So I got denied from riding the downhill trails at Keystone on Sunday. Apparently a hand brake is required for all DH riders.
I’d like to get up there and ride their trails, I imagine it’s a rule for most all DH parks. I really don’t need a brake, I’ve never used one and seem to handle the steepest sections fine on my Nimbus 26er.
Any ideas how to affix some sort of hand brake to my Nimbus? Doesn’t even really have to work. Just something for show that will pass a cursory glance from a liftie?
Is there something I can zip-tie on?
What Would Unicyclists Do?
I agree with the imagination one, just take a brake off of something and make it look attached, its not like you have to use it, just make it look like it is part of the uni.
Tell 'em you got a coaster brake… you pedal backwards, and the wheel slows down
What kind of seat do you have? Most brake options require an additional post on which to mount the brake handle. If you’ve a 22.2mm seatpost, you can find a bar end (see my link for example) to use as a post.
If you don’t have a scrap bike laying around, ask your LBS for any “throw-away” or loose parts… they usually have a bin in the back and will give you whatever you like for cheap.
If you ran the brake cable into the frame, you might get away with claiming you’ve a hub brake.
Thats about what I am thinking; just zip tie some old brake assembly on.
As far as the stock Nimbus seat with front and rear handles I guess I will have to fashion something up to attach a brake lever to.
I guess because of all the fixie and ss riders who show up with coaster brakes or no brakes at all getting themselves in trouble.
I can see it with bikes…but unicycles!? You guys know how silly that is.
Before you spend any time or effort make sure that if you do get a brake they’ll let you ride there. They may not want a unicycle at all because they fear accidents and litigation because it’s something they don’t understand, they might just be saying brake required because it’s something they have on paper and it’s easier than singling you out as being a unicycle.
They seemed to pretty savvy, actually, about the unicycle. I am, sure it’s not the first they have seen. The lifties were the only ones not amazed by the unicycle.
You should have seen the standard insurance waiver that ALL riders have to sign, they cover their as$es pretty well.
I just don’t think they understand that there is NO “Out-Of-Control” on a unicycle.
I’d fit a brake - if you’re downhilling with a lift, you can do way more runs with a brake. I always used to get aching legs after about 3000 foot of descent, whereas without I can do 6000 feet in a day and be okay to ride the next day.
Huh, interesting.
Your post has given me pause to consider and I am intrigued by your notion.
I will actually upgrade my Muni soon…I already seem to be outgrowing the nimbus, so I will definitely get one with a (real) brake next time around. Next summer most likely.
DH parks are the “all you can eat” buffets of muni. All the DH with none of the work getting uphill.
The portions are often huge. I took a wrong turn at Northstar one day and ended up doing the entire-fricking-mountain run… took me a few hours and left me not wanting to ride ever again.
DH parks are full of stunts, drops, log rides, etc., and you can count on most of 'em being relatively stable, unlike those on “pirate trails”.
My only advice is to have some ibuprofen handy, and not plan on doing much the next day. It’s gonna hurt.
So, on the topic of downhill, has anyone been to Winter Park on their unicycle?
I’ve been on my bike and it seems pretty good for a uni, but if they’re going to require a hand brake like Keystone I might reconsider going there. So, anyone been there?
Lots of good advice. Easiest solution for you is to put on a real brake, because if you do a lot of DH you’ll appreciate it. My 46-year old legs (knees) get really beat up by a lot of downhill. The uphill isn’t so bad, but the ride down really beats 'em up. On my first attempt at riding all the way around Lake Tahoe, I had to stop at the halfway point because I was riding the uphills and walking the downhills, it was that bad. A brake takes a lot of wear & tear off!
But getting a brake installed may be pretty involved, depending on your current setup. You may be able to bypass it by talking to someone in management at the mountain, preferrably before you go there (by phone) if possible. Explain to them that, unlike a fixie mountain bike, you can’t coast at all so there is no danger of the unicycle getting out of control with you on it. Unlike a fixie, if your feet come off the pedals, you’ll be on the ground within a second or two. If they understand unicycles, this may be enough. If they are bound by their insurance company however, they may require the brake to keep them safe from liability.
I don’t even have a brake on my MUni (a Wilder). No wonder riding Downieville always wrecks me! But I wouldn’t consider riding lots of hills on my Coker without one…
was the whole point?