Would their be any interest in custom performance built unicycles?

[Zeusophobia]

I know how to weld and machine, and I'm JUST starting to get back into unicycling after 12 years.

I've found that custom built performance bicycles seem to be showing up in droves, I was wondering if their would be any interest in performance unicycles.

My idea is to make everything that can be made out of titanium, made out of titanium. Also, eliminate the adjustable seat and make it fixed to shave off a little weight. Ofcourse the size would be dictated by the customer. Cranks and everything else made to customer specifacations.

I'm sure I'll think of other things to customize after I've been riding a while. I will probably use a standard wheel, as from my understanding it requires specialized skill to make a wheel.
My question is, has this already been done? Would YOU buy one?

If not, what would you want out of a custom unicycle?

[Yeti]

I would guess, the main areas for that approach are frame, hub, and cranks.
There are already Titanium frames available. And at least Triton builds custom ones (just have an open order with them).
Titanium hubs are nice, but I don't see the need for custom ones, except of the number of holes.
And when it comes to cranks, I think the advantages compared to the standard alloy cranks available are not significant.

I strongly recommend not to make the seat fixed. Because then you are no longer able to swap to another crank size.

[saskatchewanian]

I already have a custom Triton but if you are interested in making a frame with curved tubes to my specs out of titanium for a decent price I would be listening.

[Klaas Bil]

Originally Posted by Yeti

I strongly recommend not to make the seat fixed. Because then you are no longer able to swap to another crank size.

I think the OP meant to take away the seat angle adjustability. That makes some sense indeed once you get into custom design, although I personally would like to retain it. I agree it would be foolish to do away with the height adjustability.

@Zeusophobia: Off-the-shelf unicycles and parts are already so nice that there is IMHO only a very small market for even better products. You should have asked your question 12 years ago :-) (Not that I would have known at the time what I wanted...)

[johnfoss]

Custom unicycles? Yes! The market will be small, though. My favorite unicycle at the moment is my Silvacycles custom 36" with Schlumph hub. It was built to order, though with no actual custom parts. Adding a Schlumph to anything is already expensive enough. But in the future I would be interested in a custom frame for road riding.

Originally Posted by Klaas Bil

I agree it would be foolish to do away with the height adjustability.

Yes, for crank changing and also for terrain changing. I might raise the seat really high for a "known" ride on smooth pavement, but lower it for a first-time ride on unknown pavement. And that's just for road riding. The seat goes even lower for offroad.

But I wonder if there's a way to simplify things, leaving like a 1-2" height adjustment without all the added weight of telescoping tubes?

You should have asked your question 12 years ago :-)

Yup, you missed out on a major revolution of unicycle technology, where they went from being mere toys to being much more serious pieces of equipment for a variety of types of riding, many of which didn't even exist at the turn of this century.

But there's always room for custom, especially in the area of frames.

[KiwiRichard]

Personally, I would much prefer a custom wheel rather than a custom frame. The KH 36 frames I have are light and strong (although I believe I can feel something flexing when cornering at high speeds over bumps). I would pay good money for a very stiff light 36" (possibly carbon spoked) wheel.

[std5501]

If the price was reasonable I'd probably take one. I think it'd be a great idea.

[corbin]

Originally Posted by Zeusophobia

I know how to weld and machine, and I'm JUST starting to get back into unicycling after 12 years.

I've found that custom built performance bicycles seem to be showing up in droves, I was wondering if their would be any interest in performance unicycles.

My idea is to make everything that can be made out of titanium, made out of titanium. Also, eliminate the adjustable seat and make it fixed to shave off a little weight. Ofcourse the size would be dictated by the customer. Cranks and everything else made to customer specifacations.

I'm sure I'll think of other things to customize after I've been riding a while. I will probably use a standard wheel, as from my understanding it requires specialized skill to make a wheel.
My question is, has this already been done? Would YOU buy one?

If not, what would you want out of a custom unicycle?

Zeus -- put me down for a three speed unicycle. Let me know when you have it machined and the kinks worked out.

corbin

[Nurse Ben]

A touring rack, like a standard front pannier for a bike, I'd like to have a trunk or even a small set of panniers. The Oregon has a bit of natural shelf, but I'd like to have a place to put gear.

I really like the three speed idea. can we have one of those please? I'm thinking 25% steps of course

[steveyo]

Zeus? Are you there?

[RossRacing]

I always enjoy building and riding unique unicycles, and have built 4 of them in the last 5 years. There are pictures in my profile. I have the skills and access to a lathe, milling machine, digital TIG welder, etc.

The wheel is the thing I like the most about my current ride. Twisted spokes. flush color lighting, hidden rechargeable battery, remote control for the lighting. It also has a custom aluminum frame, but it is conventional design.

The next custom uni planned is a 4" x 26" tire uni, just for fun & grins, as I doubt it will be very practical for riding.

Carbon fiber is also fun to build with... never seen a carbon fiber uni before.

What other wild ideas do you have for a unique uni???