Folding Bikes - Minivelo inspiration picture thread [aka Diminutive Bike Prawn.]

Just some minivelos I've seen recently. Thought I'd share.
Gotta learn to braze!


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3352759576_2acc32be51_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2832307116_809861ae4d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2597857986_cff1feb5b7_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2969418022_d315f5c424_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2969418260_6eaf33cea3_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3796625421_cf5e877d74_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/3006845467_7715146eb1_b.jpg

http://www.rintendo.com/Pics/goblin-1st-blue01b-m.jpg

http://www.rintendo.com/Pics/2001tu-beetrickBOB-green02c-m.jpg

http://www.rintendo.com/Pics/gaap7347a-m.jpg

More:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3958990694_1e12bc2a02_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/3979601796_f8eab219a5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/2980436184_509d833f40_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2865471953_8495c164ea.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3086891166_3486e74bbb.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VSAfNTGmR7c/SRmi5pTweVI/AAAAAAAAB_I/wRVF_3ifgFM/s400/Mini+velo+Fixed.JPG

http://www.advantagebents.com/images/Sora%20Minivelo.jpg

http://bike.gn.to/CARBON20-1.jpg

More:
http://blog.cforce.co.jp/archives/minivelo.jpg

http://blog-imgs-24.fc2.com/z/a/r/zardoz2293/cd_minivelo_01.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2824676182_b5b8ccba9f_b.jpg

http://cycleshinseki.web.infoseek.co.jp/image/minivelo7iv.jpg

http://blog-imgs-24.fc2.com/z/a/r/zardoz2293/kom0038.jpg

http://blog.empas.com/dmsports/22129328_524x318.jpg

http://http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200812/04/48/d0151148_10545210.jpg

http://http://bamboolotus.sakura.ne.jp/sblo_files/bamboolotus/image/P1020600.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2124900790_d9a36109f0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2915186679_c29c47f8c2_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3219467363_468286b373_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/3085758327_9af91cdfeb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/3064558433_4872258ee0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/2723820080_12a62057ac_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3975000710_ceb9924572_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/4063169945_8c0fcfa666_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3832467255_2b06cc1183_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3681429714_e34c912305_o.jpg
and finally:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3738324866_668b54929b_o.jpg


Anyone got some more to share?

Well, just my modified SmoothHound, but it's hardly as exotic as the pictures you put up. I must admit, though, some of them are certainly an acquired taste.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/SmoothHound1sm.jpg

LP: I'm curious. I don't think mini-velos have been accepted much here in the US. How popular are they in the UK? It seems like they've only been popular in Asia.

The key to riding one is good medium width tires. Skinny road bike tires are out without some form of suspension as in the 20" size they can give a harsh ride. I'm looking to build up my own mini velo.

Thanks for the pics! :thumb:

They are popular in Asia because space is at an premium and they lend themselves well to being tossed in a car trunk or stored in a closet. They are basically adult size frame bikes centered around 20" wheels. They are NOT folders but rigid bikes.

In the US, the closest to mini velos was the short-lived F1 BMX fad, which involved adult frame bikes designed for asphalt racing.

Nice photos! Noticed a few of the photos were taken here in Yokohama. Nice to be living in the Minivelo center of the universe!

Tomorrow, the deliveryman is expected bring my wife a minivelo birthday surprise - a white Louis Garneau MV1:

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200703/27/32/d0026232_1591460.jpg

They are popular in Asia because space is at an premium and they lend themselves well to being tossed in a car trunk or stored in a closet.

But then why choose a minivelo over a folder?

I think there are many people who love the unique riding characteristics and look of small wheeled bikes and they want the best possible small wheel ride that they can get.

...aaand there are those like my wife, who just feel more comfortable on a smaller bicycle.

The frame is rigid and riding it feels more like being on a traditional bicycle. And that's why people choose to ride a minivelo over a folder.

Nice photos! Noticed a few of the photos were taken here in Yokohama. Nice to be living in the Minivelo center of the universe!

Tomorrow, the deliveryman is expected bring my wife a minivelo birthday surprise - a white Louis Garneau MV1:

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200703/27/32/d0026232_1591460.jpg

I like the proportions of this Mini-velo. That's the biggest problem I have with some of the other models, the proportions don't seem right to me.

The frame is rigid and riding it feels more like being on a traditional bicycle. And that's why people choose to ride a minivelo over a folder.

I agree with this.

The question for the US market is: why would someone choose a minivelo over a standard frame bike?

It looks cool, its fun to ride and its a space saver. Those are three reasons to market minivelos here. If they ever get around to the US.

