32 Inch Tires Compared Against 29 and 36 Inch Tires

Since unicycles lack chain drives, there are basically two things that influence speed: the length of the crank arms and the size of the tire. 

That being the case, this post will look at three popular tire sizes and what they offer, specifically comparing the virtues of 32 inch tires alongside 29 and 36 inch tires. 

The long and short of it is that 32 inch tires offer a good balance between speed and handling, but this post will break down the details. 

Where 32 Inch Tires Shine 

The great thing about 32 inch tires is that they are nearly as fast as 36 inch tires, but handle much more nimbly, a lot more like 29 inch tires than you’d expect. 

This middle ground is what makes unicycles with 32 inch tires so useful for so many different people. While they aren’t quite as fast as 36 inch tires, they’re only a MPH or two slower, while being two to three MPH faster than a 29. 

And, on top of that, a unicycle with 32 inch tires will handle much more favorably than a 36 inch tire, all while carrying less rotational momentum, which means the former is easier not just to stop, but to get started rolling. 

This makes unicycles with 32 inch tires practical for commuting because they are relatively energy efficient (as unicycles go, we recognize that is a sort of contradictory statement) while still handling relatively favorably. 

It also means that while a unicycle with 32 inch tires is never going to handle with the agility of a unicycle with 27.5 or even a 26 inch unicycle, you’ll still be surprised at how much control you can exert over it. 

In other words, a unicycle with 32 inch tires is great for commuting or just for riding around town. Depending on the length of your crank arms, you might even be able to make it suitable for racing. 

Just keep in mind this: height is also a limiting factor here if you want to get a unicycle with 32 inch tires, you need a minimum inseam measurement of at least 33.5 inches. 

29 Inch Tires: Nimble but Not as Fast 

The 29 inch tire is honestly not too far off of the 32. It handles very similarly. Some riders would note that it is a little more nimble, but at the same time, you lose a few MPH of speed. 

It remains, however, a very versatile tire size, and unicycles with 29 inch tires can also be used for commuting and trail riding. Some riders also prefer them for mountain riding, on fire roads and light singletrack they perform well. 

Also, you can tinker with handling and speed by adjusting the size of the crank arms, within reason, so you have that flexibility, too.

Ultimately, if you are a mountain unicycle rider, this or a 27.5 inch unicycle is a great size. What it sacrifices in speed compared to the 32, it makes up for easily in handling and maneuverability. 

36 Inch Tires: Fast but Handles like a Mack Truck 

If speed is literally the only thing that matters to you, then a unicycle with 36 inch tires is your best option. You just need to be aware of what comes with the territory. 

First, and let’s get this out of the way, unicycles with 36 inch tires are the fastest, and can attain top speeds a MPH or more above what a unicycle with 32 inch tires can hit. 

But that comes at a price. As some seasoned veterans will tell you, a unicycle with 36 inch tires will handle like a Mack truck and that is not necessarily a compliment.

To put it in other words, it takes a split second or two for a unicycle with 36 inch tires to do what you tell it. They’re somewhat slower to respond, mostly because the tire carries so much rotational momentum.

For those in this for speed, this is a blessing. For everyone else, it is a curse. 

This is because rotational momentum, while it makes it harder to get the unicycle going, also makes it easier to keep the unicycle going, especially at speed. 

However, that same principle also makes it harder to slow the wheel down and stop it, and it also makes it a lot harder to exercise precise control over a unicycle of this size. 

So, as long as you know what you’re getting, you’re good. You just need to know that speed comes at the price of handling. 

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Whether you’re here for a commuter unicycle or a mountain unicycle, we carry models from the top brands in a variety of wheel sizes and have something for every rider. Shop our selection and get in touch with us today if you have any questions.