When I looked for a first unicycle, I realised that the cheap ones
were going to be of lower quality. However, I took that risk, because
I didn't want to pay twice as much for the next model up, or five
times as much for a high quality unicycle, and then discover I
couldn't unicycle or I didn't enjoy it. I also planned to share the
unicycle, and did not want to get a unicycle that was so expensive
that I was afraid to let others use it.
Therefore, I can't complain when things go wrong with it, and, indeed,
I have no bad feelings towards it or the manufacturers.
However, I think it is worth outlining the problems I have had for two
reasons. The first is as a warning to other first time buyers; this is
what you should look out for. (Maybe some comments could be added to
the FAQ?)
The other reason is that I am looking for assurance from more
experienced unicycle owners that the more expensive unicycles don't
suffer from the same problems.
* The Tyre: My tyre is rated at 32 psi which is too soft. As suggested
in the FAQ, look for a higher presser tyre.
* The wheel/spokes: Either the spokes were loose which allowed the
wheel to buckle, or the wheel buckled which has since made the spokes
loose. So far, I don't think it is affecting my ride, but there are
definite kinks in the wheel. Perhaps it has just been ill-treated;
many first-timers have been giving it a go. Have other people had
similar trouble?
* The "quick-release" clamp for adjusting the height broke quickly,
and was replaced free of charge by the bike shop that sold me the
unicycle.
* The adjustable shaft is not tall enough for me (5'11"), let alone
some of my friends (up to 6'3"). My height is not extreme; "tall"
aspiring unicyclists should be careful that their unicycle can be
adjusted high enough.
I assume that it is possible to get standard unicycles with longer
shafts attached to the seat to suit taller people, without having to
resort to the expensive "custom" models. Is this correct?
* The seat has been the most serious problem. It was fine initially,
but after being dropped innumerable times, the protective bar across
the front and back has been deformed so much, that is of no use. The
concave curve of the seat has become more and more curved. Now it is
almost unrideable (by an adult male, anyway).
I am left with the choice of looking for a new seat (One person tells
me he bought one for $AUS25; that's 20% of the total uni cost that
needs replacing each month), or just writing the uni off, and buying a
more expensive one (this time with a higher seat, harder tyres, and
maybe a bigger wheel) - it is only a matter of time before I "outgrow"
this unicycle anyway.
Having said that, this time I would like some expert advice BEFORE I
fork out my cash on a new unicycle.
How can I tell by looking what a good unicycle is?
Even harder, how I can I tell through a mail order catalogue?
>From the catalogues I have collected, I could buy any of the following
standard unicycles :
Miyata Flamingo (from $AUS275)
Miyata Flamingo Expert (from $AUS415)
Semcycle XL (from $AUS325)
Semcycle Pro (from $AUS485)
Pave' ???
Can anyone comment on these? I strongly suspect the more expensive
models are genuinely better quality, but I would need strong
convincing before I outlaid $485 on a "seat on a pole on a wheel".
Sorry for the long ramble. I would appreciate any advice people can
give me to get a longer lasting, better value unicycle next time.
Regards
Julian
-- Julian Orbach (julian@cs.uq.oz.au)
-- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia