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Main Types of Unicycles
Freestyle unicycle
Generally used for flatland skills and routines. Usually has a relatively high seatpost, a narrow saddle, a squared fork (used for one-footed tricks), and cotterless cranks, as they do not need to withstand too much pressure. These unicycles are used similarly to flatland bicycles. Some examples of a freestyle unicycle include: Miyata, Nimbus, Schwinn, and Semcycle brands. Prices can range from less than $100 USD to over $300 USD. Wheel size is usually 20 inches, but smaller riders may use 16-inch unicycles. Some people prefer 24-inch wheels. A freestyle unicycle is stronger than most other types of unicycles.
Trials unicycle
Designed for unicycle trials, trials unicycles are stronger than standard unicycles in order to withstand the stresses caused by jumping,
dropping, and supporting the weight of the unicycle and rider on components such as the pedals and cranks. A recent development in trials unicycles is splined
cranks, a feature that is very useful and somewhat expensive. Many trials unicycles also have wide, 19- or 20-inch, knobby tires to absorb some of the
impact on drops. For more info, see the trials unicycle page.
MUnis or Offroad Unicycles
MUni is the shortened phrase for mountain unicycling. Munis have many of the
same components as trials unicycles, but have a few key differences. Usually, the tire diameters on mountain unicycles are either 24 or 26 in., allowing the rider
to more easily roll over obstacles such as roots and rocks. The seat is also thicker and more comfortable on MUnis to compensate for the rough terrain.
Brakes are sometimes used for steep descents. KH unicycles and Schlumpf Innovations are currently working together to make the world's first geared MUni.
Touring unicycles
Used for long distances, these unicycles are specially made to cover distances
. They have a large wheel diameter, between 26 and 36 in., so more distance is covered in less pedal rotation. A 36" unicycle made by the Coker company
started the big wheel trend. Some variations on the traditional touring unicycle include the 'Schlumpf GUni' (geared unicycle), which uses a unique two-speed
internal fixed-geared hub. Larger direct-drive wheels tend to have shorter cranks to allow for easier cadence and more speed. Geared wheels, with an effective
diameter larger than the wheel itself, tend to use longer cranks for control, as the speed comes from the gear ratio not the wheel itself. Modern unicyclists routinely
cover distances unheard of just a few decades ago.
A Unicycle Hub
Variations
* Giraffe unicycle: a tall unicycle, usually chain-driven (but includes Multi-wheel
unicycles).
* Geared unicycle (aka GUni): a unicycle whose wheel rotates faster than the
pedal cadence. Used for distance riding and racing.
* Multi-wheeled unicycle: A unicycle with more than 1 wheel, stacked on top of
each other so only one touches the ground. The wheels are linked together by chains or direct contact with each other.
* Kangaroo unicycle: unicycle that has both the cranks facing in the same
direction & the hub off-center. They are so-named due to the rising and falling motion of the rider supposedly resembling the jumping of a kangaroo.
* Ultimate wheel: a unicycle with no frame or seat, just a wheel and pedals.
* BC wheel : a wheel with pegs or metal plates connected to the axle for the
rider to stand on. These wheels are for coasting and jumping. A purist form of unicycling. There are no cranks.
* Monocycle (or monowheel): a large wheel in which the rider sits inside (like a
hamster wheel) and either pedals an internal drive or is motorized. It is not plagued by the normal unicycle balance problems because of the greater
gyroscopic properties and lower center of mass.
* Eunicycle: a computer-controlled, motor driven, self-balancing unicycle.
* Freewheeling unicycle: a unicycle where the hub freewheels, allowing the
rider to coast or move forward without pedalling, as a bike would. These unicycles almost 'always' have brakes because they cannot stop the way traditional
unicycles do. These unicycles also cannot go backwards.
* A quick list of other variations: Tandem, Recumbent, Hydraulic Giraffe,
Unibike, Suicycle, Motorized unicycle
Article Source: Wikipedia
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