I have been build high quality precision unicycles and giraffes since 1995. These including my proprietary pull apart travel giraffes. All my unicycles are built from the best materials available. Where a production unicycle may be made of 4130 cro-moly, but there are different types of 4130 materials. The 4130 I use are heat 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 up wards 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 are currently riding and will need to get the frame measurement to replicate it. But if you are looking for a Stock custom frame the above numbers is what I go by when I build. 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.
For giraffes I have my own proprietary drive train since I spec all the parts and hand build the wheel myself the cost is in the 400.00 range. I support your choice to buy frame only and have no issue with that. The time I put into designing my frames, part selection and the tolerances I build them to make mine the smoothest riding and rolling unicycles made.
Please note You will rarely see stock images finished with paint or powder. This is because you gave the option of getting it in your preferred color. This is an option no one else does.