Hello!
I’m getting back into unicycling and want to specifically train for jumping height. I currently own a nimbus II 24" cruiser unicycle but am finding it kind of difficult to jump any higher than a large step.
I’m looking into trial unicycles but I’m honestly overwhelmed with all the choices and the info. Like I have no idea if i should get a 19 or 20" wheel for example.
If someone would be so kind as to help me understand the buying process/give me recommendations I would appreciate it!
I have a QuAx trials unicycle with a 19" wheel. I believe that is the recommended size for trial. It is a very sturdy uni and if you’ve already had experience with hopping, Im sure you can hop quite high with it. Im not so much into trials. When I can stop and hop a few times and continue my ride I am happy with the accomplishment.
Roos Seegers is our Dutch champion when it comes to trials. She has her own website with a video of what she can do to give you some examples of the right uni :
https://unicycleforever.com/
Is your plan to really get into high jump and trials?
If yes, 19" trials is the obvious choice.
Or just to have something that is better for practicing jumps, but jumping is not the only interest?
Depending on what else you want to do, you may want to consider other options such as a 20" with wide tire. A trials tire will give you a few % more of potential jumping height, but there is a lot that can be done on other tires too.
I second Finn’s comment.
If you want to be serious about trials, the tire selection usually dictates 19".
If you just want to learn, there is very little difference in actual size, depending on the tire the 19" can be bigger than the 20". For jumping you want a solid and strong uni (ISIS cranks) and for jumping higher you also want light weight.
I’m not so good in trials but for me the difference in a normal trials uni (steel frame) and a super light aluminum frame euqates to almost a whole pallet jumping height difference.
So other than for competition where you want the lightest uni, a “flat” uni (strong durable 20" ) could be just as good for practicing jumping. (Then if you switched to a lighter one your height would go up).