Monday, April 7, 2014

Buy unicycle? Beginner's option A, B, C, D

Generally, the bigger the tyre of a unicycle, the harder it is to ride it. Thus a beginner's unicycle is typically small-wheeled, 20" or smaller. And a very basic one.

I often ride at a nearby park and a reservoir near that park. I rode a 24" unicycle. But the big, fat tyre turn it into a 26". The ride is relaxing and comfortable.

I once tried riding a 20" uni at the park. The amount of pedaling is unbelievable. A lot of pedaling. The ride is a pain. Even the ride from the park to my house was damn tiring.

So my opinion for people who want to learn unicycling (residing in Singapore) is:

Option A
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If you want to do tricks and stunts on a unicycle in the future, and have no interest to ride long distance at the park, then go ahead and buy a nice, new "Trial" unicycle. Learn to ride on it and later on learn whatever tricks that you fancy. You can find inspiration from youtube.

Option B
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Don't buy unicycle. The Bedok South group has many spare unicycles for beginners to use for free. Use them to learn riding weekly. When you can ride around the hockey court comfortably, then consider buying a 24" or bigger unicycle (used/new).

Option C
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If you feel that practicing once a week is not enough and hope to practice more often, or to practice at a more convenient location or during weekends. Then consider buying a used beginner's unicycle. Ask around at the forum. Many will sell them at very low price. Don't worry about the quality of the unicycle. Most of the time, beginners can't even pedal a full rotation. Even after the beginner can ride a few metres, the speed will be slow. Beginners simply lack the strength to destroy a unicycle. So don't worry too much about the durability of the unicycle.
After you can comfortably ride the unicycle, then consider buying bigger wheel unicycle (used/new).

Option D
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You want to play hockey with a 20" unicycle. You have plenty of storage space at home. You have lots of spare cash. You are a sentimental person who wish to keep your first unicycle. You feel that new unicycle is more hygienic. You wish to pass on the unicycle to your sibling, children, grand-children etc... By all means, buy a new 20" unicycle that please you. And get a bigger unicycle for the ride at the park or beach.
But just be aware that you will have to give a Big discount if you are going to sell it in future.

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en#!forum/singaporeunicyclists

See my other post that list out the shops and suppliers in Singapore.

2 comments:

  1. Hi there, just wondering where exactly can I find or get in touch with the Bedok South group to learn with?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Denise, please join their weekly sessions (2 locations available) at http://www.meetup.com/Singapore-Unicycle-Hockey-Unicycle-Meetup/

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