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FAQ’s

What size wheel should I use?
How long should the cranks be?
What type of tire (width & tread) is best?
To what pressure should the tire be inflated?
How wide should the rim be?
What gage spokes are strong enough?
Which saddle will be most comfortable?
Is a handle on the saddle required?
What's the best saddle height?
What type of hub/axle is used?
Protective Gear and Safety Issues

What size wheel should I use? / How long should the cranks be?

Wheel size and crank length work together to provide a rider the means of self propulsion. In general, a larger wheel will travel farther per single revolution in direct proportion to its circumference. A longer crank arm will increase leverage during pedalling allowing greater torque to be applied to the wheel. For a given wheel size a crank arm needs to be somewhat less than half the diameter to allow the pedals sufficient ground clearance. A good rule of thumb for a MUni is to divide the wheel diameter by 4 (torque index) to determine the crank arm length. Using this rule, a 20" wheel would have a 5" crank, a 24" wheel would have a 6" crank and a 26" wheel would have a 6.5" crank. In practice, adjustments can be made to these suggested lengths to fine tune a MUni's performance to specific riding conditions. Another factor called throw also needs to be considered. Throw is the distance between the pedal centers or double the crank arm length. Longer crank arms create more throw for the legs to track, making rapid pedalling difficult or impossible. Increased throw also makes your knees come up into your upper body more, making pedalling feel awkward. So with more torque or leverage also comes along more throw. This effect is more pronounced in the 26" wheel where longer cranks (6" or more) are required to produce sufficient torque. Smaller cranks can be pedalled faster but will produce less torque. For MUni, sticking with 6.5" cranks on 26" wheels and 6" cranks on 24" wheels will provide good overall performance.

What type of tire (width & tread) is best? / To what pressure should the tire be inflated? / How wide should the rim be? / What gage spokes are strong enough?

A good place to select MUni tires is from mountain, downhill and BMX style treads and designs. 26" (mountain/downhill) offers perhaps the greatest selection followed by 20" (BMX) followed by 24" (downhill). Owing to personal preference, terrain and riding style, selecting a tire is not an exact science. Even so, some basic guidelines can be identified and correlated to general riding situations to help narrow down the tire selection process. Keep in mind that a unicycle, unlike a two wheel bike, supports its entire payload on a single wheel. Additionally, on a two wheel bike, being suspended between the wheels by a connecting frame provides leverage against which a rider can divide the forces encountered during a ride. In contrast, all forces on a unicycle pass directly through the tire, rim, spokes, hub, axle, crank arms and pedals before reaching the rider. Estimates place peak forces at 8 times those encountered on a regular mountain bike. This pretty much eliminates any ultra light high tech mountain bike stuff from consideration if you're planning on doing serious MUni. Expect fancy lightweight mountain bike wheels with trendy spokes and/or spoke patterns to taco very quickly.

For MUni selecting a 24" or 26" downhill tire with an aggressive tread will offer the best performance tradeoffs. Many trials unicyclists will prefer a 20" BMX style tire. Most mountain bike tires have a very thin sidewall to reduce weight. Since mountain bikes generally have shocks to absorb the bumps, thin sidewall tires work okay. Mountain bike tires are usually inflated to 45 psi which stiffens the thin sidewall against pinch flats while the shock or suspension system cushions out the increased stiffness keeping the tire in contact with the terrain. A requirement for good control. For MUni you'll need to run tire pressures lower to create this cushioning effect. A softer tire absorbs bumps which reduces its tendency to bounce up and off the terrain causing a loss of traction, balance and control. A downhill tire with its wider girth and heavier sidewall can run at lower pressures and not be as susceptible to pinch flats making them a better choice over mountain tires for MUni. Choose a width from 2.3" to 3.0" for best results and select a tread pattern that you like. The tread pattern shouldn't pack with mud and provide good overall traction. In general downhill tires will provide more surface contact (better traction) and better cushioning. Make sure you're MUni fork width can accept wide tires before you buy one though.

