Mini Bikes- Enjoy Sleeker And Smaller Technology

As the name suggests a Mini Bike is a miniature version of a motorbike. While some of these models use a two stroke engine, some versions use a four stroke engine. The two-stroker has a power stroke, and a subsequent exhaust pulse for each rotation of the crankshaft that creates a louder noise. Also, the two-stroker can produce more pollution in the air.

The cheapest Mini Bike is probably worth around 150 USD, and speeds up to 25mph.Though many bikers ignore wearing safety gear while riding this kind of a bike, one must understand that is not a toy, and should always wear a helmet while riding. Also check with your local government authority to understand the laws concerning your bike. In Canada's Ontario province, the U.K., Australia and the Netherlands, it is not legal to ride this kind of a bike on public roads.

Mini Pocket Rocket

Mini Pocket Rocket is just the miniature version of the already miniature pocket rocket. It gives a more compact look and feel. The sitting position of the driver just makes you feel that he is riding a rocket.

Cheap Mini Pocket bikes

The Cheap Mini Pocket Bikes come easy on the pocket, and do a decent job. They are used for various purposes. They can be purchased second hand. But beware. They may look small but pack a powerful punch, so much so that they aren't even considered safe to be driven on roads in several cities in the US. These bikes, also referred to as mini motor bikes, share a history with go-karting. The small size and fast speed of these mini pocket bikes made them a popular hit with racers who could drive them even through narrow dirt tracks. The trend caught on and the mini motor bikes soon became a hit with children and teenagers.

Crotch Bikes

Crotch Rocket bikes, though every adrenalin junkie's dream machine, is a slang term for the mini-sized super fast machines that make the rider hunch up and vroom off. Leaning forward on the seat with their feet towards the back of this category of the sports bike, helps streamline the biker's position with the machine while driving at high speeds. Although the machines are lighter for easy handling and increased speed, they are often difficult to manoeuvre in winters with ice and slush on roads. With the engine completely covered by the body of the bike, these machines, unlike the cruiser bikes are made with one objective in mind: speed. While cruiser bikes allow for comfortable rides, there is more serious fallout of the crotch rocket bikes' insistence on speed: accidents

How to Choose a Tire for Your Mountain Bike

One of the most important components on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.


So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many different manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hopefully we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right decision.


Tire Construction:


Consider a Kevlar bead or folding tire - A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a conventional none folding tire. It does not sound like much of a weight savings but multiple that number by two and then consider the rotating weight. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.


Terrain and Tread patterns:


Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock?



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For hard packed terrain consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.


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For hard packed terrain with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.


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For loosely packed terrain consider a knobby tire. Choose a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt. You might also want to consider tires that are designed for the front and rear of the bike.


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For muddy terrain consider a narrow tire. Narrow tires will reach the bottom of the mud and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.


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For all terrain tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are great for all conditions.




Riders Body Size:


Consider your body size. If you are heavier you might want to consider a wider tire.


Where to buy:


You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual sell tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.


The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their opinion. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you have the better.

Mountain Bike Product Safety

A few months ago one of my friends called to tell me he was going to be late to the trail because he had a part on his bike that was being recalled. He wanted to stop at the bike shop and have his part replaced before our regularly scheduled ride. I too thought it was a good idea to get the part replaced before our ride so I told him that I will see him when he is finished at the store.

When I met up with my friend later in the day I asked him how he found out about his recalled part. He told me that his wife signed up for email alerts on product recalls. She subscribes to these email notification to be aware of toy issue for their children and it just so happened that a mountain bike part
was on the email.

Just like other consumer products, mountain bike products occasionally get recalled for various reasons. I do not want to speculate so I am not going to give examples. It is important to be aware and not to ignore these recalls because your safety could be in jeopardy.

So in an effort to keep riders aware of product recalls the links below will direct you to the Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission websites. These sites will allow you to search their database for product recalls that might pertain to your bike, gear or both.

The two sites listed below are not meant to be the all encompassing sources of information. It is to help you get started in you product recall search. If you come across more sites with mountain bike recall information let us know and we will add it to the list.

Check out the websites below.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

- http://www.cpsc.gov/

Consumer Affairs

- http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls/recalls.htm

You can find new or near new parts on Bike Servant is a mountain bike classifieds website which lists mountain bikes for sale, bike parts and race events