I first rode a unicycle in 2002, and discovered the thrill of cruzing on one wheel. Like many unicyclists will tell you, it's an addiction. In the beginning, I rode a simple unicycle doing simple things, like this. Eventually, I started to do more on a unicycle than just riding in circles.

What can you do on a unicycle that is so fun?

"Uh, Jess, my neighbor has a unicycle, and sometimes I see him ride around in the street... it looks kinda lame." If you've never seen any form of extreme unicycling then you may be a little lost. Although simply riding a uni around can be enjoyable, the awesomeness genuinely starts when a rider begins a particular type of riding. Here is a nice list with some photo-links that can help explain the types:

1. Muni (mountain unicycling)
2. Trials
3. Freestyle
4. Street
5. Touring
6. BC wheeling

My gang of unicycles posing for your viewing pleasure

"So I keep seeing different looking unicycles in your photos... what's this all about?" While you can try many types of riding with one unicycle, there are certain qualities of a uni that make it spefically for a style. For example, a larger diameter wheel makes you go faster than a smaller one. A beefy, strong wheelset will allow you to jump off picnic tables without breaking your uni, whereas a simple, light-weight wheelset works better for freestyle tricks on flatland. Below is a photo of my unicycles:

(From left to right)

1. COKER. This big wheel is called a Coker, and is for touring. It has a 36" remanufactured rim, unicycle.com super-wide hub, stock 150mm cranks, Chris Reeder wideframe, GB4 seatpost and air saddle with carbon fiber seatbase), GB4 handle with special extension, and a swell V-brake. Oh, and it has a cycle computer.

2. MUNI. This baby has a KH wheelset, with 170mm cranks. It's got a thomson seatpost, Scott Wallis rail-less carbon fiber seatbase, airseat, Deathgrip handle,and a Magura hydraulic brake. I got the stock KH24 December 2003.

3. TORKER. Next is my 24" Torker with a new KH saddle. This was my first unicycle I bought at Auburn Bike Works for $90. Of course it didn't come with that nice seat, it came with a crappy torker one. I never really ride this, but I let friends borrow it when they want to learn. But it's a special cycle since it was my first uni.

4. TRIALS. Here is my 20" trials. It has a 2006 KH wheelset, carbon fiber seatbase, and snafu pedals. My current set-up is a little different from the unicycle pictured here. I went back to my pink frame, and have a new seat that has the latest KH foam (really comfy!!).

5. FREESTYLE. The core of this uni is a snazzy semcycle longneck frame. It has a torker 20" wheelset, with a nice red primo tire. I have on 110mm cranks right now, but I also have 125's and 102's. This uni has a standard red Miyata seat, which is awesome since about 4 years ago they stopped producing these seats.

6. BC Wheel. Here is my homemade BC wheel. The strong Haro wheel was bought from my buddy Brian Lundgren. Originally, the BC platforms were welded up by my dad and I. Now have some sweet Bedford Plates. Oh, and I have a pink tire on it, which makes it way more fun.

7. GIRAFFE. Lastly, is my ultra-cool 8-foot giraffe. This momma was custom made by my friend Ethan out of two old little kids bikes, some steel, and a shwinn seatpost with a KH seat I had. It got a little bent, but it still functions. After this uni was made, I did a little photoshoot and you can check it out here.

Here's where you can find more info:

General Links

Unicyclist.com - A worldwide forum for unicyclists (if you have a question, ask it here)
Unicyclist.org - Leo's blog all about unicycling (also has tons of trick clips)
Unicycle.tv - Best place to watch unicycle videos on the net!
Roster of Unicyclists - Add yourself to the roster if you're a unicyclist
Unicycling.org - Unicycling Society of America
Unicykel.com - Homepage of the Danish National Team

Unicycle Store Links

Bedfordunicycles.ca - Hardcore unicycles! Terrific customer support, call Darren to buy
Koxx One - Unicycles and gear engineered to be the strongest and coolest
Unicycle.com - Huge unicycle selection
Sykoproductions.com - Buy Dan Heaton's films here (home of the unicycle movies UNiVERsE, U2, and Defect) 

Unicyclist Links

Unicycling.com - John Foss's site full of Unicycling info (a little outdated)
Krisholm.com - Kris Holm Unicycles home, as well as Kris's personal
BenPS.com - Ben's a great friend and one of the best trials and mountain unicyclists
Xaviercollos.com - Xavier is one of the world's top riders, get ready for some super smooth moves
Gilby.com - Kevin Gilberson's site has some cool stuff (a little outdated)
Joey's Page - Joey Cohn's outdated page
Unicycling.net - Chris Taylor has great info on how to learn to unicycle and juggle