The irony is that clown bikes are anything but a joke to the people that ride them. When it comes to quality in these odd bikes, it stands at the forefront of most important qualifiers.
So, with that said, if you’re considering getting a real clown bike, not just a prop, here are a few things to look for, not just to ensure safety but to make sure the thing will justify the expense.
Clown Bike Quality
If you’re going to put good money into a clown bike, it’ll be worth your while if you get one that offers the following:
- Heavy steel frame construction: Any clown or circus bike that you’re actually going to ride is going to experience its share of unplanned dismounts. You’re tough, so your bike needs to be, too. Get one that has a heavy steel frame. The bike will weigh more, but it’ll also be able to put up with a few tumbles.
- Strong rims: You don’t want your rims to deform when you’re doing tricks or hopping obstacles, as that will cripple the bike until you replace the wheels. Just make sure the one you get has sturdy wheels.
- Cotterless cranks: You might think that splined cranks would be better here, but cotterless cranks are strong and cheap, plus you’re intentionally going to abuse the bike, making the lower price point more attractive. Just make sure the cranks are properly installed and tightened and you shouldn’t have a problem.
- No chain drive: This is a prerequisite with which you shouldn’t have much of a problem. Clown bikes are not designed for speed or for a mechanical advantage. What’s important is that you have direct control over the revolution of the wheel that corresponds to the crank arms.
- Stunt pegs: Stunt pegs make it possible for you to do BMX style tricks, and in some instances, with more than one rider. Overall they increase the versatility of the bike.
- Wheels that both rotate independently: You’ll need a clown bike that has wheels that both rotate independently of each other if you want to really get good at trick riding. Fortunately, this feature is not too hard to find if you know where to look for it.
Where to Get a Clown Bike That Embodies These Requirements
Whether you’re a performer and make your living this way or simply want to learn to do some trick riding because it’s something new to do, a clown bike presents you with a solid opportunity.
The question is – where can you get one that satisfies the requirements outlined in this guide?
At least for that question there is an easy answer. Get it online at Unicycle.com.
Don’t be put off by the name. Unicycle.com is a purveyor of a wide range of odd bikes, not just clown bikes but also a variety of penny farthing bikes, too.
Visit their website for more information or get in touch with them directly if you have any questions.
