Unplanned dismount (n): An unexpected exit from the saddle.
This is a term with which you will want to become familiar if you decide to learn how to ride a unicycle.
(Here’s a fun fact for you, though. The term is not exclusive to unicycle riding and is used in other sports.)
Regardless, it means when you take a tumble from the saddle and it’s part and parcel of learning how to ride. In this sport, however, with only one wheel and generally nothing to hold onto for stability, unplanned dismounts happen more often than they do in other “mounted” pursuits.
That being so, you will want to be prepared with appropriate unicycle safety gear, including the following 6 essentials.
A Helmet
A helmet is the single piece of unicycle safety gear that you should never ride without, ever, under any conditions, even indoors.
This article doesn’t have the time to dive into the stats regarding dangerous cycling injuries and the portion of those that are head injuries. Suffice it to say, most of them are head injuries, and almost all the serious cycling injuries are head injuries.
Don’t get lost in the details. Here’s what you need to know. Never get in the saddle of a unicycle unless you are wearing an appropriate helmet. Period.
Knee, Elbow and Wrist Pads
Knee, elbow and wrist pads are a close second to a helmet, though they are technically three separate pieces of unicycle safety gear.
Among them, the most important are probably knee pads. These will cushion and shield your knees when you fall, which is critical because the knee is often the first part of the rider to make contact with the ground after an unplanned dismount.
You can also get leg armor, which will not just cushion the knee, but also protect the shin, which is another body part that often comes into hard contact with obstacles after an unplanned dismount.
Elbow pads come next, because after the knees, the elbows most commonly make jarring contact with the ground (or other obstacles) after a fall.
Wrist pads, or gloves with wrist guards, are also highly valuable elements of unicycle safety gear, as these protect the hands and wrists from impact and scrapes. They are not as necessary as knee and elbow pads, but many riders wear them nonetheless.
Close-Toed Shoes
You might not think of close-toed shoes as unicycle safety gear, but they definitely are. Good sneakers are not only a must because they provide solid traction on the pedals, but because they will protect your feet if and when you fall.
You might not be as comfortable with close-toed shoes, but trust us, you will be much better protected as you learn, especially on those unfortunate occasions on which you experience the term introduced at the beginning of this article.
Appropriate Sunglasses
Impact resistant sunglasses are not an absolute must, so they’re going last, but at the same time, they can protect your eyes from sand and other particulate matter whenever you take a spill, so a good pair is worth the investment.
Where to Get a Helmet, Knee, Elbow and Wrist Pads
While it is equally important to know how to fall out of the saddle without hurting yourself, unicycle safety gear is half the battle. Whether you’re looking for a helmet or knee, elbow and wrist pads, you can get all of them (and other high-quality safety gear) over at Unicycle.com. Check out their website and if you need help finding something or want a personalized recommendation, get in touch with them today.
