Hey everyone,
I’m Henry, but online I go by Cytrix Custom Unicycles. I’m based in the UK and I’m super into unicycling and also building/experimenting with custom unis. At the moment I’m starting small (sewing, bags, and saving up for parts), but my goal is to eventually build and sell custom unicycles.
I’m here to learn, share progress, and maybe get some advice from the legends on here. Also, I’m looking out for affordable 24”/26” unicycles I can use as bases for custom projects — so if you’ve got any tips or spares, hit me up!
Hi everyone As some of you know, I’m developing my brand Cytrix Custom Unicycles. I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a unicycle brand stand out — not just the builds, but the whole identity.
When you think of your favourite uni brands (Nimbus, KH, Impact, etc), what makes them memorable to you? Is it the logo, the colours, the reputation for durability, or something else?
I’m curious what aspects of branding you think matter most in the unicycling world — it’ll help me shape Cytrix into something people connect with.
KH is KH. They have their signature blue colour (although for a while they made black ones, technically again as early ones were mostly black), but they’re not that special, using parts from Nimbus, and Qu-Ax along with their own bits.
Qu-Ax used to be known as being yellow and black, but they make unicycles of all colours now, and honestly are probably known these days for being the most innovative of the big players. They’ve relatively recently made a sprag clutch freewheel hub, moved to splined hubs and cranks (which KH has now also adopted), moved to much larger diameter seatposts, initially on the RGB range, and I’m sure a few other things.
Impact is one of UDC’s brands now - they did some innovative bits like the Hydroformed Gravity frames. They have a brand, but it’s a historical thing back from when they were called Addict so kinda doesn’t make sense any more
Exceed is UDC’s high end brand - you’ll see their titanium hubs and carbon saddles.
What really makes unicycles stand out is typically what colour they’re painted, or if they’re a Hatchet…
Look at Mad4One and all the anodised colours they do, the frames look really nice, the round bearing holders look nice… the seats, the seat post clamps…. its all got that quality look.
If you want to look at custom – look no further than Jakob’s stuff (Flansberrium) – ‘standard’ and custom frame types (eg P-frame) in CroMo or Aluminium, finished how you want, with gorgeous CNC’ed quick-release bearing holders if you want…. custom milling on the inside of the fork etc. That is a pretty high bar in terms of unicycle branding I’d say.
I bought a 24 and a 27,5 from Mad4one. The main reason to buy Mad4one was the flexibility in the configuration. You can select from different cranks, saddles, brakes,…
And you can choose the frame size independent from wheel size.
@CytrixCustomUnicycles For me first, the enginerring needs to be spot on, light, strong and nice to look at. I will second comments about M4O, beautifully made, well engineered and well thought through, outstanding choice and customiseability. Most of the top uni manufactures now offer engraving, so you can really go to town, research M4O, Triton.
Triton titainum frames are next level, 3 d printed head stock and bearing cups, the most besutiful welding I have ever seen, in a class of it own. My friend has one and its stunning on every level.
My personal thing is the Nimbus Hatchet all 4 builds, but all unique and a very different ride.
Any custom part should improve performance and function, with the exception of the paint job. Otherwise there is no point.
When I think of a particular brand of unicycle, I’m thinking more along the lines of “How is the quality of the parts?” and also “What selection of parts (or standards) does this brand use?”. How a unicycle looks is usually low on my list; if it’s pretty or tastefully unique, it’s a bonus.
Hi everyone I’ve been really inspired by the community here and I’m starting to put together some ideas for custom unicycles. My plan is to build from quality parts, experiment with setups, and eventually offer complete unis online under my own brand.
Before I go too far with it, I’d love to hear from you all:
What do you look for in a custom unicycle?
Are there particular frame/tyre/crank combinations you think are underrated?
What would make you pick a custom build over a stock one?
This a very open question with anyone on the forum having their own wishes/needs.
When I buy a new unicycle, I additionally buy the Fusion Freeride saddle and KH handlebars. I think generally I just speak with the owners of municycle.com in Germany to have them put the uni together according to my specifications.
Otherwise Ive bought twin hole cranks to play around with crankewidth. The only thing that was built from scratch is my UW36, which you cant buy in the store
Best of luck on your business adventure, but I feel unicycles are so simple that anyone who wants a custom unicycle just builds their own and most stores will offer some level of customization if you ask.
Are you looking to build custom unicycles from stock parts? If so I think the market for that is probably very small, and places like UDC already kinda offer that as a service. It’s also very expensive if you’re getting in small volumes of parts from abroad, which is where the interest might be. Your friendly neighbourhood bike shop can also typically manage that much, and do you a really good wheel build which is often where individuals might struggle.
If you’re looking to fabricate your own custom parts or have someone else make them, try and find a niche that you personally have interest in, and then go from there. I don’t think there’s anyone really who just makes custom unicycle parts though - Flansberrium and Tritao for example both fabricate high end unicycle parts, but also make bikes.
As some of you know, I’m developing my brand Cytrix Custom Unicycles. I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a unicycle brand stand out — not just the builds, but the whole identity.
