DK Bicycles Archives – Page 2 of 11

New DK Golf Bike Travel Bag Colors

July 24, 2017

You have a few more options for traveling in style… and to keep TSA off your back!

Anyone who has traveled with a BMX bike knows it can be a huge pain in the ass when you fly. The reason? Getting your bike through check in without getting slapped with a $200 fee because you have a bike and not a set of golf clubs… Seriously, Golf Clubs don’t get an added fee. About 10 or so years ago DK Bicycles released the Golf Bag that fit your bike and whatever else you wanted to cram into it descreatly through airport baggage check without getting slapped with the added fee. Over the years it’s stayed pretty much the same when it came to colors. The original was all black with green accents, then they switched over to black with plaid (Golfers love their plaid). If that didn’t get you excited, now you can choose from three new colors; camouflage, blue and black with red accents.

The DK Golf Travel Bag will set you back $139.99, but if you travel frequently with your bike, it’s an investment that pays off in the long run. You can get these bags from any BMX shop or mail-order that carry DK Bicycles worldwide now.

“Designed to avoid costly airline fees disguising your bike as a set of golf clubs. Made with durable rip stop materials. Features include; padded side pocket, rolling wheels, carry and pull straps, inner tie down straps and a plastic protective back.

Fits all 20” and most 24” bikes.” – DK Bicycles

DK Bicycles – Mike Varga 2017 Video

July 12, 2017

You know you’re in for some wild ramp riding whenever a new Mike Varga BMX video pops up! Here’s a look at his latest for DK Bicycles where he drops some heavy bangers on his personal backyard ramp setup!

“By now, it’s well-known that Mike Varga is one of the best ramp riders in the world. It shouldn’t surprise you that he shreds his own personal ramp at his home in Canada like no other. The last trick in this will leave your head spinning!
www.dkbicycles.com
Credit: DK / Tyler Rizzi” – Vital BMX

The Rise Of 22″ Bikes

April 18, 2017

There’s a been an increasing number of 22″ Bikes popping up…

Faction Amero 22″ BMX Bike

A few years ago when we personally first started hearing about 22″ Bikes we didn’t quite know what to think or if it would ever actually take off. The guys at Faction BMX were the first to start trying out this unique size that fit right between 20″ and 24″ bikes way back in 2002. It was a very small niche in the BMX industry that was geared toward riders that wanted something a little bigger than a traditional BMX bike, but didn’t want to go for an all out cruiser bike. It wasn’t a huge change, just slightly bigger wheels, fork and frames, really. This story of the rise of 22″ bikes originally started 15 years ago.

If you didn’t already know, there tends to be a bit of resistance to “new” things in BMX. Just like the first set of 8″, 9″ and 10″ rise BMX bars, there were a lot of people that were pretty hard stance. Either you like it and you are down to try it out, or you have zero interest at all and don’t see the point. Why change things if it already works the way it is, right? I still have friends that absolutely refuse to get bigger bars and I cannot for the life of me understand why they’re so against it. But, that’s why frames and parts come in so many different sizes; everyone has their own preference for a size that feels right.

In reality, that’s probably one of the hardest parts about innovation in BMX. You could have an amazing idea that works, but unless you convince enough people to try it, understand it and see the benefits, it will likely fail. I mean, how many times have we seen bash guards on the bottom bracket try and fail? The idea is great and it does work, but not enough people are into it to really see it become a “normal” part of BMX bikes. So, the idea goes back on the shelf and collects dust until somebody else decides to take a crack at it. Another example would be when Odyssey released their Twisted PC pedals. They were available for a few years before they actually started selling a notable amount of these plastic pedals compared to their metal options. Now the Twisted PC pedals are undoubtedly one of Odyssey’s most popular products and plastic pedals are more commonly found on a BMX bike than metal, but there was definitely a period of time where there was a weird rivalry between the two. The same could be said with plastic pegs… That was a weird time, too. Now it’s just a regular option for riders.

A prototype build and the S&M 22″ Holmes kit from 2012

Just like the Twisted PC pedals, the 22″ Bike wasn’t exactly something that gained traction over night. After the Faction guys started working on 22″ designs and ultimately went on to release a frame, fork, tires and rims, it was close to 10 years before S&M Bikes decided to see what all the hype was about. In 2012 S&M designed a frame and fork to test out, which lead to the 22″ Holmes Kit that offered rims and tires being made under their sub-brand Revenge. The options for 22″ frames, forks, rims and tires have have remained a part of their line up ever since. Even after S&M and Revenge also threw their hat in the 22″ ring back in 2012, we didn’t see a big surge in the 22″ BMX bike category. I will admit having a notable brand like S&M getting into it did probably help make it a little more appealing and a little more known. But it still wasn’t something that really got much attention.

