- Miyata
- This is a popular Japanese brand that recently quit
selling in the US due to the cheap dollar. You may be
able to find some leftover in the retail channels in the
US. You may also be able to get them in Canada, and you
can of course get them in Japan. There are rumors that
they will be imported into the US from Canada. I don't know about
availability in countries other than Japan.
The Standard and Deluxe Miyata both have an extremely loyal following,
and have been used by nearly every world champion unicyclist
thus far. They also make a 5' blue painted giraffe unicycle.
- Semcycle
- Run by Sem and Theresa Abrahams, who were actually married on unicycles.
There are two regular
models, and a giraffe. The Semcycle, though relatively expensive, has
extremely strong axle and crank arms, and is intended for heavy use by the
most demanding of riders. The XL models are much less expensive, and built
more along the lines of many other brands of Taiwanese origin, but with an
above-average saddle. Both regular wheel models come in 26" wheel size,
as well as the usual 24" and 20". The 6' giraffe is a chrome A-frame,
available with either one or two chains.
John Foss (jfoss@unicycling.com).
- DM
- DMs are very sturdy and look good. The contour saddles
are matched only by Semcycle for comfort, though DM
straight saddles are an instrument of torture (some
people apparently prefer them, it takes all
sorts...). DM contour saddles also have front and back
grab rails which do duty for holding on to, wheeling,
catching while dismounting, but mostly taking all the
knocks when dropped; my saddle is unscathed after a
year's abuse, though there's no chrome left on the grab
rails.
DM's giraffes are works of art with twin chains for real
durability and no twist. The only complaint is that
they're a bit heavy, but they're built to last. DM's
classic design is the 5' to 8' convertible, where the
frame has a 3' extension tube and a long set of chains.
Peter Lister (p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk).
- Unicycle Factory
- The Unicycle Factory is your one stop source for custom cycles,
parts,
and expert information about unicycles. If you can't find it anywhere else,
it's because Tom Miller has it. Some of his custom models are big wheels (up
to 56"), multi-wheels, tennis shoe wheels, ultimate wheel kits, giraffes up
to 24', basketball-wheeled unicycles, etc.
John Foss (jfoss@unicycling.com).
- Pashley/Absolute
- Pashley is a bike company, which makes workbikes for
(among others) the Post Office. The unicycles are
cheaper than DM/Sem, but do not justify the saving.
Pashley make a unicycle for Absolute Balls who have
improved the design, especially of the saddle (Pashley
saddles are contoured, yes, but contoured in the shape
of a plastic slug), and got some brighter colours, but
the frame and bearing design is frankly rubbish. Whereas
DMs have a welded bracket round the bearing, which can
be tightened or removed without causing problems,
Pashleys have a circular casting around the bearing with
a pin that is inserted up the tubes of the fork. Each
pin is held in place with two bolts. I am not impressed;
most Pashleys I see rattle a bit in this area. They work
loose, and there's no way to tighten them.
The moral of this story is - buy from a specialist
unicycle maker. If no-one buys Pashley, they continue to
make bikes. If no one buys DM, he goes bust.
Peter Lister (p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk).
- Cyclepro
- Another decent value for the price. Made in Taiwan, steel fork with
bearing holders as described in Pashley/Absolute. Different colors. Taiwan
steel countour seat with chrome bumpers. Available in 20", 24", and
sometimes 16".
John Foss (jfoss@unicycling.com).
- Bogglefingers
- Butterfingers and Boggle, juggling shops based in
Bristol and Bath respectively import these. Can't really
comment on the quality, but they look a better "budget"
option than Pashley, for those people who can't afford
DMs or Sems.
Peter Lister (p.lister@cranfield.ac.uk).
- Oddcycle
- Oddball's own uni, built by Sem, looks much like a rebadged Sem trainer.
- Emory
- Frames are made in USA! They are the only ones left! Steel with split
block bearing holder (similar to Pashley).