7 Unicycle Upgrades to Consider As Your Experience Increases

Unicycles may have only one wheel, but those that learn to love them tend to have more than one unicycle. Interestingly, our data indicates that the average unicyclist actually has about three.

This makes sense if you actually take the time to think about it, since one unicycle actually can’t do it all. Some models and wheel sizes are better for some disciplines than for others. For instance, a model with 32-inch tires might be great for commuting or racing, but really wouldn’t be the best for trick riding. Nor will a model with 20 inch tires ever be that fast. That’s just the way of the unicycling world.

With that said, as you learn to develop your skills, here are 7 unicycle upgrades you might want to consider along the way.

A New Saddle

If you don’t want a whole new unicycle but would appreciate a bit more comfort while you’re riding, probably the fastest, easiest and most impactful unicycle upgrade would be to replace the saddle.

Anything broader will be more comfortable; a great option is the Nimbus Air Saddle, which has a special air bladder entombed in a super-soft foam that both cushions and supports it - and you.

Try it - it’s the most comfortable unicycle saddle on the market, period.

An Air Saddle Cover

This is a great option if you like your saddle or just don’t want to go through the effort to replace the whole thing. The Air Saddle Cover is designed to slip right over your existing saddle, and like the Air Saddle, it contains an air bladder that cushions and adds comfort. Definitely a top-tier unicycle upgrade if there ever was one.

New Pedals

Something off about your current pedals, or do you just want a pair that are somewhat more ergonomic? Either way, replacing pedals is a quick and easy job and one that basically anyone can do, whether what you’re replacing has to do with handling or just to replace old, worn pedals. Just make sure you have a pedal wrench!New Crank Arms

Replacing your crank arms is probably one of the best unicycle upgrades insomuch as it can impact performance. Like the wheel size, crank arm length directly impacts handling and thereby speed and performance. Longer pedals give greater leverage over cranking power, making it easier to control speed and direction; however, shorter pedals allow for greater agility since the diameter of the arc is much smaller. Keep in mind also that the length of crank arms you can install is limited by the wheel size - but beyond that, this upgrade is up to you.

Add a Handle If Your Unicycle Can Accept One

Some unicycles can accept a handle, which is a great unicycle upgrade because it gives you somewhere to rest your hands when you’re riding. A handle can also improve your control over the unicycle when navigating tricky terrain. On top of that, if you’re into long-distance unicycling, a handle will expand the overall footprint of the unicycle, adding attachment points for loading out your unicycle. A good option is Nimbus Shadow Touring Handle, though there are others.

Get a Better Tire

Your unicycle’s stock tire might be good enough for your purposes, or it might not. For instance, you might want a tire with a more aggressive tread to offer better handling in mud or snow or off road, or perhaps you’d even want a tire with a wider profile to handle better on snow or sand, or just to provide greater traction through expanded surface area contact with the ground. Either way, this is another great unicycle upgrade to make.

Upgrade the Seatpost Clamp

Lastly, in terms of pure unicycle upgrades, upgrading the seatpost clamp is another low-cost and easy option. You can upgrade from a single bolt to a double bolt model that will offer a surer interface and more durability, or, if you want toolless adjustments in the field, upgrade from a bolted seatpost clamp to a quick-release clamp, which tightens via the aid of a lever.

One note: make sure you get a seatpost clamp that is the right size for your frame and seat tube, regardless of which type of clamp you want.

In Your Next Unicycle…

Now that we’ve covered some practical unicycle upgrades, let’s take a look at some types of things you might want to look into before you buy your next unicycle.

Get a Model That Doesn’t Have Square Taper Cranks

Beginner and affordable unicycles typically feature square taper cranks because they are low cost and for all intents and purposes, work fine, especially for a rider who’s just learning the ropes.

But, for all their affordability, if you ever ride a unicycle with the cranks installed on the wrong side, or if you ride a model with loose square taper cranks, you will deform them and might completely ruin the unicycle.

On top of that, splined cranks, like ISIS cranks, are a much, much stronger alternative to square taper cranks, and for that reason are preferred for models that will be ridden vigorously under adverse conditions.

If you intend to get a unicycle for racing or mountain riding, get a model that has splined cranks, not a model with square taper cranks.

Get a Model That Doesn’t Have a Singlewall Rim

Lastly, many unicycles are made with a singlewall rim, which keeps both costs and weight down. But, if you ride on trails or hop with your unicycle, you run a high risk of deforming the wheel.

In your next unicycle consider a model that has a doublewall rim. It’ll be a little more expensive but, like a model with splined cranks, it’ll stand up much better to harder use and rough riding conditions.

Upgrade Your Unicycle Today

Now that you hopefully have a few good ideas for what sorts of unicycle upgrades to make, shop our assortment of unicycle parts and tools to get the ones you need - and if you have any questions, contact us directly.