A vehicle consisting of a frame mounted over a single wheel and usually propelled by pedals.
[UNI- + -cycle, perhaps on the model of BICYCLE.]
unicyclist u'ni·cy'clist n.
Dictionary:
u·ni·cy·cle (yū'nĭ-sī'kəl) ![]() |
| How Products are Made: How is a unicycle made? |
Background
A unicycle is a single-wheeled vehicle traditionally used during circus performances. It consists of a spoke wheel, pedals, and a tube shaped body attached to a seat. Unicycles are made like bicycles; individual parts are produced separately then pieced together by the manufacturer.
History
The unicycle's history began with the invention of the bicycle. Comte De Sivrac first developed bicycles during the late eighteenth century. His device, called a celerifere, was a wooden horse that had two wheels joined by a wooden beam. In 1816, wooden, riding horses like these had become improved by the addition of a steering mechanism. In 1840, Kirkpatrick Macmillan introduced a mechanism for powering the hobbyhorse with his feet. During the 1860s significant progress was made with the introduction of rubber tires, metal spoke wheels, and ball bearing hubs. During 1866, James Stanley invented a unique bicycle called the Penny Farthing. It is this vehicle that is thought to be the inspiration for the unicycle.
During the late nineteenth century the Penny Farthing was a popular bicycle. It had a large front wheel and a small rear wheel. Since its pedal cranks were connected directly to the front axle, the rear wheel would go up in the air and the rider would be moved slightly forward. This likely prompted riders to see how long they could ride with the back wheel in the air and the unicycle was born. Evidence for this theory of development can be found in pictures from the late eighteenth century that show unicycles with large wheels.
Since the unicycle requires a greater degree of skill to ride than a bicycle, many people that could ride them became entertainers. Over the years, unicycle enthusiasts have inspired manufacturers to create new designs such as seatless and tall, giraffe unicycles. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and outdoor unicycling on rugged terrain was born. Today, the unicycle remains a relatively obscure vehicle however there are more people riding unicycles now then ever before.
Design
A unicycle is a single-wheel vehicle. Typically, it consists of a seat attached to a frame that is attached to the wheel hub. Seats are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Unlike a bicycle seat, they are often curved slightly downward and symmetrical. They are padded and may have "bumpers" on each end to protect them during one of the rider's inevitable falls. Some seats are designed with handles on the front to enable the rider to do various tricks.
The seat is attached to the frame via the seat post. The various types of posts that are available can differentiated by the way they allow for height adjustment. The most basic seat post is a metal tube with holes drilled at regular intervals. There is also a hole in the main body through which a bolt is placed to hold the seat post. To adjust the seat higher or lower, the bolt is removed, the seat is adjusted to the next hole and the bolt is replaced. A more sophisticated seat post has no holes but is attached to the frame through a clamp. The clamp is loosened or tightened with a blot or Allen wrench screw to adjust the height of the seat post. This design al-lows for a finer adjustment of the seat height. In addition to these differences some seat posts allow for angle adjustments.
The unicycle frame is a metal structure with two forks that attach to the wheel and a hollow tube that connects to the seat post. Different designs are available. The simplest has flat forks bolted together above the wheel and attached to the seat post. More sophisticated versions of this design have curved forks for better rigidity. A better design is the tubular one-piece body with a squared or rounded fork crown. These structures have less points of weakness and are more durable.
The frame is attached to the center of the wheel along with the bearings, pedal cranks and the spoke hub. The bearings are sealed balls of steel that reduce friction. The pedal cranks are attached to the bearings, and at the end of the cranks are the pedals. The spoke hub is the area where each of the wheel spokes are attached. The hub can have straight or angled flanges that attach to the spokes and have a cottered or cotterless shaft.
The spokes are thin metal tubes measuring in thickness from 0.08 to 0.125 in (0.2-0.32 cm). The number of spokes on a unicycle varies depending on the design and can be from 28 to 48. In general, more spokes are better. The spokes can be arranged in different patterns on the wheel. For example they can have a three or four cross pattern. Additionally, they can have an interleaved pattern that adds to strength and stability. The spokes are attached to the tire rim through a series of holes. These holes can be straight or angled to match the angle of the spoke.
The final component of a unicycle is the tire. A standard unicycle tire has a round cross-section and a flat or smooth tread. This design is ideal for riding on flat surfaces. Some outdoor unicycle tires have thicker treads that are better for rugged terrain. The size of a standard unicycle tire is 26 in (66 cm).
In addition to the standard unicycle just described, other designs are available. The Giraffe unicycle is a taller vehicle that is chain-driven like a bicycle. While standard unicycles have a height of about 3 ft (0.91 m), Giraffe unicycles can be 15-20 ft (4.6-6.1 m) tall. The record height for a Giraffe unicycle is about 100 ft (30.5 m). Another type of unicycle is called the Ultimate Wheel. This version has no seat or body consisting of only a wheel and pedals. The spokes are typically replaced by a plywood disk to reduce injury to the rider's ankles. The Impossible Wheel consists of a wheel and side posts that the rider stands on. The challenge to this unicycle is figuring out how to propel oneself. Finally, a rare type of unicycle is the monocycle. This design consists of a large wheel with the seat on the inside.
