Foolproof Technique for Learning to Ride a Unicycle

Video illustrates a technique I used to learn the unicycle. I consolidated techniques from various sources into a workable process.

[@jamesquaranta2173]

Thanks for posting this method-- after finding this video I picked up a Nimbus 24" uni and followed your method step by step. Took me 20 days (~15 hours) until I could ride 100'. I used a brick as a backstop for the assisted free mount. But the best part was when I decided to stop using the brick-- it only took me 3 attempts to do a proper static free mount!

[@floridagliderpilot7525]

This method worked for me. I was able to ride a short distance (about 20-30 feet) in about an hour from ground zero. Once you get the confidence to start using this method without holding on to a wall, etc, you really learn fast.

[@vistabarmancave]

Great job! This method is exactly how I learned to ride my unicycle 35 years ago using my Schwinn instruction manual as a reference. I agree that the fence and wall methods people are demonstrating in other videos are not as effective as the method you showed. It’s a monotonous process but extremely effective.

[@skiptower]

I learned to ride a unicycle 30 years ago and just like riding a bicycle I can get on a unicycle anytime and ride. I learned by just trying in open space over and over until I finally got it. I can say with absolute confidence this video is how to learn. I actually did exactly what is described without knowing what i was doing. Get away from anything on the side. Then the curb idea allows you to learn to balance in three directions. Then when you roll away from the curb you add the forth direction. For me it was like learning a bicycle. In that one day it just clicked. And then just ride knowing that you can get on anytime. So I lost all fear of falling off.

[@derekpirie9188]

Excellent well done. Got my Uni yesterday. your starting tips are good. Unlike others, do not need to "learn" fancy ways of mounting. Leave that for the experienced.

[@HoboDan]

The curb or block preventing the unicycle from going backwards is a great tip for assisted mounting. Well done!

[@mnorton2666]

This is the Best video I've seen so Far! I was having a hard time with my Free mounts, your tips have helped me a ton!

[@amylaramy]

Nice video with good suggestions! I'm so close to getting it and I think these tips will help me get over the learning hump.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Neat idea! I'll definitely try it out, thanks! No curbs where I live, but I can find a log or a cinder block probably. Your video was so clear and well laid out that I am subscribing. There are a lot of channels out there, but not a lot of well-organized people who make clear, linear presentations that are conducive to learning or understanding a subject. LOL and I just realized you only ever posted three videos. Too bad -- you are good at it! You should do more. I mean, if you want to!

[@coffeecupcowboy3888]

Hi, Dingfelder, thanks for your kind words. I found very few helpful learning videos when I was learning and I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@BennieSantiago]

the best technique i ever watched to learn how to ride a unicycle. thanks for sharing. stay safe.

[@warrencarswell7814]

Awesome. Like the systematic approach and with the unassisted mount. Way to stick to it! Not easy and takes like you said, 100’s and 100’s of try’s.

[@nolagospeltracts8264]

Ok, well I might as well try this method now. Thanks for the video..

[@rodrigosouto9502]

Great tutorial!

[@cmerighe2]

Your method is unique. I am going to try it.

[@davidreallylikesthat]

Good points. Thank you!

[@binadybudhi9661]

Thanks for sharing. Very informative.

[@RockyLikesPews]

Learning to free mount was a weird thing for me. I tried so many time with no luck and the all the sudden something clicked and I could do it... I know that doesn't help but it's just my experience

[@user-bu7ul9qf1n]

thanks a lot, I will try it soon.

[@miroro755]

Cool video, thank you

[@gideontulus]

Hello, What size is your bike? And how tall are you? I already have the 16 inch, and I think it's too small for me (177cm)

[@thalon3707]

That's the most helpful video so far for me. I was looking for a good starting point for my training and it was literally right in front of my flats door. So far I got around 4m in my first 30mins. I want to mention another really good tip for men: The optimal seat height is usually said to be 2-3cm below your belly button. But for real starters it should be 5-8cm below the BB, because you won't get be kicked that hard in your balls and makes the experience of learning a lot less painful :-)

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

But for what size wheel? Different height wheels will have the seat at a different height ...

[@thalon3707]

Why would they have that? I'm using a 20" with a very long pipe to the seat so it fits my size. If I'd have a 28" I'd use a shorter pipe and would be sitting in the same height. It may be different for very large wheels, but by this time you are proficient enough to deal with that, as it is not recommended for beginners.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

Have you seen people riding the bigger wheels, like the 36 or 29's? They are way above the ground when they ride. It's really noticeable. Their seats sometimes come up to their ribcage. To each their own, but there are actually many people who like shorter or longer seat heights. I see it argued on forums for both regular and electric unicycles(some of which actually can attach a seat). The metric I've seen recommended that sounded most common sensical was much like that for a bike --- set the seat height so that when your foot is on the pedal, your leg is almost fully extended. That will allow yo to exert pretty much full power without losing grip on the pedals or hurting your knee by locking it out. It will also account for different leg lengths that even people the same size will have. And it will apply to any size wheel equally. Something like your bellybutton height could work based on the bottom pedal position too. But that would force you to ride either very tall in the saddle on smaller uni's or very short in the saddle on bigger ones. From just forum chats, people talk more or less exclusively about how and why they like their fixed height regardless of wheel size rather than how they would make a sometimes dramatic seat post adjustment every time they switched sizes.