LP: I'm curious. I don't think mini-velos have been accepted much here in the US. How popular are they in the UK? It seems like they've only been popular in Asia.

I have never seen one in the UK,on the road or in a shop,myself. Unless a Moulton counts?

Besides the flamingo legged asian girl, this is my favorite:

http://www.advantagebents.com/images/Sora%20Minivelo.jpg

Besides the flamingo legged asian girl, this is my favorite:

Totally agree about the girl observation, not so much about the bicycle preference!

Rafael, anyhow, for a long time I haven't seen you around here, welcome back!

Working on a daily basis on my 2010 project. Ti or not Ti, black, blue or white, XTR or XT,...

LP: I'm curious. I don't think mini-velos have been accepted much here in the US. How popular are they in the UK? It seems like they've only been popular in Asia.

They aren't popular in the UK either. I'm trying to buck the trend! :)
I have seen two Hammerheads since 2006 and that's it. One was at one of our little forum meets at Hyde park so I don't think it counts.

I think people have the same problem with them as folders - they look too non-conformist and the wheels make them look like kids bikes. If that was the case for motor vehicles, cars would be for kids and agricultural tractors would be for adults. It's about conditioning really. If they were everywhere and were all you could get - people would have no trouble as it'd be the norm. In london there's kinda a special rule for bromptons 'because they're so practical' that means they sort of have acceptance, with the proviso you can say something negative about the cost.

Minivelos are hard to 'get' I think - with a folder the folding part explains away the strangeness because they have to be strange to fold. With a minivelo, there's no such easy ride. It has to explain it's small wheels!

Besides the flamingo legged asian girl, this is my favorite:

http://www.advantagebents.com/images/Sora%20Minivelo.jpg

I'm just wondering WHY Dahon don't do a white Hammerhead. This thing is SWEET.

To clarify the text at the top of this thread - when I say 'seen' I don't mean in the flesh. These are all from Flickr and Google image searches. But that we had such a verdant and lush crop of minivelos here in smelly london... :)

Are they Asia-only export models? I believe they are all made in Taiwan and then distributed in the rest of Asia.

I like Gios Panto. Needless to say, it is not available in the US:(.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3998654145_bd8cd7a673_m.jpg

heheheh Little Pixel
That thread has me coming back and back and drooling over all those sexy bikes .... is this the largest collection of pictures of minibikes ever or what ?

wonderful
thor

Just arrived - one Louis Garneau MV1!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4070103975_5a99ba28b4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/4070102205_278f485578.jpg

I just took it for a short spin - nice that my wife and I can both fit comfortably on it!;) 7 speeds, smooth shifting, a comfortable ride - sweet little bike methinks! A tan Brooks saddle and new grips and she'll be even sweeter.

RE folders verse mini velos.
Its has just occurred to me, were Giant trying to do this with their unusual clip folding bike? Best of both Worlds attempt. It would be good if mini were available in the US as then they would reach the UK quicker!
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/_upload_be/bikes/models/zooms/2009/CLIP_BLACK.jpg

Mean while I could lust after a Moulton!


http://www5f.biglobe.ne.jp/~yutaka_i/gallery/

In considering why they're so popular in Asia, one shouldn't overlook the "cute factor". I'm less sure about elsewhere, but Japanese youth culture is very style conscious, and cute is a big winner.

They aren't popular in the UK either. I'm trying to buck the trend! :)
I have seen two Hammerheads since 2006 and that's it. One was at one of our little forum meets at Hyde park so I don't think it counts.

I think people have the same problem with them as folders - they look too non-conformist and the wheels make them look like kids bikes. If that was the case for motor vehicles, cars would be for kids and agricultural tractors would be for adults. It's about conditioning really. If they were everywhere and were all you could get - people would have no trouble as it'd be the norm. In london there's kinda a special rule for bromptons 'because they're so practical' that means they sort of have acceptance, with the proviso you can say something negative about the cost.

Minivelos are hard to 'get' I think - with a folder the folding part explains away the strangeness because they have to be strange to fold. With a minivelo, there's no such easy ride. It has to explain it's small wheels!

Well said, LP. I think your comments sum up my thoughts nicely as well.

In the US, the closest to mini velos was the short-lived F1 BMX fad, which involved adult frame bikes designed for asphalt racing.

In addition to Dahon continuing to try to get some traction with their "shark" bikes in N.A., Cannondale has cataloged their Hooligans (http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/hooligan.html) for the US market in 2010. I wonder if any dealers will inventory one?

tcs

The question for the US market is: why would someone choose a minivelo over a standard frame bike?

