20" Monty Trials Custom Unicycle

Strengths

What can I say about this then? Get one is the short answer - if you like hopping and dropping then this is definitely one for the wish list.

I had originally intended to use a DM Ringmaster frame but it was too small for the Monty tyre so I went for a 24" Nimbus instead. This is a chromed split bearing housing frame of good build quality and takes the standard 22.2mm seat post.

The carbon fiber Miyata airseat conversion is fantastic. Read the review for detail on this. Same goes for the Primo pedals.

Now then... the main part of the unicycle - the Monty rim and tyre. The rim is wider than most at some 40mm. This is to accommodate the wide tyre. It's also smaller than a standard 20" rim due to the smaller inner diameter of the tyre - this is what gives said tyre the increased air volume. For more detail on the great big bouncy tyre itself you can read more about that here.

Weaknesses

Due to the size of the frame (24" on a 20" tyre leaves a big gap between crown and the top of the tyre) and it having a rounded crown it's no use for one footed tricks but that's not what I want for a trials unicycle anyway so it's not a problem.

One of the cut down and re-tapped Shimano cranks bent from one drop too many after about 4 months. This is only to be expected though. When you can get 140mm splined cranks and the hub to go with them you can be sure I'll be getting myself some.

Overall

If you don't like hopping around or riding outside of a gym hall then don't read any further... Okay... if you're still reading then all I can say is buy one, buy one, buy one. If you don't buy one then you'll miss out on so much fun that you'll wish you'd bought one. Em... buy one. Get the message?