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Unicycle
A unicycle is a one-wheeled human powered vehicle. Unicycles are similar
to, but less complex than, bicycles.
 A Torker Unicycle
Construction
Unicycles are composed of a few key parts: the wheel (which includes the
tire, tube, rim, spokes, hub and axle), the cranks, pedals, fork-style frame, seatpost, and saddle (the seat of the unicycle). The wheel is usually similar
to a bicycle wheel with a special hub designed so the axle is a fixed part of the hub. This means the rotation of the cranks directly controls the rotation of the wheel (called direct
drive). The frame sits on top of the axle bearings, while the cranks attach to the ends of the axle. The seatpost links the frame to the saddle.
There are many different types of unicycles, which can include (but are not limited to): freestyle unicycles, trial unicycles, MUnis, giraffes, and long distance unicycles, which all have
special components unique to that type of unicycle.
History
The unicycle's history began with the invention of the bicycle. Comte De
Sivrac first developed bicycles during the late eighteenth century. His device, called a celerifere, was a wooden horse that had two wheels joined by a
wooden beam. Germany’s Baron von Drais improved the design by adding a steering mechanism and introduce his Draisienne or Hobby Horse in 1818.
Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, added cranks and pedals to the front wheel in 1839, and called it the Velocipede. The first mass-produced
riding machine, the Michaux Velocipede, was designed in 1863. In 1866, James Stanley invented a unique bicycle called the Penny Farthing with a
very large front wheel and a small rear wheel. It is this vehicle that is thought to be the inspiration for the unicycle.
One theory of the advent of the unicycle is based on the popularity of the
penny farthing during the late nineteenth century. Since its pedal cranks were connected directly to the front axle, the rear wheel would go up in the air and
the rider would be moved slightly forward. This likely prompted riders to see how long they could ride with the back wheel in the air and the unicycle was
born. Evidence for this theory of development can be found in pictures from the late eighteenth century that show unicycles with large wheels.
Over the years, unicycle enthusiasts have inspired manufacturers to create new designs, such as seatless (the ultimate wheel) and tall (giraffe unicycle)
unicycles. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and off-road unicycling (MUni) was born.
Since the unicycle requires a greater degree of skill to ride than a bicycle,
many people that could ride them became entertainers. Over the years, unicycle enthusiasts have inspired manufacturers to create new designs such
as seatless (the ultimate wheel) and tall (giraffe unicycle) unicycles. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and
off-road unicycling (MUni) was born. Today, the unicycle remains a relatively obscure vehicle, however there are more people riding unicycles now then ever before.
Main Types of Unicycles
Freestyle unicycle
Trials unicycle
Munis or Offroad Unicycles
Touring unicycles
Theory
A unicycle is a form of inverted pendulum. It is also a nonholonomic system because its outcome is path-dependent. Balancing a robotic unicycle or a
eunicycle forms an interesting problem in control theory.
Speed
The pedals of a typical unicycle (not a giraffe) are connected directly to the
wheel. This means that there are no gears to shift like on a bicycle. It also means that wheel size is a major factor in unicycle speeds:[2]
Wheel size Avg High
20" 3 mph 8 mph
24" 5 mph 10 mph
29" 7 mph 14 mph
36" 11 mph 22 mph
The top speed achieved on a unicycle is around 29 mph, on a 36" wheel.
 Riding
Alex Toms of Sydney, Australia demonstrates Street unicycling (March, 2006).
Traditionally, unicycling has been connected with parades or the circus.
This is because the unicycle requires a great degree of skill to ride, and many people who could ride them became entertainers. Recent developments in the strength and
durability of bicycle (and consequently unicycle) parts have given rise to many riding styles such as trials unicycling and mountain
unicycling. Unicycling has therefore developed from primarily an entertainment activity, to a competitive sport and recreational vehicle.
Riding Styles
Neighborhood
Freestyle unicycling
Trials unicycling
Street unicycling
Off-Road - Mountain Unicycling (MUni)
Touring or Commuting
Novelty
Extreme Unicycling
Unicycle trials
Mountain unicycling (Muni)
Flatland
Street unicycling
Equipment / Safety
(for Equipment at very low prices click here)
Wrist guards
The most common impact points when falling from a unicycle are the hands and wrists. Of all the safety gear, wrist guards receive the most wear and tear.
Knee and elbow pads
The second most common impact point are the knees followed by the elbows.
Helmet
A helmet is especially important with specialty riding like MUni.
Shin guards
Shin guards become a necessary piece of equipment when using metal or pinned pedals. These types of pedals grip the shoes better, but can cause injury to the legs.
Cycling shorts
Padded cycling shorts are designed with a seamless, padded crotch, and long enough legs to extend down past the saddle, making them much more
comfortable than "normal" shorts.
Famous & Notable Unicyclists
John Foss
World Record holder for many unicycling events[3]
Kaleigh Grainger
British unicyclist who was World Champion at the age of 14
Kris Holm
Pioneer in Mountain Unicycling
International Championships-UNICON
International Championships (UNICON)consists of unicycle track & field- high
jump, long jump, racing, (1 foot, wheelwalk, coasting, juggling etc.) slowboard and the obstacle course.[4]
Freestyle Events Include: Pairs, Individual, Club, Group, and Standard Skills
(Where the rider must have straight arms and perform skills)
UNICON is held every two years. The most current UNICON was in 2007 in Langenthal, Switzerland.
Article Source: Wikipedia
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