Wondering when to upgrade...

[BlakeOfDoom]

I received a Torker Cx 20" for my birthday (it was a mere $14 including flat tire) it was in alright shape, but it is my first uni. It needs a new seatpost (The previous owner was shorter than me) since I can't extend my legs fully when I'm pedaling, it makes 50 feet seem like a mile.
I am thinking about grinding this thing into the dirt before I upgrade to either a bigger or better uni. I plan on riding some foot trails where I am at here in the Inland empire; no crazy drops or obstacles here, just some long trail and street rides.
Currently I am torn between saving up for a Torker DX 24" or looking into something into the 26" range. Any suggestions for a complete noob getting in way over his head?

[crazyjoe]

Welcome to the online forums!

For advice, I will recommend that you do not get a Torker. They feel like they weigh a ton. If you really want to get into mountain unicycling, I would advise that you get the Nimbus 24". It's 20 bucks less, it's lighter, and it just feels better.

[Smilymarco]

+1 on the Nimbus

Just ride your uni till it breaks and then get the Nimbus.

[brockfisher05]

dude ride till it DIE! if you can get really good on a unicycle the resembles a german tiger tank than think how much better youll be when you upgrade. trust me i have had my share of shitty unis

[MuniSano]

+1 on the Nimbus.
Also why wait (unless you have to)? You'll have a lot more fun riding trails on a bigger wheel; keep the 20" for trials/freestyle stuff. Welcome!

[saskatchewanian]

Get the Muni once you have learnt the basics of riding but BEFORE you really get into hopping and dropping so you still have the CX to use as a loaner/freestyle when you get the new wheel.

Why pay for two unicycles and end up with only one?


If your trails are easy you would probably be happier with a 26 or 29" unicycle for the extra speed. If you are not doing lots of hopping and the trails aren't too rough you could get away with using a square tapered hub saving you a bit on money.

Good luck and welcome to the forums!

[feel the light]

The Nimbus is fine, but a KH is better . If you hang around a bit there will be a sale again (I hope), and you might buy a KH for the same $ as a Nimbus. Are the Koxx 1 still on sale ? , they are also very good. Nimbus is fine, but has a heavier frame, and the KH seat and cranks are better.

You likely don't need a higher seat on your 20. Although there is better leverage with your leg straighter, 20's are geared so low that effort is not the problem. Inexperience makes you tense up, and that makes your legs tire. You will want a low seat on your 20 for riding backwards (step off if you fall backwards is easier with a low seat ). If your seat is so high your leg is straight on the bottom stroke (like a bicycle), you can't ride standing up, it is difficult to adjust your clothes when mount etc.

A KH free ride seat will fit to your cx. Kinda expensive, but much better then your seat, and you could move it to a muni later.

[BlakeOfDoom]

My seatpost is up to the max and I have a good amount of bend in my knee;is it easier like this to learn how to stall and rock back and forth? I can go forward for about 100 feet before my legs are ready to give out or I fall too forward on the seat (then again This is only my 8th day into this) and lose my balance.

[tholub]

Originally Posted by BlakeOfDoom

My seatpost is up to the max and I have a good amount of bend in my knee;is it easier like this to learn how to stall and rock back and forth? I can go forward for about 100 feet before my legs are ready to give out or I fall too forward on the seat (then again This is only my 8th day into this) and lose my balance.

Most things, including idling (rocking back and forth), are harder to learn with your seat too low. A too-low seat is also more tiring to ride.

[BlakeOfDoom]

Looks like the big issues I'm going to be dealing with is the steep hills that plague some of the areas I plan to ride.
I am trying to find a nice 26" with decent street and Muni qualities; like I said before, no crazy drops of obstacles, just enough hopping to get around a divot or over s small creek or the like.
I want to be able to take this Uni on and off road in one package, any suggestions?

[wickedbob]

Originally Posted by BlakeOfDoom

Looks like the big issues I'm going to be dealing with is the steep hills that plague some of the areas I plan to ride.
I am trying to find a nice 26" with decent street and Muni qualities; like I said before, no crazy drops of obstacles, just enough hopping to get around a divot or over s small creek or the like.
I want to be able to take this Uni on and off road in one package, any suggestions?

The nimbus is an awesome professional quality unicycle, it will stand up to what the best and throw at them, and even though heavier than kh, only slightly, it is arguably stronger, I don't think I've ever heard of a nimbus frame breaking. The old cranks were know to be weak, but they have recently come out with new ones, so not much on how well they work, probably well enough for easy trail riding. If your worried you can have it shipped with kh moments which are extremely strong.

About the seat, as feel the light said, kh freerides known to be the best unicycle seat for comfort, I'm sure if you gave udc a call, or even an email, you could get it shipped with that instead.

Here is the link to the 26in.-

As said you might want look into getting a 29er.

http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=1151

[tholub]

Originally Posted by BlakeOfDoom

Looks like the big issues I'm going to be dealing with is the steep hills that plague some of the areas I plan to ride.
I am trying to find a nice 26" with decent street and Muni qualities; like I said before, no crazy drops of obstacles, just enough hopping to get around a divot or over s small creek or the like.
I want to be able to take this Uni on and off road in one package, any suggestions?

If you want to ride big hills, on street and off road, I would definitely lean towards a 29er. A 29er is a lot more fun to ride on the road than a 26" MUni, and is still good on trails.

[BlakeOfDoom]

So if I am looking toward a 29er, would a 29" nimbus be all right with a all around tire?

[tholub]

Originally Posted by BlakeOfDoom

So if I am looking toward a 29er, would a 29" nimbus be all right with a all around tire?

The 29" Nimbus is a fine unicycle.

[feel the light]

The 24x3 has a meatier tire, so it is about the same diameter as a 26, but is a bit cushier.

29's are a lot of fun, you can't go wrong with either. However, in hilly places, a 24 gets the nod, and being a bit closer to the ground, is more confidence inspiring to a new rider. Both going up or down hills is a bit easier with a 24.

If you find you are on the road a lot, and want more speed, there is no substitute for a 36. Because you say you are planning to ride very hilly areas, I recommend a 24x3 muni with 150 ish cranks now, and buy a 36 later if you want to do long street riding.