Thinking about learning how to ride a unicycle, or one wheeler, as some riders like to call it?
It’s an attainable peak to summit, but don’t underestimate it. If you’re not a skilled cyclist and have never tried before, don’t think it’ll be an easy challenge.
It takes some riders years to become truly proficient and some unicyclists spend their whole lives honing their athletic abilities. Many riders are committed to tackling new challenges, trails, and tricks – it’s a lifelong pursuit.
But there is another type of cycle, a particular type of bike that might make that challenge just a bit more surmountable – if you know what to look for.
Consider a stepping stone like a Hoppley Circus Bike (20-inch model) as a “unicycle with training wheels.”
If you can excuse the comparison, there is a very specific trick you can try on a circus bike like this one that can potentially help prepare you for a life in the saddle of a unicycle.
If you look up videos of riders performing tricks, you’ll find some of them popping wheelies. Some riders who do this are skilled enough to remain in full control of the circus bike while they do so.
In fact, some of them don’t even need to be maintaining a course. Via the pedals, they can manipulate the bike forward, backward, and even start, stop and remain motionless.
This trick – although performed on a circus bike – has a few things in common with riding a unicycle.
First, this Hoppley Circus Bike has no chain drive. The crank arms are connected directly to the hub axle of the rear wheel – just like on most unicycles.
This means that riders will find handling and powering this circus bike similar to some unicycles. Also, the saddle sits directly over the rear wheel – again, just like on some unicycles.
The only difference is that this circus bike has 2 sets of wheels.
How can you rectify that? Lift the front tire off of the ground and ride on a “permanent” wheelie.
This simulates the effect of being in the saddle of a unicycle as now all balance and power have to go through the one wheel in contact with the ground – but, you have the added security of the front “training wheel.”
If you start to wobble or lose control, just drop the front tire back down and regroup.
Is it the same as riding a unicycle? No – but it is a good starting point and can sort of give you the feel for how a unicycle might handle in certain situations.
Where Can I Get a Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch) or a Unicycle?
Thinking about giving it a try before you officially commit to the one-wheeler? Check out Unicycle.com. You can buy the Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch) mentioned here on their website, and once you feel comfortable, you can just visit again and get the unicycle that appeals to you!
