Hi,
I got given this unicycle today and dont know much about it, other than whats on the stickers…Sammy Miller and DM engineering one wheel cycle. I would be especially interested to know how old it is. Any info appreciated:)
I’ve heard of “DM” unicycles, but not sure if that’s the same company, or if the sticker is original. Looks like a super old, hard-tire uni, probably made in the '60’s or even earlier. It looks like a one-of-a-kind uni, and not something that was mass produced. I’ve seen and owned lots of uni brands, having gotten my first uni more than 40 years ago, but never have I seen that particular one. Cool find though! 
Ive been trying to find out more about its history…through looking on the net ive found DM stands for Dave Mariner. I looked up DM engineering which is based in dorset but the only phone numbers it gives don’t work 
I finally managed to get on it with the aid of the fence today 
but can’t actually do anything else yet 
Just wait for john foss.
It’s the “base model” DM, of an unknown age. In this case, you’ll need to wait for the unicyclists from the UK, who have been around more of these. I know David Mariner made unicycles like this in the 80s, but I don’t know the start and end years.
His higher-end unicycles, like the Ringmaster, were more expensive but much nicer unicycles, and many of them are still out there being used. Especially his giraffes; he made dual-chain and multi-size (adjustable) ones.
But I think he’s retired from the unicycle-making business. I’m glad I got the chance to meet him at Unicon VIII (England; the first one in Europe). I think he had a lot to do with the growth of unicycling in the UK, at least in terms of equipment. I hope Roger Davies will chime in on this thread.
It is definately a DM… yes an early one. As for age, I would guess late 70’s early 80’s but I would suggest that Dave is the one to ask about it.
One of the intersting things about these unicycles is the bearings, they have plain oilite bearings!
sorry I can not be of more help
Roger
Thanks for all the info. My boyfriend and i are learning to ride it:) He actualy managed to go along without holding on to anything for about a metre lol! I can only ride it with one hand gripping the window sill!
Both going to keep practising tho as its great exercise not to mention fun:D
Keep practicing DON’T GIVE UP!!:o
http://www.xs4all.nl/~klaasbil/Learn_unicycling.pdf
I preferred using a long railing for support, like you guys are doing. It is instinctual to want to grab the handle/front of seat, but IMO it is better to hold your arm out like airplane wings or walking a tight-rope (or grab the rail w/ both hands if you have to).
my girlfriend’s dad has one exactly the same but in blue. It’s from the UK and from the early 70’s apparently.
It’s a special to say the least. No really, the frame flexes, the seat is more uncomfortable than my trials seat (that’s hard to do) and the cranks feel really flimsy. But it does look quite cool!
DM unicycles…
I am not sure is DM engineering exists any more. It was created by Dave Mariner (DM) who is/was based in Christchurch, Dorset, UK. The factory was situated in Ferndown Industrial Estate, Dorset.
I know this because my brother after sixth form worked at DM engineering with Dave Mariner making the unicycles as well as the Ringmaster type, but I understand imports may have put Dave out of business - a terrible shame.
Dave and his wife Lynn started the Christchurch unicycle club, which my sister and I were members of until Dave and Lynn decided not to run it anymore. I learnt to ride on one of this unicycles with a handlebar addition as well as a 35" wheel, 4" wheel, 5 and 6 foot giraffes, 3 wheel and the ultimate wheel. We used to do shows at fairs and fetes as well as carnivals in the summer months.
We also use to do “rock-a-thons” for charity - after several years of riding my unicycle I could never rock, then one day at Cubs I was doing my hobbies badge and started rocking. At the club we also used to do obsticle course and play uni-polo where we sometimes did events to challenge another unicycle club based in Poole.
We still have a ringmaster build by Dave, but with a specially shaped frame with squarer corners round the wheel for easier single wheeling and walkingt he wheel.
Great times, but hopefully that add additional information on DM engineering, Christchurch unicycle club and particularly dave and Lynn mariner.
I have seen two of this style of unicycle: flat section steel frame, with the seat height adjustable by unbolting and rebolting the whole assembly - like a Meccano set. The seat is, er… basic.
It is easy to be critical of it now, and by today’s standards, it is a primitive, and uncomfortable and might be considered “barely rideable”. However, back in those days, it was a perfectly good unicycle to have.
Those of you who like to moan over your splined hubs breaking after a 10’ drop, or your 3" tyre being a bit squirrelly if the pressure isn’t just right, or the weight of your undrilled rim being too much for hopping more than metre or so, should look at this pioneer machine and respect those who went before and made our modern sport possible.
The Sammy Miller sticker is from the all round motorcycle racer & legend Sammy Miller MBE
He has a museum in New Milton (near Christchurch)
There is a company supplying pre '65 trials equipment that bears his name, based in the same area. I’m guessing that’s where the sticker came from.
Don’t know if he had any links with unicycling.
Nasher
My university juggling club had one of these in the early 90s. I don’t know how old it was, but it was pretty tatty and looked far from new.
They were fairly common at that time (by unicycle standards). I knew a few people who had them.
I still use my 18yo Ringmaster every week for hockey.