Rhodabike

I passed Unicycle Guy on the way home again last night. He's graduated to a taller model, with the seat about 4' off the ground and a chain-ring on the post and a cog on the wheel hub. Funny thing is, both cogs are the same size. You'd think he'd want to take advantage of the setup to get something other than 1-1 gearing, wouldn't you? It's not like we have steep hills here that require granny gearing on one's unicycle.
Anyone else seeing - or even using - unicycles on a regular basis on their daily commute?

MrCatbr3ad

I'm far under coordinated to ride a unicycle let alone for a daily commute. That is man looking for either a challenge or attention.

dscheidt

It's vary hard to make a geared unicycle go slowly (trackstand), and it's hard to get on it without help;.

rex_kramer

Sounds a lot like "riding with no hands guy."

HappyStuffing

I have actually seen commuters riding "mountain unicycle" type unicycles before. Equipped with backpack, reflectors and helmet. Didn't pay attention to gearing though.

I suppose if you want to cut down on weight, unicycles are where it's at. Heck, it's half the bike and than some.

whatsmyname

Whenever I see unicycle riders, I can't help but think they are desperately needy people who seek attention at any cost.

gerv 

I bet there are many car drivers who say exactly same thing about us cyclists. It's bad karma to dismiss something you don't understand.

irclean

Well said.

whatsmyname

I doubt it.
It's bad karma to dismiss dismissing.

Rhodabike

Maybe he's hoping to audition for Cirque Du Soleil. They're putting on their "Allegria" show here soon, perhaps he'll show up to the stage door and do circuits around the parking lot until someone from the show notices him.

HappyStuffing

I don't think it is fair to say unicyclists are just needy for attention. What works for them doesn't work for us.

To them, we may be the weirdos needing attention. Why would you want to ride on two wheels when one will suffice? Are you just looking for attention or something? Don't even get started on multiple gears. . .

DataJunkie

Unicyclists need attention? WTF?

DataJunkie

I would like to add that statement was one of the silliest things I have read on BF as of late. That poster needs a medal.
Considering that I have been hanging out in the road cycling forum mostly....

CAJohn

Recently I saw quite a surprise: a unicycle race. 10 extremely sweaty, wobbly unicyclists came screaming along the road, racing numbers attached. After getting one of them to gasp out the name of the race, I googled it and found out just how tough unicyclists are. This was a 19km time trial, with mountain unicycle racing taking place the other days. These people were going up and down trails on one wheel that I haven't gone on with two!

HappyStuffing

Omg, there really is such thing as commuting unicycles. This thing has handlebars!



And wow they are expensive. Like any hobby i suppose.

MNBikeguy

Never seen this before. Very cool setup. This makes sense for a very 'portable' commuter.
I've not seen commuting unicycles, but I've seen a family that rides the MN Ironman 100 miles every year on these.
I've never ridden one, but it appears by their design you would develop abdominal muscles like a brick sh*t house? I may look into one!

bhop

Or maybe they just enjoy riding unicycles.. *shrug

Bachman

I've seen someone on a unicycle here in Austin a year or two ago. I was speeding down the road in my car (this was before I started bike commuting) and something odd caught my eye, and I did a double take. It was on a major highway during morning rush hour, and I'm pretty sure he had a backpack on so I have to assume he was commuting somewhere. I'm sure he gets lots of comments from the other cyclists about it. I thought it was cool as heck.

csisfun

I suspect no one here has ridden a unicycle and may have some mistaken concepts.

I commute by unicycle then and now, but only for short trips. Unicycling is not something that needs extremely good coordination nor do you need someone to help you get on it. Unicycling is not difficult - not as easy as cycling but easy nonetheless. You just need patience and interest.

The reason why I don't commute for long distances on the uni is because it is rather tiring and is slow. Most unis do not have gearing, thus, your wheelsize and cranks determine your speed. I ride a 24", and it's HELL to ride at 5mph, when my bicycle can go a lot faster.

I still love the bike the most, mostly because it is the most practical. Of course, you can't play unihockey on it...

csimons

I didn't know Surly made unicycles:

https://www.unicyclebastards.com/revi...drum-a-review/
(note: NSFW due to the banner at the top)

Also pretty hilarious, street unicycling:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg644RVb3lY

Sgt Skidmark

Going to agree with you. If there is anything gheyer than riding a bike to work, it's riding a unicycle.

It's fine for the circus, not a 30 mile round trip.

Kojak

When you have some time, check this out...........

It gets interesting at 2:20.

https://www.pinkbike.com/video/42778/

somedood

Come on guys, how can there be this much of a lack of understanding? Clowns need to commute too.

HardyWeinberg

With 4' of elevation he's totally got room for a rack and panniers.

Sadly, not for much longer: https://surlybikes.com/blog/2326/

Seattle Forrest

Does that mean carbon fiber models are just around the corner?

I think "bad karma" expires after it's used once in a conversation.