How to Ride a Unicycle - The Progression from the Expert: Roland Kays

[@ontarga]

57 years young and decided to take up a learning challenge. Inspirational stuff indeed

[@LewysC]

Good luck!! You're never too old to learn anything :D

[@flanthemanable]

Hey, how did it work out?

[@joannekirkwood]

I started riding seriously when I was 53…..now can do 30 km road rides and love single track municycling!

[@mikedude4887]

Purchased a unicycle yesterday .... being 53, so many people are telling why I can't and shouldn't do this. (To me, THATS inspiration ). Let's do this....

[@robnelsonfilms]

+Mike dude Love it!

[@GaaraVII]

I am 41 and was about to ask if im to old for this but now i gotta buy one for next summer. Gotta find a place with no people watching me fail tho as well, haha

[@Damiendrops]

I'm 62 and I ride a uni, my spouse is 69 and I just got her one, and she's learning. I don't know what "too old" is. If you ain't dead: keep going.

[@eztvlight1202]

How did your unicycling go?

[@rogerunderhill4267]

I’m 54 and have had an electric unicycle for two months and it is awesome. Age really has nothing to do with it! I’m having so much fun :) For more inspiration, check out Ed Pratt who unicycled around the world...

[@IdeaStudioBKK]

40 years old and decided to give it a go. I've always wanted to learn and never did. Nothing stoping me now.

[@georgecarr68]

I gave the launching from the fence method a try in an attempt to speed things up and found my self falling on my back! I did work on dismounting prior but things got out of control very quickly. My recommendation is to take your time! Using a fence similar to this video is what is working for me, realize that it's going to take time and be patient. It will happen but safety comes first!

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

Starting to get it. I have one suggestion; don’t wait until you’re 60 to purchase your first unicycle like I did. What a great core exercise!

[@sportology1]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@rrurban]

Learned Uni when I was 13 and just took it up again at 47. Learned on a 20", then a 24" and now just bought a 27.5 Nimbus. Great sport

[@msprofessr]

I started my lesson yesterday on learning how to unicycle. I got peddle bites on my dominant leg. I’m sore. After an hour lesson. I managed to do only one revolution. I mounted the bike with the assistant of two people one on each side. Finally I decided to practice going between bleachers and grabbing with both arms on side of bleacher. I have a lot to learn.

[@Nyarlathoth]

Hint: Concentrate doing half-revolutions, slowing down when the pedals are horizontal. Avoid standing still with vertical pedals or you will not move forward anymore!

[@gordonreid-ds1mh]

Almost 50 and have made a goal to do a 35km ride in a unicycle to honour my late Friend Gray Braedvedt who was killed in a cycling hit and run. I’m learning in his unicycle

[@12Skidoo]

“You’re almost always going to land on your feet” *cut to clip of Seth falling flat on his back*

[@ashlynthrockmorton4206]

This video helped a ton. It's my first day riding a unicycle and because of this video i was able to ride from my driveway to my neighbors driveway on the sidewalk. It helped me make big improvements.

[@dbsmith8881]

I'm 56 years old and just bought my first unicycle. I've already gotten a few "pedal bites." Maybe I should buy some shin guards until I get going. HA! I'm just going to keep on practicing until I get it.

[@tourguidechuck]

I just pulled out unicycle I found on the street (in New Orleans when we don't want stuff we leave it on the curb). I just inflated the tire and am committed to learning how to ride. I have skateboarded and can do the rolla bolla so I am hoping that gives me an advantage! I'll post an update.

[@UntamedScience]

Charles Duffy awesome

[@Excaty01]

You know it's a hard thing to do, when someone teaches you how to fall right :D

[@jackcallahan1848]

I got a unicycle for Christmas and I started learning to turn. I found leaning forward with a straight back is helpful to stay up. Also, to turn you start to fall, then yank the wheel underneath you. Don’t be afraid to use your arm. It’s almost like swimming.

[@enginerd0]

I've been working at it for the first time today, going at it for about an hour. I think I was a little hampered by the flu that I have, which seems to hurt my equilibrium and stamina, but I still made a lot of improvement, and got to the point where I was pretty consistently hitting six pedals before I lost my balance or my feet slipped off the pedals. I found that all the rules you listed here were very helpful, and that the key for me. However, my biggest problem is over thinking it. I found that if I just jumped on and started pedaling, things went much better than if I thought about it, after mounting the uni.

[@HoboDan]

This dude's outfit is ideal for unicycle riding. You can't change my mind.

[@benbrown8258]

Glad to see this 2nd video on unicycles from Sportology. Very good to see a beginner not simply get up in 5 minutes and ride away into the sunset. 4 miles on a "20" is a long way for a newbie with limitations. This year learning has been much faster even if I have less time. *I'm also learning to carry water with me. If Professor Kays ever comes to Michigan I'd be interested in attending a workshop.

