Also known as cotterless cranks, square taper cranks have a tapered end that is square in cross-section. This tapered end corresponds to a hub axle that has a square receptacle.

These square cranks are tapered so as to be forced into the square hub axle and pushed in until a friction fit has been achieved. Once they are forced into the hub axle they can be secured with a bolt or a nut, holding them in place.

The square crankset cannot rotate within the hub axle, enabling the rider to transfer power from the cranksets into the wheel, powering the unicycle.

The reason they are so common is twofold – it is a basic design and it is easy (and economical) to manufacture. Because they are relatively affordable and simple, many unicycles, specifically beginner and affordable unicycles, have them.

They’re also perfectly useful for most riders, as long as you observe a few common points.

Before Riding with Square Taper Cranks
The most important thing you have to keep in mind if you have a unicycle with square taper cranks is that you must never ride a unicycle with cotterless cranks if the cranksets are loose or improperly secured.

Any interplay – no matter how slight – between the square taper and the hub axle will place an immense amount of torsional stress on both. In extreme cases, the hub axle’s resistance on the taper can distort or round the angles of the cranksets, enabling it to rotate within the axle.

If this happens, your cranksets (or your hub axle or both) will be permanently damaged, irreparable, and will need to be replaced. Simply ensure that your cranksets are properly secured before riding, and you should be able to avoid this problem.

Also, keep in mind that while cotterless cranks are great for learning and freestyle, they’re not necessarily the best option out there for advanced tricks and mountain unicycle riding.

Are There Better Options?
While square taper or cotterless cranks are common among many unicycles, there are stronger options out there known as splined cranksets.

In cross-section, instead of having four 90 degree corners, making a square, splined cranks have a series of “teeth” that fit into a corresponding hub axle. One popular version of splined cranks is known as an ISIS crank, which stands for International Spline Interface Standard.

Splined cranks like ISIS cranks are stronger before there is a greater total surface area of contact in the interface between the hub axle and the end of the crankset. They are better able to tolerate the rigors of mountainous terrain or trial riding, for example.

One thing you must be aware of with ISIS cranks is that they can require more maintenance than square taper cranks and must never be installed on the wrong side of the unicycle. Doing so, like riding with loose cotterless cranks, will destroy them.

Where Can I Get Square Taper Crank Sets?
Interested in getting a new, compatible pair of square taper cranks for your current unicycle? Have questions about sizing, compatibility, or other features? Check out Unicycle.com.

Unicycle.com carries a wide range of unicycle crank arms and pedals for replacement or upgrades, in an equally wide range of sizes and configurations. Before you make a repair or replacement, get in touch with their customer service team for assistance.

They can be reached on their website, Unicycle.com, via live chat, or by phone at 678-494-4962

For more information about 32 Inch Tires and Knee Elbow and Wrist Pads Please visit : Unicycle.com.

The post Why Are Square Taper Cranks So Common on Unicycles? appeared first on Eurasian News.

Some just like a challenge. If you’re already tamed the unicycle and the circus bike, what other wheeled machine is left to master?

Some turn to the minibike for the next challenge to tackle. If you’re one of them, don’t fall prey to the assumption that riding a real minibike is a stunt.

It is entertaining, but nothing about it is a “joke.” It takes skill, strength, stamina, and coordination – and the better the quality of the equipment (that is, the minibike itself) the more likely you are to succeed.

Why Is Quality Construction in a Minibike Such a Big Deal?
There’s a lot of stress placed on the frame, wheels, suspension, saddle, and seat post of a full-sized unicycle or bike, even for a smaller rider riding casually down the street. When you shrink the package, you magnify the stresses on the system by a much greater factor.

Low-quality wheels can warp or bend. Frames can crack or bend, too. That’s not even to mention the fact that a low-quality ride can be downright uncomfortable for some riders. Minibikes like clown bikes aren’t even designed for comfort, to begin with.

A tough, high-quality mini bike will not only offer a more comfortable, superior ride, but it will also be able to hang with the trials and tribulations of learning. That is to say, unplanned dismounts and other forays into the realm of “missteps.”

They’re not necessarily cheap, and you won’t want to find out the hard way that you took one spill too many and damaged your new toy past reasonable repair.

There are some really high-quality minibikes out there that anyone can technically ride, but it takes some effort and practice to make it work. It’s not worth the aggravation of a mini bike that works against the rider. Get one that exhibits the highest quality you can find.

Where Can I Find a High-Quality Minibike?
One of the highest quality mini bikes on the market right now is the UDC Mini Bike that you can find online at Unicycle.com.

This minibike commands a reasonable price, but for that investment, you get a real piece of iron (almost literally). It boasts a steel frame that is definitely tough enough to tackle the trials of learning to ride.

It also comes with solid rubber tires (non-pneumatic) and wheels with mag chrome rims. The smaller the tire, the more difficult it will be to ride on rough surfaces or cover obstacles, but the fact that these tires can”t “pop” due to stress is a big bonus. You’re also guaranteed never to need to refill them.

This little bike may be small but don’t underestimate it. It exhibits high quality from front to back and weighs close to 14 pounds, which is quite a lot for such a tiny package.

Safety First
We also cannot stress the importance of safety gear for those considering learning to ride a minibike. If you pick one up from Unicycle.com via the link above, please make sure you also get adequate safety gear. Unicycle.com also sells them.

Falls from scooters are not uncommon and actually part of the process of learning. Always wear a helmet, period – there are no exceptions to this rule. You should also get a pair of knee and elbow pads and consider gloves or wrist guards too.

Unicycle.com also sells this safety gear in their online collection so their customers can be better prepared. If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at 678-494-4962.

For more information about Odd Bike and Best Protective Gear For Hoverboards Please visit : Unicycle.com.

The post Quality in a Minibike: Get the Best You Can Afford appeared first on Eurasian News.