Even though S&M and Faction were offering kits to build your own 22″ bike, it didn’t seem like we were seeing a ton of riders rushing to pick up a kit to try out the larger size. A kit from Faction goes for around $750 and a frame from S&M is in the $349.99 – $419.99 range, so it’s hard to spend that kind of money just to see if you’re into the bigger size.

UPDATE: Apparently we have been out of the loop! There’s another company based out of Austin, Texas called Indust that have been making 22″ frames, parts and some custom build bikes since around 2011 that we had never heard about until now. Shout out to Max Krauss for tipping us off. Crazy how we missed that! Technically these guys were doing 22″ before S&M.

2017 S&M 22″ ATF Frame

After another few years had passed with a few 22″ options but nothing really new being added, we saw something starting to happen in 2016. We started seeing some serious interest being put into these bigger bikes. The guys at FBM started offering a 22″ Steadfast Frame to give riders another option that could also be customized to your preference. Shortly after that it was announced that United Bike Co. were releasing the first 22″ complete, the 2017 KF22 Complete Bike and Fit Bike Co. were working on the Brian Foster signature 22″ complete. Some of you might be able to connect the dots with S&M, Fit, Revenge and United since all four are pretty closely related. S&M, Fit and Revenge are owned by Chris Moeller and The Building Distribution, which also distributes United Bike Co. in the United States. So now, we now have Faction, S&M, Revenge, Indust, Fit Bike Co., FBM and United offering 22″ products. Still, a fairly small circle of brands when looking at the overall number of brands in BMX.

Sneak peek QBMX posted of a 22″ tire that Wethepeople are working on…

Things have started happening and it would appear that the wheels on the 22″ bikes are really starting to turn (pun intended) and the guys at Faction weren’t so crazy after all. If you have picked up a 22″ bike or you have been interested, it looks like 2017 might just be the year to jump on the train, because your options are about to grow. In the past few months we have seen or heard of a few other brands that are joining this “revolution” of sorts. We have spotted a prototype 22″ tire from Wethepeople, which leads us to believe they will be offering a complete bike or aftermarket frame and parts for 22″ bikes. We haven’t heard exact details yet, but we could see Wethepeople or their sub-brand Salt Plus having 22″ parts options. The guys at Deluxe BMX are working on 22″ frames now that they’re building frames in-house in Pennsylvania, so there’s another American made option.

Update: After we posted this Wethepeople confirmed that they will have a mid-range complete 22″ bike, along with aftermarket frame, fork, rims, tires and complete wheel sets coming soon. Wethepeople will be offering a frame and fork kit as well. Also, Salt will also be offering 22″ wheelsets at a more affordable price point.

FBM’s 22″ Steadfast frame”

2017 Brian Foster Signature 22″ Complete Bike

United’s KF22 Complete Bike

Pair of 22s got together this week! @michaelpotoczny battleship grey and @urrydayimshovelin custom. #whitegirlcoffee #cantlooseon22s #deluxebmx
A post shared by Deluxe BMX (@deluxebmx) on Apr 7, 2017 at 12:01pm PDT

We also have 100% confirmation from Stolen Bikes that they are going to be offering a full line up of parts between Stolen and Fiction. Both brands will be offering a Stolen “Spade Pro” 22″ Frame, along with a Spade Complete Bike and the Fiction Troop Tire will come in a 22 x 2.30″ size. Those will all be dropping in June. Stolen also have 22″ wheelsets and rims that are already shipping to distributors worldwide as we write this. You can expect to see those popping up soon.

Stolen Rampage 22″ Wheels

Let’s go over this one more time. Faction, S&M Bikes, Fit Bike Co., Revenge, United Bike Co., Indust, FBM, Deluxe, Wethepeople, Stolen and Fiction are all either offering or will be offering 22″ bikes, frames or parts. That’s just what we’re aware of. If there’s one thing we know, it’s once something starts getting popular, it won’t take look for the rest of the industry to get in on the mix. That’s not a bad thing, though. It doesn’t hurt to have options, right? Competition leads to innovation and had S&M not decided to give Faction a little competition back in 2012, we might not be seeing the growth we are seeing in 2017 for 22″ bikes. We would imagine that list will grow in the coming year.

