I wonder what percentage of the unicycles sold out there end up the same way? That’s where all those pristine-looking old Schwinns on eBay come from. And where yours could go if you’re interested.
My first unicycle was a Schwinn Giraffe, purchased on Feb. 11, 1980. I already knew how to ride, of course. I started in 1976 on a POS Troxel, which fell apart under the pressure of “having somebody actually pedaling it”. Three years later (1979), I finished by riding my friend’s Schwinn Giraffe away from a car fender (lots of tries).
My second unicycle was also a Schwinn, a 24". It got converted into a cool track unicycle in 1981, with 1" holes drilled up the sides and a re-chrome job. Beautiful, but flexy.
We also had a Schwinn 20" that we borrowed from a friend and eventually bought from him. It’s been used over the years to teach many a new rider. Then in 1984 it was used to win the Pairs Freestyle event at Unicon I. I still have it.
I have another Schwinn 24" that I tried to convert to a mountain unicycle in 1996 by cramming a 26" wheel in there. It works unless you pedal hard, which kind of disqualifies it from good MUni. Cranking up or downhill makes the tire rub, earning it the nickname “fart cycle”. Like a pair of corduroys. I still have that one too.
Another Schwinn is the Excessory Cycle, built from another 24" in 1981. I attached all the bike accessories I could afford and fit on there, while still having it rideable. But a flat tire in the late 90s put it out of commission. Eventually I took it all apart (necessary due to all the parts & wires attached). Now it’s in a box waiting for restoration and reassembly. Someday.
I also have a “backup” Schwinn Giraffe. Jacquie bought it for me some years ago, and it’s in pieces, scattered around the garage. It needs to be rebuilt/regreased to be usable, and probably a new chain.
In addition I have a Loyd unicycle, found on eBay. This is an early 1960s predecessor of the Schwinns. They bought the design from Loyd Wicker Smith. It looks like a Schwinn except it has a nasty-looking leather bicycle seat on it, which I think was the original seat!