Major Events
Below are some of the major events in the unicyle world.
- UNICON XV - This is the olypmics of unicycling and we have the pleasure of it being held in Wellington New Zealand. Certainly there are going to be some people going to this event and its only happens every two years and this is the first time that is been in the southern hemisphere. Check out the full details at there web site : http://www.uniconxv.co.nz/
Groups and Forums
Our Yahoo Group
We have a yahoo group so that people can upload photos and put in links to videos.
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/OnOne/
International Forum
www.unicyclist.com/forums
NZ Unicyclist Federation
http://www.unicycle.org.nz/bb/index.php
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Different Types of Unicycling
There are several different types of unicycling out there, below is a short intro that I found on wikipedia into the types (check out wikipedia for full information and much more).
- Freestyle unicycling
- "Freestyle" means to do skills, stunts, or tricks. Not only is freestyle a well-known term in BMX bicycling, it is also the name for a competition event in unicycling.
- Trials unicycling
- Trials unicycling is specifically aimed at hopping and riding over obstacles. Because of the constant pounding a trials unicycle endures, it must have a very strong axle and crankset.
- Street unicycling
- Street unicycling (or simply "street", as it's known within the sport) is a style of unicycling where riders use combinations of objects found in urbanized settings, such as curbs, ledges, handrails, stairs as well as flat areas to perform a wide variety of tricks.
- Off-road or mountain unicycling (MUni)
- Unicycling on rough terrain has been the swiftest growing form of unicycling in recent years.Any place a mountain bike can go, a mountain unicycle can go as well — and sometimes more easily, due to the unicycle's greater maneuverability.
- Touring or commuting
- This style is meant for distance riding. With a 29-inch (740 mm) or 36-inch (910 mm) wheel cruising speeds of 10 to 15 mph (24 km/h) can easily be reached. However, the smallest wheel diameter to fit within the "touring" category is 26 inches (660 mm).
Buying - What to look for:
This is our bias opinion of what to look for an why, like unicycling, this is a balancing game and below are some pointers, if you want to email us we can give you more information, but its a learning game for us all and the best idea is to have a go on someone elses unicycle.
Pointers
- If you are a beginner the best size to look for is 20 inch (or 16 inch if you are not so tall). This is easier to turn and mount. You should be able to get a new beginner unicycle for under $200 and a second hand one for under $100.
- Bigger wheel = more speed
- Smaller wheel = easier turning
- If you want to buy something that is more advance look at what you want this for, this is going to help you decide size and how much money to spend. Check out the different type of unicycling.
- MUni Unicycling - Get something that is stronger. Check out the hubs, pedals and the seat. You are going to give this a hard time but you also want some speed
You can find more information at www.unicyle.co.nz
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Where to Buy:
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Interesting Links
NZ Unicyclist Federation
http://www.unicycle.org.nz/
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Hurtz Scale
This scale is based on observation of club members after a ride. Its an evolving scale and suggestions are welcome :)
Hurtz 1 - OK after the ride, no ill effects.
Hurtz 2 - Tired after the ride, Notice the muscles are a bit achey the day after.
Hurtz 3 - Tired during the ride, very tired after. With sore muscles for two days.
Hurtz 4 - Very Tired during ride but able to complete the course. Difficulty with getting on the wheel during ride. Difficulty with stair and walking down slopes for two to three days.
Hurtz 5/Killer Hurtz/kHz - Exhausted - Wobbly mucles, unable to get back on the Unicycle and complete the ride. Cannot walk with normal gait for upto one week. The Clive standard is that you "walk like you have a carrot up your bum" :(
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