The Best Features:
- DK 24? Park/Trail frame design 100% 4130 Chromoly
- 100% 4130 Chromoly fork, threadless steer tube (1-1/8?)
- DK 2 pc Cruiser handlebar
- Strong Tubular 3pc crank, 175mm Chromoly
- Alloy 36H rims w/Alloy hubs 14mm rear axle
Initial Impressions: good adult BMX bike, with notes. By Cris L. Edwards
I've had this bike for a few days, and it is actually a really decent bike. I am a 37 year old male who is 5' 10" tall. This is important information, since many BMX bikes are made for kids and teens, so reviewing a BMX bike that is made for adults brings some interesting things of note. Previously, I accidentally ordered a kids' BMX bike because the methods of measuring BMX bikes for kids differs from the method of measuring a BMX bike for adults:
Ordering
BMX bikes for kids are measured by the size of the wheels. Adult BMX bikes are measured by the size of the top tube of the frame. This is confusing, since a bike with 20" wheels is way too small for an adult, while a frame with a 20" top tube might be just fine for an adult. READ YOUR SPECS carefully before ordering a BMX bike online. This particular bike, the DK Cygnus 24-inch, has 24" wheels, a top tube of 20" and is about the smallest bike a grown man would want to ride comfortably.
Shipping
Since this bike is eligible for Amazon Prime shipping, I received it two days after ordering it. Very nice. It arrived undamaged, with two plastic packing straps to keep it together and to carry it. You will need to cut these with scissors or a pocket knife.
Unboxing
The box this bike comes in is roughly four and a half feet long, two feet tall, and nine inches wide. It weighs approx. 33 pounds. I have a bad back, but didn't have much problem dragging the box from my front door to my bedroom where I assembled it. The bike is almost fully assembled, but you will need to do a few final steps to get the bike complete.
Assembly
This bike is not hard to assemble, in my opinion. However, not everyone would agree. I think that if you are comfortable assembling IKEA furniture, then this bike will not be a problem. To me, the level of difficulty is the same. However, to assemble this bike, you will need a few tools: 1) a set of metric Allen Wrenches (AKA hex keys); 2) a decent pair of adjustable pliers, or an adjustable wrench, or a ratchet and sockets; 3) a tire pump; and 4) a basic phillips head screwdriver for putting the reflectors on. All of these are readily available and cheap at your local discount store or hardware store, if you don't already have them laying around already.
I spent about 20 minutes assembling this bike. Assembly consists of essentially four tasks: 1) Putting on the front wheel and inflating both tires; 2) putting on the handle bars; 3) putting the seat on; and 4) putting the pedals on. None of these are complicated; and the instructions use helpful illustrations. The bike comes with a plastic chain guard, but no instructions for attaching it and no clear way of doing so. I left it off and opted instead to just roll up my right pant leg when riding. This bike does NOT include a kickstand.
Riding
Once assembled, I found this bike to be sturdy, lightweight, nimble. I am not in very good shape, but I found riding the bike to be a breeze. I rode it to work, and had no problem carrying it up the stairs to my second-story office. This is notable because I have a chronically bad back and was afraid this would be an issue. Nope.
The pedals seem sturdy, and have reflectors on them. The wheels and tires are rugged. The one place I found a problem is with the seat. It's useless. It's hard plastic, too small, not adjustable, and the seat post is too short. I understand that most BMX riders rarely use the seat, relying on standing for most of their ride. I also understand that most BMX riders need a seat that is not obtrusive, so they don't bust their behinds on it when doing jumps. That's fine. But, after the first day of riding, the thing that was most sore on me was my rear from trying to sit on the hard seat. You will want to invest in a cushioned, adjustable seat and post. Make sure you order the right seat post size. You might have to do this through some place other than Amazon; I found mine after some research and the total for both items was about 30 dollars. So far, that's the only aftermarket correction I've found.
Overall, a really nice adult BMX bike that is lightweight but sturdy and a real kick to ride. I am quite happy with it. Wear a helmet and get a better seat.For a teen bmxer By J. Hanan
Just purchased this bike for my 16 yr old kid. Will report if it holds up after the summer. Easy to assemble - less than 1 hr. Seems solid on my test ride - I'm a little smaller than son so glad I went with a 24. Does not come with metal pedals as pictured. 100% chrome-moly. Seat is beyond cheap plastic. Probably will need to replace seat and pedals. The rest seems pretty stout. Quality of frame looks good. Grips good. Tires OK. Other reviews question rear wheel - will see about that. The Best-Selling Dk Cygnus Bmx Bike With Black Rims (Red, 24-Inch) then to sell out very fast, if this is a must have product, be sure to order now to avoid disappointment.
