Want to take your unicycle or Odd bike in the snow? Winter is one of the best times of the year, and don’t you think otherwise. Not only is it an aesthetically pretty season, but all that “bad” weather will have most people sitting inside.
Which makes this the perfect time of year for enterprising unicyclists and other cyclists to get out on the road or trail.
Leave the minibike at home, break out the one-wheeler, penny farthing, and safety gear, and get ready for some winter fun.
General Observations
Regardless of your ride, minibike, penny or unicycle, here are some important tips.
- Take your time: Don’t ride too fast, be ice-aware, and enjoy the ride. Abrupt moves are the danger in inclement weather.
- Dress appropriately: Layer up. Don’t just throw all your eggs in one basket with a heavy coat. You’ll want a warm baselayer, a thicker midlayer, and a waterproof, windproof shell. You’ll also want warm socks, warm, waterproof shoes, and a hat under your helmet), scarf and gloves.
- Bring plenty of water: Don’t assume that just because it’s cold you won’t get dehydrated. That happens just as much in the cold as in the heat.
- Be careful around ice or deep drifts: Ice is just as dangerous for a unicyclist or a penny rider as it is for any other cyclist. Be careful around it and avoid it if at all possible. Also, be careful around deep drifts because they can bind your wheel and force an unplanned dismount.
- Plan your ride: This is not just good advice for cold weather. It’s a good thing to observe in all seasons and will help ensure you have a plan to stick to before you head out.
- Don’t forget safety gear: You might think snow is soft, but guess what; ice isn’t, and dangerous conditions will only be made worse if you aren’t properly protected by appropriate safety gear. A helmet is most important and imperative, but you might also want knee, elbow and wrist pads.
Specific to Unicyclists…
There is one specific suggestion we have for unicyclists that may help them enjoy their time in the snow and ice just a bit more.
- Swap out your tires or add studs: Wide tires will perform better in the snow because they won’t knife into it like a narrow tire does. You can also get studded tires that will noticeably improve your traction on packed snow and ice.
For Penny Farthing Riders…
As for riders of penny farthings, here are two tips to make sure you stay safe and enjoy your time out there.
- Don’t try to brake abruptly: Braking suddenly with a penny farthing is never a good idea, but it’s even worse in the snow and ice. You’ll probably just skid but even if you don’t you may just get pitched over the handlebars. Coast to a stop if you can, that is much safer.
- Don’t make sudden maneuvers: Any sudden maneuver with a penny farthing (or any odd bike) is not a good idea. Traction will be diminished on snow and ice, so your best bet is just to cruise and be situationally aware so you can react before you have to do so abruptly.
Here for Unicycle or Odd Bike or Gear?
Whether you’re looking for a minibike or unicycle safety gear, the place to get it is online at Unicycle.com. They carry plenty of unicycles, penny farthing bikes, safety gear, and plenty more. Plus their customer service team is highly experienced. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly before you plan your next trip out in the snow.
