Im new to the group, so apologies if this is OT, out of line, or if
there is a rec.sports.unicycles.marketplace that i dont know about.
my situation- im into interesting wheeled transit. currently, i ride a
rixed gear bike, and i enjoy trackstanding and slow direct-drive
control so much that i thought unicycling might be fun.
i want to buy the absolutely cheapest ‘normal’ unicycle possible. it
does not have to be quality. it can be very very used. is there a
forum for unicycling marketplace stuff? if not- does anyone have an
old beater that they dont want and i could have for Cheap. i can do
any overhauling work myself, but want functional parts. if it makes a
difference, i could probably go without a seat as i will probably try
and do the bars and unicycle to start with. i start laughing every
time i think abotu this.
so where should i look? email me if you have something to sell. ebay
is currently a tad bit pricier than what i want to spend.
Basic learner unicycles, even new, are cheap. I don’t know what’s on e-bay right now but you should be able to get a Torker or United unicycle for $80-$100 new in a bike shop or from unicycle.com. There are a few things you should avoid in buying a unicycle ESPECIALLY to learn. Don’t get a piece of junk with a solid rubber tire, make sure it’s inflatable. Don’t get a modified tricycle with a single piece axle and crank set, make sure the cranks are removeable.
I guess it sort of depends on where you live. If you’re in the US, then eBay might be your best choice. Seeing as you said this is out of your price range ($60 USD), then I guess it’s not so much an option (and thus neither is unicycle.com as their cheapest uni is at least $100 USD). If you live in Canada (or the US as well), I have an old 24" that needs a little work on the seat post (just needs some reshaping so the clamp can grab it properly – right now it’s a little out of shape). I could sell it to you for $70 CAD (negotiable, I suppose). If you live in Europe, I don’t know what there is, other than http://www.unicycle.uk.com
I’m not too sure there are many other options than that. The only other thing I could suggest would be to poke around local bike shops (LBSs) and see what they might have or might be able to order.
If you live near Utah, I’ve got a torker… that just needs a little work on the cranks, if you want it I’ll sell it to you for 30 bucks, USD$
-Jonathan Ware-
If you shop on eBay, stick with the Schwinns. They are very hard to kill. Not only can you get something cheap, but it should last more or less indefinitely unless you start jumping up and down all the time.
Otherwise, go straight to Unicycle.com, where the choices are. Torker is recommended as a great starter uni.
You have already been warned about cheaply-made unicycles. You do not want one, unless your goal is to make some wall art and not to ride it. Unicycles built out of tricycle parts are several times harder to learn on than a ‘real’ unicycle with wheel bearings and an air tire.
thanks for all the replies, folks. i appreciate it. it appears that to
get a unicycle that works for the amount i was hoping to spend, i need
to find a really comprehensive yardsale… ah well.
a question- im pretty adept at welding, wheelbuilding (for bikes, and
i figure its the same), and fabricating simple stuff. i imagine i
could make everything except the hub and the cranks. how much are the
cheapest hub/crankset you can get? i had a quick look online, and
didn’t see what i was looking for,
Ant, I’ll soon be replacing my 20" Stealth Torker that I bought a couple of months ago, so it will be up for sale. Send me an email and tell what your budget is and where you’re located and maybe we can work something out.