Found an Old Unicycle — Looking for Tips to Fix It and Learn to Ride

[lalan45]

I just found an old unicycle in my dad’s attic, and I’d love to fix it up and learn how to ride it.

From what I can tell, it probably just needs a new seat and a new tire or tube. Other than that, it seems to be in decent shape.

Does anyone have tips for learning how to ride a unicycle? Things like where to practice, how to balance, or what helped you when you were starting out would be great.

Any advice on parts or beginner tips would really help. Thanks

[Sidewinder]

I used to see those things on a fairly regular basis, but they're not so common nowadays... video games won out, I guess. I can still remember "hula hoops" and "bongo boards" too, but those seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur.

Cue the Monty Python line! "And now for something completely different!"

   

[Old Fat Guy]

If I found that I would clean it up and take to a flea market. Price it high and listen for half price offer. It will save a lot of broken bones and time off work.
Merry Christmas!

[SPINMAN]

(12-17-2025, 03:44 PM)Sidewinder Wrote:  I used to see those things on a fairly regular basis, but they're not so common nowadays... video games won out, I guess. I can still remember "hula hoops" and "bongo boards" too, but those seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur.

Cue the Monty Python line! "And now for something completely different!"

What about those "serpentine" style side-to-side locomotion trikes? 🤷‍♂️
Elypti-Go?
Still not sure about recumbent bikes. 🤔

[Jesper]

(12-20-2025, 01:12 PM)SPINMAN Wrote:  What about those "serpentine" style side-to-side locomotion trikes? 🤷‍♂️
Elypti-Go?
Still not sure about recumbent bikes. 🤔

"Elypti-No" are still being marketed. It's funny, but most who get them quickly closet them. I've yet to see one actually being used that is not in a marketing advert.

Swing bikes were another perverse designed bike that probably hurt more kids than helped. They being made again!

@lalan45 if you really want to ride it you should get some skateboard safety gear first otherwise you will regret ever getting on it.
To practice learning to balance on a unicycle get some some rope or cable sufficient enough to bear your weight. Tie off 2 lengths similar to parallel bars that are armpit distance apart. Height depends on you, but best start at just under the armpit and lower as necessary. They will allow you to catch yourself and give enough suspension to avoid any real injury (you can use parallel bars in the same mannee, but more pain will be involved when you fall ob them). If you do not already have decent balance then I would not suggest trying learn. Do not worry about the saddle unless it is completely shot because you will beat up a new one anyways in the learning process. Can you do a "track stand" on a regular bike? If not, then forget the unicycle and as previously mentioned sell it.
One really good way to learn is to let another sucker try it out. When you see them fall you will learn that it is not worth it unless you are going into the circus; and then you'll need to learn how to juggle also.

[Sidewinder]

(12-19-2025, 04:58 PM)Old Fat Guy Wrote:  If I found that I would clean it up and take to a flea market. Price it high and listen for half price offer. It will save a lot of broken bones and time off work.
Merry Christmas!

Haha, you funneh... but you're also right, lol.

Did y'all know that some crazy fools used to ride those unicycles on high wires? Not recommended for beginners!