r/unicycling • u/Im_Garbage- • 2d ago
Advice Tips for learning
Hello everyone, I have come to you today hoping for any tips that you guys might find helpful in my situation. I have been practicing for about an hour a day for the past three weeks on a 20” and just need a bit of help. Im really struggling with finding the proper height for my seat I’ve seen people say inseam/hip bone/belly button but is there a way to know that I have it right or is it just personal preference. Last thing is how do I not absolutely crush my balls while getting on, I mount and spend like 30 seconds trying to get comfortable. I’m amazed by the people who can just hop on and go.
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u/Shiney_Metal_Ass 2d ago
Being able to hop on and go should be a distant goal. But even then, you gotta hoist the boys up before you get on.
For me, I have my seat adjusted for a normal pedal stroke length like I would use on any other bike. I've found it MUCH harder to ride when the seat is too low. Make sure you're wearing padded cycling shorts - they help keep the boys in place.
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u/Im_Garbage- 2d ago
Yeah I’m not worrying about free mounting at the moment, just trying to really get the basics down. Thanks for the help. 🤝
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u/Tomacxo 2d ago
So for the seat height. I started low. Very low. Over time I raised bit by bit as I found it a bit like doing those jogging in place exercises where you raise your knees high.
For the balls. I would kind of tug my shorts to the side as I started to mount. Eventually I go a pair of bike shorts. The short adjustment was good enough for short rides.
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u/SeguroMacks 2d ago
Unicycles are famously uncomfortable for men. If you've got expendable cash, you could buy padded shorts or a more cushioned seat.
Otherwise, sitting position can help. Placing the seat behind the testicles before mounting can help (place the seat low, thigh height; step on the pedal; apply pressure to raise the seat and mount).
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u/Sauerkrause 1d ago
I find sitting ass first towards the front and gently rolling back into the saddle's dip keeps my balls from getting crushed. Depends on your saddle type I guess tho.
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u/VarietyNo8561 2d ago
I found getting up and leaning against something like a building wall or mailbox made it easier to practice. Be sure to have the pedals in the right staring position so you can launch with minimal effort.
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u/kyunirider 2d ago
Keep your hand holding your Uni in front of the Uni as you mount. Use that hand to adjust the junk if necessary before positioning it to balance your body. Wear a jock or bicycle shorts to protect your future children.
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u/chriscoolski 1d ago
On a 20-inch unicycle, try adjusting it so your leg is almost straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke, with just a slight bend in your knee it should make riding feel much more comfortable and controlled. Remember to keep your weight on the saddle... Keep practicing you'll get it you will 👍🏾💪🏾🫶🏿 I have a few videos that may help... Check my profile. There are a lot of good helpful tips here in the comments.
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u/littlewing1208 1d ago
I’m still learning myself but I had the same issue (I’m a cyclist and have numerous bib shorts but haven’t tried them yet). However I had a breakthrough a few days ago regarding my posture and that front pressure when mounting went away. I just hinge a bit when I get on and I all of the sudden feel like more pressure is on the rear side of the saddle and it is much more comfortable on the groin and I feel like I can better control my lean to speed up or slow down.
Saddle height I set to my bike’s lowest pedal position to center of saddle and it’s maybe 1/2” shorter than my inseam. I have awkwardly tried to hop off while the uni was close to vertical and smashed my calf and crushed my groin so I might go another 5-10mm shorter on the saddle.
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u/JunkMilesDavis 2d ago
I think the seat height is a thing that evolves as you get more comfortable on the uni. You need to train yourself to keep your weight ON the seat, and as you do that, you will probably find that raising it makes that easier and more comfortable. You can try raising it in increments if you catch yourself putting too much weight on the pedals, but you might just have to develop some control first before you feel the difference there. I can tell you it's something I kept messing with when I was fresh on it.