JohnnyReggae Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 So the endless debate is raging on about 29'ers vs 26'ers. Quite entertaining to read in some cases actually. A similar debate it raging on in the Unicycling community. This one about the best Unicycle for Mountain Unicycling, with options of 24" vs 26" vs 29". Then a geared hub gets thrown into the mix, and it's just chaos As with anything everyone has their own opinion about which is best suited to what type of ride and terrain. So far general rule of thumb, to which there are always exceptions .... 24" for hardcore technical downhill26" for technical downhill and some XC29" for light Mountain Uni and XC 24" geared for technical downhill and XC26" geared for technical downhill and XC29" geared for XC The geared hub is not rated for drops larger than 4.5 foot (1m37cm), hence not really an option for hardcore downhill. I am rambling a little I know, but the point I wanted to make I suppose is how I see both debates going down. On the Uni forum the debate is quite civil, people giving their opinions which are respected by others even if their own experience says different. Occasionally new/duplicate threads are started asking the same question, and people are politely told to use the search function and the talk continues.... even in the newly created threads. On the Hub however the debate is ... well not that civil ... and in some cases people are extremely upset about the fact that some people ride different size bikes to them, and bemoan the fact that "The MAN" is trying to force something down their throats.... and how dare they .... The main difference I see is the Unicyclists act like a community. ie. if someone asks a question it is answered in a fashion to provide the most help or usefulness. They do not take the opportunity to attack one another. Now I'm not saying everyone should "group-hug" or sing kumbaya around the fire, but it would be nice if everyone was a little more respectful of one anothers opinions. Although what do I know, I ride on 1 wheel ...
Roer Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 'Tis true. We are a highly strung lot. Me included. Jammer. Having said that, I road on my humble old faithful this morning with my friend. She on her brand spanking new 29'er and I must have drooled all the way to Silvermine. Not only is it beautiful, but she's a regular mountain goat on that thing. She let me touch it... and I saw flashes of Cool Runnings and heard Sanca whispering "I see pride I see power I see a bad *ss mother who don't no crap off nobody" so personally I don't really care about the debates anymore. I just want tha' one!
HowellingWulf Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 'Tis true. We are a highly strung lot. Me included. Jammer. Having said that, I road on my humble old faithful this morning with my friend. She on her brand spanking new 29'er and I must have drooled all the way to Silvermine. Not only is it beautiful, but she's a regular mountain goat on that thing. She let me touch it... and I saw flashes of Cool Runnings and heard Sanca whispering "I see pride I see power I see a bad *ss mother who don't no crap off nobody" so personally I don't really care about the debates anymore. I just want tha' one!Does she call her bike Talula?
Roer Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 Does she call her bike Talula? I suppose she should. Sanka: So what are we gunna name the sled? Junior: How about... "Tallulah?" Sanka: Tallulah! Hahaha! Tallulah! Sounds like a 2 dollar hooker! Where you come up with that? Junior: That's my mother's name.
Just Keep Pedaling Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 Am I reading this correctly? People do downhill on a Unicycle?
rouxtjie Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 Am I reading this correctly? People do downhill on a Unicycle?no doubt they do, very skilled riders might even try and race it, still I would pay to see it
JohnnyReggae Posted April 14, 2011 Author Posted April 14, 2011 Am I reading this correctly? People do downhill on a Unicycle?The legendary Kris Holm ....
The Drongo Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 So the endless debate is raging on about 29'ers vs 26'ers. Quite entertaining to read in some cases actually. A similar debate it raging on in the Unicycling community. This one about the best Unicycle for Mountain Unicycling, with options of 24" vs 26" vs 29". Then a geared hub gets thrown into the mix, and it's just chaos As with anything everyone has their own opinion about which is best suited to what type of ride and terrain. So far general rule of thumb, to which there are always exceptions .... 24" for hardcore technical downhill26" for technical downhill and some XC29" for light Mountain Uni and XC 24" geared for technical downhill and XC26" geared for technical downhill and XC29" geared for XC The geared hub is not rated for drops larger than 4.5 foot (1m37cm), hence not really an option for hardcore downhill. I am rambling a little I know, but the point I wanted to make I suppose is how I see both debates going down. On the Uni forum the debate is quite civil, people giving their opinions which are respected by others even if their own experience says different. Occasionally new/duplicate threads are started asking the same question, and people are politely told to use the search function and the talk continues.... even in the newly created threads. On the Hub however the debate is ... well not that civil ... and in some cases people are extremely upset about the fact that some people ride different size bikes to them, and bemoan the fact that "The MAN" is trying to force something down their throats.... and how dare they .... The main difference I see is the Unicyclists act like a community. ie. if someone asks a question it is answered in a fashion to provide the most help or usefulness. They do not take the opportunity to attack one another. Now I'm not saying everyone should "group-hug" or sing kumbaya around the fire, but it would be nice if everyone was a little more respectful of one anothers opinions. Although what do I know, I ride on 1 wheel ... Thank you JohnnyReggae! Of course one wonders why a Unicyclist would dare think of visiting a forum discussing 2 wheel riding? But nevermind. Thank you for your input. As to rambling - I think I can help you there. The strong possibility exists that having thrown yourself off anything over 1,35 meters on ONE wheel means you have likely landed on your head on numerous occasions. This would explain the rambling. Unicyclists, like mountaineers, are fringe groups. Limited in numbers, and therefore an endangered species. They will tend to stick together, embrace their own, and remain civil during even the most testing debate. It is all part of survival and procreation. 2 wheel bicycle riders on the other hand are a rapidly growing breed. They are beginning to outnumber walkers, and in some areas even motorists. Often to their detriment. (Think flying-ants and windscreens) As a result competition is fierce. Fueled by the manufactures of cycling components and gear, debates often become violent, ending in tears or worse. Size counts, so 3" means a lot!If you have ever snuggled into the start chute at a MTB race the testosterone is thick, envious glances scorch paint and rubber. 700 manic beasts held back by a non-stop-commentator on a bullhorn, until the gun goes.The 29er's surge ahead with much cussing and yelping, out-gunning the 26err's, apparently due to their evolutionary prowess. Later to be outrun, and often run over, by the 26err's on the single track. They only to be left in the dust at the next big hill climb, but victorious again on the descent.And so the battle for sub-species dominance goes on. Civility MUST, of necessity, take a back seat. Immense FUN. Stick to Unicycling, and your Civil Forum. Peace, and GREAT respect, to you.
