You don't have to be some kind of circus freak to learn to ride a unicycle. All it takes is a little bit of balance, some practice and the acceptance that you will wipe out on your butt several times. Unisteve is a Kidzworld member who has his own Web site about the wonderfully unstable world of unicycling. He passed on some tips and insights for beginner riders.
How Steve Started
"My dad has wanted a unicycle ever since he was a kid and he got one for his 38th birthday. I tried it and I liked it, so I got my own for my birthday."
Steve says unicycling is a great way to get around and get exercise. "I have also noticed that my balance has improved. You can't coast on a unicycle, so you are always pedalling. This makes for a good workout. I go all around town on mine and it's great! Unicycles are much more maneuverable than bicycles. I can turn around in the width of a narrow sidewalk. I find it fun to zoom around through narrow things that nobody thinks I can make it through."
Where to Get a Unicycle
"If you want to buy a unicycle, you can probably get a pretty good unicycle for between $100 and $125 at most bike shops. At a yard sale you might be able to find a half-decent unicycle for less than $50."
The Unicycle Family
"There are many different kinds of unicycles. There are giraffe unicycles that I'm sure you've seen at circuses, (the very tall chain-driven ones); Cokers, or big wheel unicycles, which usually have 36" or 48" wheels (that's HUGE!); your average direct drive unicycles (direct drive just means no chain or pulley, kinda like a tricycle); and my personal favorite, the mountain unicycle or Muni, which is just a beefed up normal unicycle that can make it through rough terrain."
Steve's Tips For Learning to Ride
For more tips on how to ride a unicycle, and to check out pics and video of Unisteve, head to Steve's site.
Related Stories:
