The unicycle or unicycle appeared on the domestic market relatively recently. This is the real little brother of the standard two-wheel unit. Its distinctive feature is the presence of only one wheel and the complete absence of a steering part. What is remarkable about the unicycle, and what varieties of it are known to mankind?
What is the basis of a unicycle?
The unicycle captivates with its unique appearance. A person who sees this engineering creation for the first time has difficulty imagining how it can be controlled. A lot of complex associations and algorithms of actions arise in your head. In fact, a bicycle with one wheel has a simple and straightforward design. It is based on the following elements:
- control mechanism (pedals);
- carriage mechanism;
- adjustable stand (in common parlance an ordinary frame);
- seat for comfortable movement.
This is a classic unicycle design. The design is not equipped with a braking mechanism, drive chain and steering part. Movement on a non-standard unit is based on constant pedaling and maintaining balance. Previously, bicycles of this type were widely used by circus performers to perform tricks of varying complexity. Today, every person who wants to can master driving an unusual type of transport.
Some modernized unicycle models have additional elements built into them. These include:
- wing (allows you to block splashes of dirt);
- trunk;
- lighting system (lanterns);
- reflectors;
- sound signal.
The presence of additional options significantly optimizes and facilitates the movement process. Reflectors, lights and a sound signal are responsible for human safety.
In “pumped up” models you can find a stem and a brake. The stem is a lever located under the saddle. Its main task is to create an additional point of support while moving. The presence of a stem makes the riding process easier and allows a person to easily cover long distances.
The brake is an indispensable part of any vehicle. The braking system is mounted under the saddle. Important: It is noteworthy that the braking system is installed exclusively in models with a stem. Otherwise, there is simply nowhere to attach the brake.
Main types of unicycle
Unicycles come in different types. They differ in their structure, configuration and purpose. Thus, standard unicycles are used for freestyle, trials, movement in mountainous areas and on classic road surfaces.
A unicycle designed for freestyle is used to perform tricks of varying complexity. The design is based on a single wheel, a narrow saddle and a square-top fork. This unusual structure allows the stuntman to perform stunts without hindrance.
The trial bike is highly durable and reliable. The design is able to withstand a powerful load and not break under a person during difficult jumps. The standard wheel diameter on a rugged unicycle is 19 or 20 inches.
Mountain-type unicycles are designed for movement in complete off-road conditions. They are based on a durable wheel with diameters of 24 or 26 inches. Its impressive dimensions allow it to easily cover long distances, moving along tree roots, rocks and numerous slopes. To increase the level of safety, each mountain bike is equipped with a specialized braking system.
Road types of unicycles are designed for riding on city roads. Wheel diameter varies from 26 to 36 inches. Large wheels optimize the movement process and make it more comfortable.
There are other types of unicycles, in particular the giraffe (the height of the structure reaches 3 meters), the kangaroo (the pedals are located in one direction), the ultimate (the design without a saddle and frame) and many others. Selecting the optimal type of non-standard vehicle is not difficult; the main thing is to decide on its purpose and choose a model according to personal preferences.
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:
- 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 breaking 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. Preparing 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.
Next, take a semicircular file and use it to cut a socket in the upper part of the pipe so that it fits the carriage in diameter.
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.
The author welded using conventional electric arc welding, although it is not very suitable for such purposes. It is best for her to weld holes.
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.
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?
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 improvised one-wheeled unicycle from it, securely attaching it to a two-wheeled model using available 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 the fare 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 unicycles. 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?
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.
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.
Many people know about the existence of a bicycle with one wheel, and not only cyclists. The unicycle has become famous in the circus arena - acrobats, jugglers and clowns skillfully ride around and perform all sorts of tricks on these bicycles. The unicycle even has an unofficial name: “circus bicycle”.
However, recently it has ceased to “belong” only to circus performers and has rolled out to the broad masses on the streets. The number of happy owners of unicycles is steadily growing, and if we take into account its use in sports, then in the near future this simple design can be a good competitor to its two-wheeled counterparts.
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.
The history of introcycles dates back to the 19th century (designer - Lewis Harper)
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).
Electric unicycle – wheel motor with footrests
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– performance 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.
Road bike with one wheel, narrow handlebars and brakes
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.
Hockey competition on mono bikes
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:
Bicycle minus front wheel, diamond and handlebars = unicycle
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: 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.
A unicycle is assembled from this
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 it is necessary.
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.
Be sure to check the weld seam
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.