Selecting a unicycle: Unicycle.com AU : buy a unicycle or learn unicycling

Which one?
First you should select your unicycle for what you want to do with it. Here is a break down of the sizes:

12" wheel unicycle: for young children (4 to 7 years old) to first learn to ride, or as a trick cycle (looks great if you have big shoes!). It needs smooth ground and is not really good for outdoor riding.

16" wheel unicycle: this is a children's unicycle, the small wheel makes it only suitable for very smooth areas. Best used indoors or on smooth ground; not so good outdoors especially if it is rough, good for learning for 6 to 9 years old.

20" wheel unicycle: Traditionally the most popular size of unicycle. These are great indoor, they turn quick and the best size for tricks... sort of the BMX of the unicycle world. They are great for unicycle hockey or basketball. Put a fatter tyre on it and use it for trials. Good for learning.

24" wheel unicycle: This is a common size among adults. Good for outdoors on paths, off-road and open areas although it can be a little bit big for indoors unless you have access to large hall or gym. The bigger wheel makes some more advanced tricks harder. A good learner machine. Good for Muni and Trials with a big tire.

26" wheel unicycle: This is a machine for Muni. If you are interested in off-road then this is what you need if you are not a beginner. These are also great street unicycles. Not really suitable for indoors.

28" wheel unicycle: This is a commuter and road riding sized wheel. The big wheel makes for a fast and smooth ride. You can also use this unicycle for off-road, especially if its fitted with a 29" tyre. For advanced riders.

36" wheel unicycle: The commuting unicycle. If you are a speed fiend then consider one of these, they are fast and smooth. Not a learners unicycle at all and not for indoors.

What size?
Now you know which unicycle you want to ride, you need to check that you are tall enough for it. Here is a rough guide. Remember these sizes are from crotch to the floor with shoes on, not your trouser length.

	Standard Minimum Leg Length	Shortened Minimum Leg Length	Maximum Leg Length
12" Unicycle	50cm (19.5")	47cm (18.5")	61.5cm (24")
16" Unicycle	60cm (23.5")	51cm (20")	74cm (29")
20" Unicycle	72cm (28")	61cm (24")	84cm (33")
24" Unicycle	80cm (30")	69cm (27")	93cm (36.5")
26" Unicycle	80cm (30")	74cm (29")	92cm (36")
28" Unicycle	87cm (34")	75cm (29.5")	99cm (38.5")
36" Unicycle	75cm (29.5")	75cm (29.5")	103cm (40.5")

Note, these are approximate sizes only, check the catalogue for the model you want. If you are too tall to fit on a unicycle, a longer seat post will allow you to ride it.

There are lots of styles of unicycles because there are lots of different things that you can do with a unicycle. Here are some of the main ones.

Freestyle: This is a term used to describe the unicycling discipline where music, movement and a high skill level are combined. The "One Wheel No Limit" DVD demonstrates many freestyle skills. The unicycles used are normally 20” (but not always) and have slick tyres. At Unicycle.com we use the term 'freestyle' to describe unicycles that are suitable for the majority of tricks and games, like unicycle hockey. See our catalogue for Freestyle Unicycles.

Learner: We use this term to describe unicycles suitable for beginner riders. These are generally the same as the freestyle unicycles but of a less heavy-duty nature. To help people when they are buying their first unicycle we offer learner packs. These packs include a Learner's unicycle and an instructional book or video to get you started. See our catalogue for Learner Unicycles. Note: learner unicycles are good for learning on; however if you weigh more than 80kg or want to more advanced stuff like hops or jumps, look at our Freestyle Unicycles.

Road / Commuter:Great for riding to work or school. They generally have larger wheels and proportionally shorter cranks. The Coker unicycle has a 36” tyre is capable of speed in excess of 20 mph, ridden by an experienced rider. While the 28” Nimbus is quite capable of exceeding 15 mph. These are not really learner machines and are for experienced riders. See our catalogue for Commuter Unicycles.

MUni: Unicycling off-road? Yes, indeed! 'MUni' is short for 'Mountain Unicycle' and is commonly applied to any off-road unicycle. Off-road unicycling is probably the fastest growing sector of unicycling in the world. MUnis have to be very strong and generally have bigger wheels/tyres and longer cranks. MUni wheels are usually 24 or 26" and cranks are 150 to 175mm long. We have off-the shelf and custom Munis available.

Trials: After the release of the UNiVERsE Video there has been an explosion of people who want to jump on and off picnic tables and ride along railings. Another fast growing area of unicycling. Trials unicycles have massive 2.5” wide tyres, special rims and strong hubs and cranks. See our catalogue for Trials Unicycles.

Giraffes: A giraffe is a tall unicycle which is driven by a chain. Giraffes are generally easier to ride than a standard unicycle after you have overcome the fear of being so high. Mounting a giraffe offers an interesting challenge. This said they are not for the beginner because falls may cause injuries. See our catalogue for Giraffes.