submit urlsubmit rss feedadd directory

article

Unicycling is the activity of riding a unicycle. Traditionally, unicycling has been connected with parades or the circus. This is because the unicycle requires a great degree of skill to ride, and many people that could ride them became entertainers. Recent developments in the strength and durablity 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 vehicle.

History


Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, added cranks and pedals to the front wheel in 1839, and called it the Velocipede. The first mass-produced riding machine, the Michaux Velocipede, was designed in 1863. In 1866, James Stanley invented a unique bicycle called the Penny Farthing with a very large front wheel and a small rear wheel. It is this vehicle that is thought to be the inspiration for the unicycle.

One theory of the advent of the unicycle is based on the popularity of the Penny Farthing during the late nineteenth century. 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.

More on [ Unicycling ]


directory of related categories

 
directory of related topics

Unicycling :: Cycling

 
Unicycling RSS feed
Unicycling - Twitter Search

Nothing is Something Worth Doing. Two week Flashbang break! Will kick off with mountain unicycling tomorrow morning :)
mwegner (Matthew Wegner) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:18:54 -0000
Nothing is Something Worth Doing. Two week Flashbang break! Will kick off with mountain unicycling tomorrow morning :)
I want to be a unicycling red panda acrobat who stacks plates on my head for a living!!!
ChrisSnr (Chris Sanner) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:17:08 -0000
I want to be a unicycling red panda acrobat who stacks plates on my head for a living!!!
Extreme Unicycling http://info.clipta.com/n/15890
Clipta_Informer (Clipta Informer) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:35:43 -0000
Extreme Unicycling http://info.clipta.com/n/15890
@strangestuff 25 percent of people talking on their cell phones reported noticing a unicycling clown/ So the things DO cause brain tumors!
madfashionista (The Mad Fashionista) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:23:24 -0000
@strangestuff 25 percent of people talking on their cell phones reported noticing a unicycling clown/ So the things DO cause brain tumors!
just 25 percent of people talking on their cell phones reported noticing a unicycling clown. #strange http://bit.ly/Nk7qh
strangestuff (Strange Stuff) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:22:33 -0000
just 25 percent of people talking on their cell phones reported noticing a unicycling clown. #strange http://bit.ly/Nk7qh
WWU study shows cell phone users miss the obvious, like a unicycling clown: http://bit.ly/1PvOVT (via @BhamHerald)
jaminagosti (Jamin) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:22:34 -0000
WWU study shows cell phone users miss the obvious, like a unicycling clown: http://bit.ly/1PvOVT (via @BhamHerald)

 
Subscribe to Unicycling RSS feed

directory of related sites

Brauns Online - Sells 20 and 24 standard unicycles as well as 5' giraffes.
Meta Description: [ Brauns Online features mountain bikes, recumbent bicycles, bicycle parts and trailers, bike racks as well as fitness accessories, home exercise equipment, car rack, sports eye wear and more. ]

Infinite Illusions, the Unicycle Store - Makes and markets a variety of specialty unicycles, juggling equipment, yo-yos, tops, and other skill toys. Also, offers videos, books and parts for the enthusiast. Offers online, mail order, fax and phone ordering for domestic and international clients. Based in Tallahassee, Florida.
Meta Description: [ Large selection of professional yo-yos, unicycles and juggling equipment. Hundreds of yoyos in stock. Since 1986. ]

MYS Corporation - The distributer of the Miyata unicycles and mountain unicycles. Products made in Japan with pricing in Japanese Yen. [English / Japanese]

404 Norco Performance Bikes - 20 and 24 unicycle
Meta Description: [ Norco Performance Bikes - There aren't too many places in the world where you can freeride on world-class trails, do a 200-km road ride, take a spin on cruiser-perfect cycling paths, or get dropped by a float plane into remote areas for an All Mountain epic. Our backyard is definitely our playgro... ]

Rideable Bicycle Replicas - They sell big-wheel unicycles as an offshoot of the Penny-Farthing bicycles that they make.

The UK's Unicycle Source - Unicycle Source web site selling unicycle online to the UK.
Meta Description: [ The UK's unicycle Source. We sell a vast range of unicycles, accessories and spares. Unicycles sold by unicyclists - including world champions. There is a vast amount of information about how to build and ride a unicycle, what is Muni and unicyle hockey and a UK unicycle events calendar. ]

Unicycle Club - Sells unicycles and accessories. Includes tips on how to add a club to your school physical education program.
Meta Description: [ Sales unique programs such as unicycle, circus skills, skateboard, inline skates, and balance items to after school programs, pe instructor, and pe club coaches. instructions Coach help. ]

Unicycle Source - A mail order company in the USA that sells unicycles and other unicycling related merchandise.
Meta Description: [ Unicycle.com has many stores around the globe. This page will help you find the one nearest to you. ]

Unicycling related videos
UniBBall Berkeley Festival 2009
Next Video
Unicycling related videos

 

HOMEADVERTISINGABOUT US

articlesartsbusinesscomputersgameshealthhospitalshomekids & teensnewsmobilephysiciansrecreationreferenceregionalscienceshoppingsocietysportsworld


Submit a Site About Become an Editor