Decisions, decisions... What size wheel, etc?

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a folding
> uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely have a small
> 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.

There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the seat
post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that point cuts
the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to fold the
pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small package.
Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.

This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.

Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

"Freedom is not free"

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Foss]

> > You might get the wheel in the boot (it is amazing what
> does go in) but
> > your problem will be the frame etc.

> > Also the pedals stick out and therefore restrict the angle you will be
> > able fit the wheel.

> > Your best hope would be a quick release saddle and possibly removing
> > the pedals.

I think you guys are going a little overboard here. The Mini has a tiny
boot. Lots more room in the back seat! Even if one unicycle fits in the
boot, if you have a friend and another unicycle, you still have to put it
in the back seat. If you have four people and four unicycles, you've just
outgrown your Mini (or need a roof rack).

Save the boot for your helmet and pads, and toss the uni in the back seat.

Have a nice day, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)

Never owned a Mini, but I had a Japanese copy, the 1972 Honda 600N
sedan...

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

[John Childs]

I wasn't saying that a folding, geared up, mini-giraffe with a smaller
than normal wheel would be a good uni or a practical replacement for a
regular uni. But it would be distinctively Bike Friday.

And one thing I've learned is that Bike Friday owners love their bikes so
there must be something magical in that design.

john_childs

>From: John Foss <john_foss@asinet.com>
>
>
> > That statement just made me think "If Bike Friday made a unicycle what
> > would it look like?". It makes for some interesting ideas for a
> > folding uni. In keeping with the Bike Friday style it would likely
> > have a small 16" or 12" wheel and be a sort of mini giraffe.
>
>There's two things you need to do to "fold" or otherwise compact a
>unicycle. Having the fork crown close to the top of the tire, and the
>seat post start a short distance above that, a quick release at that
>point cuts the cycle's height in half. Then if there were an easy way to
>fold the pedals, that would cover the other dimension for making a small
>package. Otherwise you just carry a pedal wrench.
>
>This works for a standard unicycle, but is not effective for a "fast"
>unicycle. You can't fold up a Coker. So that's where you might try making
>small-wheeled giraffes with gear ratios that make them go fast. But they
>won't ride as smooth or stable as something like a Coker.
>
>Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
>www.unicycling.com (http://www.unicycling.com/)
>
>
>"Freedom is not free"

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp