, even to some unusual motorcycle. In fact, this is the simplest design:

wheel;
pedals;
drive carriage mechanism;
“frame” – adjustable stand;
seat.

This is what a classic unicycle looks like, where not only is there no second wheel, but there is also no steering wheel, brake or drive chain. Riding it requires constant pedaling and precise balancing.

However, the classic is just a standard; in fact, there are other varieties:

unicycle with steering;
a one-wheeled bike with brakes under the seat;
combined option – steering wheel + disc brake;
with chain drive;
electric unicycle.

The listed options are equipped with additional devices for an easier and safer ride. Another modification of the standard one-wheeler is called the ultimate, which consists only of a wheel and pedals.

A very interesting model is the “hamster wheel”, or introcycle - the cyclist is inside. The drive is located in sliding engagement with the wheel, due to which it moves freely.

Unicycles with brakes and steering are equipped with freewheel hubs to allow coasting. The brake is performed only in the disc version, since it is impossible to brake with “pedals backwards” on a unicycle, and there is nothing to hook the rim structure onto. The claw is located under the saddle or on the handlebars (for bikes with steering).

The speed of a unicycle is directly affected by the diameter of the rim, since the geometry of the frame is reduced to a minimum, and in the case of the ultimate, the frame is completely absent. The dependence of speed on wheel size on classic monobikes is especially clearly expressed:

Wheel size, inches	Average pace, km/h	High pace, km/h
20	6,4	13
24	8	16
29	12	24
36	17,6	35

A unicycle is inferior in speed to a standard bicycle, and only a 36-inch wheel puts it on par with a full-fledged bike.

Riding styles and sports on unicycles

Qualitative improvements in the design of unicycles have allowed them to go not only onto sidewalks and squares, but also to overcome the sports bar. Thus, special narrow disciplines appeared, or rather, branches from the main ones, where ordinary bicycles are used:

Trial– overcoming obstacles on rough terrain and at high speeds. Special requirements are the strength and endurance of the structure, and the presence of a brake is also required.
Freestyle– performing stunts on unicycles. Jumps, loops, turns, turns - it all looks exciting!
OffRoad monocycle– overcoming off-road conditions and steep slopes on a unicycle. Today, this subtype of cycling is becoming widespread due to the lightness and convenience of the unicycle design.
Tourism- another discipline that is associated with unicycles. Some models are specially equipped with trunks where you can put everything you need, and no one has canceled a backpack on your back. Of course, we are not talking about long trips, but cycling tourism with distances of up to 150 km is quite feasible on a unicycle.
Straight– the most common “circus” direction: stunts, overcoming obstacles, jumping on city sidewalks. This also includes standard riding on one wheel. A unicycle is still a rare phenomenon, and even its appearance attracts attention.

In addition to cycling disciplines, unicycles are included in team sports:

hockey,
basketball,
polo.

Unicycle hockey is considered a dangerous sport, since the game takes place on a regular ice field. Standard sticks and a puck are used, which the team must score into the opponent’s goal as often as possible. Similar games are held annually by several European countries - Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland. At the first stage, 8 teams take part, the winners are selected using the “cross” method, when each team plays with all opponents. The winner in the finals is selected by the number of goals; in an equivalent situation, a penalty is scored.

Bicycle basketball is a ball game where participants move by pedaling. You need to be constantly on the move. This is a prerequisite for the game. Passes and shots are the same as in standard play. For unicycle basketball, bicycles with 24-inch wheels with lightweight pedals are used. Competitions are actively held in the North American states and in a number of European countries - France, Germany, Great Britain. The team from Puerto Rico was at the peak of popularity as the strongest in unicycle basketball.

Unipolo is a new team sport where unicycles are used instead of horses. The field dimensions are smaller than in the classic game, and the shape of the stick is also different due to the movement patterns of the participants. Monocycle polo was opened in Russia in 2015.

Learning to ride a unicycle

Mastering a bicycle with one wheel is no more difficult than usual. A few days of hard training is enough. After you have learned to ride a unicycle, you will have to hone your skills for some time. You won't be able to avoid falling from the saddle, although they are less dangerous than falling from a regular bicycle.

It is much easier to master “one wheel” when you have experience driving a regular bicycle without hands and your vestibular system is well developed.

