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Join the Minibike madness!
The last few issues of Velo Vision have been packed with readers' modified Onza Minibikes - now a scoop purchase of warranty return bikes and frames means it's cheap as chips to join the fun...
Specialbikes of Bishopthorpe near York have managed to get their hands on a batch of brand-new but incomplete Onza Minibike frames and bikes - ideal for any budding home-builder who fancies making their own 'Bonza Bike' - see Issue 7, page 36, or making some compact transport as described in Issue 8, page 18-19.
These bikes are still in their original packaging, says Mike, but have had parts 'scavenged' from them to repair warranty returns - mostly from broken stems - apparently from kids getting a bit too 'jumpy'. The batch Specialbikes have is a mixed bag - some bikes almost complete, others missing a few components. A number have the wheels missing. But pretty much all of the frames - the bike's best bit, and the basis for any home build - are in fine shape.
The best bit? The price. Mike West of Specialbikes says some machines will go for £38, more-complete ones for £55 and upwards from there. And if you can't collect there may be postage on top. But for most of a well-made, alloy-framed £150 bike (see the review in Velo Vision 5, page 28) that sounds like a bit of a bargain.
For details of what's available phone Mike West of Specialbikes on landline: 01904 703 413 or mobile: 07866 290 936.
(Note this story was amended Monday AM to correct pricing - and also to make it clear that the bikes are not warranty returns as previously suggetsed. Apologies for the confusion.)
Posted on 16 December 2002
Your comments ...| From: Tom Riley (tom@compofcyclists) on 13 December 2002 |
| Have seen the bikes in question at Mikes' place, and had forgotten quite how small the Onza is - and how high the frame quality (Shameless Specialbikes plug...) Now: Who's going to be the first to mackle up a recumbent version? |
| From: the bike butcher ([email protected]) on 13 December 2002 |
| Did someone say "mackle up"? |
| From: Tom (minigrind@swarfgetsinyoureyes) on 15 December 2002 |
| Yes. Is this a Leicesterism? I picked it up off a mechanical genius from Oadby whilst under a steam engine one day... |
| From: RtH (@cyclemagic) on 15 December 2002 |
| It is indeed a Leicester term. Something else we've given to the world.....along with the Elephant Man, Showaddywaddy, and red cheese. :-) |
| From: Anthony Shingler ([email protected]) on 15 December 2002 |
| Erm, not quite right this one.... Mr West says he wants £35 for a frame with some parts and £85 for a complete bike less saddle and front clamp. |
| From: Peter Eland ([email protected]) on 16 December 2002 |
| Sorry about that - it was my misunderstanding. Mike West rang me on Friday night just after I'd left the office to correct the prices - but I've just got in now on Monday... Still not bad at all IMO. |
| From: Rainer ([email protected]) on 16 December 2002 |
| To late. Their message from saturday: "Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately all the damaged Onza bikes have been sold very quickly!" |
| From: Peter Eland ([email protected]) on 16 December 2002 |
| Just spoke to Mike (lunchtime on Monday), and he's still got a couple left (both with significant bits missing) - maybe they just came in or some sales fell through or something. He also says they can do deals on new ones once the last of the bargains are definitely gone... |
| From: . (.) on 16 December 2002 |
| Had a look on Mike's website they cost £165 new. |
| From: . (.) on 16 December 2002 |
| What about the umberella holders? |
| From: Tom (ActionRickshawsUK) on 17 December 2002 |
| It would be a complete waste of an Onza to use it as an umbrella holder. |
| From: Andy Scaife ([email protected]) on 31 December 2002 |
| It's just after Christmas as I read this thread, and the streets seem to be full of minibikes here in York, but - and here is the crux - they are all, note; ALL ridden by lads aged under 10! Isn't it time we took a deep breath and shook ourselves out of this strange fascination with these ludicrous toys. They're fun in a school playground, or round the footpaths of the local housing estate, and will doubtless make a great toy for the short-term amusement of a bored 9-year-old, but this bears little resemblence to cycling. Lets get a grip! |
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