The unicycle's history began with the invention of the bicycle. Comte De Sivrac first developed bicycles during the late eighteenth century. One theory of the advent of the unicycle is based on the popularity of the Penny Farthing during the late nineteenth century. Since its pedal cranks were connected directly to the front axle, the rear wheel would go up in the air and the rider would be moved slightly forward.
This likely prompted riders to see how long they could ride with the back wheel in the air and the unicycle was born. Since the unicycle requires a greater degree of skill to ride than a bicycle, many people that could ride them became entertainers. There are many different types of unicycles, which can include (but are not limited to): freestyle unicycles, trial unicycles, MUnis, giraffes, and long distance unicycles, which all have special components unique to that type of unicycle. See below for more detailed descriptions.
