It’s an oft-quoted sentiment that’s offered in place of a lengthier explanation whenever someone’s asked why they’ve accepted what appears to be a random challenge.
Because it’s there.Of course, if you’ve dedicated yourself to the sport of unicycle riding, then you know there are many other great reasons to tackle such a challenge.
There are plenty of odd bikes out with which you can hone your skills, learn new tricks, or even entertain a crowd, if you so choose.A highlight among these odd bikes is the Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch model) available online at Unicycle.com.
It’s a circus bike in name only; the rest of the bike’s construction suggests unparalleled quality.It features a round crown steel frame and curved front handlebars, also made of steel.
This compact circus bike is as tough as you like, and can hang with the knocks of learning new tricks and stunts.Both wheels rotate entirely independently of each other, and the crank arms are attached directly to the hub of the rear axle, giving you excellent control, even if it comes at a slight sacrifice of speed.
If you’re interested in a circus bike of uncommon, high quality to feed your desire to tackle new skills, this is one you can’t look past.Not only is the bike designed for optimal handling and balance, the pegs on the front wheels give you space to accommodate another rider, and to perform tricks that you might have seen others perform on BMX bikes.Even if trick riding isn’t your thing, challenging yourself in ways to which you’re not accustomed is great for your athletic development, for training purposes, and to make you a more well rounded rider.
A historian of some sort who only specializes in coin collection or numismatics might think that the reference is one to bygone denominations of Royal Sterling currency.
Another historian or a cyclist might recognize the reference is to an old style of bike - which it is.The Penny Farthing is an odd bike that is so named because of the shape and orientation of its wheels.
Modern bicycles, as you know, typically have proportionally sized wheels, so you might be wondering what the reason for this earlier design is, and it’s not cosmetic or whimsical.It might appear to be the product of fancy, but it is actually rooted in engineering.
Earlier bicycles - before the Penny Farthing - had wheels and tire sizes that were more similar to modern bikes.
This made riding very rough, to the point that some earlier models of bikes were known as “boneshakers.”The larger front tire helped to soften the bumps and irregularities of the road, and also helped to make it safer to negotiate those irregularities.
A wheel’s ability to overcome an obstacle is tied to its circumference, and the front tires of the Penny Farthings have quite a large one.
However, a third, personal preference, occasionally enters the debate.
Small tires afford less rotational momentum; they are easier to stop and start and create a unicycle that is fairly agile and maneuverable.However, the top speed of a unicycle is also limited by the size of its tires, and as tire size increases, so does attainable top speed.
In addition, larger tires are more effective at absorbing bumps, dips and inconsistencies in the road, allowing for a (potentially) more comfortable ride.Beginner’s unicycles, which must accommodate smaller riders, tend to have commensurately smaller tires.
Mountain unicycles straddle the middle ground; these tend to have tires somewhere between 24 and 29 inches.
This gives them a good balance of handling and agility while allowing for higher speed on the larger end of the spectrum.Then you have touring and commuting unicycles, which have some of the larger wheel sizes among one-wheelers.
Since the primary purpose of a commuting unicycle is to cover ground quickly and efficiently, tire size - larger tire size - is one of the more important features.Commuter unicycles, specifically, could have tire sizes of 36 inches or potentially even larger.
You’ll have your pick of what appeals to you, and without a doubt, you’ll challenge yourself, probably while turning heads as well.Consider a modern Penny Farthing bike, which really shouldn’t be called an odd bike, to be fair.
One of the first designs in a bicycle and in fact the first one to be so-called, a Penny Farthing is a unique and interesting ride that will impress you with its design features which showcase the best of human ingenuity.It was developed in the late 1800s before there were machines propelled by chain drives known as bicycles.
First, it absorbs the shocks of rough terrain, which was a real pain for early riders.
Secondly, the larger wheel offers a larger circumference, which enables the rider to achieve higher speeds without the need for a chain drive.A Penny Farthing will challenge your skills in riding and handling, but it isn’t the only bike style that has been called an “odd bike.” It definitely looks the part, but it’s only odd because it is no longer a common design.
It has a heavy-gauge steel frame and it even has solid rubber tires for durability.
Plus, it comes with a UDC big cush saddle so you won’t be too uncomfortable riding it.
The people over at Unicycle.com will be quick to tell you just what a great workout riding a unicycle is, how it can make you a better bike rider, or even make you stronger or improve your balance and coordination.