Update: Thanks to the guys at 22-Inch BMX, we were filled in on a few other options for 22″ bikes that we were unaware one. DK Bicycles have their 22″ Vega complete and Canadian brand Encore Bikes have their 22″ Anthem complete as well. Two bikes we were unaware of. Also, Laird Frames, Dave Harrison, Standard Bykes and Stout Bikes all offer 22″ custom frames. It turns out that there is A LOT more 22″ bikes popping up than we actually thought. We have also been tipped off that it sounds like Subrosa will be offering a 22″ complete bike in their 2018 range of bikes later this year. That means there are at least 17 potential options for 22″ bikes, frames or parts in 2017? Talk about an explosion of these bikes becoming available. Once again, big thanks to 22-Inch BMX for the heads up!

It’s kind of crazy to think that it took 15 years before these bikes really became a force in BMX. We give Faction big props for sticking it out and proving to all of us that there is a place for the 22″ bikes in this sport.

What do you think? Have you tried out a 22″ bike? How do you like it? Haven’t tried one? What do you think about this? Could you see yourself trying one? Let us know in the comments below!

BMX Multi-Tool Guide

March 8, 2017

Let’s take a look at all of the different BMX Multi-Tool options out there…

The other day Brant Moore put together a video giving you a look at the different BMX Multi-Tool options there are available to riders these days. The Multi-Tool originally started when DK Bicycles released their Random Wrench, at fit all the key tools you needed to work on a BMX bike into a compact, small tube with a few different attachments. Since then brands like The Shadow Conspiracy, Eclat, Animal Bikes, Odyssey, Merritt and Tall Order have come up with their own Multi-Tools that use some what of the same concept, but some what different designs. After checking out Brant’s video above we decided to take a look at these different options so you could easily see all the different BMX Multi-Tool options and compare them. Let’s get into this.

BMX Multi-Tool Guide

The Shadow Conspiracy – Multi-Tool

– $59.99

Let’s start out with The Shadow Conspiracy’s Multi-Tool. This tool was designed after the DK Random Wrench, but includes a few items not found on that tool to give it a few more options.

This Multi-Tool has an Investment Cast, forged and CNC machined steel construction that includes these tools.

– Chain Breaker
– 17mm Deep Socket
– Pedal Wrench
– 10mm wrench
– Spoke wrench
– Tire levers
– 8mm, 6mm, 5mm, 1/4″ and 7/32″ Hexs
– Hammer (built into the frame)
– Bottle opener (important)

The Shadow Conspiracy’s Multi-Tool fits all of the parts inside the tube with a magnetic cap to keep the small pieces in place.

Available in black, copper and chrome colors with a $59.99 price tag and a weight of 33.6 oz.

All the parts the Multi-Tool has inside.

A detailed look at the cap that holds all of the small parts in place.

Odyssey Travel Tool

– $29.99

The newest tool that is hitting BMX shops and mail-orders in March of 2017 is the Travel Tool from Odyssey. This tool is more simplistic than the Shadow Conspiracy, DK Bicycles and Eclat tools, but still has all the key pieces.

The Travel Tool includes:
– 15mm and 17mm Pedal Wrenches
– 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm allen keys
– 17mm Deep Socket with a full-length arm for extra leverage.

This one also features a lighter weight body and you could basically call it a Swiss Army Knife for BMX.

The Travel Tool will be available in Black with an affordable $29.99 price tag that is a perk for sure.

Really like the clean, simplistic look for the Travel Tool.

DK Bicycles – Random Wrench V3

– $39.99

Let’s take a look at the tool that started it all… Well, the 3rd version of the tool that started it all. The DK Random Wrench V3. This version was designed to be slimmer than its predecessors, but still pack all the tools needed.

You can find these tools inside the Random Wrench V3:
– 6mm, 8mm and 10mm wrenches
– 5mm and 6mm allen sockets
– 15mm pedal wrench
– 3/8″ socket driver
– 3/8″ extension
– 15mm and 17mm deep well sockets
– Tire lever
– Universal spoke wrench

All of the parts fit cleanly inside the tube, giving it a clean look.