Learning to ride a unicycle consists of several stages:
1.Landing and maintaining balance. To do this, you need to sit freely on the bike without moving. This stage is the most difficult and takes most of the time. To begin with, you will need additional support - railings, a wall, furniture, if you are standing while studying at home. Gradually release your hand from the support, look straight ahead, concentrating on your hips. As soon as you have managed to stand in a state released from the support for more than a minute, you can begin to move.

2. Driving forward. To move, you need to tilt your body and move your body weight forward, and then smoothly pedal. To brake the unicycle, take a strictly vertical position or lean back a little. Do not arch your back too much, otherwise there is a risk of “letting go” of the bike. The movements are smooth; if the wheel slips, just jump off the bike forward. Do not swing your arms too much, so as not to rock the wheel. We gradually increase the distance, keeping the speed to a minimum.

While moving, we look straight ahead, evenly distribute the weight to the sides, moving slightly forward.

3. Turns- an integral part of riding a bicycle. On a classic handlebarless unicycle, the hips are involved in turning, just as when steering a regular two-wheeler “without hands”. To tilt and change the trajectory, we slightly shift the weight onto one hip - in the direction where we are going to turn. After turning, smoothly level the load. We start with turns of a large radius, gradually reducing it.

4. At the last stage, you can increase the speed of movement. However, there is no need to rush too much - the speed should be such that you can safely jump from the saddle to your feet.

A unicycle requires special attention to maintaining balance. However, in real conditions no one is safe from falls, so you should take care of the equipment in advance:

special bicycle helmet to protect the head;
knee and elbow pads;
lightweight shoes that grip the pedals well;
on models with spiked pedals, shin protection is desirable;
gloves: protect against abrasions during falls at speed.

And finally, let’s see how a unicycle is convenient in comparison with its two-wheeled counterpart:

the weight of a mono bike is 1/3 of the weight of a two-wheeler;
convenient to store, carry and transport in public transport;
less dangerous in case of falls;
safe for others;
better maneuverability.

From a cyclist, a unicycle requires increased concentration, flexibility, accuracy and careful “dosage” of movements. When training, we achieve such a state that the bicycle becomes an extension of the legs.

Turning a bicycle into a unicycle

Curious experimenters will certainly be interested in how to make a bicycle with one wheel with their own hands. An unnecessary two-wheeled bicycle sits in the corner of the garage. Throw it away or give it a second life? Let's use the second option and do it in an unusual way - turn it into a unicycle.

To modify a two-wheeled bike into a one-wheeled one, we use the formula:

To work you will need:

keys for removing the steering wheel and fork;
connecting rod and carriage pullers;
metal cutting;
sandpaper;
welding machine;
vice.

Since the work will be dusty, we stock up on a set of napkins and kerosene.

Let's get started:
1. Completely free the frame: remove the fork, wheels, connecting rods, chain.

2. Using a metal cutter, cut off the back and front parts of the frame. In our work we only need a seat tube with a carriage and a front fork.

3. Expand the fork in a vice under the rear wheel.

4. Clean the paint from the bottom of the carriage cup, then cut a circle with the diameter of the fork tube.

5. At the upper end of the fork, cut a hole to fit the circumference of the carriage cup. By the way, before welding you need to disassemble the carriage.

6. Weld the front fork with the carriage cup. Next, you need to check the strength of the weld under load: fix the ends of the structure on two chairs, place the welded unit in the middle of the canopy and lay a brick. You can also stand on the structure. The welding must not break, otherwise repeat the procedure.

7. Install the carriage and connecting rods with the drive sprocket.

8. Attach the rear wheel to the fork dropouts.

9. Pull the chain between the sprockets. Remove links on a chain that is too long using a wringer.

The do-it-yourself unicycle is ready - we got a unicycle with a chain drive. In addition to this, this bike can be coasted.

On a homemade unicycle, we pay special attention to the strength of the welding joint. After assembly, be sure to check it in practice - the frame should remain straight and without cracks!

Conclusion

A bicycle with one wheel is a convenient and original alternative to a regular bike. It will certainly give you the same full-fledged travel experience, attract attention from the outside and train your attention well. And, unlike a regular bicycle, it is much easier to assemble it yourself.

velofans.ru

Where did the unicycle come from in Russian land?

