New long-distance (Coker) seat handle unveiled

Unicycles and Equipment
1

Hello,

As you may or may not know, I am training for a cross state (Iowa) unicycle ride coming up this July. I’ve been putting in a lot of Coker miles in preparation for the ride, over 180 in the last two weeks.

I’ve been working on designing a handlebar specific for Cokers/long distance unicycles. I’ve come up with something that I’m really happy with. Pictures are available at:

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~gbarnes/coker_handle/

When I ride with this handle I have both hands on the handle nearly all the time. I wanted something that would allow me to take my weight off of the saddle and put it more on my hands. I feel a lot more stable when using the handle. It significantly reduces the high-speed, side-to-side wobble induced by high RPMs.

You can see the approximate dimensions and shape of the handle in the pictures. I wanted the handle to be positioned in a manner that it wouldn’t be hazardous in the event of an UPD.

As you can see, I have fabricated a computer mount between the two hand grips. It is always visible from a riding position, protected during falls by the handle, and not in the way of my hands.

Unicycle.com will be selling these new handles in addition to the other handles that I make for them (“Reeder” handles). They will not be available for at least 3 weeks, as I am waiting to receive more 4130 ChroMoly tubing. When they are ready, I will post a notice on the newsgroup. Before then feel free to direct questions to me, and not Unicycle.com.

As shown, the handle is mounted on a carbon fiber air seat. This is really the way to go for a long distance saddle in my opinion. It is possible to mount the handle on Viscount type saddles with self tapping screws. It could also be mounted on the stock plastic Miyata base in a manner similar to the one outlined here:

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~gbarnes/miyata/index.htm

The pictures are of a prototype that has been reworked a few times, and consequently look a little rough. Production versions will be more refined, fixture welded (read: very precise and identical to one another), and painted.

Again, questions are welcomed at: gbarnes@iastate.edu

2

George,

I am not quite sure what you mean with regard to the type of saddle that will accommodate your handlebars. I have a steel miyata leather covered air saddle. Will your handlebars accompany my seat?

BTW-Great Work! This will defiantly increase comfort on longer rides.

dan

3

Dan -

I’m not sure what seat you are talking about. To my knowledge, Miyata saddles come with a plastic frame. Take a look at the pictures and MS Word document on this page:

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~gbarnes/miyata/index.htm

Is this your saddle? Either way, I’m pretty confident that it is possible to mount my handle on your seat. If you can get to the top of the seat base, under the padding, you can drill holes through the base and mount it with 1/4"x20 bolts and nuts. If you are unable to do this and have a metal base you can use self tapping screws to mount the handle.

Also, I failed to mention the pricing on these new handles. It is my intention for them to priced similarly to my other handles available at Unicycle.com.

Thanks for the interest,

4

I have now mounted one of these handles on a Miyata saddle with the plastic base. The forward two holes of the handle match the pre-existing holes in the Miyata saddle. This means you only have to drill one hole through the stock Miyata base to mount this type of handle.

I took a few pictures of this as I was mounting it. They are available here:

http://www.public.iastate.edu/~gbarnes/coker_handle/miyata/

5

Nice job George! I just bought a Coker, and am looking forward to hooking up with you guys for RAGBRAI. I am going to ride on Wednesday for sure, since it’s close to where I live. I’ll have to see about riding more than that. I’m not as much of a roadie as I used to be. Joe in Iowa

6

Re: New long-distance (Coker) seat handle unveiled

George, that is an amazing handle. I have Paul W’s extension. I rarely try
to look at my cycle computer bc it’s too difficult to see it safely while
riding. I guess by now you’ve had or simulated a few UPDs to make sure the
new handle doesn’t get in the way (the extension never does). What is the
estimated cost? And does it require a new seat post, too, or does it mount
directly into the carbon seat?

Are you going to UNICON?

