I’ve posted a couple preliminary photos of this in the 32" thread, but there are a number of unique features here that I figured might have broader appeal. So here are some photos of the more-or-less complete “Hot Rod Uni.” (All custom features were designed and fabricated by me.)
I’ve been a hot rod guy since I was a kid, so when it came to building a unicycle from scratch, it just seemed like the thing to do. Very subjective, some people will think it’s cool, some will think it’s stupid. That’s OK. I’ve been riding it for a week and a half now, and so far I really like it. It handles really well, and will give me a little extra speed with a moderate cadence.
Specs (for those who may be interested):
Wheel & tire: Kent 32" (48 spoke)
Spokes & nipples: Wheelsmith 293mm
Hub: Schlumpf/KH, with 36-to-48 hole adapter rings
Frame: KH36 (early model, with Magura mounts only)
Brakes: Magura (set up and sold by Brycer1968 on this forum)
Seat: Quax “Air,” modified (partially flattened and “tunnel” enlarged)
Seatpost: Thompson
Headlight: Generic “bullet” style, battery-powered; mount is re-fashioned Harley clutch cable mount
Tail lights: Battery-powered LED, custom-mounted in used 25mm artillery shells
Handlebars: “Shadow” T-bar with custom mounting and generic bar ends. Winchester 20ga shell end plugs.
Pedals: Shimano Saint
Cranks: Nimbus 150mm, N.O.S. (plain, non-anodized)
Has anyone ever entered a unicycle into a car show? I go to them frequently, and often see things like custom bicycles and pedal cars, but never seen a unicycle. I think I’ll enter this in one this summer. Should be fun.
This unicycle was spotted at one or more car shows (not by me). I guess it qualifies as “hot rod” as well, but yours is more toward the “would want to ride it somewhere” category. It is beautiful indeed!
Wow, Lance, that’s super hot. Really amazing! Theese lights are great. Should be no problem to catch eyes on any car show. For me, the last thing, that could be improved ist the yellow plastic bumpers of your seat that do not fit the hot rod theme a 100 percent. But that’s a matter of opinion. The rest is allready perfect yet! Wonderful project, well done!
That’s pretty cool! And you used nicely the “codes” of hot-rods. Maybe the last detail would be to have the seat handle and rear protections machined or chromed!
If you go to a car show with it, make sure you don’t forget a good stand so that it doesn’t fall on a nearby car !
Is it just me or does the head/tail light combination have the flavor of the Starship Enterprise.
There is just one thing missing, though. As someone of a similar vintage as you, I’m looking for Rat Fink. He has to be there somewhere!?! Maybe just as an air freshener dangling from the handlebars in front of the headlight? Maybe as a small decal somewhere inconspicuous. On second thought, maybe it’s best to exclude Rat Fink. He’d just make the rest of the guni “cheesy.”
Now go shift that guni into high gear and tear it up!
That is one sweet ride! I love your taillights. I like old balloon tire bicycles and your uni has me thinking about my own custom uni. But, I don’t think I could ever top yours.
It is beautiful indeed!