[@thalon3707]

Dingfelder Smurfalot Yes I've seen them and I concerned this topic in my answer. The belly button rule works just fine for me as it is a measurement from the ground that really fits well for beginners as they will have more contact with it and this distance is really what matters when the bike kicks you between the legs. Other than this I agree with your statement as soon as you can ride a unicycle in general.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

I think we were both making some assumptions and that is why we were disagreeing. I'm inherently thinking Muni, which tends to use 24 and up, and you are emphasizing new learners, who are overwhelmingly recommended to start small, often with a 20-incher. And of course smaller sizes are better suited to kids, too. For me, the larger sizes came to mind immediately. But by the time you get to those, you're almost certainly well past the new-learner stage and some general rules start to be replaced with personal preferences.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Ok. All looks good and very clear instruction. I can use this when I get my uni. The end however when you sped up the film of you going through the tunnel was kind of wonky with all the flailing. 👍☮️🌞

[@innocentrichemond6152]

6 the same time 8+t55511

[@napman99]

Thanks.

[@Dukeboyjamz]

Omg! This video totally helps! I just started today with a sun classic unicycle in my kitchen holding on to the counter for dear life. Makes sense to just start without anything to hold on to! Many thanks for creating a great methodical technique. I’ll be out on the curb in the morning ٩(^‿^)۶ woohoo!

[@shevek5886]

Pleeeease tell me how to jump with the unicycle!?? Thank you for your video!!

[@rayrous8229]

New advice. It looks sound. I'm going to use it in my next practice.

[@happinessisasmile]

Helpful ideas thanks...what bike are you using? thanks for sharing : ) it looks fun! Eventually! : )

[@coffeecupcowboy3888]

Most of the film was made with a Cyclepro trainer from the 1980's. You might have noticed at the end of the video, I upgraded to a Torker Unistar LX. The trainers generally have a smoother tire that will probably assist in your learning, but won't be as durable as more mid-grade models.

[@drunization]

Your video has corrected my beginning techniques from other videos. Thank you for explaining how important free mounting technique is. I found more confidence doing your recommendation rather than using a support other than a curb. I have watched videos saying that the seat of the unicycle should be at your belly button. I feel like the height is good for my legs but hard for my core. I have a personal question. You look like you are big in all areas, so please tell me if I need to wear a cup or what am I doing wrong. I don’t think it’s the height, because I have it at belly button height. I keep crushing my genitalia. If I mount and fall to my right many times my crotch gets pulled across the seat. If I mount correctly and then fall off to the left of of my balls gets crushed. I’m gonna buy a jock strap and use it until I get better recommendations. I am almost midlife adult trying to learn because I have always wanted to ride a unicycle and juggle and also because I have adult add/adhd and have to be learning something new. I also want to get proficient so I can see about making this part of a activity program as part of an after school program at one of the secondary schools I work at. Thanks again for a great video.

[@coffeecupcowboy3888]

Hi, drunization, you have discovered one of many discouragements of the unicycle experience. I found that I needed to be firmly planted on the seat for correct balance, often with my manly parts uncomfortably lodged between me and the unicycle. Try positioning the family jewels in front of your legs prior to mounting the unicycle. I found that bicycle shorts helped, but also developing enough balance that you don't need to firmly planted on the seat might be the ultimate solution.

[@samthewizzy]

I wonder if I’d be easier considering I can ride a bike with no hands as long as I don’t get to tired

[@Gairuntee]

Wait, it took you months?

[@mrsledge]

Nice breakdown

[@nirmalkumarsharma3877]

सतत प्रयास करने से हम सब कुछ कर सकते हैं.... -निर्मल कुमार शर्मा ,गाजियाबाद ,25-9-2020

[@g.h.t.6881]

Why the Vocoder.

[@x5-acousticguitarstuff.2]

Hahahaha.. I was only 18 when I started Riding.. A CLOWN Showed me. But it still takes around 70 Hours to Learn. I am NOW 60 Years old and I still Ride them. ATM i have a 24" UNICYCLE and I love it.

[@user-ce2li6is5y]

slay girly

[@aidenw4851]

he sounds like steve -o

[@chriscoughlan5221]

its taking me years, 6 to be precise, and i still haven´t mastered it!

[@trexinvert]

Not being sarcastic, but did you try the "opposite" of what he's recommending? Especially, tips #2 and #3. Put most of your weight on the pedals, and less on the seat. Crouch forwards and look at the ground. Also, "drop" the seat lower so that you legs work harder(more work = more sensitivity = more control), because a high seat = more leverage = unwanted unintentional sudden movement. Also, don't just flail your arms twist your upper body to counter the action of your lower body. There is a specific rhythm between the upper and lower body not unlike running or walking. You've already tried the traditional tips. Didn't work. You got nothing to lose. Keep on.

[@chriscoughlan5221]

@@trexinvert I think i have 0 coordination.

[@Rotimiskills]

learning how to Unicycle on my channel too

[@masterC5828]

very good video.... is unicycle safe for age 60? looks good for balancing skill...I can do basic skateboard ( subs and like )

[@coffeecupcowboy3888]

Hi, Master Cello, you can definitely hurt yourself on a unicycle, but you can minimize the risk by learning to dismount by leaning back (not forwards). Remember that you are feet are only about 6 inches above the ground. Just make sure you land on your feet!

[@masterC5828]

@@coffeecupcowboy3888 thanks for the response...I got my uni amonth ago..now start from basic..some scratch on shin and knee..enjoy the process...

[@olliewilson2346]

I give up

[@mishael9]

Never give up bro!!!

[@mikebaugus2881]

I’m not sure who this guy is?

[@coffeecupcowboy3888]

Me neither. Just someone trying to help others with learning something new and challenging.

[@sidjtd]

What a bizarre comment. You only watch KZbin if it features people you already know?

[@thatboymonts1827]

Lol it took u months to ride it?💀💀💀

[@andrewjackson125]

Imagine taking time out of your day to comment that