That much is no secret, and becoming proficient in the saddle of a unicycle is a life-long pursuit.All the same, it is not the only wheeled machine that requires a good deal of skill to master.
Whether you’re a skilled unicyclist looking for a new ride to challenge your skills or have simply always entertained the thought of tackling a circus bike with resolve, it might be time for you to investigate the Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch model) that’s also available at unicycle.com.Unlike a regular bicycle, the Hoppley Circus Bike has no chain drive.
However, in this case, since bikes have two wheels, the cranksets are attached directly to the hub of the rear wheel.As with a unicycle, this gives you great control over the drive and balance of the rear wheel; it takes a good deal of strength and finely tuned balance, but you can start or stop the rear wheel very effectively with the directly attached crankets; this makes hopping or balancing practical.The Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch) has a front wheel that rotates entirely independently of the rear wheel and features two stunt pegs at the front, as well as 360-degree handlebar rotation.
These features make it possible to accomplish a variety of traditional circus stunts and even BMX style tricks - at least with the right practice.
The unique design of this circus bike also makes it possible to accommodate a second rider - which makes stunt riding and performing all the more impressive.If it’s the quality of speed you're after, this circus bike probably isn’t for you; but all the same, if you’re looking to impress a crowd or build confidence in the saddle, there are few bikes that can offer you the same, even for experienced cyclists.
Their online store is also full of unique, unicycle gifts that you or the recipient - or both of you - will love.Do you want a high profile gift that the owner will be able to proudly display wherever he or she goes?
Unicycle.com has plenty of t-shirts, hoodies, socks, and other apparel that will make a statement in any situation.
There’s no way to say “I tackled the unicycle,” like a t-shirt or another piece of apparel that you can almost literally wear on your shirt sleeve.Yet Unicycle.com has a ton of other unique unicycle-themed gift ideas on their website that all different sorts of riders will love.
Consider picking up some of their one-of-a-kind, handmade unicycle jewelry.
Not only is it handmade, but it’s also handmade right here in America, and some of their choices are available in a wide range of colors, to suit any personality.
At Unicycle.com you’ll come across a number of unique and interesting valve caps, stickers, badges, and much more.
You need to pay close attention to tire size and width, because these features will influence speed and handling.
But what about something as seemingly innocuous as a bike seatpost clamp, or in this case, a unicycle seatpost clamp.It might not be the most exciting feature of a bike or a unicycle, but the truth is that a bike seatpost clamp is a critical component of your ride, and one that will influence your comfort and your abilities in the saddle.
One more thing - in case you were wondering, no, not all bike seatpost clamps are the same.Generally speaking, though, they do have the same basic function.
A unicycle seatpost clamp is a part that goes on top of the frame of the unicycle, through which the seatpost can be inserted down into the frame.
The clamp must then be tightened in order to secure the right adjustments of the seatpost and saddle.However, although all unicycle and bike seatpost clamps effectively provide the same utility, they vary fairly significantly in their operation.
Though they afford a secure fit and height, they are not easy to adjust without the right tools.
While you might occasionally see people riding a unicycle, a scooter, a bike, or some other wheeled machine with minimal protection, this is not a path for you to follow.Skill doesn’t matter here, and neither does experience.
That’s why when people fall, trip or experience an unplanned dismount it’s called an “accident.” Skill only goes so far in preventing accidents, and the rest is covered by preparation.Among the ways to prepare for the unforeseen is to be as ready as possible, and the safest way to be possible is to prepare with protective gear.
While the majority of scrapes, bumps, and bruises might occur to the elbows and knees, the majority of serious injuries that occur involve the head.
You can never be too safe, especially when you are riding a machine that has no handlebars.After you have assured yourself you are wearing a helmet that is protective and comfortable, you can move onto other important safety gear, like pads for your knees and elbows.
While you don’t necessarily reach out with your knees, they sometimes take the brunt of a fall if only because they are closer to the ground.Your extremities are going to be the parts of you that get scuffed up the most, so your knees, elbows, and hands are going to take on the ground before the rest of you gets there.
After you have picked out a helmet, move on to picking out a pair of elbow pads and knee pads.While not absolutely necessary, many riders wear gloves and wrist guards, too, in order to protect their hands against abrasion as well as against falling.
