We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Sports

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Find the Right Size Unicycle?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 22,397
Share

Riding a unicycle can be great fun, and learning to do tricks is relatively easy. However, riding one of the wrong size can be uncomfortable, and will also make it difficult to handle. There are a few guidelines for finding the right size, depending on the size of the person using it and its intended use. Most suppliers carry a wide range of sizes and are able to order unusual sizes when requested.

Unicycle size is dictated by two things: wheel size, and post length. The wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel, which can range from 12 inches (30 centimeters) to 26 inches (66 centimeters) in size. The post length refers to the post on which the seat is mounted. The post length comes in three varieties: standard, shortened, and lengthened. These two factors can be adjusted to create a unicycle of comfortable size for the rider.

When measuring for a unicycle size, the rider should measure his or her inseam. The inseam is the inside length of the leg, measured from the crotch to the floor with shoes on. Individuals who wear loose pants may want to measure their inseams in underwear or shorts to get an accurate length measurement. In addition, cycling shoes should be worn so that the inseam length reflects the proper shoes. Once inseam length has been determined, a unicycle can be selected.

The 20 inch (50 centimeter) unicycle is the most popular among circus performers and others. This size is sturdy, easy to manipulate, and capable of doing tricks. They can be used indoors and outdoors, and are suitable for individuals with inseams between 24 inches (61 centimeters) and 33 inches (84 centimeters). Individuals on the shorter end of this spectrum will need to shorten the post, while longer legged cyclers will need to lengthen it.

12 inch (30 centimeter) and 16 inch (40 centimeter) are good unicycle sizes for children who are just learning to ride or those with very short legs. For most adults, these unicycles will feel awkward and unbalanced. Larger sizes are available for longer legged cyclists. Generally, the larger sizes allow unicyclers to move more quickly, and are also capable of additional tricks. The post lengths can be shortened to a certain extent, allowing moderately short legged riders to use them.

Most suppliers provide size charts, and are happy to assist cyclists in selecting the correct unicycle. For speed and tricky moves, larger sizes are better. For versatility, the 20 inch (50 centimeter) is the best choice, while children should be given smaller ones.

Share
Sports n' Hobbies is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a Sports n' Hobbies researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By KoiwiGal — On May 26, 2012

@umbra21 - It's true that you need to make sure that you have a unicycle that's going to be comfortable for you to use and that isn't going to hurt your muscles or anything like that.

But you also have to be safe. Particularly if you are planning to ride on the road.

The unicycle has to be one of the most dangerous vehicles to use on the road, since it has so little room for lights and it's so small, it would be difficult to see on the road.

The one advantage is that when you are sitting on the unicycle you are sitting quite high, so if you wear good reflective gear, you'll be visible. So, if you're planning to go on the road, you'll need to make sure that you've got a unicycle that's high enough for that to happen.

By umbra21 — On May 26, 2012

@pleonasm - People always seem determined to use their unicycles for everything you can use a bicycle for. I've seen people run races using a unicycle, riding for miles and miles using it, going up hills and even on dirt tracks.

I think it must be really difficult to maintain your balance for that long. It must take a lot of core body strength to keep going for hours, keeping yourself upright and balanced.

It would be so much more difficult if you didn't have the right size of unicycle.

I've also seen people who commute every day on a unicycle and I think the same thing applies there. I know if you aren't using the right size of bicycle, it can be very hard on your knees.

That probably goes even more for unicycles.

By pleonasm — On May 26, 2012

I would suggest that you try to have lessons before attempting to buy a unicycle.

Not so much because you might not enjoy it, as far as I know it's pretty fun.

But, if you've never used one before, it's not like a bicycle where you can straddle it in store and get a really good idea of what is going to be comfortable.

If you take a bunch of lessons and maybe try a couple of different kinds of unicycle you'll have a much better idea of what size will suit you and what you'll want it for.

I've seen people riding unicycles that were so high they needed a running start to get off the ground. It's possible to ride all sizes of unicycle, but you aren't going to know which one is right for you unless you get some practice.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.sportsnhobbies.org/how-can-i-find-the-right-size-unicycle.htm
Copy this link
Sports n' Hobbies, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

Sports n' Hobbies, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.