Precision engineering from K1…
I had the same frame issue. I didn’t want to wait and send the frame back, so I just brought it to a machine shop and had the part that rubbed machined down. It looks great and the clearance is perfect now.
Sanding down the tire would work, but seems kinda annoying for when you change tires/wheelsets.
I wonder what you are talking about…
the actual Devil II has a new extrem stabil frame, new supersexy lightweight rim and the new lightweight tire. all in all very good stuff.
I agree and considered that, too. However, I figured that I won’t be changing tires or wheelsets until something wears out. I filed off about 0.5 mm, but would’ve needed to grind off about an additional 1-2mm to make the tire fit, and would’ve been grinding into the weld.
I was most concerned with removing too much metal from the frame, weakening it at the weld point. What do you guys think? Does anyone know if this will actually weaken the frame?
just ordered a black donina II for $ 185.00, guess its a great offer!
So I got my Domina on Monday and haven’t been able to ride it because (as you warned me) the tire did not fit the frame. I’ve put about 3 hours into sanding and feel like I’ve sanded off almost half the nubs but still it rubs against the frame.
I only have the tire pumped up to 40 psi (Tire asks for 30-50)
Feeling a bit gipped… Afraid to just buy a new tire because I feel like I’ll have the same problem.
I mean by sanding off half of the nubs I’ve effectively halved the life of the tire, right?
It’s hilarious that I’ve been debating on purchasing one of these two unicycles for a couple months now. Either the BD2 or, the White Russian. One of my buddies bought the WR and he loves it. I’m just looking for a longneck, since I’m taller.
Instead of grinding the frame or sanding the tire, I’d just shim the bearings. I don’t like to potentially damage things to make them work. Plus, if you need to return the unicycle because it breaks within the 90 day warranty period, I’m pretty sure that grinding down the frame is a warranty violation and would prevent you from getting your money back or, getting an exchange.
Where did you guys order from that are having the wheel rubbing issue? I got my BD off meijer.com and it’s perfect!
I don’t remember the name of the site, I’d have to go digging through my email for the receipt.
Anyways, I’ve opted to ride it on low pressure for a week to wear the tire naturally, it still rubs against the frame a little, but I figure I’ll just raise the pressure a little every week to get it to riding 40 psi smooth.
Also have to invest in some shin guards too. Scared to try any new tricks (the reason I bought this unicycle) because of the spikes on the pedals.
Mine came from bikemania.biz
Consider switching them out for some plastics, as the stock pedals are better suited to trials. Also, could remove some of the pins. Shins guards might still be needed, depending on what you’re doing.
I did this first, but six strips of aluminum in each bearing holder didn’t even get close. I then ground and filed the frame down a little, but didn’t want to take off too much metal at the weld point. I finally eliminated the rub by grinding the tire knobs down.
I’m sure it shortens the life of the tire, but not by that much in my case.
Seems like a really obvious design flaw that the folks a K1 would remedy. Is there any kind of “real” shim you can buy for this or are we basically stuck just having to shave the tire/frame to make it work?
I don’t think it’s a design flaw. Rather, I think some were welded not quite to spec, as others report no problems. Perhaps this is the reason we have been able to get them so cheap, or perhaps we are just the unlucky ones.
Maybe they shipped with tires that were manufactured with too much tread?
I don’t think shims are sold, but can’t imagine why anyone would BUY them anyway. Aluminum cans work great, but thousands of other things would work just as well, like plastic, brass, or hard rubber.
Man. I guess tire clearance on BD/K1’s are a hit and miss. 
Dane M and Mine both had perfect clearance, but then there are many who have had big problems. 
I think you guys got bad stock and “off the back of the truck” stuff. Mind you at 185 if the frame isn’t perfect I would still say its not a bad deal. The BDII from koxx came with biscuit pedals not butterfly for example. And there where those really cheap not k1 branded unis in the US a while back with K1 parts.
I wouldnt let the frame rub, you want to fix it. Sand, shim whatever. All tyres are basically the same width apart from the tryall lite which is supposed to be a tiny bit wider (i’ve had pretty much every trials tyre and they are the same size pretty much to the mm).
It seems that only the Black Dominas have the clearance issues. I have an Alien Backflip and it has plenty of clearance. I actually wish it had less clearance, as my feet sometimes get wedged under the frame when hopping on the wheel.
Or they are all from bike mania? My BD has as small of a clearance as it can get, I love it.
I’m planning on ordering mine through Meijer.com in the next couple days. Keeping my fingers crossed.
I’ll post pics and stuff if it has issues with clearance. If not, I’ll probably post them anyway, just to show it off. 
I think you’ll be fine going with meijer. Me and Dane both got ours from there. Mine is perfect as is Dane’s, but it seems as though the ones from bike mania are all bad.
Okay, another odd question. When my buddy bought his White Russian from meijer.com, for some unknown reason, it came with a 25.4 seatpost and a seatpost shim. I’m planning on getting a longer seatpost(Qu-Ax Gusseted) and keeping the shim on it but, since I’ve decided on the Green Spirit instead, I’m also planning on getting a green double-bolt seatpost clamp(it comes with a single bolt one). I was wondering what size I need. I figure that I need to get the Kris Holm one since it’s for 27.2 seatpost frames. Just want to make sure before I buy the wrong one. Sorry, I’ve never owned a K1 uni before.
I’m not sure why K1 does that. Is it just on these or are they all like that? Now, I’m debating on the Qu-Ax seatpost and a “proper” 27.2 one. I like the gusseted one because of its durability and it’s light weight, being aluminum. Yeah, I’ll probably still go with it since it’s $10 cheaper than the KH one. I don’t mind shims. Once it’s set, I don’t plan on changing it.
Problem solved!!! I just bought a white Try-all tire and I’ll be darned if when I put it on there was no rubbing at all.I thought I would put it on and be sanding it down for an hour but no such problem.
It looks pretty sick too. Now I think a white seat and Peddles.Later of course.
I guess the black ones are bigger.