Have you ever considered learning to ride an odd bike as a stepping stone to a unicycle? Or perhaps just as a complement to your natural skill set?
If so, here are three odd bikes worth investigating (all of which you can get online at Unicycle.com).
Minibikes
Unicycle.com’s UDC Minibike is a piece of iron – almost literally.
It’s nearly 14 lbs thanks to its rock-solid steel frame, and it’s made with non-pneumatic (solid rubber) tires. This means they will last longer and you will never get a flat.
It also means this little bike – small as it is – is still tough enough for a full sized rider. You might be cramped squeezing yourself down into the saddle, but it can take whatever you can dish out.
Plus, it has two other nice features: a comfortable cruiser saddle, and a lift handle integrated into it, so you can more easily carry this thing around.
Clown Bikes
Unicycle.com also sells clown circus bikes. Their Hoppley 20” Circus Bike is a good example.
Like their minibike, this clown bike also has a steel frame and handlebar – it’s tough enough to hang with the unplanned dismounts of learning to ride and perform tricks.
On that note, it also has tough crank arms and rims, which you’ll also need.
As for trick riding, this clown bike has a lot to offer. It has stunt pegs on the front wheel, enabling you to ride with a partner, and both wheels spin independently of each other.
Also, the lack of a chain drive gives a rider better control over the rear wheel when pedaling in both forward and reverse.
Go ahead, and take up the challenge of learning to ride a clown bike. You won’t regret it.
Penny Farthing Bicycles
Last but not least – definitely the coolest among the odd bikes out there – are penny farthings.
Think you’ve never heard of them? Think again. You might not recognize the name but if you saw a picture you almost certainly would.
These are the bikes that have the comically large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel trailing behind. Therein lies the origin of the name. These odd bikes are an invention of the English, and the two wheels look like a penny and a farthing (a now-defunct unit of Sterling currency equivalent to a quarter of a penny).
These bikes have no chain drive and the crank arms communicate directly with the hub axle interface of the front wheel. This is the reason for its size.
The only way to get the bike to go faster is to increase the diameter of the wheel that enables propulsion. There is one other reason, too – the larger wheel helps absorb some of the bumps in the road, too. They’re much smoother than the velocipedes which preceded them – which were affectionately(?) referred to as “boneshakers.”
At any rate, penny farthings are interesting odd bikes and historical curiosities that some people still get a lot of enjoyment from riding. They’re definitely worth a look if you’re into history and cycling. Just make sure you wear the proper safety gear because a fall from a penny is no joke!
Where Can You Get These Odd Bikes?
Interested in a penny farthing or some other type of odd bike? You can learn more online and get any of the different types mentioned here at Unicycle.com.
They also carry a variety of parts, tools, and safety gear, too. Check out their website for more information or get in touch with them directly – they’d be more than happy to help.
For more information about 31.8 Seatpost Clamp and 32 Inch Tires Please visit: Unicycle.com.