The Random Wrench V3 comes in black, chrome and gold with a price tag of $39.99, which is not bad at all. Just as a note, most places only carry the black version these days.

Vocal BMX – V-Tool

Similar to some of the other BMX Multi-Tool options, Vocal BMX offer their own tool that does have it’s own unique twist on it. The tool has a similar tube design with the socket attachment, spanner and hex head fittings. However, this tool also comes with an optional extension that you can also purchase…

The main part of the V-Tool features…

– Pedal spanner 15mm with extra 6mm 8mm 10mm hex or added extras.
– tire lever built into the top next to the pedal spanner.
– 17mm socket and extension bar to fit inside pegs.
– 8mm allen key
– 6mm allen key
– 5mm allen key
– 3 size spoke key built into the cap

The V-Tool Extension adds a few more tool options, additional storage space and can be connected to the original tool.

– Tube for storage
– Top Cap with chain tool connection, comes out the tube and attaches to the cap
– Bottom caps to connect to our main V tool (supplied separately)
– HD 1 1/8 single speed chain tool with pin guide.
– 10mm spanner with tire lever

The Vocal V-Tool is another solid option for a tool that has it all. The design is a little different and not quite as compact when it’s connected to the extension, but it does get the job done for offering everytihng.

The Vocal V-Tool comes in Black only with a price tag of £29.99 (on sale at the time of writing this) with the extension being an additional £23.99. It’s not the most affordable option, but has more than the less expensive basic options.

Tall Order – Pocket Socket

– $17.99

Another one of the new options that are available, plus the most simplistic would be Tall Order’s new Pocket Socket that eliminates pretty much everything and only has the very minimal for tools you would use regularly.

The Pocket Socket features:
– 6mm and 8mm allen keys
– 17mm socket
– Knurling on the handle for grip

The Pocket socket comes in black and chrome, weighs in at a very light 4 oz., is 210mm in length so it does indeed fit in your pocket and has a price tag of $17.99.

This is a great option for people that don’t want to carry around a big tool, but obviously it only has a few of the tools you may end up needing during a session.

Merritt – Trifecta Tool

Another very simple tool that cuts things back to the minimal neccesities would be the Merritt Trifecta Tool. This tool, similar to the Pocket Socket above is a small, compact tool that folds out with a few configurations to dial your bike in with.

The Trifecta Tool includes:
– 17mm socket
– 6mm and 8mm allen keys
– Velcro strap to attach it to your bike if you want.

The Trifecta tool has 3 of the key tools that you would use to dial your bike in with. Obviously that leaves out a lot of features some of the other tools offer, but it’s small, compact and lightweight (7.4 oz.) which is a perk. The Trifecta Tool is available in black only with a price tag of $34.99 through BMX shops and mail-orders that carry Merritt.

Animal Bikes – Kotulak Tool

– $54.99

Another tool that was based off the Random Wrench would be the Animal Bikes Kotulak Tool. This tool, similar to DK and Shadow’s tool is designed to pack everything you need into one tool with plenty of features to make sure you can keep rolling. This one comes with a unique shape and it also offers that swivel head which is a perk when it comes to cranking your wheel down.

The Kotulak Tool includes:
– 15mm Crows Foot Pedal Wrench
– 3/8″ Swiveling Socket Driver
– 3/8″ to 1/2″ Extension
– 17mm Deep Well Socket with 1/2″ Drive
– Allen Socket with 7/32″, 1/4″, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm allen bits
– Chain Breaker
– Spoke Wrench
– Hammer (Threaded End Cap)

Like the others, everything fits inside the tube to keep everything secured tightly into place. This is another great option for somebody that wants everything packed into one.

The Kotulak Tool comes in black only with a price tag of $54.99.

Eclat – E-Tool

– $64.99

Last but not least, the E-Tool from Eclat. Once again, were’ looking a tool that utilizes a tube design, but this one works a little different than the others and has a super clean design. Those German’s always have a unique approach to things, and we’re definitely a fan of the look they gave for this one.

The E-Tool Includes:
– 8mm and 10mm wrench
– 15mm pedal wrench
– Spoke wrench
– 10mm and 19mm U-Brake wrench
– 3mm, 4mm, 5mm,6mm and 8mm hex bits
– 17mm socket

The E-Tool measures in at 188mm long with a 30mm diameter, weighs in at 19.10 oz. and comes in black only. Everything packs neatly into it’s proper place for a compact storage. This one does come with a $64.99 price tag, which is higher than the rest so that’s a downfall.

