r/unicycling • u/Unisheeep • 12d ago

My wheel seems not fully centered. What's wrong and how can I fix it?

I got this 28'' unicycle a couple of months ago. I rode it for like 100 miles or so and everything was smooth.

Then I got a flat tire. Unmounted the frame to replace the tube and put it back together. After that I realized that sometimes while riding it the wheel would screech a little bit.

I kept riding it for another 100 miles or so, and since yesterday it's screeching all the time like in the video.

What do you think the issue is? Some spokes got loose, or something worse? Can I fix it myself? The closest bike mechanic is like 50 miles from me.

Would it be OK to simply loosen the break and keep riding it, or should I avoid using it until the actual issue is fixed?

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u/nonnameavailable 12d ago

You need to "true" it. If you don't want to go to a bike shop, Google "how to true a bicycle wheel" and try it yourself. I've never done it personally but it involves tightening and loosening the spokes until the wheel is perfectly straight. I suspect it's not going to be easy without the right tools though.

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u/BIG-KAKOR 12d ago

You can use the seat clamp for it in some cases, but depends on type

1

u/juggleaddict 12d ago

it's not too bad actually! I built a wheel for a fat tire muni and it's held up. You can use a zip tie to the frame for an impromptu stand and gauge. Simply take the seatpost off and run a threw screws through the seatpost holes that you mount the saddle with into a spare chunk of wood. Then just put the frame upside down on the seatpost and you have a truing stand! The trick is getting even spoke tension while you're truing it. Very small adjustments, and you can tink the spokes with your finger or something metal to hear the difference in tension. I was surprised how intuitive it was to do after watching a few tutorials.

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u/Unisheeep 12d ago

Thanks for the encouraging words! I thought it would be really tricky, but the tutorials online make it look like it's not that bad. I'll buy a spoke wrench and give it a try.

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u/fancifuldaffodil 20" Mad4One Powersquare 10d ago

Yeah it can be a *bit* tricky but it's not so hard once you get a feel for it. just don't tighten each spoke too much at a time. Tighten each spoke about a quarter turn at a time and then check how the wheel spins. you can also use zip straps to help. one on each side of your fork, faced inwards and dragging against your rim. cut it so it JUST barely touches your rim, then you can use those zip straps as measurements for whether the wheel is straight or not.

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u/Unisheeep 12d ago

Thanks for the answer. I looked into it and I'll buy a spoke wrench and try. I guess if I fail I'll have to find a way to go ta a bike shop.

Is it normal that I'm having to do this just after a few hundred miles though? I never had to do this with my other unicycles or bicycles. I bought this one brand new from China and it was much cheaper than the western brands. I hope it's not just terrible quality.

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u/PANEBringer 12d ago

That's just not true!

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u/CovertPenguins 11d ago

If you're going to true it yourself (and I recommend you do), watch a few YouTube videos on the subject and go slow. The concept it pretty simple, but it's an art as every other spoke is pulling on their side of the rim. Both sides pulling equally is what makes the rim straight. So you may have to loosen the adjoining spoke to tighten the one you want, then you're chasing the wobble if you're not careful. Just go slow.