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08-07-09, 12:30 AM
I’ve always been intrigued by small-wheeled bikes. I have a modded Dahon Boardwalk and was pleasantly surprised at how well the 20” wheeler handled. I learned about minivelo through the internet and have always wanted one, but I don’t have the money. So I turn to building my own cheapo version.
I started off with a cheap kid’s mountain bike. I stripped the bike right down to its frame and stripped its decals. I replaced the heavy steel wheelset with an alloy set. I did not plan to build a coaster bike, but the new wheels prompted me to change my mind. The cog that came with the coaster hub was an 18t, much too low a gearing for a 20” bike, so I ordered a 12t KORE BMX one from Ebay. I kept the original gum-wall tires because they look good with the build.
I was questioning whether to replace the cranks or not, but decided that it was worth it to spill the extra cash. I got all the drivetrain parts I needed from CL, various bikes stores, and co-ops. The toughest challenge was installing the bb adapter, but with help from my trusty dad, it all worked out.
The saddle to handlebar drop was a major concern because the seatpost has to extend so far out. To ease the problem, I decided used the original stem that came with the bike because it has a decent amount of rise. The geometry is still a little aggressive for an everyday cruiser, but I am not complaining. I contemplated what bars to use and was set on buying a set of moustache bars, when I found these cruiser bars for less than half the price of the moustache. I chopped up the cruiser bar to create a Noah’s arc bar look. The tape is a DIY job by cutting up a yellow cotton tee into strips and smothering them with coats of shellac. I have to say they turned out rather well.
Future upgrades include: a frame pump, a bell, better tires, a Brooks maybe?
Before the transformation
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3796665427_714fa78822.jpg
Introducing my new minivelo
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3796625421_cf5e877d74.jpg
I started off with a cheap kid’s mountain bike. I stripped the bike right down to its frame and stripped its decals. I replaced the heavy steel wheelset with an alloy set. I did not plan to build a coaster bike, but the new wheels prompted me to change my mind. The cog that came with the coaster hub was an 18t, much too low a gearing for a 20” bike, so I ordered a 12t KORE BMX one from Ebay. I kept the original gum-wall tires because they look good with the build.
I was questioning whether to replace the cranks or not, but decided that it was worth it to spill the extra cash. I got all the drivetrain parts I needed from CL, various bikes stores, and co-ops. The toughest challenge was installing the bb adapter, but with help from my trusty dad, it all worked out.
The saddle to handlebar drop was a major concern because the seatpost has to extend so far out. To ease the problem, I decided used the original stem that came with the bike because it has a decent amount of rise. The geometry is still a little aggressive for an everyday cruiser, but I am not complaining. I contemplated what bars to use and was set on buying a set of moustache bars, when I found these cruiser bars for less than half the price of the moustache. I chopped up the cruiser bar to create a Noah’s arc bar look. The tape is a DIY job by cutting up a yellow cotton tee into strips and smothering them with coats of shellac. I have to say they turned out rather well.
Future upgrades include: a frame pump, a bell, better tires, a Brooks maybe?
Before the transformation
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3796665427_714fa78822.jpg
Introducing my new minivelo
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3796625421_cf5e877d74.jpg