Should I buy a fork for BMX or MTB?

When you buy a fork for mountain bike, you have the option to buy one with suspension or without. There are forks in the market for 20″ MTB like the one shown here. 20″ MTBs are usually recommended for kids of age 6 and above.

If you plan to buy a replacement fork just make sure that it fits the size of the bicycle you intend to install it on. They come in sizes for 20″ right up to 29″ bicycles. Choose one with suspension if you plan on riding off road as it will take the strain off your shoulders during bumpy rides on your bicycle.

If you buy a cheaper fork with suspension, it is likely that you will not be able to adjust the shock absorbers as there is no dial on it to adjust their tension or to lock it so that it does not move at all.


BMX forks do not have suspension and they are usually built sturdier and stronger than other fork without suspension, eg, meant for a fixie or a regular 20″ bicycle. You will not be able to install your BMX rims or tyres on a fixed gear fork as the tyre width for BMX can be as wide as 2.35″

Mountings on the fork for the brakes are located differently for V-Brake, U-Brake or disc brakes. So, inform the shop the kind of brakes you intend to fix on your BMX.

In Malaysia, it is now popular for youngsters to modify their 20″ BMX with a double fork (with or without suspension) like this.

This is how they want their BMX to look like after modification.

Or like this.


This is how they ride (fly) the modified BMX.


This is dangerous and illegal. Bicycles like these get confiscated by the local authorities if riders are caught in the act.

Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

What is the best way to lock up your bicycle?

Are you frustrated that the bicycle you kept locked in your house still gets stolen?  Even so, we shouldn't make it easy for someone to take away what we paid for and own!

The first thing that a thief will do when they steal a bike is to make changes to the bicycle so that it is not easily recognized by the owner or his friends. Changing the colour of the body is the easiest way.

So, make it difficult for the thief to make changes to your bicycle should it get stolen. Add stickers that are difficult to remove or make markings on part of the bicycle that is obvious for all to see even if painted over. A thief will be deterred from stealing your bicycle if there is too much work involved because of the lock installed or if it will be a hassle changing its look.

So, if you plan to park your bicycle, especially without a lock installed, make sure that it is within your sight. Make it stands out so that it can be seen from a distance away. You can do that by adding decorations on your bicycle that makes it uniquely yours. Eg, adding strips of self-adhesive reflective tapes in different colours to the rim. That way, if your bicycle is park with many others in a row, you can recognise it right away.

Go to YouTube and do a search for “How To Lock Your Bike” and you will find many videos showing mistakes that one can make when they use locks on their bicycle. Here is one I found that can rectify those mistakes.

At Jom Johan you can find many different types of lock ranging from RM5.00 to RM38.00.  You may not even have to pay for the lock because of the gift voucher you will be getting when you purchase a bicycle from us.

Here is another way to deter thieves from targeting your bicycle. Put this note on your bicycle where it can be seen by any thief; “Reporting Once Stolen at Bike registry”. So saying, make sure that you take down the serial numbers on your bicycle and take enough photo of the bicycle and proceed to register online if it gets stolen.