Coker on Boston Streets

[Robert Bernstein]

Brad Gwynn wrote:

> i have been riding a 28" semcycle for a few years around the streets of
> boston. i still was not quite happy with the lack of speed, so i just got a
> coker tire uni with a 36" wheel!the speed i now attain is mutch more
> acceptable and the handling is just fine,a little harder to freemount. the
> quality of the coker uni is not nearly that of the semcycle. but still a great
> deal for 300.00 bucks, so far anyway, i have only had it a few days.

Boston is full of situations requiring maneuverability, having lived
there myself.

Are you able to idle OK on the Coker unicycle?

I rode it in Monrovia and found it to be fun, but was concerned that it would be
hard to maneuver in traffic, etc. You are saying it is not a problem?

Robert Bernstein Santa Barbara, CA rdb@silcom.com http://www.silcom.com/~rdb

[Foss, JohnX]

Robert Bernstein wrote:

> Boston is full of situations requiring maneuverability, having lived
> there myself.

Having visited there, I know I wouldn't want to live there, at least from a
driving point of view; the most obnoxious drivers in the country!

> Are you able to idle OK on the Coker unicycle?

Idling is not generally a useful big wheel activity. It's slow, awkward and
difficult, and takes up too much space on a city sidewalk. Also, it would
probably cause undue wear on the expensive tire.

Instead, when I ride in urban situations on my big wheel (45"), I usually stop
next to a sign or pole and lightly hold on while waiting for the light. If no
support is available, I dismount to the rear, and remount when it's time to go.
The cars and pedestrians like that much better!

> I rode it in Monrovia and found it to be fun, but was concerned that it would
> be hard to maneuver in traffic, etc. You are saying it is not a problem?

My own big wheel experience has shown that it can be very maneuverable when you
need it to be. But there's no substitute for being alert and ready for quick
reactions or dismounts when needed. As on any other small vehicle, always assume
you are invisible to the cars. In addition when on a unicycle, especially a
Coker, expect the cars to get distracted and have their own accidents!

jf