| It's not like you can go to the neighbourhood unicycle store, talk to someone and walk out with a new unicycle, because there are no retail unicycle stores that I can think of. This web page will give you some simple advice for the beginner unicyclist on how to purchase his/her first unicycle. This advice is geared to unicyclists in Canada, but should be useful in other countries. Of course there's so much more to learn, so go on the web and research.
If you still have any questions and want a personal answer send an e-mail to the Toronto Unicyclists |
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| Bike Stores Many bicycle stores do carry unicycles but, and I'm not sure how, they always seem to screw up the assembly. A unicycle seems like such a simple device but after seeing so many unis assembled incorrectly from bike shops, maybe they're not that simple after all. Even if you get a badly assembled uni you should be able to disassemble it and reassemble it correctly. The Norco brand unicycle seems to be most popular at bike stores. In general they are low quality and low cost ($160CAD), ok for learning but will eventually break. It's best to contact a unicycle club for advice. If you're on your own you may not have a choice. If you're a bike mechanic, work in a bike store that sells unicycles, or purchased your uni from a bike store, here are some hints and tips on correctly assembling a unicycle:
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| The Internet It's amazing what you can find on the internet. There's lots of advice out there. you can read and search through the newsgroup for hints and tips on purchasing a uni. You can also purchase a unicycle over the internet. Advice will be long distance and not so personal. If you purchase from a U.S. company there's a Canada customs duty you'll have to pay, and it could be quite expensive. You usually have to pay the courier company, who will also add a fee for their services in clearing your goods through customs. But as with other computer stuff, the best advice is to contact a local unicycle club. Go see them and they'll give you better advice. | ||
| Toronto Unicyclists and their Unis
Talking to local riders is the best advice you can get. They'll tell you what's strong and what'll break. They'll recommend certain tires and tools. A club is also the best place to learn to ride. Lessons on riding will allow you to learn faster and more enjoyably. You'll see what other riders can do and you'll then know it's mroe than possible and within your grasp. Most of the Toronto Unicyclists purchase our unis from Darren Bedford at 416-767-4742, our club president. It's not because he's been with the club since it started, and he's not paying us to ride his stuff. He has no web site, which sucks. We ride his stuff because his unis are the best value for money. They don't break very often and they last a long time. His entry level uni costs about $225CAD but call him for specifics. It's not much more than the Norco and they last a couple of times longer. Darren also knows how to assemble unis correctly, as well as determine why a uni is not running properly. Of course some club members are very hard on their equipment and do break stuff, but they are in the vast minority. Other club members do purchase from specialty internet sites and expect to pay a premium for these products. These club members are all advanced in skill and have been riding for quite some time. They usually know exactly what they are looking for. The Calgary Unipsycos have reviewed Darren's unicycles. The review has some really good photos, so take a closer look. The reviewed uni is for offroad riding and has a specialized offroad tire and rim. A general unicycle will be a little cheaper. If you're new, come out to one of our practices and see us ride. Ask questions and see the wide variety of unis we ride. We'll point out the finer points of bearing types, wheel sizes, tire options, and more. |