It’s an oft-quoted sentiment that’s offered in place of a lengthier explanation whenever someone’s asked why they’ve accepted what appears to be a random challenge.
Because it’s there.Of course, if you’ve dedicated yourself to the sport of unicycle riding, then you know there are many other great reasons to tackle such a challenge.
There are plenty of odd bikes out with which you can hone your skills, learn new tricks, or even entertain a crowd, if you so choose.A highlight among these odd bikes is the Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch model) available online at Unicycle.com.
It’s a circus bike in name only; the rest of the bike’s construction suggests unparalleled quality.It features a round crown steel frame and curved front handlebars, also made of steel.
This compact circus bike is as tough as you like, and can hang with the knocks of learning new tricks and stunts.Both wheels rotate entirely independently of each other, and the crank arms are attached directly to the hub of the rear axle, giving you excellent control, even if it comes at a slight sacrifice of speed.
If you’re interested in a circus bike of uncommon, high quality to feed your desire to tackle new skills, this is one you can’t look past.Not only is the bike designed for optimal handling and balance, the pegs on the front wheels give you space to accommodate another rider, and to perform tricks that you might have seen others perform on BMX bikes.Even if trick riding isn’t your thing, challenging yourself in ways to which you’re not accustomed is great for your athletic development, for training purposes, and to make you a more well rounded rider.
The people over at Unicycle.com will be quick to tell you just what a great workout riding a unicycle is, how it can make you a better bike rider, or even make you stronger or improve your balance and coordination.
That much is no secret, and becoming proficient in the saddle of a unicycle is a life-long pursuit.All the same, it is not the only wheeled machine that requires a good deal of skill to master.
Whether you’re a skilled unicyclist looking for a new ride to challenge your skills or have simply always entertained the thought of tackling a circus bike with resolve, it might be time for you to investigate the Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch model) that’s also available at unicycle.com.Unlike a regular bicycle, the Hoppley Circus Bike has no chain drive.
However, in this case, since bikes have two wheels, the cranksets are attached directly to the hub of the rear wheel.As with a unicycle, this gives you great control over the drive and balance of the rear wheel; it takes a good deal of strength and finely tuned balance, but you can start or stop the rear wheel very effectively with the directly attached crankets; this makes hopping or balancing practical.The Hoppley Circus Bike (20 inch) has a front wheel that rotates entirely independently of the rear wheel and features two stunt pegs at the front, as well as 360-degree handlebar rotation.
These features make it possible to accomplish a variety of traditional circus stunts and even BMX style tricks - at least with the right practice.
The unique design of this circus bike also makes it possible to accommodate a second rider - which makes stunt riding and performing all the more impressive.If it’s the quality of speed you're after, this circus bike probably isn’t for you; but all the same, if you’re looking to impress a crowd or build confidence in the saddle, there are few bikes that can offer you the same, even for experienced cyclists.
A historian of some sort who only specializes in coin collection or numismatics might think that the reference is one to bygone denominations of Royal Sterling currency.
Another historian or a cyclist might recognize the reference is to an old style of bike - which it is.The Penny Farthing is an odd bike that is so named because of the shape and orientation of its wheels.
Modern bicycles, as you know, typically have proportionally sized wheels, so you might be wondering what the reason for this earlier design is, and it’s not cosmetic or whimsical.It might appear to be the product of fancy, but it is actually rooted in engineering.
Earlier bicycles - before the Penny Farthing - had wheels and tire sizes that were more similar to modern bikes.
This made riding very rough, to the point that some earlier models of bikes were known as “boneshakers.”The larger front tire helped to soften the bumps and irregularities of the road, and also helped to make it safer to negotiate those irregularities.
A wheel’s ability to overcome an obstacle is tied to its circumference, and the front tires of the Penny Farthings have quite a large one.
Their online store is also full of unique, unicycle gifts that you or the recipient - or both of you - will love.Do you want a high profile gift that the owner will be able to proudly display wherever he or she goes?
Unicycle.com has plenty of t-shirts, hoodies, socks, and other apparel that will make a statement in any situation.
There’s no way to say “I tackled the unicycle,” like a t-shirt or another piece of apparel that you can almost literally wear on your shirt sleeve.Yet Unicycle.com has a ton of other unique unicycle-themed gift ideas on their website that all different sorts of riders will love.
