by 24 people |
Intro to Unicycling and How to Ride a Unicycle
Unicycling is not as hard as it looks. Like learning any other sport or skill practice is required. Most people average 10 to 12 hours to learn to be able ride a unicycle unassisted with some degree of control. To learn to ride a unicycle only requires daily practice until you can let go and pedal off balancing on your own. Winter in the north is a challenging time for unicycling. It is best to find an indoor place to practice such as a gym or sports hall.
There are many ways to learn to ride a unicycle. The easiest way is to find a long handrail along a walkway and use it to hold onto as you learn to mount the unicycle. Once you become comfortable sitting on the unicycle try pedaling back and forth a little a very short distance at first. When that becomes easy try pedaling forward the entire length of the handrail and then pedal backwards the other direction. Practice this every day for 20 to 30 minutes or more and soon you will be able to let go of the handrail and continue with some degree of control as you wildly fail your arms about for balance. When you fall you should usually land on both feet and try to grab the seat so it doesn't get scratched up so much.
Extra Tip
Try to find a friend to learn with and have a contest on who can let go of the handrail first and ride at least twenty feet without holding the railing.
These children are learning to ride their unicycles by using this railing on a gazebo in a city park.
There are many ways to learn to ride a unicycle. The easiest way is to find a long handrail along a walkway and use it to hold onto as you learn to mount the unicycle. Once you become comfortable sitting on the unicycle try pedaling back and forth a little a very short distance at first. When that becomes easy try pedaling forward the entire length of the handrail and then pedal backwards the other direction. Practice this every day for 20 to 30 minutes or more and soon you will be able to let go of the handrail and continue with some degree of control as you wildly fail your arms about for balance. When you fall you should usually land on both feet and try to grab the seat so it doesn't get scratched up so much.
Extra Tip
Try to find a friend to learn with and have a contest on who can let go of the handrail first and ride at least twenty feet without holding the railing.
These children are learning to ride their unicycles by using this railing on a gazebo in a city park.
Ride the Unicycle - a Crash Course
Ride the Unicycle - a Crash Course!
Amazon Price: $12.78 (as of 11/12/2009)
This book has helpful tips and photo illustrations, as well as useful advice on avoiding bad habits. It is written for a complete beginner, and includes information about selecting the right kind and size unicycle. I bought it hoping that a magic trick to make this easy would be revealed--but of course the "trick" is to practice--for hours and hours.
It is easy to learn to ride a unicycle
The hardest part is to Commit to daily practice
When we are out unicycling the most common question we get from people is " Is it hard to learn that?" I always answer "It's only as hard as you think it is."The average person takes 10 - 15 hours of practice to learn to ride unassisted with some control. So, if you will commit to practicing 30 minutes each day you should be riding around unassisted in 4 weeks or less. Of course some people are naturally more athletically gifted and may learn much quicker than that. At the other end some are a little slower and may take up to twice as long as that average time. Knowing this you can now make a commitment to yourself to practice daily and within a month at most you'll be the envy of your family and friends with your new skill.
Watch the video on "Kris Holm on unicycle" to see how easy it is to get started learning this fun sport.
"What if I rode a unicycle many years ago, is it easy to start again?"
When I'm out unicycling, sometimes someone will ask me if he can try my unicycle and I'll ask if he's ever been on one before and most times he says , "yes, I used to ride one ling ago", and I let him try it and He can still ride it around without falling. So, if you rode a unicycle as a kid long ago, try again, it's great exercise!
Avenir Mountain Bike Unicycle (20-Inch Wheel)
Looking for a beginners Muni or mountain unicycle?
Improve your balance while enjoying a whole new form of exercise with the Raleigh MTB 20-inch unicycle. The device offers such features as a double-bolt seat clamp that prevents slippage, cotterless three-piece cranks, and a padded saddle for maximum comfort. The most important feature, however, is the extra-large, knobby off-road tire, which measures 20 by 2.5 inches and is ideal for riding on both city streets and rougher gravel or dirt trails.
Avenir Mountain Bike Unicycle (20-Inch Wheel)
Amazon Price: $89.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
I bought this for my 16-yr. old son's birthday a month ago now. He and I both couldn't be happier. The cycle is very well made, and I can't believe he's learned to ride it in just a couple of days. The big seat and big tire are very helpful, too (from what he tells me). This was a great buy, you will not be disappointed. Amazon did a good job regarding communication (ship date, delivery date, etc.) We did receive it when promised. Thanks, Amazon
How to ride a unicycle video: Kris Holm on unicycle
Kris Holm shows how to learn to ride a unicycle
Halfway thru this short video Kris shows you how to start learning how to ride a unicycle.
Unicycling: First Steps - First Tricks
Unicycling: First Steps - First Tricks
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/12/2009)
Unicycling: First Steps - First Tricks
Sun 20" Unicycle
Childs or short adults good beginning unicycle, Great price!
The great beginners unicycle with a 20" wheel. Features durable wheel and fork construction for years of reliable service. An affordable, popular unicycle for children. Has features you would expect in a quality unicycle, including: Carbon-steel TIG welded frame, Contoured seat with bumper, cotterless crank arms, main-cap style bearing housings, pneumatic tire/tube (45 psi maximum), Single-walled steel rim. Best for ages 8-14, minimum inseam length 25 inches. Please note it may be necessary to cut the seat post down for a custom fit.
Sun 20" Unicycle
Amazon Price: $79.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
A great gift for a child. I purchased for my 11 year old. He loves it.Keeps him busy. If your child is on the short side, purchase a smaller unicycle. Only drawback -there are no instructions on putting it together and adjusting
the bike. After the bike is put together or taken out of the box, it cannot
be returned.
Kris Holm the best unicycler in the world
Kris Holm is amazing and inspires me to practice more
He bent his wheel at the end
Amazing Unicycle Skills !!!
This kid knows how to ride an unicycle. She is even dancing to the music. A fantastic performance.
When you learn young and practice daily yo can do amazing things!
Julianne Hough and Adam Corolla - paso doble on a unicycle
What are your thoughts on Unicycling?
Have you tried Unicycling?
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- Mama Mama Aug 4, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
- My Husband just bought me a unicycle. I have not riden one in 35 years. Much to my surprise I can still ride it and it is a great work out. My boys think it is pretty cool. Stick with it if you want to ride a unicycle. I think it just takes practice. Have confidence that you can do it and one day you will be riding.
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- archetekt archetekt Jul 26, 2009 @ 11:41 am | in reply to cheese
- Hi cheese, If you think that unicycling is really hard then you will create that reality. but if you believe in yourself that you can learn to unicycle then you'll be able to much sooner! I'm glad that you choose to keep trying! Practice everyday and soon you'll be good at unicycling!
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- cheese cheese Jul 18, 2009 @ 10:05 am
- i think its really hard but im going to keep trying
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- hdnmkdssdkl hdnmkdssdkl May 29, 2009 @ 11:06 am
- this was very helpful. i definatly want to try unicycling some day!
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- tim a tim a Apr 16, 2009 @ 11:27 am
- im currently tyring to learn to ride and will hopfully finish in a couple of days its really fun
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- enslavedbyfaeries enslavedbyfaeries Jan 6, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
- Very interesting topic. I've always been fascinated to see people riding unicycles. I'm pretty uncoordinated so I'll probably just have to settle for being a spectator. :)
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by archetekt
Unicycling is easy. If I can learn at age 44 most anyone can. I encouraged my son to learn to ride unicycle also and it was a big self esteem booster... (more)
