Convert a Bicycle Into a Unicycle

The unicycle is a very simple device, and it uses the same gear and pedal system that can be found in your average bicycle. Unicycling is a fun way to stay active; however, some people don't want to spend money on a hobby that they aren't sure if they will enjoy. In this article, you will find steps on how to make your own unicycle from an object that you may already own: a bicycle.

Steps

Breaking Down the Bike

  1. Cut the old bicycle into different pieces. This will allow them to be welded together into a unicycle. The image below shows the general concept of how the bike will be turned into a unicycle. Cut the bike frame as shown in the image below, where the green line show where the bars should be cut. Remember to only cut the painted red steel frame, and not the gears or any other objects. Keep the vertical bar underneath the bike seat to the pedals perfectly intact. The pieces you will be using for your unicycle will look like this:

Preparing to Weld

  1. Prepare the frame pieces to be welded together. First, start by using your half round file to make a cradle shape in the bottom of the gear frame piece (by where the gear sits), as well as the top of the fork piece. Be sure to file them in opposite directions (90 degrees) so that the two pieces sit in each other properly, as shown in the image below. Make sure that when you file the two pieces, the forks and the gear axle are in the same direction, so that the chain will properly align with the wheel.

Welding

  1. Using C-Clamps and blocks, align the two pieces in place (shown below), and secure them tightly with the clamps. Then, using the welder, weld the area where the two pieces fit into place with one another. After welding them together, lay the frame on its side, held up by two blocks, then stand in the middle to test the strength of the weld. When completed, your frame should look like so:

Fixing the Gear

  1. Please note, this step describes how to fix the gear in the event that a fixed-gear bike wasn't used. If you are using a fixed-gear bike, disregard this subset and move on to the next one. For those that didn't use a fixed-gear bike, take the gear and remove the pedals. Your part should look similar to the image below. Next, weld the two parts on the gear together, and your final part will look like the image below.

Attaching the Chain

  1. Attach the chain so that it runs from the gear attached to the pedals by the seat, all the way to the gear that the tire will attach to. If the gear is too long, use the hacksaw very gently to cut and remove the desired number of links, then weld the cut link back together to secure the chain.

Reassembling

  1. Now that the chain is properly secured to both gears, reattach the seat from the old bike, the tire, and you now have a fully functioning unicycle!

Troubleshooting

  1. Many problems may arise while tackling this project. The most frequent problem that arises is that the chain keeps slipping on the unicycle. One fix to this would be to add Adjustable Dropouts. This can be done by taking the dropouts from the rear end of the bike frame, and welding them to the ends of the forks on the unicycle frame piece. After welding the two pieces together, use the hacksaw to cut off the excess bike frame, and reattach your tire.

Things You'll Need

  • Fixed-gear, steel bicycle (the bike must have a fixed gear, meaning that you can't pedal backwards on it)
  • 6mm Allen Kit
  • Welder
  • Hacksaw
  • 15mm Spanner
  • Chain Splitter
  • Half Round File
  • Crank Removing Tool
  • C-Clamps

References

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