From the seatpost clamp to the spokes, modern unicycles are built to a high level of quality and when properly cared for will last you many seasons, furnishing plenty of hours of riding and enjoyment.
With that said, unicycles, like any machine, need proper care and maintenance. That specifically is a topic for another time, but here is where you can expect the signs of disrepair to show first.
Specifically, the following unicycle parts and hardware will experience corrosion before the others.
If the Finish Wears, the Frame
Unicycle frames are commonly made from one of two broad classes of metal alloy – steel or aluminum. If steel, they are commonly powder coated and if aluminum, not infrequently anodized.
Both powder coated and anodized finishes can provide a reasonable deal of insulation against oxidation and corrosion, but no finish is impermeable and both steel and aluminum will corrode in adverse conditions, particularly in chronically wet conditions near water.
Look at areas where there are scratches and wear on the frame – these will oxidize first.
The Seatpost
A unicycle’s seatpost is also one of the first parts that’s going to show signs of corrosion, especially if there are any scratches on the tube from adjusting it up or down (or, realistically, for any other reason).
Check around the seatpost clamp, then slide the tube farther up to make sure there are no areas where the finish is compromised.
Either way, the treatment is just to make sure the tube is clean and dry before storing. No need to apply anything here, as grease and oil will trap corrosive deposits and can attract dirt. Just wipe the seatpost and clamp off with a damp rag and then dry them both.
The Crank Arms and Bolts
Your unicycle’s crank arms, and particularly the bolts, are also highly suspect to corrosion, especially in chronically humid conditions. Coastal areas are the worst, as these will expose your unicycle to salt air.
The bolts particularly are at risk of corrosion, and if they do rust, they can seize in place, which will make it difficult, nearly impossible to replace the crank arms when you want to. Pay particularly close attention to this hardware and make sure the bolts are clean and dry before you store your unicycle.
The Ball Bearings in the Pedals
The ball bearings in the pedals afford a smooth, enjoyable ride. Unfortunately, they are also one of the first parts of your unicycle that will rust.
Now, the tricky thing here is that there really is no effective way to lubricate or insulate ball bearings. In fact, where lubricant is used on ball bearings, they tend not to ride as fluidly as both oil and grease can gum them up.
This means your only hedge against corrosion is keeping them clean and dry, not chemical treatment. It’s even more critical if you ever ride the unicycle through mud or water. Rinse off the unicycle and dry it thoroughly before storing it somewhere cool and dry.
If the bearings do rust, they will likely get very gritty or stuck entirely in which case you’ll need new pedals. In this case, the only effective remedy is prevention.
Here for a New Unicycle Seatpost, Clamp, Crank Arms or Other Part?
Whether you’re here for a new unicycle part, be it as esoteric as a 31.8 seatpost clamp or even a new frame, Unicycle.com is the place to get it. They carry pedals, crank arms, hardware, seatpost clamps and tubes, and even frames and other components. Check out their website for more information and if you need to replace a specific part but aren’t sure what you’re looking for, get in touch with them directly.