Looking at each tool, they all offer the same tools essentially, with some offering more like chain breakers and tire levers and others taking the minimalist approach with only focusing on the main tools you will use more frequently. Things to consider with this are what tools do you absolutely NEED (I mean, you need all of them at some point) during a session or a trip, if you want something that slips into your pocket or something that might be a little bulkier but have more options, price and colors. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to have the right tools for the job. Make sure you check out our BMX TOOL GUIDE for a full list of tools that you could use as well.

That wraps things up with this BMX Multi-Tool Guide. We hope this helped you compare the different BMX Multi-Tool options available, so you can figure out which one you prefer to have. Everything you see here can be picked up through BMX shops and mail-orders worldwide.

Have you used any of these tools? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

DK Bicycles – Random Wrench V3

November 11, 2016

When it comes to BMX tools, one of the first multi-tools that comes to mind is the DK Bicycles Random Wrench. DK were the first ones to release a multi-tool like this and that lead to a couple other brands making tools of their own to help simplify things so you didn’t have to haul around a bag full of tools to keep your bike rolling.

Over the years, DK have refined their tool and the 3rd version of the tool has simplified things even more to ensure that you have everything you need in one kit. The Random Wrench V3 still features it’s tube handle design that allows you to carry 15mm and 17mm deep sockets, 5mm and 6mm hex bit drivers, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm nut cut outs, a 3/8″ extension to ensure you can get your sockets to reach in a peg, a tire lever and a cap that features a spoke wrench that also helps keep everything stored inside nicely. The only thing you are really missing for important tools is a chain breaker.

So, if you’re looking for a multi-tool to help simplify your bike maintenance, DK’s Random Wrench V3 might just be what you need. It’s currently available through BMX shops and mail-orders that carry DK Bicycles. You can also pick it up on AMAZON with free shipping.

DK Bicycles – Golf Flight Bag

November 1, 2016

Anyone who has travelled by flying knows that it can be a pretty stressful and hassle filled event if the slightest part of the plan falls through. Missed flights, getting hassled by TSA and having your luggage not show up can be a huge pain. Add in trying to fly with your BMX bike and it gets even more complicated because the airlines LOVE charging you over $100 just because you are bringing a bike along for the ride.

Over the years, we have seen a number of creative ways to get a bike on board a plane without putting a huge dent into the budget from boxes to breaking the bike down into a couple different suitcases and more. However, one of the best ways to do it has been using a Golf Bag. Ironically, flying with golf clubs doesn’t come with a big fee even though half the time they weigh more and take up just as much space as a BMX bike.

Luckily, a few years ago DK Bicycles figured out that they could fit a BMX bike into one of those bags and made getting through baggage check and TSA a breeze. That lead to the creation of the DK Golf Flight Bag that has become a must have for any BMX rider that plans on doing some traveling in the air.

The DK Golf Flight Bag is made from durable rip stop cordura with fully padded sides, a larger padded side pocket, heavy duty zippers to help hold up to all the wear and tear, rolling wheels to help keep you moving and an embroidered DK Golf logo to help sell the baggage people that there’s just some golf clubs inside. The DK Golf Flight Bag measures in at 51″ tall x 15 1/4″ x 12″ wide giving you plenty of room to fit your 20″ bike, along with most 24″ bikes, your tools and even some clothes or whatever else you might need to bring along for the ride. However, we would suggest a separate suitcase or bag for the clothes just because you could end up with some grease rubbing on everything.

The DK Golf Flight Bag comes in two colors; black with green and black with plaid, and has a price tag of $139.99 through BMX shops and mail-orders that carry DK Bicycles. You can also get it for $139.99 + FREE Shipping on Amazon.

$139.99 might seem a little spendy, but if you’re planning to fly more than twice, this thing should pay or itself time and time again in the savings you will be getting with every trip to the airport.

The crew at Odyssey also make a bag called the Nest Travel Bag that is similar to the Golf Flight Bag, but has a few different features like a separator to help keep clothes clean. You can also find actual Golf Travel Bags that are more affordable, but they typically aren’t built to hold up to the same abuse as the DK or Odyssey bags. We have a few examples below that are currently available on Amazon for you to check out for comparison purposes. Either way, a Golf Bag of some sort is an absolute must have for flying with a BMX bike!

We want to hear from you! Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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