[@sportology1]

Ben Brown Glad you liked it. I was always frustrated with the other How-to videos as well when they showed the experts pretending to not be able to ride. I think this is a better representation of what it's like. I don't think Roland does workshops but he goes to most of the muni festivals!

[@RumblingTube]

I learned when I was 11/12 on a 16”. Went up to a 20” about two years after that and rode that for a while. I’m getting a 26” soon

[@zachariahschiada2440]

I just started unicycling. I’ve practiced about an hour a day for three days so far. I sort of disagree with not holding something to start. I found it easier to start putting my hand on my fence then working towards spacing my obstacles to touch a part a ways and then peddling without cheating. It’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve learned and I grew up doing lots of different things; skateboarding, biking, rollerblading, etc.I really just wanted something to focus on using my core while it isn’t raining much to be able to take my ww kayak out. Super fun sport though. I think I’m fairly hooked.

[@kerrieblowes3503]

Got my unicycle this evening.. yay... Will put it together tomorrow and start learning. I'm 53 too. I will time how long it takes me to learn to stay on it for 30 seconds straight

[@robnelsonfilms]

Good luck!!!

[@dongaboo280]

i justgotmy unicycle as a Christmas gift. Unfortunately I have to until the spring to start practicing but it is gonna be fun

[@shiftingmanual9198]

Gabriel Molina I learned indoors

[@Pyrolonn]

I love this video, because most videos only show experienced riders not the complete neophyte (which is what I will be when I get a unicycle!)

[@robnelsonfilms]

Pyrolonn : Thanks Pyrolonn! That was what I thought too when I started looking online for how-to videos!!!

[@secretdaisy6484]

Helpful video. Thanks. I’m waiting for my unicycle to arrive. 👍☮️🌞

[@miaeliaz3975]

I actually just started riding and this video helped me sooooooo much

[@causeimbored695]

I just bought one myself thanks for the tips

[@marklukeman5426]

I got a unicycle for christmas this video helped a lot

[@robnelsonfilms]

+mark lukeman Awesome. Have you been able to ride any distance yet?

[@santiajean4934]

YOUR VIDEO IS VERY INFORMATIVE THANK YOU FROM FLORIDA!!!!

[@mickc4672]

Thank you for this helpful video!

[@carrot4460]

This has been rly helpful thanks

[@nethanvaartstra3789]

Thanks sooo much, first day i was thinking how can i even get on this thing. 12 days later i do 103 revolutions. Then 300-500-1000

[@connorernst9968]

Love the video, got my first unicycle yesterday and can already ride 20 or so feet, but when you said it should be raised to your bellybutton it helped me even more. Keep posting vids to help us begginers!!!

[@gliderrider]

I’m a heavy guy. Gonna try it! I’ve been riding electric unicycles for over a year but I don’t think they have a lot in common. Old school will definitely be harder. But at least you can take it on a plane. And even the best ones are sooo much cheaper than electric. Nice video👍🏻

[@ChrisCoolski]

Nothing like riding a 36 inch. I like the others but I'm hooked on the 36.

[@PrashChengi]

Chris Coolski Downig, what kind of average speeds do you manage on a 36er? Can you work up a pace comparable with a 29er bicycle?

[@charliegregory9312]

I've been checking out 'how to ride unicycles' and was worried that at 46, I was too old. Some of the inspiring comments here have disabused me of that, as has this excellent video. Where to get a good learners unicycle? I've seen Unicycle.com mentioned, so I'll check them out. Anywhere else?

[@travis103192]

Excellent video, been wanting to try this for the last year, not sure what came over me but I just can’t get this urge to go away. Now that summer has kicked in I would like to be active outside and am aware it’s a great work out. I had ordered mine a day ago and am now impatiently waiting, I may have went a little nuts on my first uni, but it’s built for life and with anything that you put yourself to, it may be a big price at first but becomes quite cheap to use over time. If I use this uni everyday for a year, it’ll be roughly $2.00 a day to use. I have kinda an obsession with learning, so I don’t think I’ll regret my KH20 trials.

[@LittleSiren24]

I started riding yesterday. I've already scuffed the walls of my apartment and bruised my inner thigh, but I'm determind. falling on my tail bone, twisting my ankle, and hitting my shin will not stop me!

[@robnelsonfilms]

+Firestar24 AWESOME. Keep it up. Thanks for letting us know you're progressing. I want to hear when you finally get up.

[@connorernst9968]

you should post a vid on how to mount and dismount a unicycle

[@Chezmaen]

If I were to have a unicycle I would pick a big wheel unicycle who agrees?

