I’ve been meaning to get a Coker every since I rode Dan Wilson’s (Tellurider) three years ago at the Idaho MUni weekend. That was the first and last time I’ve ridden a Coker. A couple weeks ago I ordered some parts and set out to make myself one.
I’ve had good luck so far with a hub I’ve made for my MUni that uses KH splines with press-on aluminum flanges so I based my Coker design around a widened version of this hub - but with a twist: I’ve had an idea to add a disc brake to this hub so that’s what I did.
Today I’m almost finished with the unicycle and it’s turned out pretty well I think. I’d post some pictures of it but the gallery thing doesn’t seem to be working right now. Instead I’ll attach a “teaser” photo to this post. I’ve actually mounted the thing a few times and riden a couple pedal strokes in my yard … couldn’t do more than that since it was already dark when I got it all together this evening.
The best part of this whole Coker project it that I’m travelling to Seattle at the end of the week specifically to ride my new creation on the Iron Horse trail with some of the Seattle Coker riders. I can’t wait!
You’d better learn to mount in the dark. That tunnel is pitch black on the trail. I would just practice learning to mount blindfolded. In fact, it would be a good idea to just practice riding blindfolded all the time.
I’m guessing we’ll have eight Coker riders and one to three bicyclists/runners on the 28th.
Steffi looks sharp with her ride, too. What are the saddle details on that one? Is it a homemade job?
> I’ve been meaning to get a Coker every since I rode Dan Wilson’s
> (Tellurider) three years ago at the Idaho MUni weekend. That was the
> first and last time I’ve ridden a Coker. A couple weeks ago I ordered
> some parts and set out to make myself one.
Looks good!
Is the frame made from stainless steel? Have you used stock bearing
holders or made your own? I am sketching on a 28/29" frame made from
30x10 mm tubing so any detailed photos of your work would be appreciated.
Dude, you got skills. The kind of skills, that most of us would love to posess. Not to mention some wicked tools. Looks great. If I end up riding my Coker as much as I anticipate, I might upgrade in the future.
I rode my new Coker for the first time yesterday evening. I drove to an area in the hills that I’ve ridden several times on my 29’er. It’s a gravel road that, except for the first mile, is relatively flat. I drove past the initial climb and started at the top. I had quite a bit of trouble mounting the thing but eventually I got it together and took off down the road.
After about a mile it started to rain so I stopped and put on my rain shell. I was considering just heading back to the truck but the rain stopped right away so I continued. At about 3 miles the rain started again - only this time the heavens opened up and I got completely soaked. The ride back was kind of dicey since the road was muddy and water was running everywhere. Not the best conditions for a newbie Coker rider.
Back at the truck the rain had stopped. The Coker was filthy and I had a serious stripe up my back from the tire throwning muddy water. I had only travelled 6 miles.
I decided to try riding some more but on a paved bike path. The rain had stopped by the time I drove out of the hills so I put in another 7 miles on the bike path for a total of 13 miles for the evening. Some fun!
I’ve taken a few pictures of the SH_Coker in varous stages of construction.
What a magnificent piece of work Steve. I’m glad we’re about the same height, so when I start pestering you to let me try it this weekend, at least THAT won’t be one of the excuses you’ll have for saying “No”.
Nice to see the lamp mount also…you’ll need it on Iron Horse, although if you have a helmet mount setup, you should bring that along. Having light go where you look is a pretty good thing.
a question (fairly evident to experts but I’ m not one …):
how did you manage to get the seat tilted upwards that way
I saw lot of unis having this … but no technical details
references and pics welcomed
comments on this practice?
Yes - I’ve heard that a helmet mount light is the way to go. The light I’m using is a home brew that I made several years ago for my bike. I was able to bend the mounting bracket around and clamp it to the Coker’s seat post. Unfortunately that’s all I could cobble up in time. I’m also bringing a small Mag-Lite just in case because I am a sissy and afraid of the dark!
For me, tilting the seat up like that makes all the difference in comfort. One way to get the seat to tilt is use a “rail adapter” with a bicycle seat post. Rail adapters are available from both unicycle.com and Bedford Unicycles for both KH and Miyata saddles. Another way is to stack washers between the seat and top plate of the seat post on the front two mounting screws. That will raise the front of the seat somewhat depending on how many washers you can stack up and still get the nut on. Another option is to buy a GB4 seat post that has the seat mounting plate welded on at more of an angle that a stock seat post. I think some people have just bent the mounting plate up on a stock seat post as well.
The Iron Horse Trail is wonderful. It’s worth the trip. I’m going to have to do that again someday.
But, it does get so dark (and) because of the turn, you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s cool (literally and figuratively), but even with a light, it’s hard to mount the uni. …And that heaving breathing coming up behind you tends to increase paranoia, unless your riding blindfolded with ear plugs.
My advice: Ride behind someone going the same speed and keep an eye on them. You’ll see them bump up and down and be prepared for the holes and you’ll know when they hit into the side and avoid it. Most holes are not large enough to fall completly inside.
Oh, and don’t touch the sides.
Have you used the disc brake? A blindfold might make that easier too.
Oh man Steve, that looks awesome! Why is the gallery down 90% of the time these days? I am dying to see your photos… I wish I could fly up and join all you guys for that ride but am too busy. Why don’t you drive down to Portland for the Portland Juggling Festival on the weekend of Sept 24-26?
The kind of skills, that most of us would love to posess. Not to mention some wicked tools. Looks great. If I end up riding my Coker as much as I anticipate, I might upgrade in the future.