Tire size and crank arm length are not the only two measures of fit for your dimensions and a unicycle. Saddle height is also an important consideration, and it’s one that you can fortunately adjust.
Even after you cut down your seatpost (should that be a preliminary necessity) you can still adjust the saddle up and down via manipulation of the unicycle (or bike) seatpost clamp.
And there are two main styles: bolt seatpost clamps and quick-release seatpost clamps. But is one better than the other?
Well, here are some high-level notes.
The Bolted Breakdown
Fundamentally, a bolt-style bike seatpost clamp performs the same function as a quick-release clamp. It secures the seatpost in the frame, holding the saddle at the desired height.
The difference is that bolt-style seatpost clamps tighten around the seatpost through the action of one (sometimes two) bolts. These bolts require the user to have an appropriately sized hex wrench to tighten or loosen them.
This has benefits and drawbacks. The main advantage is that you can torque down on the bolts so there is basically no chance of slippage while riding. The drawback is that you need tools to do it, without which you can’t make adjustments in the field. It also takes longer.
About Quick-Release Bike Seatpost Clamps
Now let’s look at quick-release bike seatpost clamps, which use one (occasionally two) clamp levers to loosen or tighten the clamp.
These are highly convenient as they do not require tools to manipulate; the lever(s) can be opened manually, enabling adjustments to saddle height in the field, without the need for tools.
A good quick-release seatpost clamp is not going to slip, but at the same time, a bolted seatpost clamp can be tightened down better than a quick-release clamp, all things considered.
Ultimately it comes down to convenience. Do you want the flexibility to adjust saddle height in the field? Or does it not bother you carrying some basic tools?
They’re both excellent designs and have relative advantages and disadvantages with respect to each other.
An Important Note on Sizing
One last important thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of which style appeals to you, if for instance you’re going to replace a bolt-style bike seatpost clamp for a quick-release one, you need to make sure you get the appropriate size, otherwise it won’t fit on your frame. Cross reference your owner’s manual or materials to make sure you’re getting the right size or consult a bike shop or a unicycle specialist (like the customer service folks at Unicycle.com) for more information.
Need a Replacement Bike Seatpost Clamp?
Looking for a new bike seatpost clamp, or perhaps some unicycle tools, so that you can more easily adjust saddle height while you’re out there? The place to get unicycle parts, tools, safety gear, and more is Unicycle.com. Aptly named, if it’s something you could possibly need for unicycle riding, they have it. Visit their website or contact them today for more details.
