rec.sport.unicycling · Public discussion

Request for Advice

Started by paul_g · · Last activity · 5 posts · 312 views

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rec.sport.unicycling
Published
23 June 2005
Last activity
24 June 2005
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paul_g
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5
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  1. Hello, listers...

    I have just recently returned to the one-wheel world, after a hiatus of
    over 15 years!

    I bought a cheap Sun 28" for the road and I love it! I'm doing 6-9
    miles 3-4 times a week and having a blast. Surprisingly decent quality
    for an $89 machine (except the seat - yuch!)

    Now I want to buy a MUni (and a giraffe, and a...argh! - that was my
    wife hitting me over the head!) . My question is, can someone please
    explain the dis/advantages of 24" versus 26"?

    I'm 5' 10'', 175 lbs, beginner-intermediate, and I want to ride the
    flat, sandy singletrack we have here in Florida. I also want to learn
    to hop, and freestyle and do trials (a little).

    I'm aware a 26" will roll better over obstacles due to the diameter, and
    lot's of 26" tires are available. What about crank length? Will
    longer cranks make a 26" feel like a 24" with shorter cranks?

    Finally, on the road I use a seat height that allows nearly full leg
    extension. Do you lower the height proportionately when riding rough
    terrain? Like you do on a mountain bike?

    Thanks in advance to anyone who can help steer this 44 year old beginner
    in the right direction!

    --
    paul_g
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  2. Over a distance, on average terrain, the larger diameter wheel will
    always be faster, whatever you do with the cranks.

    On a steady ride with no challenging obstacles, shorter cranks will tend
    to make you faster on a given wheel size - but there is a threshold
    after which the lack of control becomes counterproductive. Rule of
    thumb: don't go any shorter than the length of cranks which allow you to
    idle for a short time.

    For serious MUni, most people recommend a 24 with the fattest tyrre you
    can get. A 24 with a 3 inch tyre is better than a 26 with a standard
    tyre.

    On any surface, the fatter tyre will give a smoother, more predictable
    ride.

    For blasting along rough tracks, with no drops or tight turns (e.g.
    forest trails, fire roads and the like) a 29 or Coker is a good option.
    Big wheels roll over uneven ground better, but are harder to manoeuvre.

    --
    Mikefule - The first cuckoo of unicycling

    Sumer is icomen in, loud sing Mikefule!
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  3. The 24" munis will generally have a 3" or 2.6" tire. A fat 3" tire on a
    24" rim has a final diameter that is just a little bit less than a
    standard 26" XC MTB wheel.

    The advantage to going with a 24" wheel instead of a 26" wheel is
    maneuverability. In technical areas you want more maneuverability. For
    example when riding through a rock garden or through a maze of tree
    roots or just riding along a tight trail. With a 24" wheel your feet
    are in the stable position (pedals horizontal) more often. You're in a
    good pedal position to turn and maneuver more often.

    A 26" rim with a fat tire is pretty big. A 26" rim with a fat 3" tire
    has a final diameter that is close to 28" inches, almost as big as a
    29er. Not exactly a nimble little unicycle. A 26" wheel with a fat
    tire is also going to be heavier than a 24" wheel with a fat tire. It
    is easier to jump and hop with a 24" than a 26" due to the lower weight
    and smaller wheel size.

    If you're doing technical riding a 24" wheel just works out better. For
    non-technical riding where speed is the goal then a 29er would be the
    choice. A 26" with a fat tire would be more for aggressive riding that
    is too much for a 29er but not tight and technical and something where
    you're willing to deal with the extra weight.

    --
    john_childs - Guinness Mojo

    john_childs (att) hotmail (dott) com
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  4. No advice But I live in West Palm whare are you IM me at Wakeskater2336
    at aol dot com

    --
    redhead

    i rock
    "i only got two thing in this world, my word and my balls,and i ain't
    brakin them for no one"
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  5. Thanks for the advice, folks. It looks like I'll be getting a 24".

    Redhead/Wakeskater, I'm in St. Petersburg. Other coast. take care.

    --
    paul_g
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