The history of the appearance of my unicycle goes back to December 2012, when I happened to stay in St. Petersburg. Actually, I never wanted to own a unicycle and treated this idea as purely hypothetical, however, when a friend asked me to buy him this device, which he found through Avito, I agreed.

And so, tormented by a piercing wind in a completely non-St. Petersburg frost, I get to Vasilievsky Island, where I find the right address, give the money and become the owner of a brilliant sports equipment from the Noname company. The seller, apparently, did not learn himself or was still only at the initial stage of training, because... I did not demonstrate the unicycle in action, although there was more than enough space for this in the corridor.

A friend who needed a unicycle lives in Moscow, so the one-wheeled vehicle sat at my house for a long time, where it remained in complete inactivity until the onset of spring and the asphalt in the yard was exposed. In winter, of course, attempts were also made to get into the saddle, but in the cramped spaces of home this idea was devoid of any meaning.

A friend came several times, but he didn’t pick up the unicycle and, accordingly, didn’t give me the money. In the end, it turned out that with his help I bought myself a new toy, which is great, because I hardly ever would have gotten around to it myself.
In the spring, the unicycle became one of the hits among the entertainment I offered to my guests. It eclipsed even such amazing things as stilts and Diablo Styx. However, no one, including me, has ever made any noticeable progress in mastering the technique of riding a unicycle.

The turning point came in the fall, when I, having quit my job and feeling an amazing surge of freedom, decided to master a unicycle, no matter what.

At first, this seemed completely impossible, and trying to start off and drive at least one revolution of the wheel without support seemed like some kind of madness, like banging your head against the wall.
But patience and work will grind everything down. At first I tried to find on the Internet the “holy grail of unicyclism”, i.e. a certain set of instructions that would allow me to learn, sit down and go in 10 minutes, but it turned out that there are no special subtleties here, and the use of certain techniques in training can only slightly affect its effectiveness. Realizing this, I stopped reading the Internet and started training.

Failed attempts: http://youtu.be/hoqrhFRUOTw
Successful attempts: http://youtu.be/7PX61Tg7BEA (first successful experience)
A real unicyclic ride through the park with wonderful music: http://youtu.be/LjD_1OpcnrI

The second and third videos are very important because they illustrate that learning to ride a unicycle is very possible!
Notice how the level of skating changed between the second and third: in the second I could still barely hold on, balancing with my hands, and in the third I was already riding freely, including on not the most even dirt roads.

And, finally, an uninteresting but informative video on how to jump onto a unicycle without support: http://youtu.be/8H1ZufXY_as

When learning to ride a unicycle, I used two methods:

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so in order not to get used to any one method of keeping yourself from falling, you should alternate them.

Oddly enough, I cannot give any clear step-by-step instructions here. All instructions boil down to the following:

The key point here is the word “train.” The point is that it is not so important whether you train correctly or not, it is important to train. And, at first, while the skill is still almost completely absent and positive dynamics are not visible, there is no motivation to continue training, except for volitional efforts.

Things go much better when the first successes begin to appear:

Some sites offer some special exercises, such as riding half a turn back and forth, separately training longitudinal balance, separately transverse balance. I put a huge seatpost on all these tips, so I can’t say anything about their impact on training efficiency.

I would like to draw your attention to another interesting aspect of learning to ride a unicycle: this type of activity is extremely energy-intensive. After every half-hour workout at an ambient temperature of about +10, I returned home with shaking legs and a soaking wet T-shirt. So this is also a good way to get physical activity, especially while the skill has not yet been perfected, and pedaling is very inefficient.

As for the timing, I pretty clearly followed the schedule described in the articles about the unicycle, namely: from the start of training to the first lift off the wall, I was separated by about five hours of work.
The first hundred independent meters happened somewhere between 5 and 10 hours of training.

Current state of affairs

Unfortunately, the unicycle from an unknown company, which I got from an unknown St. Petersburg dude, turned out to be defective, and as soon as I learned a little and realized that I could and the final mastery of the skill was just around the corner, it broke.

