History

• Many theorists believe the unicycle was born from the 19th century penny farthing, a bicycle that featured a very large front wheel and a small back wheel. The pedals were fixated to the front wheel, while the back wheel helped the rider maintain balance. Whenever the penny farthing would hit a curb or bump, the back wheel would occasionally come off. Many people believe the unicycle derived from the penny farthing because pictures of old unicycles showed devices with large wheels the size of the front wheel of the penny farthing.
  
  

Types

• While the standard unicycle is good for flat terrain, there are many other variations that suit riders with different interests. A trials unicycle has a hardier build than the standard unicycle and are designed for people who participate in unicycle trials, events where they must bypass or jump over obstacles. There are also off-road, mountain unicycles which are designed for similar terrain used by mountain bicycles. These are called Munis for short. Finally, touring unicycles have been designed to cover long distances.
  
  

Equipment

• Most unicyclists require more than the standard protection gear worn by bicyclists. Since hands and wrists are the most commonly injured body part in unicycle mishaps, wrist guards are generally worn. It is also recommended to wear pads on elbows and knees as well as a helmet to protect the head. Certain events require other equipment such as gloves, shin guards and cycling shorts.
  
  

Riding Styles

• Traditionally, unicycle riding was a performance. In what is called freestyle riding, a rider will change up the way he rides and do tricks. In trials unicycling, the rider must maneuver around obstacles. However, people are also using unicycles to commute to work and around town. The newest style of unicycling is called flatland which is a mixture of street and freestyle. Popular in cities, this variation combines tricks over longer, flat distances.
  
  

Sports

• There are a plethora of sports now involving unicycles. Unicycle basketball is played on a regulation sized basketball court with rules very much the same as normal basketball, except the players must ride unicycles. It is popular in cities such as Phoenix, Minneapolis and Toronto. There are also games such as handball and hockey for people who ride unicycles.