Unicycles are becoming a very popular way to get around these days, and are a hell of a lot of fun too! Unlike
bikes or
tricycles, unicycles only have one wheel and are all about balance, so you may want to invest in a
helmet too…
When selecting the best unicycle for you, there are a few factors that you may want to consider before rushing into a decision. Firstly, unicycles are available in different styles which are based on your level of unicycle ability. For those of you who have used a unicycle before and have lots of practice, a professional-style unicycle may be best.
Advanced unicycles are often more difficult to use and therefore aren’t suitable for first time users. They’re usually taller in size with smaller wheels, allowing the user to perform greater tricks and use more complex skills. If, however, you’re just beginning your unicycle journey, a smaller, beginner’s unicycle will be more appropriate.
Unicycles for all skill levels are often smaller in size with larger wheels for more support and stability. Another feature that differs between beginners’ unicycles and more professional models is that beginners’ unicycles are only suitable for riding on pavement whereas professional models have a more ‘off-road’ style, making them suitable for a variety of terrain.
Another important factor to consider before purchasing your unicycle is your inseam length, to ensure that your unicycle fits your height perfectly. An inseam length will help you figure out what the best wheel size and seat size is for you. To figure out your inseam length, simply stand flat-footed and measure the length from the floor to your crotch whilst standing upright.
Wheel sizes in unicycles vary quite drastically, and once again the wheel size you choose will come down to your unicycle ability and your own personal preferences. Smaller wheels (16-inch) are usually used by smaller riders, children, and entertainers such as clowns and performance artists. 20-inch wheel sizes are much more popular for beginners as they allow you to learn basic tricks whilst also offering support and balance. 24-inch wheels, on the other hand, are ideal for those looking for a product to get them around town as they require fewer wheel turns and can get you around a lot faster.
Another crucial consideration when buying a unicycle is the seat of the product itself. To ensure you perform to the best of your ability, you’ll want to be comfortable on the unicycle at all times. Therefore, choosing a unicycle with a comfortable seat is incredibly important. If you’ll be travelling long distances on your unicycle, you may want to opt for a thick saddle seat for more cushioning. If, however, you’re only using the product for short rides or tricks, then a standard saddle should suffice.
Price
The style of unicycle you decide to choose will largely determine its price. More professional unicycles will cost between $150 – $200 as they require more durable wheels and support, allowing you to perform a variety of tricks and ride on different terrains. Beginners’ unicycles, however, are slightly cheaper and will cost around $50 – $90, depending on how many features you want included in the product.
Unicycles are often available in different colors too, with more elaborate designs coming in at a higher price. Cheaper unicycles are available on the market as well ($40 or less) but be aware that they may not be as supportive or long-lasting as more expensive models.
Features
The features included in your new unicycle will depend entirely on your own personal preferences and the style of unicycle you’ve selected. To help you choose the best possible unicycle for you, however, we’ve created a list of top features to look out for to ensure you get the most bang for your buck!
Here are some important features to look out for:
- Steel Construction
- Lightweight Frame
- Front Grab Handle
- Seat Clamp
Construction and Design
When looking for a high-quality unicycle, we recommend selecting a product with a solid steel construction. This will make the unicycle more durable and able to withstand a variety of weights. It will also make you feel more confident when riding the product and offer you more support. Steel unicycles are also easier to look after and are less prone to damage and scuffing.
Another important feature to look out for is a product with a lightweight frame. The reason we recommend this feature is it makes the unicycle easier to ride and allows you to perform more tricks. A lightweight frame also means the product is more portable and easier for you to carry around when the bike isn’t in use.
A front grab handle is a particularly great feature to have in a unicycle if you’re new to the practice. The front grab handle is located on the saddle and offers more stability and balance when riding. It also adds extra padding to the seat, making for a more comfortable ride.
Seat clamps are another great feature to have in your unicycle if you’re a beginner. They allow for on-the-go adjustments to the saddle, allowing you to get the perfect saddle height when performing without having to get off the unicycle.
Performance and Ease of Use
Most unicycles require no installation or setup and are good to go when you are. There are a few products, however, that do require a small amount of assembly. These products will come with a handy how-to guide to help you get started and shouldn’t take you longer than 20 minutes to install. It’s important that the product is set up properly, however, to prevent damage to the unicycle and yourself.
The great thing about unicycles is that they can be adjusted as you gain more confidence or as you get taller. Most seats and saddles have lock technology which will allow the user to move the saddle height to a position which fits them best.
Different wheels are also available on the market if you decide you’ve outgrown the original wheel that your unicycle comes with. It’s important to check your wheel often to prevent punctures or damage as this can affect its performance and your overall safety.
We also recommend cleaning the product from time to time with hot, soapy water to prevent dirt build-up which can affect the smoothness of your ride. When storing your product, it’s important to keep it in a dry area to prevent rusting as well.
If you’re after a high-end product, we recommend selecting a collapsible unicycle for easy portability, allowing you to store the unicycle in the trunk of your car or in your garage. Many unicycles these days even come with a handy carry case!
We hope that our buying guide has helped you figure out what type of unicycle is most suitable to your needs and what features you want to have in your new unicycle. This will make the selection process easier for you when looking for your ideal unicycle! So, let’s get looking at our top 5 picks, shall we?
Hopefully by now you have a better idea of what you’re looking for in your new unicycle. If the products we decided to feature aren’t doing it for you, don’t panic. All the brands we’ve selected have a large variety of products to choose from, so simply browse through their other collections to find the best unicycle for you!
