The unicycle is a universal simulator that allows the rider to develop a sense of balance, coordination of movements. People who prefer riding unicycles are much easier to learn skiing, tightrope walking, snowboarding, and also learn to ride the rear wheel of a regular bicycle or motorcycle faster.
Unicycle - what is the name of this vehicle?
The proper name for a unicycle is a unicycle. When a person hears this definition for the first time, some incredibly complex means of transportation usually arise in his imagination. Although each of us has repeatedly seen the "younger brothers" of modern unicycles during circus performances. Bicycles, which consist of a seat, a pair of pedals, as well as a single wheel and are, by definition, unicycles.
How hard is it to ride a unicycle?
It’s not much harder to master a unicycle than a regular one, especially if an experienced cyclist takes care of it. And here only a little depends on the correct balancing. For movement, the rider needs to timely deflect periodically occurring deviations, performing micro-movements by the seat, which acts as a kind of steering wheel. The pedal control also plays a role in changing the position and direction of movement.
Security issue
Looking at the device of a unicycle, you might think that riding such a vehicle is extremely unsafe. However, in reality, riding a unicycle is several times safer than riding bicycles.
What usually happens when the front wheel of a two-wheeled bicycle enters the recess when driving at high speed? Often, the rider flies over the steering wheel, after which the weight of the bicycle falls on him with all the force. Caught in such a situation, the rider of the unicycle has the opportunity to simply jump out of the seat forward, thus continuing the inertial movement. Moreover, this happens mechanically, naturally. Therefore, injuries when riding unicycles get only extreme lovers.
Unicycle Benefits
A unicycle can become not only a find for experienced cycling enthusiasts who no longer have enough adrenaline. This option can be used for convenient movement in a crowded city with busy traffic.
Among other things, modern unicycles have the following advantages:
- such bikes are as compact as possible, which makes it convenient to place them in any free corner;
- if necessary, a unicycle makes it possible to make a unicycle trailer from a unicycle by reliably attaching it to a two-wheeled model using improvised means;
- with a unicycle, you can easily visit guests, visit shops, cafes, entertainment venues, office premises, not only take it with you, but also use it in the subway, bring it to public transport (moreover, you do not need to pay for travel with a unicycle, since it can be as a separate part of a full bike);
- a unicycle is absolutely safe for its owner, you need to try hard to get injured or injured even at the stage of learning to ride a unicycle;
- due to the highest maneuverability and low weight, unicycle bicycle models are safe for pedestrians;
- if you want, you can make a unicycle with your own hands, using old parts from a regular, two-wheeled one.
Where is it allowed to ride a unicycle?
Auto inspectors classify unicycles as a cross between a regular pedestrian and a vehicle. Officially, unicycles do not apply to transport and therefore must not travel on public roads, obeying the traffic rules established for cars.
It is advisable to ride a unicycle in the city limits along the sidewalks, making careful movement and performing safe maneuvers for others.
How to learn to ride a unicycle?
To gain confident riding skills on a unicycle, training is required. It is advisable to start with the simplest exercises, not forgetting the need to use protective equipment: a helmet, knee pads, gloves, elbow pads, etc.
You can learn to ride a unicycle thanks to regular training, which consists of several stages:
- First you need to learn how to balance. You can use for this both modern and old unicycle circus bikes. A friend can help to keep the body upright. Alternatively, you can rely on the wall or reliable supports. The main task in this case becomes the acquisition of the most stable position, being in the seat without back and forth movements.
- As soon as a confident stance is developed, you can proceed to the next stage of training - movement. To start moving on a unicycle, a light, almost imperceptible tilt in the necessary direction is enough. At the same time, start pedaling in the same direction. The speed of movement can be adjusted by touching the tire of the wheel with the sole of the foot.
- The third step is learning to accelerate, maintain speed and braking. The more the unicycle rider tilts his own body forward, the more he will have to pedal to maintain balance. Tilting the case back will help to slightly reduce the speed of movement. In general, you need to be able to find a balance between body movements and unicycle movement.
Naturally, for confident and even masterly control of a unicycle, considerable persistence, good willpower and, of course, practice are required. Indeed, without the presence of special enthusiasm, consistent attempts and significant efforts, even not everyone can learn to skate.