Consider picking up some of their one-of-a-kind, handmade unicycle jewelry.
Not only is it handmade, but it’s also handmade right here in America, and some of their choices are available in a wide range of colors, to suit any personality.
At Unicycle.com you’ll come across a number of unique and interesting valve caps, stickers, badges, and much more.
However, a third, personal preference, occasionally enters the debate.
Small tires afford less rotational momentum; they are easier to stop and start and create a unicycle that is fairly agile and maneuverable.However, the top speed of a unicycle is also limited by the size of its tires, and as tire size increases, so does attainable top speed.
In addition, larger tires are more effective at absorbing bumps, dips and inconsistencies in the road, allowing for a (potentially) more comfortable ride.Beginner’s unicycles, which must accommodate smaller riders, tend to have commensurately smaller tires.
Mountain unicycles straddle the middle ground; these tend to have tires somewhere between 24 and 29 inches.
This gives them a good balance of handling and agility while allowing for higher speed on the larger end of the spectrum.Then you have touring and commuting unicycles, which have some of the larger wheel sizes among one-wheelers.
Since the primary purpose of a commuting unicycle is to cover ground quickly and efficiently, tire size - larger tire size - is one of the more important features.Commuter unicycles, specifically, could have tire sizes of 36 inches or potentially even larger.
You need to pay close attention to tire size and width, because these features will influence speed and handling.
But what about something as seemingly innocuous as a bike seatpost clamp, or in this case, a unicycle seatpost clamp.It might not be the most exciting feature of a bike or a unicycle, but the truth is that a bike seatpost clamp is a critical component of your ride, and one that will influence your comfort and your abilities in the saddle.
One more thing - in case you were wondering, no, not all bike seatpost clamps are the same.Generally speaking, though, they do have the same basic function.
A unicycle seatpost clamp is a part that goes on top of the frame of the unicycle, through which the seatpost can be inserted down into the frame.
The clamp must then be tightened in order to secure the right adjustments of the seatpost and saddle.However, although all unicycle and bike seatpost clamps effectively provide the same utility, they vary fairly significantly in their operation.
Though they afford a secure fit and height, they are not easy to adjust without the right tools.
You’ll have your pick of what appeals to you, and without a doubt, you’ll challenge yourself, probably while turning heads as well.Consider a modern Penny Farthing bike, which really shouldn’t be called an odd bike, to be fair.
One of the first designs in a bicycle and in fact the first one to be so-called, a Penny Farthing is a unique and interesting ride that will impress you with its design features which showcase the best of human ingenuity.It was developed in the late 1800s before there were machines propelled by chain drives known as bicycles.
First, it absorbs the shocks of rough terrain, which was a real pain for early riders.
Secondly, the larger wheel offers a larger circumference, which enables the rider to achieve higher speeds without the need for a chain drive.A Penny Farthing will challenge your skills in riding and handling, but it isn’t the only bike style that has been called an “odd bike.” It definitely looks the part, but it’s only odd because it is no longer a common design.
It has a heavy-gauge steel frame and it even has solid rubber tires for durability.
Plus, it comes with a UDC big cush saddle so you won’t be too uncomfortable riding it.
While you might occasionally see people riding a unicycle, a scooter, a bike, or some other wheeled machine with minimal protection, this is not a path for you to follow.Skill doesn’t matter here, and neither does experience.
That’s why when people fall, trip or experience an unplanned dismount it’s called an “accident.” Skill only goes so far in preventing accidents, and the rest is covered by preparation.Among the ways to prepare for the unforeseen is to be as ready as possible, and the safest way to be possible is to prepare with protective gear.
While the majority of scrapes, bumps, and bruises might occur to the elbows and knees, the majority of serious injuries that occur involve the head.
You can never be too safe, especially when you are riding a machine that has no handlebars.After you have assured yourself you are wearing a helmet that is protective and comfortable, you can move onto other important safety gear, like pads for your knees and elbows.
While you don’t necessarily reach out with your knees, they sometimes take the brunt of a fall if only because they are closer to the ground.Your extremities are going to be the parts of you that get scuffed up the most, so your knees, elbows, and hands are going to take on the ground before the rest of you gets there.
After you have picked out a helmet, move on to picking out a pair of elbow pads and knee pads.While not absolutely necessary, many riders wear gloves and wrist guards, too, in order to protect their hands against abrasion as well as against falling.