The Real Physics: The Unicycle Parts of the Unicycle The unicycle has a basic design. It consists of a saddle which sits on a seat post, which goes into the seat-tube on the frame. This connects to the wheel set. The wheel set consists of a tire, tube, rim, hub, spokes, 2 crank arms, 2 pedals, and 2 bearings. Balancing Balancing on a unicycle is easier said then done. It requires that the center of gravity stay directly under the rider, which allows for the unicycle to stay up without falling. To balance from side to side you shift your weight back and forth or turn the wheel, which keep the contact beneath the rider. The system in a stable equilibrium wouldn't fall over if the rider could have perfect balance and not be touched by any outside sources. Since we can draw a vertical line to find the objects center of gravity directly through the base shows stable equilibrium. The unicycle is an example of unstable equilibrium, in a perfect system it would remain perfectly unbalanced.  Since in real life the center of gravity would move from the rider, the gravity would apply a torque at the contact point and pull the unicycle to the ground.