Raw Materials
Numerous raw materials are used to create a unicycle. Since the main body must provide strength and rigidity but also remain lightweight, it is typically made of a steel alloy, aluminum, or titanium. Steel is a material made up of primarily iron. Other metals that can be incorporated include aluminum, manganese, titanium, tungsten, vanadium and zirconium. During the 1990s, composite materials such as carbon fibers were introduced and are now sometimes used to make unicycle frames. Depending on the frame material it can be protected with various coatings including a baked-on enamel, powder coating or chrome plating.
Metal alloys are also used in the construction of the rim, spokes, pedal cranks, hub, and seat post. The most basic rim is composed of chromed steel. More sophisticated structures use a steel alloy or chromed steel alloy. A typical spoke is made of zinc plated steel. The may be also made of stainless steel or chrome-plated steel.
Other components of the unicycle are made using various materials. Pedals are made out of rubber or plastic. A basic pedal has a solid rubber, block construction with no spindle adjustment. Better pedals are made of a solid plastic with an adjusting device to fit different sized riders. The seats can be made from various materials such as leather or vinyl. They can also have a polystyrene or polypropylene padding.
The Manufacturing
Process
The production of a unicycle is typically done in two phases. In the first phase the individual components are made. Separate manufacturers that specialize in a specific component typically do this. In the second phase, the unicycle manufacturer buys the components and assembles them.
Creating the frame
Wheels, rims, and spokes
Final assembly
9 To complete the unicycle, the various pieces are connected. The frame is attached to the wheel via a solid metal tube. The bearings are attached along to the same area, along with the pedal cranks. The entire assembly is locked in place with nuts and bolts. The unicycle tire is inflated and final adjustments are made.
Quality Control
A variety of tests are done to ensure that each part of the unicycle meets specifications. The first phase of quality control is provided by the suppliers of the unicycle parts. Visual inspections are done during most manufacturing processes. For the makers of plastic parts visual inspection can find things such as deformed pieces and improperly fitted parts. Additionally, other quality control measures are taken. For example, the steel tube manufacturers are required to form tubes at a specific thickness. To do this, they utilize a device known as an X-ray gauge. This instrument is attached directly to the production line and controls the rollers to resize the steel tube if a change in thickness is determined.
The second phase of quality control is done at the unicycle manufacturing plant. The incoming component pieces are physically checked to ensure they meet specifications. For example, the diameter of the tire is measured or the color of the frame is checked. After the unicycle is assembled a quality control specialist tests it for obvious defects. For instance, the wheel is spun to ensure that it is straight or the bolts are checked for tightness.
The Future
While the unicycle designs have changed little over the years, inventors have not stopped trying to produce a better cycle. Most of these attempts have been related to making the unicycle safer and easier to ride. For example, a patent issued in the United States during 1994 describes a unicycle that is designed to have a limited tilt. This invention uses a ground contact attached to the pedals to limit the amount of tilt that the rider experiences. Another patent issued in 1999 describes a unicycle that is equipped with handlebars that can aid beginning riders. In addition to these new designs, other improvements in unicycles will likely be in the form of new composite materials that make the vehicles stronger, more durable, and lighter.
Where to Learn More
Books
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1994.
Periodicals
Johnson, R. C. "Unicycles and Bifurcations." American Journal of Physics (July 1998).
Martin, S. "Miyata Unicycle./Bicycling (April 1993).
Other
The Unicycle Web Page. December 2001. <http://www.unicycling.org>.
[Article by: Perry Romanowski]
| Word Tutor: unicycle |
I took lessons in bicycle riding. But I could only afford half of them. Now I can ride a unicycle.
— Steven Wright.
| Dream Symbol: Unicycle |
If riding high on a large single wheel, the dreamer may be totally in control and exercising authority in both personal and business matters, appearing to be the "big wheel" in these arenas. If, however, the dreamer's ride seems precarious and unstable, going it alone may not be the wisest strategy with respect to some situation.
| Wikipedia: Unicycle |
A unicycle is a one-wheeled human-powered vehicle. Unicycles resemble bicycles, but have less complexity.
Contents |
One theory of the advent of the unicycle stems from the popularity of the penny-farthing (or "Ordinary") during the late 19th century. Since the pedal and cranks were connected directly to the front axle, the rear wheel would go up in the air and the rider would be moved slightly forward. Many penny-farthing owners discovered they could dispense with the frame and just ride the front wheel and handlebars. Evidence for this theory of development can reportedly be found in pictures from the late 19th century showing unicycles with large wheels.[1]
Over the years, unicycle enthusiasts have inspired manufacturers to create new designs, such as seatless ("ultimate wheel") and tall ("giraffe") unicycles. During the late 1980s some extreme sportsmen took an interest in the unicycle and started off-road unicycling (MUni).