It would seem that what could break in a UNICYCLE? There are almost no details! It turned out that my 90 kilograms had a very bad effect on the integrity of the wheel axle, and the end of the shaft on one side began to twist, which led to the formation of an angle between the connecting rods and the impossibility of normal driving.
The device was taken to Osipov, who shook his head, scratched his turnip and said that A. Karpuk was the one who might save the situation.

Today, the process of manufacturing a new hub is at a stage different from zero and there are hopes for the season to finally ride the one-wheeled miracle again.

velomobil-tambov.ru

A unicycle (or unicycle) is considered to be a vehicle with one wheel, in other words, a unicycle. It consists of the wheel itself (which includes the axles, hubs, spokes, rim, tube and tire), cranks, pedals, fork frame, saddle and seatpost. From a technical point of view, this is a direct drive bike. The unicycle can be equipped with additional elements, such as a horn, reflectors, lights, luggage rack and fender - all of which serve for the comfort and safety of the rider. There are also unicycles that have a stem (steering lever) and a brake (a lever under the saddle or a regular brake on the stem).

How to learn to ride

The easiest way to ride a unicycle and stay confident on it is to try riding with support, when one person tries to maintain balance and pedal, and the other holds the unicycle so that it does not tip.

Another option is driving along a narrow corridor. In this case, the walls on the left and right will be a strong support for the rider and it will be possible to fully focus on how to train balance (for now only in this longitudinal plane).

However, such a corridor is not always nearby, so a fence or tightly stretched ropes can come to the rescue. There is another way: place two chairs with their backs facing each other at a short distance, which will accommodate a beginning unicyclist. This won’t help you ride right away, but it will help you practice your landing – and this is just as important as the ride itself.

Some people use devices like ski poles for training, but most skiers have a negative attitude towards this method, because the constant support in the form of poles only interferes with self-balancing, and then it becomes a habit. Moreover, if you fall, ski poles can cause injuries.

DIY unicycle

With proper skill, you can make a unicycle with your own hands from the existing parts of the “donor” bicycle. You can use a strong bicycle fork as the base (frame), or you can order a ready-made one at the factory - such a frame will cost about 4 thousand rubles. Creating a unicycle with your own hands is more about assembling the device yourself than creating it from scratch, which requires a lot of practice and understanding of the principles of the mechanism. It is better to order the parts separately and assemble a unicycle from them as a construction set. Some elements will fit in used condition, and some, for example, the bushing, must be new from the store. You will also have to practice welding in order to end up with a reliable and safe unicycle ready to ride.

Electric unicycle

It would be more correct to call such a device a unicycle. The popularity of this type of transport has increased in the last few years, especially among urban residents, for whom the unicycle is no longer a circus stunt, but a convenient means of transportation in the urban jungle. A unicycle is an ideal option for moving short distances; it is light and comfortable, as well as safe, and is an excellent replacement for scooters, skateboards or scooters.

An electric motor, a battery and a hydrostabilization system are installed inside the unicycle. It contains gyroscopic sensors that help balance and recognize tilts. The maximum speed that the device develops is up to 20 km/h, this will help to avoid a fall or a strong collision, and at the same time it will be 4 or more times faster than the speed of a pedestrian.

No acrobatics skills are required to ride an electric unicycle: if learning to ride a unicycle requires time and effort, then to ride a unicycle you just need to stand on it and press a button.

It is not a fact that a bicycle must have two wheels. A creative approach and skillful hands have created models with three or more wheels, with the ability to transport people. For example, in China, this is a very popular mode of transport. But few people saw unicycle fans on the streets. These are bicycles with one wheel. They are called from the word uno - one. Another name for this vehicle is a unicycle. Of course, there are fewer fans of such riding than two and, and if you want to become one of them, then we will tell you how to turn a two-wheeled bicycle into a unicycle with your own hands.

This vehicle has not become popular; riding it requires skills and good physical fitness, just like riding bicycles with a huge . Moving on them requires maintaining balance and the ability to balance. The model is often used for entertainment; it has taken root well in circuses and show programs. Progress did not bypass this completely simplified transport and attached a motor to it, and so the electric unicycle appeared.

Assembly steps

So, the future unicycle lover should have at his disposal an old two-wheeled bicycle and a set of tools.