A wide tire also needs a wide rim for proper support at lower pressures. Mountain bike rims are made slim to reduce weight and are not acceptable for serious MUni. If you're planning on doing any hopping on pitched surfaces you'll wind up shearing the tire right off the rim. Use a wide or double wide downhill rim with 36 14 gage spokes in an interlace pattern for maximum strength. If your MountainUnii rides are on mellow trails with no hops, jumps or drops you can use mountain bike stuff but be aware as you begin to ride more aggressively and push the equipment you'll need to upgrade. Don't get frustrated if you go through several tire and rim combinations before you find something you really like. That's part of the learning process.

Which saddle will be most comfortable? / Is a handle on the saddle required? / What's the best saddle height?

The MUni saddle contacts the rider in a sensitive area and, as such, will have significant influence on comfort. Hard or excessively firm saddles can create uncomfortable pressure points in the crotch area when pedalling torque is low as is typically encountered on smooth level trails. On more severe terrain, high pedalling torque will force a rider out of the seat making a hard saddle appear softer. Either way, a comfortable saddle adds to the enjoyment of a MountainUni ride. There is a simple air pillow system that is extremely comfortable. I currently have on on my Custom 24” and is has worked perfectly for over two years. Using the air pillow seat with a pair of quality padded cycling shorts will provide excellent overall comfort. Seats are personal so you may need to experiment with several types to find the one that's right for you. Trials riders will prefer a harder seat for precise movement, while MountainUni riders will prefer shock absorption and general comfort out on the trails.

To increase torque, control and allow advanced maneuvers experienced MountainUni riders will hold the front of the saddle with one hand. To avoid chronic pain in the fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder a MountainUni saddle should be equipped with a good quality handle. Carbon fiber makes an excellent seat plate as it's stronger than steel and half the weight. A carbon fiber plate, air pillow cushioning, Roach cover, Reeder handle and fully welded seat tube will make a strong lightweight saddle that's comfortable and long lasting.

A range of saddle heights needs to be considered depending on what types of maneuvers are being performed. For simple basic riding, adjust the saddle height so the leg at full extension has a slight bend at the knee. This is similar to how bicycle saddles are adjusted. If you're planning on bunny hopping, dropping or gapping you'll need a lower saddle height to allow preloading the legs for spring. For drops, having some extra clearance between the saddle and crotch is helpful to allow your legs to function as a shock absorber. Personal preference will also be a big factor in setting the saddle height. The final adjustment, however, must feel right.

What type of hub/axle is used?

A MountainUni hub refers to the assembly that ties the spokes towards the center of the wheel and provides a means for rotating support. Basically, the hub consists of an axle and two spoke flanges (little discs with holes in them). The axle is at the center of the hub and supports the spoke flanges. Additionally, the axle has machined surfaces at both ends to accept bearings and allow crank arms to be installed. Axles will include male or female threads at either end to restrain the crank arms. Crank arms are attached to the axle with square tapers, splines or cotter bolts. Square tapers are the most common means of attachment, but the industry is evolving to a splined axle made overseas that is quickly becoming the standard.

Since a MountainUni has only one wheel, the majority of all forces are concentrated at the axle. Since novice level riding generates the least amount of force just about any axle will provide adequate service. If you see yourself progressing to the advanced stage, however, try to get the strongest axle you can to avoid failures and replacement hassles later on. Advanced riding techniques that include punishing hops, jumps, drops and aggressive slope management will require hardened axles. Inexpensive axles are made from soft steel and are not designed to withstand constant abuse. More expensive axles are made from quality steel that is hardened by employing a variety of heat treating methods. After machining is completed the finished axle is heated then quenched which makes the steel hard and resistant to deformation. The heat treating process requires specialized equipment and takes time to perform so it adds considerable cost to the axle. The steel must also be of a type which responds to heat treatment. Not all steels can be hardened. Quality heat treatable steels with tightly controlled alloying elements are also more expensive than their cold rolled counter parts. Note the crank arms and pedals must also be of good quality to withstand the punishment of an aggressive MountainUni run. Unless you purchased a hardened axle, quality cranks and 9/16" BMX pedals expect failures quickly if you're planning on using advanced riding techniques.

