How easy is it to convert an 20" standard unicycle (Bogglefingers) into a
5ft. Giraffe? I’m guessing that all that would be necessary would be:
sprocket(s)* to replace the crank(s) on the axle. chain(s). frame
extension. (a tube securely double-bolted into the existing fork) a
crank/axle/sprocket(s) assembly to go at the top of the extension (with
the seatpost above).
The latter would be the biggest challenge. Has anybody managed this and
got a half-decent result?
Years ago I did this. The two main problems I encountered were twisting
and chain skew.
Twisting occured at the seat tube and could probably be remedied by using
a more secure seat post clamp than I used.
Chain skew occured due to the fact that the drive sprocket (the one on the
wheel) is outside the frame. This caused the chain to wear faster than it
should have, but otherwise worked ok. Chain skew could be controlled by
using a bottom bracket assembly that allows lateral adjustment to bring
the chain into alignment.
I also remember that the drive sprocket was very close to the frame and
would cause the chain to rub the outside of the frame. This was primarily
due to my lack of planning when I made the drive sprocket and could easily
be remedied.
Based on my experience, and given the wide availability of giraffe
unicycles, I do not recommend this. I don’t belive that a “conversion” is
nearly as strong as a “true” giraffe. In my situation I ended up just
builing a giraffe frame. However, the experience of making a “conversion”
was an interesting experiment for me. At one time I even considered
commercially producing such a conversion kit but, after a resounding lack
of interest I abandoned the project.
-mg
“Andrew Feldhaus” <Reply@Thread.pls> wrote in message news:a04mqo$aau$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk… > How easy is it to convert an 20" standard unicycle (Bogglefingers) into > a 5ft. Giraffe? I’m guessing that all that would be necessary would be: > > sprocket(s)* to replace the crank(s) on the axle. chain(s). frame > extension. (a tube securely double-bolted into the existing fork) a > crank/axle/sprocket(s) assembly to go at the top of the extension (with > the seatpost above). > > The latter would be the biggest challenge. Has anybody managed this and > got a half-decent result? > > Just curious. > > Andrew xADF > > *(s) where double-chained.