UniTyler
2005-12-10, 03:38 PM
Freestyle Unicycles
Most unicyclists ask this question at one point or another: “What’s the best freestyle unicycle and what’s the difference between them?” The truth of the matter is there is no right answer. In fact, a lot of people will probably even respond to this article with a much anticipated, “No, this unicycle is better than the ones you said!” All I can offer is my and other’s opinions on some freestyle unicycles and what truly is different between them.
First of all, a lot of the time there is a tiny bit of “paying for the name” action going on with freestyle unis. For instance, you can get a Semcycle XL Longneck frame, one of the most loved non-custom affordable frames for freestyle, for around $65 and yet a Torker DX or LX frame that is wider and closer to the tire costs less. There of course are downsides to the Torker frame like a less stable seat tube/crown weld, but the point is there: don’t spend more than you think a freestyle unicycle/frame/wheelset/etc. is worth. I personally would never purchase a $500 freestyle unicycle unless I was doing incredibly amazing tricks that required that type of craftsmanship just because of some obvious signs of retailers jacking up the prices.
I must tell you flat out what which unicycles I would personally choose at some point, so here goes. If you’ve got enough money, I don’t think you can beat a Nimbus Longneck with the Kovachi wheel on Unicycle.com. If you don’t have that kind of money, try a Yuni freestyle or possible the Nimbus X, Nimbus II, or Nimbus Longneck Series. The downside to the Nimbus X and II and the Yuni is that they have crowns quite a ways away from the tire, which makes it harder to perform skills such as standup wheelwalk. That issue will not affect your sitting-on-seat skills much at all, but it does have an effect on standup skills. Another bad point of the Nimbus X specifically is that it has a relatively small crown to put your foot on, plus it is slippery from the paint. Neither of the Nimbus Longnecks nor the Torker LX will have those problems. If you had to choose a freestyle unicycle for under $300, go for the Yuni Freestyle and possibly upgrade the frame later. If you had to choose one under $200, go for the Nimbus Longneck Standard. If you’re going under $100, a wonderful Torker LX would be a great addition to your family!
So what does Tyler ride you ask? Here are the specs:
• Kris Holm Freestyle Saddle
• United Seatpost
• Nimbus Longneck Frame
• Primo The Wall Tire
• Nimbus X Wheelset with Unicycle.com Wide CrMo Hub
• 114mm Qu-Ax Cranks
• Plastic Platform Pedals
• Some crazy guy named Tyler stuck on top!
Most unicyclists ask this question at one point or another: “What’s the best freestyle unicycle and what’s the difference between them?” The truth of the matter is there is no right answer. In fact, a lot of people will probably even respond to this article with a much anticipated, “No, this unicycle is better than the ones you said!” All I can offer is my and other’s opinions on some freestyle unicycles and what truly is different between them.
First of all, a lot of the time there is a tiny bit of “paying for the name” action going on with freestyle unis. For instance, you can get a Semcycle XL Longneck frame, one of the most loved non-custom affordable frames for freestyle, for around $65 and yet a Torker DX or LX frame that is wider and closer to the tire costs less. There of course are downsides to the Torker frame like a less stable seat tube/crown weld, but the point is there: don’t spend more than you think a freestyle unicycle/frame/wheelset/etc. is worth. I personally would never purchase a $500 freestyle unicycle unless I was doing incredibly amazing tricks that required that type of craftsmanship just because of some obvious signs of retailers jacking up the prices.
I must tell you flat out what which unicycles I would personally choose at some point, so here goes. If you’ve got enough money, I don’t think you can beat a Nimbus Longneck with the Kovachi wheel on Unicycle.com. If you don’t have that kind of money, try a Yuni freestyle or possible the Nimbus X, Nimbus II, or Nimbus Longneck Series. The downside to the Nimbus X and II and the Yuni is that they have crowns quite a ways away from the tire, which makes it harder to perform skills such as standup wheelwalk. That issue will not affect your sitting-on-seat skills much at all, but it does have an effect on standup skills. Another bad point of the Nimbus X specifically is that it has a relatively small crown to put your foot on, plus it is slippery from the paint. Neither of the Nimbus Longnecks nor the Torker LX will have those problems. If you had to choose a freestyle unicycle for under $300, go for the Yuni Freestyle and possibly upgrade the frame later. If you had to choose one under $200, go for the Nimbus Longneck Standard. If you’re going under $100, a wonderful Torker LX would be a great addition to your family!
So what does Tyler ride you ask? Here are the specs:
• Kris Holm Freestyle Saddle
• United Seatpost
• Nimbus Longneck Frame
• Primo The Wall Tire
• Nimbus X Wheelset with Unicycle.com Wide CrMo Hub
• 114mm Qu-Ax Cranks
• Plastic Platform Pedals
• Some crazy guy named Tyler stuck on top!