Where to Buy Finger Bikes: From Budget Options to Custom Handmade Models

ByThe Answerlode Editorial Team

The Santa Cruz 5010 Finger Bike Phenomenon

When Santa Cruz Bicycles couldn’t film their usual trail-shredding video for the 5010 launch during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, they got creative and thought small. Really small. The result was a viral marketing masterpiece featuring a fully functional miniature 5010 mountain bike, complete with working suspension, navigating singletrack, jumping, and even taking realistic spills. The video has since become a beloved part of mountain biking culture, spawning follow-up videos and raising a natural question: where can you actually buy one of these finger bikes?

Custom Handmade Finger Bikes: The Real Deal

The original miniature Santa Cruz 5010 featured in the video was crafted by Taras Timchenko, a talented Ukrainian builder now based in Poland. Timchenko hand-builds each of his finger bikes with impressive attention to detail, including fully functional suspension systems that replicate the geometry and performance characteristics of real mountain bikes. His work gained viral attention on Instagram after Santa Cruz discovered him and commissioned the finger bike for their promotional video.

If you want a custom-made finger bike like the one in the Santa Cruz video, you can contact Taras Timchenko directly through his Instagram account (timchenko.taras). Custom builds typically run around $100 or more depending on the bike model and complexity, but they are museum-quality pieces designed for collectors and serious enthusiasts. Timchenko has created miniature versions of numerous real bikes, including Santa Cruz models, Trek bikes, and other premium brands.

Mass-Market Finger Bikes: Budget-Friendly Options

If you want to jump into finger biking without the custom price tag, there are plenty of readily available options:

  • Tech Deck BMX Finger Bikes: The most popular mass-market option. Tech Deck produces finger bikes licensed from real BMX brands like Sunday, WeThePeople, Cult, and SE Bikes. These typically cost $10-25 and feature metal frames, working wheels, and realistic graphics. Available on Amazon, Walmart, and eBay.
  • Mountain Bike Finger Bikes: Several brands produce finger-sized mountain bikes with suspension mechanisms. These are harder to find than BMX finger bikes but are available on Etsy, Amazon, and specialized toy retailers. Prices range from $30-100 for quality models.
  • Bulk Collections: If you want to start a collection, many retailers sell multi-packs of finger bikes at discounted prices, though individual quality may vary.

Where to Buy Finger Bikes

Amazon: The largest selection of finger bikes, including Tech Deck multi-packs, brand-specific models, and various mountain bike replicas. Look for bestseller lists to find highly-rated options.

eBay: Good for finding individual models or hard-to-locate brands. Many sellers offer free shipping on finger bikes.

Walmart: Carries Tech Deck and other mainstream finger bike brands both online and in-store.

Etsy: The best source for custom and artisan MTB mini finger bikes. Search for “MTB mini finger bike” or “custom finger bike” to find independent makers. These are pricier but often feature realistic suspension and custom paint jobs.

Specialty Toy Retailers: A2Z Science & Toys and similar hobby shops often carry curated selections of finger bikes.

What to Look For When Buying

Quality varies significantly across finger bike brands. Look for metal frames rather than plastic, real rubber tires, and articulated components if you plan to do tricks. If you’re interested in mountain bikes specifically, seek out 1/10 or 1/12 scale models rather than the more common 1/14 BMX finger bikes. Pay attention to customer reviews regarding suspension function, wheel quality, and paint durability.

The Real Santa Cruz 5010: Why the Video Works

Understanding what makes the real 5010 special adds context to why the finger bike video was so effective. The Santa Cruz 5010 is a full-suspension mountain bike featuring 130mm of VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension travel. It uses a mullet wheel setup combining a nimble 29-inch front wheel with a traction-hungry 27.5-inch rear wheel. This geometry gives it a playful, whippy feel perfect for both technical terrain and flowing descents.

The 5010 comes in Carbon CC and Carbon C frame options with sizes featuring size-specific rear triangles and chainstays. Higher-end models are equipped with RockShox Pike Ultimate forks, Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shocks, and SRAM XO1 AXS drivetrain. The real bike starts around $4,000 for complete builds, making the finger bike a humorous yet genuine representation of what makes the 5010 special: playful geometry, responsive suspension, and the kind of bike that makes you want to huck yourself off things.

The Finger Biking Community

What started as a creative marketing solution during lockdown has evolved into a genuine hobby. Instagram accounts dedicated to finger biking showcase detailed builds, trick videos, and creative photography. Whether you’re buying a $15 Tech Deck for nostalgic fun or commissioning a $200+ custom artisan build, finger biking offers a low-stakes way to appreciate real bike design and mechanics at miniature scale.

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