It is important to immediately decide on the method in which you will make your new hobby. There are two generally accepted ones:

based on extended ;
using the rear triangle

Remove the fork and widen it slightly at the base. Experts recommend a fixed width of about 130 mm. The rear wheel will be installed in it. You can use different wheel diameters, some models have less than 12 mm.
We clean the carriage of all unnecessary parts. Only the seat tube should remain on it. The main spare parts for the unicycle are ready.
In the next step you will need welding as these parts need to be connected.
In the upper part of the fork, drill a hole with a diameter equal to the diameter of the carriage. Use special drills, but if you decide to work with improvised means, then a round file is perfect.
At this stage it is important to align the chain line. It should be perfectly straight. Aligns along the axes of the carriage and the top of the fork.
Having connected both parts through a pre-made socket, proceed to welding.

The main problem with unicycles: chain drop

Most products of this kind have one problem. On them . Moreover, minor differences in length can make riding a unicycle impossible. So the next step is to add dropouts. Weld them to the bottom and bolt them to the top through special holes. This will fix the straight line of the chain, not necessarily that it will work, but try it.

Additionally, this problem is created by the presence of stars in different planes or their backlash. Professional unicyclists recommend using 28-tooth sprockets.

A good way would be to change the position of the front fork. Adjusting the angle will either tighten the chain or loosen it.

Special attention should be paid to the saddle. On a unicycle, the load goes along the spine and ease of fit is an important component of unicycles.

Selecting your type

For jumps and drops, structures made of durable metals are used; they are equipped with wide rubber that serves as a shock absorber.
Freestyle. Models with a high fork are used here. The wheel diameter is selected according to the driver’s height.
Varieties for walking are equipped with tires with a large radius. This makes it possible to get more with a small scroll.
There are also mountain unicycles. Like the previous type, they are equipped with large, tall tires and durable components. Landing cushioning is essential when riding in this type of terrain.

There are less popular models. The simplest of them is ultimate. Essentially, it's a wheel and two pedals, no saddle or frame. The most high-tech ones are equipped with computers and other gadgets.

A unicycle is a universal exercise machine that allows the rider to develop a sense of balance and coordination of movements. People who prefer riding unicycles learn alpine skiing, tightrope walking, snowboarding much easier, and also quickly learn to ride the back wheel of a regular bicycle or motorcycle.

Unicycle - what is the name of such a vehicle?

How difficult is it to ride a unicycle?

Security issue

Looking at the design of a unicycle, you might think that riding such a vehicle is extremely unsafe. However, in reality, riding a unicycle is several times safer than riding two-wheeled bicycles.

Advantages of a unicycle

Among other things, modern unicycles have the following advantages:

such bicycles are as compact as possible, which allows them to be conveniently placed in any free corner;
if necessary, you can make an improvised one-wheeled unicycle from it, securely attaching it to a two-wheeled model using improvised means;
With a unicycle, you can easily go on a visit, visit shops, cafes, entertainment venues, office premises, not only take it with you, but also use it in the subway, take it on public transport (and you don’t need to pay for travel with a unicycle, since the price is it can be used as a separate part of a full-fledged bicycle);
a unicycle is absolutely safe for its owner, you need to try hard to get damaged or injured even at the stage of learning to ride a unicycle;
due to their high maneuverability and low weight, unicycle bicycle models are safe for pedestrians;
If desired, you can make a one-wheeler using old spare parts from a regular two-wheeler.

Where is it legal to ride a unicycle?

Representatives of the traffic inspectorate classify unicycles as something between an ordinary pedestrian and Officially, unicycles do not belong to transport and therefore should not move on public roads, subject to the traffic rules established for cars.

It is advisable to ride a unicycle in the city on sidewalks, moving carefully and performing maneuvers that are safe for others.

How to learn to ride a unicycle?

You can learn to ride a unicycle through regular training, which consists of several stages:

First you need to learn to keep your balance. You can use either a modern or an old circus unicycle for this. A friend can help keep the body upright. Alternatively, you can lean on a wall or reliable supports. The main task in this case is to acquire the most stable position, being in the seat without moving back and forth.
As soon as a confident stance is developed, you can move on to the next stage of training - movement. To start moving on a unicycle, a slight, almost imperceptible tilt in the required direction is enough. At the same time, you should begin to rotate the pedals in the same direction. The speed of movement can be adjusted by touching the tire of the wheel with the sole of your foot.
The third stage is learning to accelerate, maintain speed and braking. The more a unicycle rider leans his body forward, the faster he will have to pedal to maintain balance. Leaning your body back will help reduce your speed somewhat. In general, you need to be able to find a balance between body movements and moving the unicycle.