Protective Gear and Safety Issues

MountainUni riding requires knowing precisely where your balance point is at all times. While your body and the equipment are in motion, the potential for a fall is ever present. Since MountainUni is slow (less than 5 mph) serious injury from falls is uncommon and in most cases can be avoided by wearing appropriate safety gear. Skiing and biking can reach speeds easily in excess of 30 MPH thus increasing the potential for broken bones and more serious injuries during the impact of a fall. Additionally, the MUni seat pivots in the direction of travel so injuries resulting from getting tangled up in the frame during an involuntary dismount are minimal. Generally speaking, MountainUni is a pretty safe sport. Even so, know your ability, always ride within it and wear safety gear. The recommended minimal safety gear for MUni is a quality bike helmet. Additional gear is strongly recommended and includes a back pad, wrist guards, ankle supports, gloves, glasses (for woods riding), knee and elbow pads. Wear additional gear when riding off-road in rocky more extreme terrain. Paying attention to safety respects your body and ensures minimal down time due to injuries. Who wants to be sitting around nursing your injuries when you could be riding!

In addition to a MUni (previously discussed) you will need to outfit yourself with the correct equipment to ensure maximum performance, comfort and safety. During your first experiences with a starter 20" unicycle, comfortable casual clothing that allowed freedom of movement was acceptable. If you can free mount, ride pretty well on smooth level terrain and dismount under control try riding off-road on easy stuff before you go out and purchase a lot of fancy gear. If you find the woods challenging and want to build your skill up so you can venture into more advanced terrain you should then consider outfitting yourself with proper MountainUni gear. Below is a list of equipment that will help you safely enjoy the sport of MountainUni:

Helmet:
A good quality bicycle helmet should be worn at all times during MounatinUni rides. When riding in rocky terrain a helmet can prevent you from hitting your head on a rock during a fall. Such an impact, if hard enough to the crown area of the skull, can be fatal.

Knee Pads & Elbow Pads:
Knees are the center of most sports so it's a good idea to protect them. Until skill is gained you'll find yourself dismounting often. Even an experience MUni rider will dismount unexpectedly. After a dismount, it's easy to stumble and fall knees first into the ground. If there are rocks around, chances are sooner or later that you will ram your knee into one. If the impact is hard enough, you can shatter a knee cap. Knee pads will distribute the force of an impact over a large enough area of the knee thus converting serious damage into a bruise. Bruises are unpleasant but are not serious and will comparatively heal quickly. Some knee pads include an integral shin guard which is a plus. If you've ever hit your shin on a log or rock you'll appreciate having your shins protected. Good quality pads/guards will have plastic armor which is articulated where your joints need to bent. A thin foam is sewn into the inside of the pads behind the armor to absorb shock and make wearing more comfortable. Remember if you damage a knee it may take you out of the sports scene altogether. Why gamble with perhaps the most important joint in the body. Knee pads are strongly recommended by MounatinUni.
Elbow pads are similar in design to knee pads with armor and padding. Some elbow pads include an integrated forearm guard that runs from the elbow down to the wrist. The forearm guard protects the ulna bone that runs between the wrist and elbow making this bone susceptible to breakage. During a rolling or tumbling fall it's often necessary to briefly support the body from the elbows and/or forearms as it changes position over the terrain. Depending on your riding style and what you may be colliding with, consider using some form of arm protection.

Back Protection:
A back pad protects your tail bone from injury when you fall onto your back. The most likely place to take a hit is the L1-L4 vertebrae just above the buttocks. If you're doing a lot ofyrchnical rocky sections and trials riding, wearing a back pad is strongly recommended and provides a level of protection for the lower back bones. Back mounted hydration packs can also provide some protection for the back providing they stay in place. For lower back protection the waist mount hydration packs are best.

