Mini choppers are one of the coolest toys I've seen in a long time. I've always been a fan of regular-size choppers (if you can call them regular), because they're one of the few types of machines that combine mechanics with beautiful artistry. The makers who craft them (including the Teutels and Billy Lane) spend quite a bit of time on the pure style and design of the chopper itself. And that's not mentioning the speed and sound factors, which are also quite impressive. That's what makes customized choppers different from imitators--the effort and emphasis on design and style. Billy Lane himself holds seven U.S. patents for parts he designed and incorporated into his choppers.

I have to say I was really surprised when I saw pictures of the first mini chopper, but ever since then I've wanted one. The fact that they're so inexpensive coupled with their uniqueness makes them a really attractive buy. If you're looking for a mini chopper, your main choice is whether to buy a pre-fabricated model or a custom designed model.

Custom Choppers vs. Pre-Fab Choppers

The whole idea behind the chopper is that it is a machine that has been mainly built by hand, so the idea of having one delivered from a factory (even if it is one third normal size) may be a little offensive to chopper purists. That said, not everyone can afford the cost of a completely custom-built mini chopper. If you're on a budget, you can still have an authentic and customized mini chopper. There's no need to purchase an imported imitation.

Having a mini chopper for you has tons of advantages, chief among them the fact that you can really tune the thing to look just how you want it. You can customize everything from the paint to the wheels to the exhaust, and make your little chopper look as bad as you want it to be. It isn't quite Monster Garage, but think of it like a little pit bull--smaller than the other dogs, but with plenty of bite.