In general, in terms of physical activity, I don’t yet see a competitor to the unicycle. Bicycle - less load. Running is close, but personally I’m not interested in running, and in my life I wouldn’t run as much as I did on a unicycle. We do not consider various types of simulators and other paid items.

Unicycle as a vehicle. Yes, yes, the good thing about a unicycle is that you can train on it and move somewhere at the same time. Moreover, this can be done starting from a fairly early level of skill proficiency. The average speed will initially be slightly lower than the walking speed, but soon it will become equal to it, and then become several times higher. Now my average speed on a unicycle is about 9 km/h, taking into account periodic walking at intersections and in difficult places.

Thus, I can say that it was on training, not combined with other useful activities, that I spent quite a bit of time over all these months, because... I covered most of the kilometers I traveled on a unicycle on the way somewhere. In fact, improving the skill was a bonus to covering the distance to the target point.

About shocking, attracting attention and new acquaintances. Well, it's a matter of personal preference. Some people will disagree with me because... They consider it abnormal to do something that stands out from the general trend, and even if they allow it, they believe that it should be done without attracting attention. Well, well, the way to the unicycle is prohibited for them, because... It’s impossible to drive it down the street without attracting the gaze of absolutely all passers-by.

Personally, I like this for a number of reasons. Firstly, I find it interesting to watch people’s reactions. Secondly, based on this reaction, you can identify like-minded people and those who are interested. There is a good chance to find among them those with whom you are on the same wavelength.

A recent example: today I was stopped by a guy who, as it turned out, also owns a unicycle. We exchanged contacts.

How I learned to ride a unicycle

I won't try to write a comprehensive training guide, just describe my very positive experience.

Start

Painful attempts to sit on a one-wheeled horse and move at least a little along the wall without falling in any of the four directions. It is here, at the very beginning, that the thought begins to haunt us that it is impossible to learn how to ride this thing, and isn’t it better to give up the stupid idea?

During unsuccessful attempts to travel, two methods of learning emerged:

wall riding;
riding with poles.

There is no difference in efficiency between these methods.

Wall Riding It’s bad because it ties you to places where a road of suitable quality runs next to a wall or fence. Not everywhere there are such places.

Riding with poles frees you from the need to look for support. With them, in principle, you can travel quite long distances, not yet having the skill of free skating, but being able to overcome at most 5-10 meters without stopping.

It is better to alternate the wall and stick methods so that you do not get used to one of them.

That's how I skated. At first I managed to make one or two revolutions of the pedals without support, then “glimpses” began to happen, during which I flew over two or three sections of the fence. And then, at one fine moment, I suddenly drove through the entire fence without ever touching it. And it was a victory.

It was then that a phenomenon was discovered...

Fence effect

The essence of the effect is that, having already learned to ride more or less tolerably without support, I continued to mentally gravitate towards the fence, not being able to move further away from it. As soon as I found myself at a distance greater than the length of my arm from the fence bars, all confidence disappeared somewhere and I jumped off.

A similar situation arose when reaching the end of the fence. It would seem that I am driving smoothly, completely normally, without touching anything with my hands. The bars of the fence flash to my right... and suddenly the fence turns at a right angle, and I find myself on an empty asphalt space. The result is an instant loss of stability and a fall.

The effect of the fence sometimes weighs on me even now when I start from some wall. Now it no longer leads to falls, but this mental connection: the body maintains a slight tilt for some time, and the hand just wants to push once more, although, in fact, the system has already reached a stable mode and there is no external support does not need.

A similar phenomenon is observed with sticks. Many times I caught myself that, having them in my hands, I try to lean on them at any opportunity, including when there is no need for this.

Alien unicycle effect

This moment became a turning point in my training: my friend Denis Anatolich came from Moscow, the same one with whose advice I once bought a unicycle. He arrived with his unicycle. Small, with a 20-inch wheel (mine is 24-inch).

