What size for an ultimate wheel???

Unicycles and Equipment
1

I’m thinking to make my own ultimate wheel but I’m wondering about the best size
of wheel to go for - 20", 24", or 26". My thinking is to go for a 20" because my
20" unicycle is the easiest to play on, I’m not planning to do anything vaguely
resembling long distances on it and getting a 20" indoor friendly tyre is a lot
easier. Basically I’m asking for opinions on the matter…

Cheerly, Neil

2

Re: What size for an ultimate wheel???

My long-term hope is to take my ultimate wheel off road, so I made it big–26
inch with a 48mm wide rim. I’ve never tried a smaller ultimate.

I’m using Tom Miller’s insert to attach the pedals. This insert gives you two
options for crank lengths. Given a fixed crank length, a smaller diameter wheel
would give you more control–i.e., small shifts of the pedal would create small
shifts in the wheel.

I’ve seen more small ultimates than big ones. Maybe it’s because they are
easier? or just lighter weight–mine is a real pig. Someday I’ll ride a Coker
ultimate. But only after Roach develops the appropriate safety gear.

David Maxfield Bainbridge Island, WA

3

Re: What size for an ultimate wheel???

Maxfield D <maxfieldd@aol.com> wrote:

> I’ve seen more small ultimates than big ones. Maybe it’s because they are
> easier? or just lighter weight–mine is a real pig. Someday I’ll ride a Coker
> ultimate. But only after Roach develops the appropriate safety gear.

You’ve been beaten to it. At the BJC this year, Miark managed to ultimate
Sarah’s Coker wheel (the frame was being used for a 20" at the time - don’t
ask…) - sans safety gear tho’. Mind you he’s a Yorkshire lad so doesn’t need
the protection!

–
Paul Selwood paul@vimes.u-net.com

4

Re: What size for an ultimate wheel???

What kind of rim do you have on it?

Maxfield D wrote:
>
> My long-term hope is to take my ultimate wheel off road, so I made it big–26
> inch with a 48mm wide rim. I’ve never tried a smaller ultimate.
>
> I’m using Tom Miller’s insert to attach the pedals. This insert gives you two
> options for crank lengths. Given a fixed crank length, a smaller diameter
> wheel would give you more control–i.e., small shifts of the pedal would
> create small shifts in the wheel.
>
> I’ve seen more small ultimates than big ones. Maybe it’s because they are
> easier? or just lighter weight–mine is a real pig. Someday I’ll ride a Coker
> ultimate. But only after Roach develops the appropriate safety gear.
>
> David Maxfield Bainbridge Island, WA

5

Re: What size for an ultimate wheel???

>What kind of rim do you have on it?

A Sun Phat Albert rim.

David Maxfield Bainbridge Island, WA

6

RE: What size for an ultimate wheel???

Hi David

>From the web sites I’ve seen that have info on building an Ultimate the
kludgiest part of it definitely seems to be getting the cranks in to the board
in a fashion that’ll last.

> I’m using Tom Miller’s insert to attach the pedals.

I live in the UK and, as Tom’s web site says, he can only be contacted by phone
so I’m reluctant to try and get a set without knowing a bit more first. I’ve
heard good things of Tom Millers inserts and been past Tom’s web site
http://www.tux.org/~bagleyd/unicycle_factory/special.html for a look. There’s
no picture of them so I was wondering if you could describe them to me?

Cheerly, Neil