David Stone

gbarnes.5jh9b@timelimit.unicyclist.com writes:
>
>Hello,
>
>As you may or may not know, I am training for a cross state (Iowa)
>unicycle ride coming up this July. I’ve been putting in a lot of Coker
>miles in preparation for the ride, over 180 in the last two weeks.
>
>I’ve been working on designing a handlebar specific for Cokers/long
>distance unicycles. I’ve come up with something that I’m really happy
>with. Pictures are available at:
>
>http://www.public.iastate.edu/~gbarnes/coker_handle/
>
>When I ride with this handle I have both hands on the handle nearly all
>the time. I wanted something that would allow me to take my weight off
>of the saddle and put it more on my hands. I feel a lot more stable
>when using the handle. It significantly reduces the high-speed,
>side-to-side wobble induced by high RPMs.
>
>You can see the approximate dimensions and shape of the handle in the
>pictures. I wanted the handle to be positioned in a manner that it
>wouldn’t be hazardous in the event of an UPD.
>
>As you can see, I have fabricated a computer mount between the two hand
>grips. It is always visible from a riding position, protected during
>falls by the handle, and not in the way of my hands.
>
>Unicycle.com will be selling these new handles in addition to the other
>handles that I make for them (“Reeder” handles). They will not be
>available for at least 3 weeks, as I am waiting to receive more 4130
>ChroMoly tubing. When they are ready, I will post a notice on the
>newsgroup. Before then feel free to direct questions to me, and not
>Unicycle.com.
>
>As shown, the handle is mounted on a carbon fiber air seat. This is
>really the way to go for a long distance saddle in my opinion.

Co-founder, Unatics of NY
1st Sunday / 3rd Saturday
@ Central Park Bandshell
1:30 start time after 11/1/01

7

Any word on how much one of these is going to drain my pocket?
-David Kaplan

8

Unidak,

sounds like about $40 bucks

9

David,

I just returned home from a 50 mile Coker ride.  I rode with a friend who is also training for RAGBRAI.  He was using one of the new handles mounted on a Miyata saddle (see pictures at the link above).

I’ve asked him to post his thoughts on the handle, so check back for that.  He was definitely positive about the new handle.  I think his words were, “I couldn’t have done it without it.”  I too am still very pleased with it.

For UPDs, I’ve had a few of my own and emerged unscathed.  My riding partner today had 6 UPDs, most off the front, and the handle was not a problem.

As for cost, as jagur mentioned, I hope for these to sell for about $40.  Don’t hold me to that as I am not entirely in control of the situation.

For mounting, I have had one of these handles on a stock Viscount (unmodified), an air seat Viscount (foam removed), a plastic Miyata, and of course a carbon fiber air seat.

The carbon fiber base is definitely the preferred method. Installation is simple, drill 3 holes through the base, and slap on the handle. No additional modifications are necessary.

I should mention that the plastic Miyata saddle flexes a considerable amount already, and with an additional 4 inches of leverage it moves even more.  It’s definitely an option, but I would recommend the CF base for serious riding.

The Viscount mount is just as rigid as a CF base but uses self tapping screws.  I have had good luck with this, though the Viscount saddle itself leaves much to be desired.

I will not be attending UNICON.  Unfortunately it overlaps with the week of RAGBRAI (my cross state ride).

I have 2 questions for those of you who are interested in this handle, if you could post a response here or email me, I’d appreciate it.

• Would you like it to come to you already wrapped with road bicycle tape, or would you prefer to take care of this on your own. Normal mountain bike grips will work on the tubing as well.

• I really like the computer mount. I was planning on making this standard on all the handles I produce. Is this a problem for anyone?

Thanks for the interest and praise,

10

George,

Assuming I was in the market for one of these and it seems like something that would
be very interesting to try:

I’d be happy to have it come already wrapped.

Although I have been asking people to tell me how far and how fast they go, I myself
do not track these things and my riding style is not such that it matters. So, I’d prefer
to have the option of not getting the computer.

One (lowkey) Coker riders’ opinion only.

Raphael Lasar
Matawan, NJ

11

Ok, read before you speak. Nope, the computer MOUNT doesn’t bother me.
I’ll take the dog too!