Of course, the first thing I did was try to drive someone else's car. Incredibly uncomfortable! My legs spin the pedals madly, as if in vain, I can only take off from the wall on the 5th attempt, in short, horror.

Denis Anatolich experienced approximately the same feelings when trying to master my unicycle.

We doggedly dragged around with the unicycles all day, walking with them and visiting guests. We got a little used to the alien technology, and Denis Anatolic went back to Moscow.

What incredible pleasure I experienced the next day when I got on my 24-inch unicycle! He sat down and drove off with some special ease. I felt with my entire body that I was skating much better than the day before yesterday. More confident, calmer, with less energy expenditure and almost no wobbling. It was truly a quantum leap.

So, friends, testing other people’s unicycles is extremely useful.

State of affairs at the end of April 2014

So, about a month has passed since the unicycle returned to me, let's see what I learned.

start from any support, incl. and on uneven or soft ground;
move almost unlimitedly on a flat road (both quickly and at a walking pace);
overcome small obstacles that do not require jumping (gutter grooves, manhole covers, low curbs);
rotate at angles of 90 degrees (stable);
turn at sharp angles and turn around (not yet practiced).

Sometimes a strange problem arises with the start: some kind of stupor attacks me, in which I seem to completely forget all my skills. Over and over again I try to move away from some support, and I fall, I fall (see video, Warning: there is some profanity!)

After some attempts or after changing the support, it goes away. The reason is unclear.

In general, the process of riding a unicycle gives me tremendous pleasure. When returning home from somewhere, I often drive another block or two purely for the sake of riding.

Somehow I even went to such an event as “Library Night 2014”, where I got a legal opportunity to ride through the halls of the library named after. Pushkin.

About purchasing a unicycle

Do I need a unicycle?- Yes, it is necessary if such a question arises at all. If you already rollerblade/skateboard/BMX, do fire shows or juggle and don’t ask the question “why do I need it?”, then you simply need a unicycle.

How much does a unicycle cost?— The price range is very wide, but its lower limit is somewhere around 3-4 thousand rubles. In general, just like half a bicycle. Unfortunately, when buying some incomprehensible Noname, you risk ending up in the same situation as I did at the beginning of this article. If we count my costs for a used unicycle (3000) plus the replacement of both connecting rods (700) and bushings (1700), we get that it cost me 5400 rubles. For that amount you could buy a new one. We have not yet considered the replacement of pedals, because... I had them on my farm, otherwise it would have added another 600 rubles and brought the final price to 6,000 rubles.

Where to buy a unicycle?- In a remote province - nowhere, at least for the moment. You'll have to go get it or order it from the capitals.

What wheel diameter should I take?— I, being an exemplary sandpiper who praises his swamp, of course, recommend 24 inches. Rumor has it that learning on a 20-inch wheel is easier. But, if you plan to use the unicycle not only as a sports equipment, but also as a vehicle, then 24 inches is the minimum. Personally, when driving in a straight line, this is sorely lacking. If the main focus will be on tricks, then yes, 20 inches is the right size. For example, I’m going to buy a unicycle with an even larger wheel diameter - 26 or 28 inches.

What do you need to have in addition to a unicycle?— Here, as a rule, some kind of protection is recommended. Well, well, God protects those who are protected, so I won’t argue. One time I hit my knee hard, and if I had a knee brace on, this would not have happened. So, a helmet and knee pads will not be superfluous. I’m speaking purely theoretically; I didn’t use any protection myself.

But that's what I I recommend, so put it on the unicycle right away cycling computer. Why is this necessary? For statistics! So that later you can say for sure that such and such a result was achieved in so many hours of training and so many kilometers traveled. I don’t know about you, but it would be very interesting for me, but, unfortunately, I only figured out how to install a cycling computer on a unicycle yesterday.

About training

There are entire treatises and thousands of videos on YouTube on this topic, so there’s probably no point in me writing my own tutorial. However, my instructions are short, so they are unlikely to bore you (if you have read this far...).

The training points look like this:

One time: we adjust the saddle so that in the lower position the leg is relatively straight (how exactly straight is up to you). Basically, I studied with the saddle too low, which leads to increased fatigue. A saddle that is too low is also bad because it encourages you to constantly stand on your feet, and this interferes with learning.

