Almost anyone that’s into BMX bikes - both real and toys - will remember the Spinmaster Flick Trix finger bikes from about 10 years ago.  I remember the girl I was dating at the time, Debbie, bought one of these for me when we were at Toys R’ Us one day.  Alright, I’ll tell you more about Deb later, but for now let’s talk about BMX toys, ok?

The Spinmaster finger bikes were miniature BMX bikes licensed from real models of the day - Redline, Hoffman, DK, etc., and they featured die-cast frames and interchangeable parts.  The bikes were designed to do actual ‘finger bike tricks’ (don’t laugh, it’s actually pretty fun) and there were kits with ramps and other obstacles so you could literally build a miniature skate park.  I thought the original Flick Trix bikes themselves were very cool and quite realistic for what they were - but like many toys, these didn’t last long, and soon they were nowhere to be found.

:: Hutch Trick Star Bike Shop kit is very cool and turns us all into kids again - click to enlarge ::

With the resurgence in retro-BMX, Spinmaster created a new line of finger bikes - and these are much better than the originals.  For the first time, popular bikes from the 1980s are available and they are highly detailed.  Retro bikes include the Hutch Trick Star, GT Performer, P.K. Ripper, and Mongoose Supergoose.  Additionally, there are new-school bikes available as well from Mirraco, S&M, Fit, and Hoffman - all of which are accurately modeled as well as a toy this size could be.

:: Original 1999-series Spinmaster Hoffman with included U-lock/stand - click  to enlarge ::

I’m sure you know, I jumped aboard and bought the retro Hutch and GT models.  These are great - the detail on the decals, pedals, Skyway mag wheels, and frames is amazing. I know Spinmaster worked closely with the companies to get these right, and it shows.  Unlike the originals, these new finger bikes have die-cast cranks that are removable and caliper brakes as well as interchangeable pedals and grips.  Even the Hutch Pro pedals are accurately modeled.  Put simply, the level of detail on the new Flick Trix bikes far surpasses that of the original line.  When it comes to miniature replicas, it’s the details that matter - and Spinmaster did their homework here.

At first I thought doing tricks with finger bikes was a bit silly, but pretty soon I found myself running these little bikes inside my bathroom sink and over small obstacles.  I kid you not.  I’m sure if I were younger I would be taking these cool little bikes with me to school, passing the time by doing mini-tailwhips on my desk.  Just last week I went out with some BMX-riding friends and I pull out one of these little Flick Trix bikes.  Pretty soon everyone was passing the little bike around, mimicking real tricks with it to the point where I realized how addicting these toys can be.

:: New retro 1985 GT Pro Performers available in factory colors - image to enlarge ::

The standard kit includes a full bike as well as an extra set of wheels, trick bars, and a stand for about $10.00.  The Bike Shop version includes a full bike, additional frame, trick bars, wheels, pedals, grips, pegs, and tools as well as a display stand.  These sell for about $15.00 each.  Are you asking me if you should buy them?  I say absolutely, but please don’t get them just to resell on Ebay, that’s lame, and you can’t just buy one - you need to have a fleet of these cool little bikes.  If you also want to learn finger bike tricks, by all means do, but I just like having these little bikes on my desk.  Great job, Spinmaster.

:: New Flick Trix bikes offer stunning detail: Note visible welds on gusset - click to enlarge ::

I’ll be posting many more photos and updating this review soon, so don’t forget to bookmark this article!

Related Links:

• Spinmaster Flick Trix
• Hutch BMX