Wrist Guards & Gloves:
Wrist guards strap on over the hands and wrist with a hard plastic bumper in the palm area of the hand. With a wrist guard in place, most of the force of landing on your hands will be directed around the wrist reducing the chances of a fracture or break. The palm area is also protected from getting skinned up. Wrist guards are primarily used by roller bladders and are a good idea if you want protection for the wrists. Kris Holm today is making the best combination wrist wrap /wrist hyperextension safety combo. Cycling gloves are available in full or partially fingered versions. Both offer some protection and padding for the hand. In MountainUni, a single hand will be used to hold the seat. A glove may increase the comfort for holding a seat handle or holding the entire seat during "seat out" maneuvers. This is strictly personal preference so you'll need to ride with and without gloves to decide whether you like them.

Eye Glasses:
If you don't already wear corrective lens, riding through the woods with naked eyes invites the possibility for a serious eye injury. A corneal abrasion is when a foreign object like a stick, leaf or dirt enters the eye and abrades the cornea. You don’t realize how valuable your eyes are until you get a good poke in one of them. Wear glasses all the time regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Clear lenses and yellow lenses are a great call anytime here in New England since your in the trees majority of the time.

Hydration System:
MountainUni is a physically demanding sport so you will need to consume water during a ride. Some MountainUni’s have bottle cage bosses welded on the seat tube which allows one or two bottles to be carried. This will also work but adds weight to the ride which is bad if you're planning on hopping or jumping. A better approach is to use a hydration pack that straps around the waist or on your back. The pack contains storage compartments for keys, tools, maps, first aid, food, etc.. Hydration packs allow from 40 to 100 ounces of water to be carried easily. Hydration packs are not perfect as they tend to flop around during hopping and jumping. All in all hydration packs work generally well, especially on long rides.

Foot Wear:
Correct foot wear is important for proper riding and navigating through trails. The best foot wear for MountainUni is a hiking boot with a small heel. A larger padded tongue in the front will help too since the feet are in a flexed positon for long periods. A high rise upper will help protect the ankles and provide some additional support. When you need to hike a section of trail, boots will provide better traction. Boots will also repel water, allowing your feet to stay dry in wet conditions.

Cycling Shorts:
Cycling shorts are the unsung hero of riding. A good pair of gel or soft chamois lined bike shorts will significantly reduce the soreness that’s inevitable when first learning how to ride. Many manufacturers make a integrated short/cycling pant now that is a strong goretex type material that is tear resistant, comfortable and has pockets. If you're wearing knee pads make sure to try them on with the cycling shorts to ensure everything works together.

VERY IMPORTANT ! Learn a Quick Dismount

Hopping and jumping are done with the crank set horizontal to the ground. A horizontal crankset provides maximum length lever arms to roll, micro adjust and lock the wheel in place. this crank orientation also keeps your feet separated which helps stability. During the learning phase one foot may suddenly becomes disengaged from its pedal, as you lose your balance, causing a spill. This like having the rug suddenly pulled out from under you. The results are legs going up, body turning turtle and you falling flat on your back. In severe cases the back of the head may hit too. As a result of only one foot pressing on the crank the MountainUni will lurch quickly to a new position. This sudden movement can throw your legs out from under you causing a bad fall. To prevent this, it is a good idea to practice jumping off both pedals at the same time and landing on your feet. When done properly the MountainUni won't ever be given the chance to move and you come off under control. It's not a do everything dismount that guarantees a safe exit but it may help you avoid an unpleasant fall or two. Keep this dismount trick in your back pocket and learn when best to use it.

Summary:
Good equipment is important to enjoying Mountainn Unicycling. Unlike other sports, MountainUni will not require a large upfront investment to get started. Try to purchase the best equipment that you can afford. Injuries can be expensive and chances are the cost of an injury, even a minor one, will pay for all the safety gear you'll ever need. Skill in MountainUni takes time so don't expect to ride everything in your first season.