Unicycle - Riding Styles

Riding Styles

Traditionally, unicycling has been connected by the public with parades or with the circus. Recent developments in the strength and durability of bicycle (and consequently unicycle) parts have given rise to many riding styles such as trials unicycling and mountain unicycling. Unicycling has therefore developed from primarily an entertainment activity to a competitive sport and recreational pursuit.

Freestyle

Perhaps the oldest form of extreme unicycling, traditional freestyle riding is based on performance. Freestyle tricks and moves are derived from different ways of riding the unicycle, and linking these moves together into one long flowing line that is aesthetically pleasing. Competitions look very similar to figure skating

Trials unicycling

Trials unicycling is specifically aimed at negotiating obstacles. Analogous to trials bike riding.

Street unicycling

Street unicycling as a style of unicycling involves riders using a combination of objects found in urbanized settings (such as ledges, handrails, and stairs) to perform a wide variety of tricks. Many tricks are similar to those performed in other extreme sports, such as BMX and skateboarding.

Off-road or mountain unicycling (MUni)

Unicycling on rough terrain has been the swiftest growing form of unicycling in recent years.It is usually on a slope of 20- 40 degrees Any place a mountain bike can go, a mountain unicycle can go as well — and sometimes more easily, due to the unicycle's greater maneuverability.

Touring or commuting

This style concentrates on distance riding. With a 29-inch (740 mm) or 36-inch (910 mm) wheel cruising speeds of 10 to 15 mph (24 km/h) or more can easily be reached.

Flatland

As of 2009 flatland is a relatively new form of unicycling. By definition it follows the same rules as freestyle: to do various trick and move on flat ground. Flatland, however, does not have the performance element of freestyle. Like Street, the tricks are more similar to those in BMX and skateboarding.