Some call them skatebikes, some call them skate unicycles or uniskates, some call them barracudas or max bikes but nothing sums up their essence better than simply 'unitrike'. Originally produced by Le Run in the eighties, these had a great following before vanishing into history. Several manufacturers did their own take on the original design and, while the mighty Le Run will always be hailed as the original classic, there are some very nice varieties out there.

A unicycle wheel at the back and skateboard wheels at the front. Rear wheel drive geared up for extra speed. Lean to turn yet also lean to balance. Hold the pedals still to freewheel, push the pedals backwards to brake - alternatively on more advanced models you get a cable brake. The originals have a stunt handle and even a rear reflector for unitriking in traffic!

They're a definite experience to ride. The up-gearing means that you need a good run-up to take a hill, twitchy brakes will easily lock the back wheel and make coming down the other side more than a litle scary. The art of balancing without turning or turning without losing your balance takes a little time but at a decent speed you'd be suprised how stable they are.

At unitrike.co.uk we are attempting to bring these machines back from the dead. So come on in, learn a bit about riding and maintaining your unitrike, sign the guestbook and help us spread the word :-)