Fads & Finds
Riding the Runt a down-to-earth experience
By Katherine Nichols
Advertiser Staff Writer
It looks like something for a child, but it's the hottest new must-have among 20-something guys.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
Called "Runt" by manufacturers and "pit bike" by slang-focused consumers, the very sturdy mini-bike reflects its names well. The product earned its nickname when people began using it as transportation between pits at drag races.
Logan Balbirona, 20, of the Bikefactory, rides a pit bike on Cooke Street. He is planning to try it out at a skate park.
But the transportation element is reserved for short distances. "It's just something to do for fun," said Bikefactory Sportshop manager Carl Brooks. "It's not something to commute on by any means."
Logan Balbirona, who also works at Bikefactory, agreed. "If you're doing a mile or something, you'll definitely get a workout," said Balbirona, 20, who looks forward to experimenting with the bike at a skate park. "It's basically just for goofing off."
When Brooks took the bike out for a neighborhood spin, he said he didn't make it "five feet" around Lanikai before kids queried him about his ride. He let them try the bike and "couldn't get them off of it."
A few high-tech features include adjustable seat and handlebars (still, you can forget complete leg extension). The full suspension, sealed precision bearing wheels and freewheeling rear wheel make it much more than a circus bike (though a local clown recently purchased one for his act).
Pit bike information
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$129.95 at Bikefactory Sportshop, 596-8844
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Comes in red, blue, black
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Soon an all-chrome model will be available for $139.95
The Runt weighs an estimated 15-20 pounds, and can support up to 300 pounds. Its wheelbase is 18 inches, and the vertical height from ground to handlebars is a mere 27 inches.
If you can't fit, well, too bad! But look around ... you'll be surprised who can.
