Fortunately, unicycles are simple machines with relatively few parts, as machines go. This makes them easy to maintain and makes it (relatively) easy to understand their operation.
It also means that when it comes to upgrades, you’re somewhat limited in what you can do.
The flipside of this is that effectively anyone with a working knowledge of bike mechanics and some basic tools can make some easy upgrades. Here are two of them.
Swap the Seatpost Clamp
The seatpost clamp, which might also be referred to as the bike seatpost clamp, is a relatively easy part to upgrade and all things considered, if you have a bolted (or double-bolted) model, it might be worthwhile to upgrade to a model with a quick-release clamp.
Fundamentally, both bike seatpost clamps with bolts and quick-release clamps do exactly the same thing. They secure the seatpost tube in position so you can adjust the saddle height.
However, bolted seatpost clamps require you to have a hex key on you (which is a good thing to have nonetheless as many of the fittings on a unicycle will accept hex keys of various sizes) or else you won’t be able to make adjustments.
By contrast, quick-release models are much easier to adjust and it can be done without tools. All you have to do is open the clamp (or clamps) and adjust the saddle height before closing the clamp which automatically tightens on the seatpost tube.
Since this can be accomplished without tools in a quick release clamp, this configuration is potentially desirable when you make frequent adjustments for comfort or if you share a unicycle with other riders. It also just affords flexibility that is nice to have. You just need to make sure the replacement clamp you get is of the appropriate size for your unicycle.
Change the Crank Arms
You can also swap the crank arms of your unicycle, within reason, and this will adjust the handling, speed, and control you are able to exert over it.
Longer crank arms give you more leverage when it comes to cranking power, but since the overall circumference of the revolution arc is longer, they’re not the best for getting more speed. Rather, they can afford you more cranking leverage for ascending, descending, or maintaining momentum.
Of course, it should also be noted in no uncertain terms that there’s a hard limit to how long your cranks arms can be. They must (at least) be shorter than the radius of the wheel.
You can also opt for shorter cranking arms, which will afford you greater agility and speed if you hold all else equal. Cranking power will be lower but since the arc of the revolution will be shorter, you should reap the benefits of a more nimble ride. Just be aware that as the radius decreases, so too does your cranking leverage.
Here for Unicycle Parts?
Looking for a new set of crank arms or a new bike seatpost clamp for your unicycle? Get the parts and unicycle tools you need online at the aptly named Unicycle.com. They carry everything you should need and then some.
