What are Unicycles?

Series Summary

The unicycle was developed shortly after the development of the bicycle in the mid-nineteenth century. Some think that the unicycle was developed as a result of the velocipede. Since the velocipede naturally went up on one wheel for a little bit, people began developing unicycles. Another theory is that unicycles have always been with us, living and breathing along with our souls since our collective memory's inception. Regardless, unicycles are now used at circuses and carnivals for entertainment. Whether you are performer looking to improve his act, or just someone interested in the challenge, these videos are just the thing for you.

In this free video series, learn how to ride a unicycle. Our expert, , is an professional acrobat and juggler. He shows you everything you need to know to begin your unicycle hobby. Learn the different ways to get on a unicycle: assisted mounting and free mounting. Also, get tips for balancing and pedaling on unicycles. If you are looking for unicycle tricks, learn how to turn, idle, and ride backwards. Patrick even shows you how to do some juggling tricks on unicycles. So, pick up a new hobby. Learn to unicycle today!

Video Transcript

"So this is a unicycle. It's called a unicycle because it has one wheel. Just like a bicycle, bi means two, uni means one. This is your standard unicycle. It is Torker brand. Now, it works a lot like a tricycle in that the pedals are connected directly to the wheel, so, as opposed to a bicycle, you can't stop and the wheel will keep going. When you stop, the unicycle stops. Now, another unicycle I have here is a giraffe unicycle. And it's called a giraffe because of its size. It's larger, it's more difficult to get on, and it works differently because it has a chain that goes along with it, and it works more like a bicycle. It gives you a little bit more leverage, and still it works like that one in that when you stop the wheel stops. It doesn't keep going. Now there are many different reasons why people ride unicycles. Some people like it because it's a workout, some people like it because it challenges their balance. Mainly it's because of entertainment value. See unicycles have been around for hundreds of years now. It started off in the circus, it's fund to use, it's fun to ride, and these are the unicycles that are available for you to use, and in my series I'm going to be going over the giraffe and of course the regular unicycle."