Which is more stable?

General
1

I’m still very much in the learning phase, having done about 11 hours on my 20" Nimbus II.
I have a variation on the usual 24" vs 26" question.

Whilst trying to decide on a 24" or 26" Nimbus II for my next uni, for pavement/hard paths general riding around, I read something about the smaller wheel giving more stability.
As I am relatively new to uni, would this be an advantage, and is it correct?

Any opinions welcome.

2

Unicycles are inherently unstable. A 20" wheel is lighter, which makes it easier to move, which might make it “less unstable” but you still have to balance it. Because 20" wheels, all other things being equal, are lighter it makes them slightly easier to learn on.

But if you aren’t learning to ride, your consideration should be more about which size wheel suits your riding. Generally I’d say go with 26" if you want to cover distance, or 24" if you’re less interested in distance and more interested in messing around while riding. The other upside to 26" is a much, much greater selection of replacement tires.

3

I think the bigger wheel is more stable.It’s less twitchy and holds it’s line better . It also rolls over obstacles more easily.

Hope this helps

4

I think the bigger wheel is more stable.It’s less twitchy and holds it’s line better . It also rolls over obstacles more easily.

Hope this helps

5

I agree

Advice so nice you say it twice!
This forum bug always makes me laugh :smiley:

6

Yes, unibokk is right as well. As wheels get bigger (and heavier), they have more inertia so they can be better at rolling over things. Also a larger diameter effectly makes some bumps “smaller” due to the geometry. The difference in a 24/26" wheel comparison may be undetectable though. Even if the wheels are identical in rim width and tire type, you might not be able to feel any difference.

Hence it’s much easier to ride many miles without a dismount on a large wheel than a small one. My personal record is 26 miles without a dismount (on a 36" wheel). Great for elapsed time–but murder on the crotch! :astonished:

7

I can’t fathom ever going 26 miles without giving that backside a break - ouch!

The furthest I’ve done is only 9 miles, although I think I could have gone a little further.

Andre