Unicycles have a few key parts:
The wheel usually looks like a bicycle wheel with a special hub designed so the axle is a fixed part of the hub. This means the rotation of the cranks directly controls the rotation of the wheel (called direct drive). The frame sits on top of the axle bearings, while the cranks attach to the ends of the axle. The seatpost links the frame to the saddle.
The many different types of unicycles can include:
Each type has special components unique to that type of unicycle.
Having props - or training aids - may make it easier to become comfortable with riding a unicycle. Two round wooden poles an inch or two in diameter and up to 4 feet (1.2 m) long can be used as training poles to stay stable. Another method for training is using a spotter to make riding easier. One other easy way to learn is to find a narrow hallway with which to use to help alleviate your left and right balancing while allowing you to focus on your forward and backward balance.[2]
[[Image:Unicycle Hub.JPG|thumb|right|220px|A unicycle hub] ]
Other variations include:
A unicycle represents a form of inverted pendulum. It is also a nonholonomic system because its outcome is path-dependent. The problem of controlling a self-balancing unicycle forms an interesting problem in control theory. (See Segway.)
The pedals of a typical unicycle (e.g. not a giraffe or guni) connect directly to the wheel. This means that there are no gears to shift and provides a very direct feel of the wheel contact with the ground. It also means that wheel size is a major factor in unicycle speeds:[6]
| Wheel size | Avg | High |
|---|---|---|
| 20" | 4 mph (6.4 km/h) | 8 mph (13 km/h) |
| 24" | 5 mph (8.0 km/h) | 10 mph (16 km/h) |
| 29" | 7 mph (11 km/h) | 14 mph (23 km/h) |
| 36" | 11 mph (18 km/h) | 22 mph (35 km/h) |
[[Image:Sex Change.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Alex Toms of Sydney, Australia demonstrates street unicycling (March, 2006).]]
Traditionally, unicycling has been connected[by whom?] with parades or with the circus. Recent developments in the strength and durability of bicycle (and consequently unicycle) parts have given rise to many riding styles such as trials unicycling and mountain unicycling. Unicycling has therefore developed from primarily an entertainment activity to a competitive sport and recreational pursuit.
In addition to individual efforts, team sports played on unicycles have also grown in popularity.[citation needed]
Unicycle basketball uses a regulation basketball on a regular basketball court with the same rules, e.g., one must dribble the ball while riding. There are a number of rules that are particular to unicycle basketball as well, e.g., a player must have at least one foot on a pedal when in-bounding the ball. Unicycle basketball is usually played using 24" or smaller unicycles, and using plastic pedals, both to preserve the court and the players' shins. In North America, regular unicycle basketball games are organized in Berkeley[7], Phoenix, Minneapolis, and Toronto. Also, Puerto Rico fields a team which has won several world championships.
Unicycle hockey follows rules basically similar to ice hockey or inline hockey, using a tennis ball and ice-hockey sticks. Play is non-contact. The sport is growing[citation needed] in popularity, with active leagues in Germany, Switzerland and the UK.
Unicycle handball uses a handball-sized ball. The teams aim to throw it into a vertical hoop placed about 6 feet (1.8 m) above the ground It has been played in the Polish village of Chrzelice since late 1970s[8][9]
| This article needs references that appear in reliable third-party publications. Primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please add more appropriate citations from reliable sources. (November 2008) |
Take That learned how to unicycle for the circus-based video for their song "Said It All"
The biennial UNICON (International Unicycling Convention), sanctioned by the International Unicycling Federation, comprises all major unicycling events and is the premier event on the international unicycling calendar. Events include: artistic (group, pairs, individual, standard skill, open-X), track racing (100 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 30 metres walk the wheel, 50 metres one-foot), 10 kilometres, marathon (42.195 km), muni (cross-country, uphill, downhill, North Shore downhill), trials, basketball and hockey.[11]
The 2004 UNICON was held in Tokyo, Japan.
The 2006 UNICON was held in Langenthal, Switzerland.
The 2008 UNICON was held in Frederiksberg, Denmark.
The 2010 UNICON will be in New Zealand.
The world's first multi-stage unicycle race, Ride the Lobster, took place in Nova Scotia in June 2008. Some 35 teams from 14 countries competed over a total distance of 800 km.[12] Each team consisted of a maximum of 3 riders and 1 support person.
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| Translations: Unicycle |
Dansk (Danish)
n. - ethjulet cykel
Nederlands (Dutch)
fiets met 1 wiel
Français (French)
n. - monocycle
Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - μονόκυκλο
Português (Portuguese)
n. - monociclo (m)
Русский (Russian)
одноколесный цирковой велосипед
Español (Spanish)
n. - monociclo
Svenska (Swedish)
n. - enhjuling
中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
单轮脚踏车
中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 單輪腳踏車
العربيه (Arabic)
(الاسم) دراجه احاديه, دراجه وحيدة العجله
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| Shopping: unicycle |
| monocycle | |
| uni– (prefix) | |
| Unicycle Loves You (Rock Band, 2000s) |
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