JohnnyReggae Posted April 14, 2011 Author Posted April 14, 2011 Thank you JohnnyReggae! Of course one wonders why a Unicyclist would dare think of visiting a forum discussing 2 wheel riding? But nevermind. Thank you for your input. As to rambling - I think I can help you there. The strong possibility exists that having thrown yourself off anything over 1,35 meters on ONE wheel means you have likely landed on your head on numerous occasions. This would explain the rambling. Unicyclists, like mountaineers, are fringe groups. Limited in numbers, and therefore an endangered species. They will tend to stick together, embrace their own, and remain civil during even the most testing debate. It is all part of survival and procreation. 2 wheel bicycle riders on the other hand are a rapidly growing breed. They are beginning to outnumber walkers, and in some areas even motorists. Often to their detriment. (Think flying-ants and windscreens) As a result competition is fierce. Fueled by the manufactures of cycling components and gear, debates often become violent, ending in tears or worse. Size counts, so 3" means a lot!If you have ever snuggled into the start chute at a MTB race the testosterone is thick, envious glances scorch paint and rubber. 700 manic beasts held back by a non-stop-commentator on a bullhorn, until the gun goes.The 29er's surge ahead with much cussing and yelping, out-gunning the 26err's, apparently due to their evolutionary prowess. Later to be outrun, and often run over, by the 26err's on the single track. They only to be left in the dust at the next big hill climb, but victorious again on the descent.And so the battle for sub-species dominance goes on. Civility MUST, of necessity, take a back seat. Immense FUN. Stick to Unicycling, and your Civil Forum. Peace, and GREAT respect, to you. Thanks Drongo, was kinda expecting a response questioning why I bother browsing and participating on the Hub. Not sure why you assume I've landed on my head .... does unicycling conjour up the idea for you? I've landed quite hard a few times, some writhing in pain, but never on my head. You are probably right about the reason Unicyclists seem more civil, we are a fringe group which we revel in, in some respects. To be honest I had never thought about why the Hub seem somewhat different based on numbers and competitiveness. I suppose it kinda makes sense. Still ... doesn't make it right. I'll definitely be sticking to Unicycling as I don't see the point of limiting my fun by introducing a 2nd/spare wheel I'll continue on my "civil forum", and I'll continue to stick around here. Some of the threads are quite entertaining just for a read, and others I try participate in. Why ... well because it's local and I'd like to encourage more to try unicycling. See you on the trails
brad890 Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 The legendary Kris Holm .... WOW how is that even possible, that is some sick skill to be able to do that stuff
HowellingWulf Posted April 14, 2011 Posted April 14, 2011 The legendary Kris Holm .... Crazy stuff and some mean ass skills. One serious question though, don't you hurt your nut sack doing all them drops and hops?
JohnnyReggae Posted April 15, 2011 Author Posted April 15, 2011 Crazy stuff and some mean ass skills. One serious question though, don't you hurt your nut sack doing all them drops and hops?Kris Holm has some serious skills, also considering that the Freeride video is about 6 years old already. As for racking yourself.... very rarely ever happens and never happens when doing any hectic technical stuff (well for me anyway). In my case the only times I've racked myself was while doing something small or while I was initially learning to ride a uni. Hasn't happened in a very long time though. Although having said that, it happened to a mate of mine and we managed to catch it on camera The beginning of this video .... Riding in Tokai Forest.
Handlebar Posted April 15, 2011 Posted April 15, 2011 ....Although what do I know, I ride on 1 wheel ... Where do you stand (sit?) on the use of suspension?
JohnnyReggae Posted April 15, 2011 Author Posted April 15, 2011 Where do you stand (sit?) on the use of suspension?It has been tried and done before. Essentially it does make it harder to ride a uni due to your changing position relative to the cranks. Consider a pendulum ... a unicycle is similar to an upside down pendulum. Changing the end of the pendulum relative to it center would make an erratic swinging pendulum. A few people have built their own uni's with suspension the best looking ones I've seen are shown here, both made by the same guy using bike frames that have been cut up. Personally I prefer not having to think about suspension ... besides all the suspension I need is in the high-volume 3" tyre I run along with my legs
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