[@myarthritiscoker1835]

My brother just got a unicycle for his birthday but it's to big for him so I'm trying to learn so I can teach him he just turned ten but he's a little guy lol, nice tutorial though

[@AapoPuhakkaBadminton]

Thanks for the tips - I did it 👍👍👍 and I made video of it - it's on my channel

[@jakemalone808]

This really helped me I was only doing half a revolution and now I'm doing 5 revolutions

[@nethanvaartstra3789]

Same

[@mcoxygenated9282]

Great one

[@kingpigeon3025]

Very helpful😀

[@robertgaskill7528]

I've got the hang of going forwards and turning but I'm not what to practice next to progress. Should I be practicing free starting, free standing, riding backwards or bunny hopping?

[@RumblingTube]

When I was learning to freemount I wore shin guards😝

[@mrbrettlee1]

Hey I just watched your video i have a question what if you wheelie a mountain bike would it be easier for me to jump on a unicycle I'd just have to grasp getting on the thing I hope you could help many thanks

[@taracole7537]

I learned how to ride when I was a teen, and just got a new 20". Its now been about 20 yrs, and its not as easy! Any tips?

[@Ghostad92]

I Recommend you buying this.

[@georgelanetz7092]

I learn this for a week now and I'm wondering why no one touches the most important theme - HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR BALLS SAFE? That's far more important that darn idling ;-(

[@oscarcoach6422]

GRACIAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS. FRIENDS VERY NICE TIPS. GOD BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILIA

[@drewblanche]

That unicycle has breaks? Never saw that before.

[@tonygrubb5374]

They forgot the most important thing... Arms are your balance so dont hold the seat... They must have failed science in school 😂

[@pchengi1786]

@@jasonbellmusic3091 , if you want to get off, you can just stop, and then grab the back of the saddle with one of your hands; it's not hard at all. I only hold the saddle when free-mounting, and even as I'm coming up onto the saddle, I let go of the saddle. An easy way to learn to do this is to practice some aborted mounts; hold the saddle with your prefered hand, and don't mount all the way. Stop just short, lower the raised foot, let go of the saddle, and catch the saddle from the behind, with your hand (the one you just released the saddle from). You can also do another kind of an aborted mount, where you go over the unicycle, and plant the foot all the way onto the ground, instead of on the pedal, catching the unicycle with your free hand, behind you.

[@PrettyGoodChannel]

Not a bad tutorial, good job. I have to say though, your "expert" is jumping the wrong way haha :P.

[@TheKidWilderness]

PrettyGoodChannel check us out we unycycle

[@solomonjones7309]

PrettyGoodChannel I just kinda freaked out, I love u guys so much, u are the inspiration of my life.

[@porkymilwaukee]

PrettyGoodChannel OMG I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!😁😋

[@benfairbrother2458]

You are my favourite KZbin channel and you inspired me to ride a unicycle and now that is all that I do ever. I would mean the world to me if you watched one of my videos or even commented on one.(if you do I recommend Uni session #2)

[@aurora_artiste]

Why/how is it wrong please ?

[@unimaster7121]

also use your other hand for a point of reference for your foot to get onto the other pedal.

[@astral3260]

o shit waddup

[@iSammax]

sup

[@supershane1960]

The problem I have is my legs are too short. No one mentioned this when I ordered in my 24" cycle instead of taking a 20" off the floor. Got to see now if it's OK to shorten the shaft or change it for a smaller cycle but I did notice in your clip that there was someone riding one with an even larger wheel and virtually no shaft. I'll keep you posted but I think it might be something the sales reps should be aware of.

[@robnelsonfilms]

+Shane Flanegan - It's totally fine to shorten the shaft. People ride 36" unicycles. Hope you find one that you can ride.

[@savannahjackson133]

try a 16 inch

[@rokeebmunkaila7601]

nice sport

[@carburetedseltzer120]

Would a 24 inch unicycle be good a beginner 13yr old?

[@bellaho4298]

I fell off my unicycle really hard yesterday and it really hurts to walk, sit, or bend. should this be happening?

[@CrustyBiker]

It catches you by surprise before you can react sometimes, gloves are a very good idea, even wooly ones..

[@erikahensley9895]

I just got a unicycle and it's super fun but I'm not good and it gives me body aces

[@1jeffr]

Do they make training wheels for Unicycles? :)

[@crosisofborg5524]

Bull, a fence is the best option. I used a fence and leaned to ride 9 hours.

[@conrad.matamusic]

unicycling is so hard

[@mattlizard3918]

Awesome

[@frostydev3017]

I am short so I got a 16" wheel and I'm young. I cannot do it and I pretty much gave up and I'm terrible at unicycling any tips?

