semcycle vs DM Engineering

General
1

I’m new to unicycles. Is the DM Engineering bike worth the extra cost in terms
of being light weight and stronger to justify its purchase over the semcycle? If
I get any good at this I do plan on taking it offroad as a muni, as I’m an avid
mountain biker I have courses all laid out in my area already.

Can it be purchased anywhere else besides the unicycle source? And finally does
anyone recommend rolling my own, i.e. purchasing the frame and wheel etc
separately. I found a carbon fiber frame from the muni faq, but its cost alone
approaches (or actually exceeds) that of the DM Engineering bike.

–
-Laz.

2

Re: semcycle vs DM Engineering

Laszlo Vecsey wrote:

> I’m new to unicycles. Is the DM Engineering bike worth the extra cost in terms
> of being light weight and stronger to justify its purchase over the semcycle?

The DM’s are generally not light (unless you look at the new off road one that
has the new hub). It is incredibly rigid which gives better response to control
movements. It is machine that will out last any other. Remember this is not a
bike and lightness is not everything, rigidity also affects controllability.

> If I get any good at this I do plan on taking it offroad as a muni, as I’m an
> avid mountain biker I have courses all laid out in my area already.

Simple, the Sem is a beautiful unicycle, but it is not as durable as the DM by
half and anyway cannot be used for muni effectively as there is not enough
clearance in the frame to fit a sensible tyre.

Here is my comparison by components. DM very rigid/bombproof being made from
CrMo, Sem not DM has machined bearing holders (essential for bearing life, with
abuse), Sem used std. pressed steel ones. DM has flat topped frame for foot
control, Sem hasn’t. Sem’s have a narrow crown (good for not catching knees, but
not good for foot control) DM has bombproof hub, Sem does not - expect a new hub
every year at least if you do any serious riding. DM has a 40 spoke wheel, Sem
has a 36. DM had BMX style hollow cranks (Superb), Sem has standard uni ones.

Basically these 2 unicycles should not be compared together, they are made for
different jobs. If you want to do Muni, get a Muni.

> Can it be purchased anywhere else besides the unicycle source? And finally
> does anyone recommend rolling my own, i.e. purchasing the frame and wheel etc
> separately. I found a carbon fiber frame from the muni faq, but its cost alone
> approaches (or actually exceeds) that of the DM Engineering bike.

I only sell the frame. If you build it with the same hub as Dave’s DM you will
look at over $1200. I don’t know if you consider it a good recommendation since
I build the CF uni but I believe that the new DM muni is a really good machine
and is definitely value for money. It will last and perform.

Cheers

Roger

              ********************************************
                   Minnesota Ride for the MS Charity
                      450 miles, 14-22 August 1999
                    <a href="http://www.skypoint.com/~cotter/">http://www.skypoint.com/~cotter/</a>
                         Unicycling for a Cause
3

Re: semcycle vs DM Engineering

Roger Davies wrote:
>
> DM has flat topped frame for foot control, Sem hasn’t. DM has a 40 spoke
> wheel, Sem has a 36. DM had BMX style hollow cranks (Superb), Sem has standard
> uni ones.

Which DM are you comparing, Roger? My DM Ringmaster has the rounded frame, 36
spoke wheel and standard cranks. I’m never quite sure what’s what with DM (he
doesn’t seem to publicise his range terrible well).

The Sem is a gorgeous machine to ride indoors, but I’ve never been convinced
about its robustness. The DM seems almost indestructible (I go through an axle
every 2 years, which I don’t consider bad considering the abuse I give it).

    - Richard
4

Re: semcycle vs DM Engineering

Richard Loxley wrote:

> Roger Davies wrote:
> >
> > DM has flat topped frame for foot control, Sem hasn’t. DM has a 40 spoke
> > wheel, Sem has a 36. DM had BMX style hollow cranks (Superb), Sem has
> > standard uni ones.
>
> Which DM are you comparing, Roger?

I was comparing the new DMatu which was first seen at the BMW. It’s cost is
£395.00 I called Dave today and I think this is all of DM’s range although I
know he will make specials. 16"/20 Ringmaster powder coated with rounded crown
£112.50 (this is like yours I think). 24" Ringmaster powder coated with rounded
crown £117.50 28" Ringmaster £128.00 20" Unihock (specially made for hockey with
DM’s own hub, no bumpers etc.) £129.00 20" chrome ringmaster £125.00 20"
Advanced Ringmaster (as used by Julian Money) using aircraft tubing and dave’s
hub £199.00 (he did mention that this was a special price.

> My DM Ringmaster has the rounded frame, 36 spoke wheel and standard cranks.
> I’m never quite sure what’s what with DM (he doesn’t seem to publicise his
> range terrible well).

I know what you mean about prices, I really must try and get a proper price list
from him some time. I think he prefers building the unicycles to selling them!

> The Sem is a gorgeous machine to ride indoors, but I’ve never been convinced
> about its robustness. The DM seems almost indestructible (I go through an axle
> every 2 years, which I don’t consider bad considering the abuse I give it).

I agree with you about the Sem it is a gorgeous machine, but it is not a Muni.

Now I have give DM’s prices etc. can anyone tell me what and how much Sems are
in the UK?

Cheers

Roger

              ********************************************
                   Minnesota Ride for the MS Charity
                      450 miles, 14-22 August 1999
                    <a href="http://www.skypoint.com/~cotter/">http://www.skypoint.com/~cotter/</a>
                         Unicycling for a Cause
5

Re: semcycle vs DM Engineering

Roger Davies wrote in message <37935D93.A6364346@Octacon.Co.Uk>…
>20" Advanced Ringmaster (as used by Julian Money) using aircraft tubing and
>dave’s hub £199.00 (he did mention that this was a special price.

My first unicycle is the 24" version of this - still waiting for delivery -
expecting great things from it (primarily that it be pretty much
indestructible). It was very highly recommended (“That’s a real quality piece of
kit you’re ordering there, mate.”). I wanted to buy something that will still be
in one piece after I have thrown it all over the local carparks while learning
to ride properly.

>Now I have give DM’s prices etc. can anyone tell me what and how much Sems are
>in the UK?

I initially considered a Sem but got the impression that they would be harder to
obtain and more expensive. Your comments on ruggedness make me happy that I made
the right choice. I did not seriously consider any other brands.

Just my novice two pence.

Arnold the Aardvark