We sit on the unicycle holding onto the wall.
We try to ride back and forth a little.
We are trying to move along the wall.
We do the same with sticks.
If you can’t go on your own, repeat steps 1-4.

In general, if you practice, everything will work out on its own, but it makes sense to follow the following recommendations:

your back should be straight and in line with the seatpost;
you need to sit in the saddle with your entire weight, and your legs should only turn the pedals;
normal position when moving is a slight tilt forward;
the pedals need to be turned quickly, and there is no need to be afraid to turn them, because... It's much easier to keep your balance at speed.

The average person spends 5-10 hours training from start to lift off the fence. That's exactly how it was for me. I can’t give the exact figure, because... didn't detect it. Keep these numbers in mind, and don't quit training if you still don't get anything done after a couple of hours.

As soon as things start to work out, try driving around the city. This is much more interesting than endlessly cruising along the same fence. Combining training with traveling on business is an ideal option.

To fully master a unicycle as a vehicle, in addition to actually riding and turning, you need to master two more skills:

starting without support;
jumping on curbs.

But that’s a completely different story, and I’m still very far away from that, so I won’t get ahead of myself.

That's probably all. I believe that for basic learning to ride a unicycle, there is no need for more detailed instructions, and even those that exist can be replaced with one single word. And the word is “practice.”

Practice and I promise you will be richly rewarded!

Where to train in Tambov?

Low-rise, relatively deserted streets in the evening, such as Bazarnaya (from International to the south) or Karl Marx (on the same site), are convenient for training rectilinear movement. There are good, smooth sidewalks here that run close to houses and fences, so there are no problems finding a foothold to start with.

The section of sidewalk opposite the Flashka store is very convenient as a training ground. There are three porches equipped with ramps with railings, and another porch around the corner of the building, which allows you to run from one support to another and practice turns.

But the places near the monuments, favored by skaters, rollerbladers and BMX riders, are extremely inconvenient for beginner unicyclists, because There are practically no suitable support points there.

This is all about training. When the average length of one run begins to amount to hundreds of meters, and to start you no longer need a wall, but any post or tree, you can choose almost any route.

History of development: continued

The article here has come to its logical conclusion, however, the development of the unicycle continues. I will record all further achievements further.

Progress as of October 2014

As of October 2014, the following skills were added to the skills listed above:

turning at sharp angles, turning within the sidewalk, cutting circles of small radius;
jumping onto a unicycle without support.

The rest of the skills, naturally, were well established.

Getting rid of the fence or how I mastered the free mount

As usual, at first the opportunity itself climb onto a unicycle without additional support looked like something completely unrealistic. But time passed, I rode and periodically discovered that I could now drive not only on a perfectly flat road, but also on chipped asphalt, and in some places on the ground.

I can’t give any special training recommendations, everything is clear from the video. I did this from the “saddle between my legs, foot on the left pedal, pedal down” position. The main problem when starting is the first fractions of a second when you stand still, and the main thing is to get going. The slightest delay and the balance is lost. It can be treated very simply - with training.

After the first successful attempt, a series of purely training rides were undertaken with dismounting and jumping every few meters. Well, then everything is simple, watch the video:

As training progressed, the number of successful attempts gradually increased and by October 2014 was significantly more than 50%. Just like with the wall mount at the initial stage, sometimes strange failures happen when you can’t jump, even if you crack. There is an assumption that as the skill develops, the problem will disappear.

Instead of a conclusion

The article will still be supplemented, but for now, instead of a conclusion, I present to your attention a unicyclic video clip to the wonderful music of the group “Accident”.

This is part of a playlist containing all my videos related to the topic of the article.

Unicycles (unicycles). Unicycles (unicycles) How to make a unicycle at home

Giuliano is the youngest athlete in the world, gymnast, record holder of the place - “Hercules from Montana” Steve Reeves

Ivan Tkachenko was the same hero who did not speak, but acted, gave, gave, helped, saved

Olympic Games in Sochi What are the Winter Olympic Games?

Why were people challenged to a duel in the Russian Empire?

About the Jewish grandmother of the Klitschko brothers Klitschko, which of the brothers is older

Vasily Ivanovich Alekseev weightlifter

Sillakh Ismail Mukhamedovich