Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some parts on our website only available with a "Complete Unicycle" or "Complete Seat Build"?
Why a disc brake on a Unicycle? 
Will an outboard rotor strike my ankles or burn my leg?
Is the Mountainuni Outboard rotor more likely to get damaged than an Inboard rotor?
What do I do if the Mountainuni rotor gets dinged or warped?
Why are SINZ the exclusive choice for Mountainuni Disc Brake System?
What does the acronym "UCM" stand for & what is the product used for?
Do I need to purchase the Mountainuni Disc Brake kit along with the UCM?
Is the UCM1 compatible with all current unicycle brands?
How much testing has been done with the UCM, using the Mountainuni specific IS mount and on what model unicycles have been tested?
Square taper installations
Do you have any plans for innovation (v2) & revisions to the current design & what does it mean for future customers?
Is the Mountainuni Disc Brake System and UCM compatible with Schlumpf / KH 2 Speed Hubs?
SINZ Crank QFactor Comparison to KH Moment Cranks

How is our Original disc brake retrofit system still the best?

 Beware there are new caliper mounts and disc mounted cranks coming to market.  MountainUni is the original. The concepts that MountainUni has introduced to the market has made some waves and others have quickly followed with similar products.  Our UCM P roduct is CNC Machined from Billit 6061 aluminum for ultimate strength to weight ratios, and made exclusively in the USA for Mountainuni!  There is a Product out recently that looks eerily similar to ours but not made in USA, and cast for mass production.

Why are some parts on our website only available with a "Complete Unicycle" or "Complete Seat Build"? 

With some of our suppliers, Mountainuni is beginning operations as an Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM. We will build Complete 26-29-36 Wheelsets with market leading components and install our Mountainuni Drivetrain Braking System. We'll ship the wheel with cranks installed and supplied UCM. The rim/hub and spoke products on our site are shown to demonstrate we're using Industry leading components, and price competitive. However, we must assemble build and ship them to you, the Mountainuni customer.

If you prefer, we can also build your Dream Big wheel unicycle to your specifications with the best quality components available. 26"-29" & 36" Custom Complete Unicycle builds are all available for purchase. Same scenario, as we will use the best Triton, KH, and Nimbus parts available, and affix our Mountainuni Drivetrain Braking System. However, we are not dealers of some of the individual parts that make up the unicycle, but may acquire these parts necessary to build a complete unicycle for you. This is a contractual agreement with our suppliers as an OEM, and we're happy to comply without exclusion. We are very excited for the opportunity to introduce our Mountainuni System to you.

We are an exclusive US distributor of Triton Titanium Unicycle Frames, imported from Germany, a distributor of the ScottWallis Designs' products, and a distributor for SINZ Brand thru VSI. We have independent relationships with BMX and other wholesalers for pedal, brake caliper, and some custom color accessories. We can sell these products independently. 

Why a disc brake on a Unicycle? 

A disc brake is superior to rim brakes because the pads don't break down due to heat from friction, the rim's traditional machined sidewall is not affected from pad wear, and the brake is not subject to rim imperfections like burrs, seams, or warps. Additionally, the rotor's braking surface is isolated from environmental elements ( mud, water, ice, & snow). A disc brake is powerful, and offers smooth, progressive, consistent, and predictable modulation in all urban and off road settings.

Will an outboard rotor strike my ankles or burn my leg?

In a sustained downhill braking situation in excess of 500-1000 vertical ft., we suggest making every attempt to continue to use caution and common sense when coming in close contact with something that could get hot. Northeast USA testers experienced 0% hot rotor issues, and I do check frequently. Mountainuni has "early adopter" customers who have tested our braking system in the German Alps, and have not expressed anything to the contrary. To be clear: Leg armor, shin pads, etc. all will provide some level of protection against the Rotor coming in contact with your lower extremities. If for some reason you really need to test the temperature of a Mountainuni rotor for repair or inspection while on the trail, we suggest trying the "spit technique" prior to the "finger pinch" test. When your foot is on the pedal, it is not possible for your ankle or leg to contact the rotor.

Is the Mountainuni Outboard rotor more likely to get damaged than an Inboard rotor? 