Raphael Lasar
Matawan, NJ

(Not sure if this one or asking Paul Selwood in an email if he knows Sarah Miller was dumber) :slight_smile:

12

Re: New long-distance (Coker) seat handle unveiled

gbarnes.5lcdz@timelimit.unicyclist.com writes:
>I have 2 questions for those of you who are interested in this handle,
>if you could post a response here or email me, I’d appreciate it.
>
>• Would you like it to come to you already wrapped with road bicycle
>tape, or would you prefer to take care of this on your own. Normal
>mountain bike grips will work on the tubing as well.
I currently use the Paul W extension sans grip (or tape). My brother uses
bike grips, but they fall off over time and aren’t really necessary. I
think I’d prefer the grips on your new handle, tho.
>
>
>• I really like the computer mount. I was planning on making this
>standard on all the handles I produce. Is this a problem for anyone?
No – it’s ideal!

david
>

Co-founder, Unatics of NY
1st Sunday / 3rd Saturday
@ Central Park Bandshell
1:30 start time after 11/1/01

13

The computer mount is great. I nearly UPD trying to see my computer mounted on a bar-end under the seat. Joe in Iowa

14

Re: New long-distance (Coker) seat handle unveiled

Hi George,
I am very interested in the new handle. I am currently using the
wyganowski extension and am very pleased with it. Yours makes the
computer easier to read and I am always looking for new distance stuff
to try. I would like the handle wrapped in bike tape, please. Is it just
normal road bike handle tape? Looking forward to having the new Kris
Holm seat with this new handle. Later.

Aj

15

I am training for RAGBRAI and did the 50 mile ride yesterday with George. I just got my coker a couple weeks ago and went on 5 training rides before we did the 50 mile ride. Until yesterday I was using a “Reeder” handle on my coker. The longest ride I did before yesterday was 20 miles. In the 20 mile ride I didn’t have any leg problems. By far the biggest difficulty was saddle soreness.

For the 50 mile ride I put on the new coker handle and it made a tremendous difference. It helps stability much more than the Reeder handle because your weight is distributed on both hands evenly. The computer mount on the new handle is placed so that you can easily see the computer while your hands are on the handle. Before I was using the new Barnes styled handle, my computer was mounted near the base of the Reeder handle and had to wait until I dismounted to take off the computer and check the stats.

The Barnes handle and UPDs:
I had 6 (count em, 6 :slight_smile: UPDs on the 50 mile ride. Patches of loose gravel on rail trails and the conversion from 6" to 5" cranks made things a bit interesting. The Barnes handle held up without any problems. The computer mount is recessed so that the hand mounts hit the ground and protect the computer mount.

I mounted my handle on a Miyata air seat from unicycle.com. Conveniently, the 2 bolt holes from the original Miyata seat work with the Barnes handle and it is only necessary to drill one more hole. The only downside is that the plastic Miyata base is more flexible than I would like. I am going to use what I already have, but if you have the money, you might want to consider a carbon fiber base.

The Barnes handle is designed very well. After the saddle soreness from a 20 mile ride without the Barnes handle, I didn’t think I would be able to complete the 50 mile ride. When I mounted the new handle for the 50 mile ride I was able to shift more of my weight to the handle and decrease the side to side wobbling that occurs at higher speeds. To my surprise I was able to make it all 50 miles and I felt better than I did after the 20 mile ride.

If you have any more questions regarding my opinion feel free to contact me.

Jesse Shumaker
Omaha, Nebraska
jshu@iastate.edu
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~jshu

16

Jesse,
Thanks for the update. My earlier posting suggests that I have a steel Miyata seat. After actually turning it over and looking at it, I found it to be plastic. So as you suggest, as soon as the handlebars become available on unicyle.com, I will order a CC seat along with them.

I too am attempting some challenging rides this summer and very much appreciate anything you have to say. I have experience a lot of “sore butt” problems, however I typically do not feel the effects until after 60 miles of riding. I agree that overcoming the uncomfortably factor with regard to the seat is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome. The handlebars will help a lot.

I switched from 6 inch to 5-inch cranks a few months ago. I neglected to let my body adjust to the new length before I continued long rides. I think I am paying the price in the form of tendentious on the side of my left knee. Hopefully as time progresses my body will adjust. Has anyone else experienced problems with this adjustment?

Keep us updated on your training. I would love to hear all about it. This coming weekend I should get the 100 miles in one day that I have been looking to get for quite some time. I did 90 several weeks ago and as I mentioned my knee is feeling it. We are headed to Durango Colorado for about a week or so to play around. I hope to get lots of riding in. Lots of hills though, so I think I will switch back to 6 inch cranks.

Anyway thanks for all your help. George thanks for including the rest of us on your handlebars!

dan

17

Hello all,

I finished up all the handles last night. They’ll be on their way to Unicycle.com tomorrow.

Thanks again for the interest, and feel free to contact me with any questions.

Here’s what the finished product looks like:

18