[@monaleesha4300]

Jonas! ty

[@nethanvaartstra3789]

This is probley the best tortorial vidoe

[@bouncyspring6274]

At 5:24 says don't look down a kid looking down in the background

[@calebbanahene6832]

How to start it and sit on it

[@woodenbricks6109]

I have bought a unicycle from China

[@jonislow]

that's odd, my name is Jonis and I've never rode a uni, but I want to learn

[@jasoncooper3807]

How much would a cheap unicycle be?

[@Patiboke]

5:30 OK don't look at your feet, but keep an eye on the pavement in front of you. A small unseen pothole is a guaranteed faceplant, from personal experience.

[@oscaredwards-hughes1545]

If I want to get into trick unicycling what size wheel should I get?

[@robnelsonfilms]

Oscar Edwards-Hughes I'd recommend a 20"er - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJyYiXeCfKyVsNE&feature=iv&src_vid=050-blN8vxM&annotation_id=annotation_61634429

[@Magmagaming-jb5rw]

2:19 the guy on the left looks big and the guy on the right looks small

[@synetricalplayz9790]

I can ride my bike with no hands. Will this give me a better advantage at starting unicycling or is it a different feeling

[@ok80085]

As an educated guess, no. Because a bicycle has two points of slipping, the two sides. But with a unicycle you have to worry about forward and back as well which is essentially what you a learning to do, balance the unicycle without it tipping in those directions

[@FBClillian]

I can ride ok, but i can't stop turning to the right. Anyone know how i can keep from going to the right so much?

[@island-wind]

I have the same problem. Maybe you are putting more weight on your right foot instead of your left foot?

[@island-wind]

+Edward Buddo, wow! That really helped! Thanks

[@rupedog]

Where is the explanation on how to ride forward? U can't just pedal as it flips out immediately

[@chancecole900]

hold up did that nigga really just scratch your brand new unicycle

[@G00se3003]

what unicycles are used in this video?

[@robnelsonfilms]

+Goose 14 We were learning on a Nimbus II - Roland, which uni's do you have?

[@1_225]

THAN KYOU I CAN ALMOST RIDE ONE

[@spoatytheone7589]

I’ve been riding sence I was 7 I was self taught but for some reason never someone telling me I told everyone it needs to be adjusted to ur belly button

[@fordfox1526]

Make a unicycle freestyle or a fail video

[@sportology1]

+Ford Fox That would make for an entertaining video - no doubt. I only have a handeful of those myself, but I'll see what I can do. Great idea.

[@DavidKazuma]

Oh shit waddup

[@brycesmith3287]

make a freestyle video

[@shmuby4368]

I am worried because the thumbnail said how to unicycle

[@hallowfft2246]

The most important rule is never give up because you can do it if you see people on KZbin do it you can do it

[@Kristiansolis15]

I would want to be dat Boi

[@WildWizard8]

Great video but those kids in the background are annoying

[@michaelmcginley1875]

lol those little kids are putting him to shame

[@rupedog]

Starting is no where near that easy imo.

[@vanessaragan8693]

I'm on my mom's account I'm 10 I ride a 16 or a 20

[@mikebaugus2881]

Lol well I’ve already put my comment....in....I notice,,,,you had said something about riding and ...as your riding....looking down at your tire? Help me out here folks....lol I have been riding for over 50 years....and I’ve ridden every thing from a 36 inches to a 10 footer an up...and to ride along,,,,I still cannot figures out why you’re guys are riding along Staring at your tires ..........all I can see. Is that’s just setting up the rider for Disaster.....he or she is going to Eventually. Just going to just run into something.........and here he was just doing exactly what he or she was taught.......just ride along and looking at you down....so you can??? Do what? I just don’t understand the best way to Learn to Ride a unicycle...........is 1.find a street open.meaning no traffic...nothing in your way....2. With a curb.(very important)...3.time.aprox a day and may 1/2 ..........you start off with the....Left peddle at ...thinkin as a clock......you’re peddle left side is going to be at 9 o’clock with your right peddle against the curb..place your right foot on the. Stationary pedal first..........to mount the unicycle.......when you get up upon the unicycle............then you’re set to start peddling from there.................insure your on a flat surface to first .Learn on.......within a day of practice an goin into the 2nd day you’re going to start to feeling a slightly sensation of balance and your starting to pick up on this.......do not get frustrated with this......you did not Learn to walk in a day......you fell lots of time’s I can assure you......time is. The only thing that is going to teach you to ride a unicycle right.........you are not going to get this in 5 minuets................text me let’s me know how you’re doing.......a unicycle is a fun thing to ride and very comfortable Learning to do it right first time is the best Lesson you can possibly Get.....Enjoyed.... Mike Baugus

[@macwitt8788]

I’m ten times better than the “expert” LOL

[@rokeebmunkaila7601]

nice sport