Mountain unicycling

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Mountain unicycling (MUni) is an emerging adventure sport that consists of traversing rough terrain on a unicycle. Mountain unicycling can be done on the same terrain as a mountain bike. However, unicycles typically lack a gear system, preventing the user from coasting or reaching high speeds. Mountain unicycling usually takes place on specially designed unicycles, which are equipped with strong hubs, large, knobby tires, and rugged frames.

[edit] Mountain unicycles

Mountain unicycles typically use a 24" or 29" mountain bike or downhill tire. They have a handle at the front of the seat which assists in stabilizing and hopping, but not steering. They also often have brakes to aid during long descents. Unlike their two-wheeled counterparts, mountain unicycles have only a single gear ratio or fixed wheel (although a Kris Holm prototype two speed geared hubs is being tested) so riders vary their speed by changing their pedaling cadence. To go up steep inclines, riders often hop sideways up the hill. On smooth descents, advanced riders can simulate coasting by taking their feet off the pedals and using them as brakes on the tire's profile, a technique known as gliding.

Today there are hundreds of mountain unicyclists riding a variety of terrain across the world. The world's best known mountain unicyclist is Canadian Kris Holm.