An internal disc being more protected than an external disc, is a slight misnomer. Think of the disc like a pie, and while the wheel/disc is spinning, the only segment of the disc that would be inherently more protected would be the slice that's behind the frame or approx 1/4 of a pedal rotation. The lower half of an Internal disc system ( inside the frame) is still exposed and as "vulnerable" as an external system. I can confidently say that now that Mountainuni has been riding 24, 29 and 36 Unicycle's all with Mountainuni Brake systems, I am surely more aware of the Rotor Ding" potential in quick dismount and U-P-D scenarios. My MUni's are strong and bullet proof, but letting my MUni just "GO" in a quick bailout doesn't happen any longer if I can help it.

Regardless of Inboard or outboard rotor scenarios, the size of the wheel, pedal displacement, and frame crown suggests something just short of Murphy's Law to directly strike inboard or outboard rotors! Statistically, it exists, but a slim chance in either case.

What do I do if the Mountainuni rotor gets dinged or warped?

The inherent nature of rotor's getting dinged, nicked, and dented exists in the off road MUni environment. MTB repairs often will include a rotor truing kit. Shimano and Park Tool both make decent and affordable tools to handle the infrequent tweaking that will need to me made if you are an aggressive "uni dropping" kind of rider. A tool purchase would easily outweigh the purchase of a replacement rotor. With a 5 min adjustment, a rotor truing tool can easily bring a rotor back to straight so it flows through the caliper properly. Certainly easier than truing a wheel with a spoke wrench.

Why are SINZ the exclusive choice for Mountainuni Disc Brake System?

Sinz offers a wide range of sizes in square taper and a fair selection of ISIS while supplies last. The SINZ 110 mm Bolt Center Diameter Spider not only supports the Mountainuni UniRotor, but places it in exactly the correct depth to the frame to reach the caliper, without frame rub. Square taper lengths are from 115-180 mm, and current ISIS lengths are 135-180 mm. The 135mm,140mm & 145mm are still available in a finite supply through Mountainuni.com

What does the acronym "UCM" stand for & what is the product used for?

UCM stands for Unicycle Caliper Mount & is Mountainuni's latest innovation for retrofitting a Disc Brake System to many of the most popular Unicycle brands in the Industry. The UCM is designed specifically to replace the lower bearing cap that secures the bearing to the frame, and provide a mount for the disc brake caliper without welding to the frame. The two caliper bolt holes on the UCM are for 5mm Allen hex bolts. They are recessed to avoid striking spinning spokes.

Do I need to purchase the Mountainuni Disc Brake kit along with the UCM?

The UCM provides the correct bolt pattern to accept an 51mm IS standard disc brake caliper via a 180mm standoff mount. If your unicycle has the IS mount already welded to the frame (see Triton Ti Frames), then you to not need to purchase a UCM. The Mountainuni Brake System for $225.00 will include the UCM, 180mm rotor, cranks and associated hardware necessary to mount rotor to 5 bolt spider. We are working together with Triton to hopefully produce a steel version of the Triton MountainUNI frames in the future as a "budget concious" alternative solution for Unicycle Disc Brakes.

Is the UCM1 compatible with all current unicycle brands?

To date, we have tested the UCM on various unicycle brands specifically Nimbus, KH (Kris Holm Unicycles), and Coker. In addition, We've had customers send us detailed spec information on Surly, Torker, and Coker Unicycle Brands. At this time we believe the UCM V2 modifications will complete and pass compatibility tests with Surly and Torker. Coker and other square taper axle bearing size is 2mm smaller than the contemporary ISIS standard 42mm. We can supply bearing shims to retrofit square taper bearings and hardware as well for Coker unicycles. 

How much testing has been done with the UCM, using the Mountainuni specific IS mount and on what model unicycles have been tested?

Testing has been done extensively on KH 29", 36", Hunter 24" & 26", Nimbus 24", 26", 29", 36", & 36" Coker frames with the UCM. Our customers have also installed Mountainuni systems on Torker and Surly unicycles welding Mountainuni specific IS steel mount to their existing frame. Triton 24-26",26-29", and 36" frames come with the Mountainuni specific IS caliper mount. (The Mountainuni specific weld on mount uses a 160mm standoff adapter, but fits the 180mm rotor) If you decide that a weld on mount is your preferred method of installation, we will supply complete welding instructions, mount location, and steel mount. If your unicycle frame is aluminum, then your option is the UCM.

