I have been build high quality precision unicycles and giraffes since 1995. Just about every unicycle being produced today has been influenced by my original designs.
All my unicycles are built from the best materials available. I build all my unicycles and giraffes from top quality bicycle tubing and aircraft cro-moly. Use of these materials make my frames stronger and lighter than factory brands. Where a production unicycle may claim to made of 4130 cro-moly and they may be. The 4130 I use are treated seamless tubes made in USA or Europe which are vastly better than The alloys and steels that come out of China and Taiwan. Their tubes are made from basic untreated cro-moly generally it is also seamed. These steels are softer and not as strong as the tubes I use. Since I build with higher strength cro-moly steel, my frames end up a fraction of the weight of comparable unicycles and giraffes. Generally the weight savings is upwards 60% of others giraffes. You will also see some unicycles built from alternate frame materials as time progresses.
All my unicycles are UPS shippable. Yes even the 10′ ones. Since I was the first to make splittable giraffes, I now include this to a degree on all my larger frames. 10′ will have at least 1 split. For ease of shipping and transport.
The following is how I size my giraffes.
Base size calculations are as follows and how to determine the frame size is to measure from the center of the bottom bracket (crank set) to the center of the wheel axle. Sizes areas follows:
10 footer 84″
9 footer 72″
8 footer 60″
6 footer 48″
5.5 footer 42″
4 footer 36″
Please note I have found 5.5 footers have fallen in to a range of 39″ to 43″ I generally build custom Giraffes based on what you want or are currently riding and will need to get the frame measurement to replicate it. But if you are are requesting a set foot size I follow the above numbers. My current builds now allow a wide range of wheel sizes. I recently decided to leave the forks longer to allow this. As for height it is based on a 20″ wheel.
I recommend sizing your seat tube by having the clamp 1 to 3″ below the bottom edge of your seat. Based on the lowest height you will have it. How you should measure your seat tube length is top of the saddle to center of crank. Measuring it this way gives me the best information to determine the seat tube length.
When it comes to ordering a unicycle I will need one measurement. That is from top of seat to center of the crank arm mounting bolt. For giraffes I need the top of seat to center of crank bolt and center of crank bolt to center of wheel. To build it correctly to fit you.
My giraffe unicycles utilize an eccentric bottom bracket. My giraffes can use a quick release wheel as none of my giraffe unicycles use the wheel to tighten the chain. My giraffe unicycles chain is tensioned at the bottom bracket. This reduced setup and break down faster and more convenient to other giraffe unicycles whose chains are tensioned at the wheel. This does no mean all my giraffes are this way, just the majority of them are. Some designs for unique builds prevent the use of an eccentric bottom bracket.
Please note You will rarely see stock images finished with paint or powder. This is because you have the option of getting it in your preferred color. This is an option no one else does. Custom colors apply to the rim, hub, cranks, pedals so long as they are metal cages and the frame.
My default crank and hub color is white.