Unicycle Buyer's Guide

Advice on choosing a size and style of unicycle that best suits you.

What size should I buy?

Unicycles are described by the diameter of their wheel. So a "20 inch unicycle" has a 20 inch diameter wheel.

The right size to buy depends on how long your legs are. When seated comfortably on the saddle, the leg should be just slightly bent at the knee. Most unicycles have an adjustable seat post which can cope with a some variation in height.

• Choose a 12" unicycle for children under 7
• Choose a 16" unicycle for the average 7-10 year old
• Choose a 20" unicycle for age 11 and up, younger kids who are tall for their age, and most adults.
• Choose a 24" unicycle if you are very tall or over 100kg.

Having selected your unicycle's wheel size, check that you are tall enough to fit. Use the table below as a guide. These leg lengths are from crotch to the floor with shoes on, not your trouser length.

• Minimum leg length with standard post is based on lowering a standard seat post as far is it will go before it hits the tyre and prevents the wheel from turning.
• Minimum leg length with shortened seatpost is based on shortening the standard seat post (by cutting off a few inches from the end). This allows the seat to be lowered further until the base of the seat is just above the unicycle frame.
• Maximum leg length is based on raising the standard seat post to the highest level it will safely go.

Note, these are approximate sizes only. If you are too tall to fit on a unicycle, a longer seat post will allow you to ride it.

Riding Styles

There are many styles of unicycle because there are lots of different things that you can do with a unicycle. Here are some of the main ones.

Learner

We use this term to describe unicycles suitable for beginner riders. These are generally the same as the freestyle unicycles but of a less heavy-duty nature. To help people when they are buying their first unicycle we offer learner packs. These packs include a Learner's unicycle and an instructional book or video to get you started.

Trials

Since the release of the film 'UNiVERsE' and its sequel 'UNiVERsE 2' there has been an explosion of people who want to jump on and off picnic tables and ride along railings. Trials is the fastest growing area of unicycling today. Trials unicycles have massive tyres, special rims and strong hubs and cranks. Trials unicycles with shorter cranks are also used for street riding.

MUni

Unicycling off-road? Yes, indeed! 'MUni' is short for 'Mountain Unicycle' and is commonly applied to any off-road unicycle. Off-road unicycling is probably the fastest growing sector of unicycling in the world. MUnis have to be very strong and generally have big 3" tyres and longer cranks. MUni wheels are usually 24" or 26" and cranks are 150 to 175mm long.

Freestyle

Unicycle competition where music, movement and a skill high level are mixed. There is not much of this in New Zealand but can be seen at UNICON (the unicycle world championships), the NZ Juggling Convention, or on the "One Wheel No Limit" DVD. The unicycles used are usually 20" (but not always) and have slick tyres. At Unicycle.com we use the term 'freestyle' to describe unicycles that are suitable for the majority of tricks and games, like unicycle hockey.

Road

Great for riding to work or school. They generally have larger wheels and proportionally shorter cranks. The UDC 36" unicycle is capable of speed in excess of 20 mph, ridden by an experienced rider. The Nimbus 29er is quite capable of exceeding 15 mph and can be ridden offroad as well as on sealed roads. These are not really learner machines and are for experienced riders.

Giraffes

A giraffe is a tall unicycle which is driven by a chain. Giraffes are generally easier to ride than a standard unicycle after you have overcome the fear of being so high off the ground. Mounting a giraffe offers an interesting challenge. This said they are not for the beginner because falls may cause injuries.

Unusual

A unicycle too easy? Try an Ultimate Wheel (no frame or saddle) or an Impossible Wheel (no pedals either!) Our two wheeler is sure to give you hours of challenge.

Components

You may see cheaper unicycles elsewhere. If you want the cheapest unicycle you can buy, you won't find it here (look on TradeMe for example).

Seen a better price elsewhere?

Of course you have. Competing on price is lose-lose for everyone. To get a rock bottom price, a retailer has to specify cheaper components. As other retailers cut their prices to match, the specifications keep dropping until you have the cheapest junk that they dare to sell, and there is not enough margin to provide support when it breaks. The buyer also loses because they buy something cheap that breaks or is uncomfortable or cannot be adjusted correctly. They get discouraged and stop riding, and their unicycle goes rusty in the garage.

We don't sell the cheapest stuff. We sell what works, what lasts, what will keep you happy and riding for a long time. Read more about us.

[David: don't copy this]