Square taper installations

Your new square taper cranks will loosen after the initial install. When / If a creaking sound appears, immediately tighten the crank bolts, and the sound should not come back. Pulling the cranks on and off repeatedly will cause the crank to seat further and further onto the spindle, and put that rotor closer and closer to the frame leg. There are spacers between the rotor and the crank spider, that may be moved from in between to the outside to position the rotor. The caliper also slides slightly L & R. 

With the caliper bolts loose, you can squeeze the brake to line it up perfectly, then tighten the bolts with the brake handle still squeezed. This Should give you the most centered and oriented position for the caliper and rotor.

Do you have any plans for innovation (v2) & revisions to the current design & what does it mean for future customers?

Yes, v2 Changes have already been completed on our Prototype. Currently, UCM has a limitation of a minimum 180 standoff mount. This means that a 160mm standoff mount like what's used on the Nimbus Oregon would not currently be compatible, using a 160mm Rotor affixed to Nimbus Impulse Disc hub. It will strike the UCM on the lower portion of the interior arm. V2 has culled out two small sections in the UCM to accommodate for 160 standoff, so it will be compatible with all 160,180, 185, & 203 MM rotors. If you plan on purchasing a UCM and using a 160mm rotor, please let us know and we can send you a UCM with the appropriate modifications made. Also considering an anodized color that will be vetted through our blog page, so we can have your input on what would be HOT!

Is the Mountainuni Disc Brake System and UCM compatible with Schlumpf / KH 2 Speed Hubs?

There has been significant discussions on unicycle forum threads about this subject. Mountainuni's position is that we're confident our product will work on both Schlumpf ISIS & older square taper Hub designs. Schlumpf Innovations has stated clearly that a crank spacer should not be used with their design, due to the potential of excess pressure on the external retaining clip, and the unique design of the ISIS spindle interfacing with the bearing. We suggest if you're interested in using our product in combination with the KH-Schlumpf two-speed Hub, to have the UCM & Disc Brake installation completed by a certified bike mechanic. The overall complexity of the Schlumpf design, and the delicate nature of the internal gearing demands expertise and mechanical skill set that the average unicycle enthusiast may not posses. We are not responsible for any damage caused to a Schlumpf Hub by improper installation of the UCM, or Mountainuni system. We are in agreement with Florian and Kris Holm that there is some potential risk of damage to the KH / Schlumpf hub or bearing damage when improperly or poorly installed cranks/ crank spacers or Bearing Cap mounts are not aligned correctly. If cranks, spacers, etc. come in contact with critical Schlumpf components, the shifting mechanism, a portion of the hub flanges, or proximal (hub) end of the spoke, damage may result. If you are mechanically inclined and are experienced with custom installations, then you should have no issues with installation or working success of your new Mountainuni system built around a KH / Schlumpf . We will email pdf directions for installation of both the UCM, and the Crank / Rotor Assembly. 

Unless you're completely confident with your mechanical skills or don't have a spare $1500 to replace your Schlumpf hub, then don't attempt it yourself. Schlumpf Innovations has made it clear that they will not warranty hubs for the same reasons stated above. Mountainuni will not be held liable for any Schlumpf bearing or gear failure due to faulty installations. Our frame partner in Germany, TRITON Unicycles, has stated that they'd provide a 1 Yr. Warranty, if they do the installation. For more information regarding our INtl. Partner, See http://www.ridetriton.com/unicycle.htm

Install, use, and enjoy at the risk of your own equipment. Do not brake while shifting. Our company has worked with experienced mechanics who have installed the Mountainuni Disc Brake System with a Schlumpf Hub, used a small crank stop spacer and the combination has been working with out issue for over a year. Should you be interested in further discussions and validation to the above topics, feel free to review the discussions here:

http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81914

http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1368659&postcount=265

SINZ Crank QFactor Comparison to KH Moment Cranks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q_Factor_%28Bicycles%29

Question: On a bicycle the q-factor is the distance between the pedals (or better the outside of the cranks at the pedal thread) parallel to the center line. On unicycles the q-factor is the outward bend of the cranks. Can you please measure the distance between the pedals. It seems to be wider than other cranks.

Answer: After measurements, it looks like the Mountainuni SINZ are 20.4cm. KH Moment cranks come out @ 20.3 cm outside to outside as compared to the Sinz Expert measuring 20.4 cm. Negligible difference from Q perspective.