Are you going to put good money into a minibike and learn how to ride? Not a minibike with a motor – one of those crank-driven minibikes that clowns ride?
In a way, these are even harder to learn to ride, and it requires serious skill to maneuver one. This means there’s crossover with other pedal-driven machines like bikes and unicycles. But even if there weren’t, it’s still another mountain to summit, and entertaining, too.
But not all minibikes are created equal. Here are 3 big things to look for in the next model you have your eye on – before you buy it.
A Steel Frame
Have you ever heard of the term “unplanned dismount?”
You should have if you already are in the world of cycle sports. Basically it refers to an instance of falling out of the saddle, in which you did not expect to dismount. That is, an unplanned dismount occurs when you fall off the bike.
A minibike might be close to the ground, but you can expect to take a few tumbles when learning to ride, perhaps more than with a “properly” sized bike. When you fall, you shake the dust off and keep riding. You need a minibike that’s tough enough to do the same.
Therefore, you’ll want a minibike with a steel frame. Aluminum is just OK, and it’s light, but it just isn’t as strong as steel.
Non-Pneumatic Tires
One thing about learning how to ride a unicycle or a bike – you need to learn how to properly set the tire pressure. Tire pressure is, as much as tire size and width, among the most important factors determining handling, given a specific surface.
This means that pneumatic (air-filled) tires can handle a wider range of surfaces; the downside is that they can go flat. For small tires like those which you’ll find on a minibike, it’s actually better to get solid rubber tires.
This is because solid rubber tires can’t go flat, which means there’s less maintenance and they’ll handle better, especially on hard surfaces.
A Comfortable Saddle
Lastly, you want to consider comfort. You’re going to encounter roadblocks with a minibike, and there are going to be aspects of it that are not comfortable. So you have to take what you can get. A minibike with a mini saddle is not a solid proposition. However, some minbikes are made with comfortable, even full-sized saddles.
All else being equal, a minibike with a bigger, more comfortable saddle offers more value and will alleviate one of the unpleasant aspects of riding a tiny bike: discomfort.
Along with a steel frame and non-pneumatic tires, a comfortable saddle is a big selling point.
Where to Get a Minibike That Checks the Boxes
Interested in adding a minibike to your repertoire, but not just any minibike, one that meets all of these criteria?
Visit Unicycle.com. They carry a minibike that hits all of these points, and which is built to a high level of quality.
Check out their website and get in touch with them directly if you still have questions.
