Jonathan Tolhurst Posted December 24, 2016 Share Posted December 24, 2016 Learning to do tricks consistently on an electric unicycle requires learning technique, (lots of) practice/repetition, understanding the parameters under which your wheel operates and recognising (and attempting to control, or embrace) any variable(s). Controlling the Variables A variable is an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change. If you are trying to learn to do a trick consistently then it’s a very good idea to have a think about what elements, features or factors could vary, and how these may be controlled. Some variables are more practical to control than others. I have listed some of the most important ones below, please feel free to add any I have missed. Environmental Variables Surfaces Different types of surface will all provide a very different environment for practising and performing tricks. A lot of flat surfaces are not actually flat. The most consistently flat and uniform outdoor surface that I have found are flat areas in professionally built Skateparks. Surface moisture reduces the amount of friction between the wheel and the surface which greatly affects turning and spinning – this can sometimes be used to your advantage. (This variable is best controlled by practising on the same high quality surface). Think Friction, Hardness, smoothness, bounce, incline, moisture, temperature Example surfaces which may all provide a very different riding experience: Concrete Wooden stage Dry Tarmac Wet Tarmac Paving Slabs Brick Marble Grass Gravel Dirt Temperature Different temperatures will have an effect on the riding surface, the tire, the motor, the control board, the battery and the rider. If you are practising in the middle of the day during summer then the wheel is likely to get hot much quicker. (This variable would be best controlled by practising indoors in a temperature controlled environment). Distractions Distractions can impact on practice sessions, obvious examples include: Noise Traffic Spectators other Riders Animals/Pets Electric Unicycle Variables Model Some electric unicycle models seem more suited to tricks than others. It may not be possible to perform some tricks on all models. You may have to adapt your technique depending on differences between models. Variation between wheels may include Wheel size Weight Centre of gravity (this can be greatly affected by where the battery is situated) Pedal Size Pedal Height Pedal Angle Pedal Grip Firmware Changing the firmware that runs on your wheel’s control board may change the whole feeling of the wheel. (This variable can be best controlled by not changing the firmware version). Riding Mode Many wheels have different riding modes which change the responsiveness of the wheel (E.g. hard/soft). (This variable can be best controlled by sticking to the same riding mode). Tire Type The tread and compound on a tire affects the huge difference on ride. (This variable can be best controlled by monitoring the tire tread and replacing with the same tire as soon as adverse wear is identified). Tire Pressure Changing the tire pressure makes a big difference. A higher pressure will result in a faster and more responsive wheel (but more difficult to control). (This variable can be best controlled by fixing the tire pressure as a parameter and regularly measuring/adjusting the tire pressure before a practice session). Battery Charge EUCs can respond markedly differently at different states of charge. (This variable can be best controlled by fully charging your wheel before each practice session). Accessories Attaching accessories to the wheel can impact on how the wheel behaves – these can alter the centre of gravity or restrict entry/exit to/from the wheel. (This variable can be best controlled by removing all accessories from the wheel or having the same accessories attached to the wheel when attempting to perform tricks). Personal Variables Weight Rider weight could be a source of variation. (This variable can be best controlled by monitoring your weight and adjusting your diet accordingly). Fitness (This variable can be best controlled by adhering to a regular fitness regime). Footwear Wearing different footwear can affect your riding performance. Variables include: Grip Sole thickness (this affects your ability to feel the foot plates) Padding & Support Tightness (This variable can be best controlled by wearing the same pair of shoes when performing tricks). Clothing Clothing can be a source of variation. Some clothes can restrict movement and even affect the weight or the centre of gravity of the system. If you are practising for a show it may be sensible to practice in the costume that you are going to wear for the show.(This variable can be best controlled by wearing similar fitting clothing when practising). Safety Equipment Safety equipment can affect your movement and centre of gravity. (This variable can be best controlled by wearing the same safety equipment each session). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 On 12/24/2016 at 2:09 AM, Jonathan Tolhurst said: Controlling the Variables A variable is an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change. If you are trying to learn to do a trick consistently then it’s a very good idea to have a think about what elements, features or factors could vary, and how these may be controlled. Some variables are more practical to control than others. I have listed some of the most important ones below, please feel free to add any I have missed. Wow Jonathon there are so many variables to consider when learning your specialized tricks! That is why your skill level far exceeds the average rider! I myself would rather just sit back and watch your performances! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juggler Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 Hi Jonathon, I think one of the most important factors in being able to learn more skills is AGE !! You have amazing skills but are probably 30 years younger than me ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Tolhurst Posted December 30, 2016 Author Share Posted December 30, 2016 On 26/12/2016 at 5:00 PM, Juggler said: Hi Jonathon, I think one of the most important factors in being able to learn more skills is AGE !! You have amazing skills but are probably 30 years younger than me ! Increasing age does make it more difficult to learn new skills, but certainly not impossible. I certainly used to pick things up (and heal up) much quicker when I was younger. I'm 40 now so by your reckoning I guess that makes you 70 - I'll be very happy to be able to ride at that age Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted December 30, 2016 Share Posted December 30, 2016 5 hours ago, Jonathan Tolhurst said: I'm 40 now so by your reckoning I guess that makes you 70 - Juggler could be 50 and he was thinking you were only 20 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juggler Posted December 31, 2016 Share Posted December 31, 2016 On 12/30/2016 at 11:28 AM, Rehab1 said: Juggler could be 50 and he was thinking you were only 20 I wish I was only 50! I'm actually 63 and thought Jonathan was about 30 something. Just had the last ride of 2016 and clocked up 529 miles since buying my Ninebot in August. I hope all my fellow EUC riders have a great new year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted December 31, 2016 Share Posted December 31, 2016 Yes Jonathon does not look 40! You definitely are putting on some miles! I rode a bit today. The wind gusts are 35mph so at times I was going over 50mph Happy New Year to you as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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