I am riding a Stealth Torker Unistar. I want to learn more 1 footed skills and wheel walking but the unicrown (round) frame makes it hard to keep my foot up. I was talking to another rider with the same problem and he suggested using some Skate grip tape, it is like sandpaper on one side and adhesive on the other.
Has anyone tried this? Does it sound like a good idea?
I heard about using pipe clamps to make a footrest, but I haven’t tried it yet. I thought the grip tape might look a little better, especially because I have a black frame.
I think it would help. Not sure how it would compare to a solid object (pipe clamp), but my experience with skate grip tape is that it is exactly that – grippy.
I did the grip tape thing on a Miyata Deluxe freestyle.
Essentially,
– it worked pretty well for grip
– it did not mold well around curves and edges
– the grip paper part wore off pretty fast
– fairly quickly there was no more grip.
I changed frames to a Sem XL and haven’t looked back.
If your looking for a reall foot rest this is what you need:
Three hose clamps
on piece of the strongest sheet metal you can bend (mines 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide)
skateboard tape
regular tape (I used electrical)
Measure how much sheet metal you’ll need, along the side of the frame at the bottom and top wheree the hose clamps will go and the bend that will become your new foot rest. Cut it out bend it, use a vice, hammer and bending pliers. bend the sheet metal so that it fits to the contour of your frame wherever it touches. Put two hose clamps at the bottom and one on the top. Put the skateboard tape on. Put tape on the hose clamps to keep it from rubing on your pants.
Note: The only problem I’ve experienced with this is that it causes you to put your foot in an awfully high position, but it’s easy to get familiar with.
Hey I have had a torker black unistar for a month now, and have also started riding one footed, and I have the same problem! And I was also wondering if tape and such could put a flat crown on my torker. Thanks for the tips. I think I’ll build those tonight!
daino149 <daino149.lncyc@timelimit.unicyclist.com> wrote:
> and he suggested using some Skate grip tape, it is like sandpaper on one
> side and adhesive on the other.
> Has anyone tried this? Does it sound like a good idea?
Its OK , IF your knees /legs etc dn’t wipe across that part of the frame
as you ride ( especially on sharp turns or ideling.) if they do yo9u
will rub your self raw with grip tape. I tried it once and thats what
happened. Your milage may vary.
United trials uni. They work quite well.