I really like the look of mini-velos, and I think I can speak to why I would choose a minivelo over a standard frame.

Like a lot of people I have a fleet of bikes. They are:

1983 Univega Gran Tourismo (rehabed in 2009 with a 9 speed drive train)
1986 Guerciotti (Classic Italian steel road bike)
1988 Bridgestone MB-2 mountain bike
2006 Bike Friday NWT
2008 Serrota Fierte Ti
2008 Bike Friday Tikit

As you can see from the dates, I had a bunch of bikes from the 80's and have been upgrading the fleet.

We are getting to the end of riding season, so the stats on what I've ridden the most are pretty well in. In 2009 I didn't ride the Serrota at all. Not even once. I didn't ride the Guerciotti at all either, but that's not so surprising, I only keep it for sentimental reasons. I commute on the Bridgestone, so that gets a fair amount of mileage, but it's not really all that fun to ride. I took the Univega out a fair amount, probably because of the rehab. The Tikit goes on pootle rides and commutes some times. The big mileage bike in the stable is my NWT. It gets the nod for just about any ride where I am going to put the bike in the car and take it to the start of a ride. Now, I don't fold it to put it in the car, but it just fits easier in the car. So, I use the NWT in the way one would use a mini Velo, and I am choosing to take the NWT over the Serrota for convenience reasons. The Serrota is a great bike, and I love to ride it, but the NWT rides well enough that the convenience and compactness always seems to win.

I think that a mini velo has more simplicity than a folder (none of the long convoluted cable runs, and no hinges) so for someone who uses a folder like I do, it would be a better choice. As long as it has a good enough ride, a mini velo could be a big success.

Speedo

I have long held that my 3 R20 non folding bikes really are early types of mini velos and when correctly modded they ride very well.....a 6 day fully loaded tour, fast group rides, a 6 1/4 hr 100 mile on a R20 SS and general commuting are testament to that fact.

Just as an FYI... if you're looking for a mini velo in the US, search for Sillgey Picollo (sp?). You can buy just a frameset or a full bike. It's the only one I know of in the US beyond the Dahon Hammerhead and Smoothhound.

Great thread.
--sam

You can also get a mini fixie from Hong Kong. That's the only available mini velo apart from the Sillgey Piccolo and Dahon Smooth Hound and Hammerhead on these shores.

You can also get a mini fixie from Hong Kong. That's the only available mini velo apart from the Sillgey Piccolo and Dahon Smooth Hound and Hammerhead on these shores.

Read post #28.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3514124304_85ce5420b5.jpg
1969 Sears Tote-Cycle. With a few tweaks.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3513317523_d5328ddf65_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3514125684_1c086f29de_m.jpg

wow
nicebike indeed
the only thing which is unpleasing to the eye are the white plastic pump holders, you should be able to find some chrome umbrella types instead

thor

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3514124304_85ce5420b5.jpg
1969 Sears Tote-Cycle. With a few tweaks.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3513317523_d5328ddf65_m.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3514125684_1c086f29de_m.jpg

Nice..... Very nice...

Love the shifters on the frame.

Say, does this count as a Mini-velo? Or is it more Vintage velo? :lol:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/Moultonfinish1.jpg

Soon to be equipped with the Duomatic 2 speed coaster hub...:thumb:

http://blog.8to8.in/images/DSC_0089.JPG

Bruno Ventura Limited - Sweeeet!

http://brunobike.jp/products/index.html

In addition to Dahon continuing to try to get some traction with their "shark" bikes in N.A., Cannondale has cataloged their Hooligans (http://www3.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/hooligan.html) for the US market in 2010. I wonder if any dealers will inventory one?

Ah ha! Hooligan!
If that`s not a remake of an `09, they`re already out in the world. The derailer model looks just like what I saw at the LBS about three weeks ago. I`m glad I happened onto your link because I searched C-dale`s website for it and didn`t find anything (don`t think I looked for 2010s) and since it wasn`t at my regular LBS, it might have been a while before I got back there.

Raleigh Japan's RWS Carlton:

http://www.raleigh.jp/Image/09_image/catalog/02_complete/complete_09/8204RSC-R500_s.jpg

tcs

I like it! I've had to get "apehanger" bars for my Schwinn Qualifier because there is no stem tall enough to get the bars up where needed. I need at least 22 inches and the stem riser goes up 6" and the threadless stem goes up 3" and the Wald bar has has a 13" rise. Its hard to fit a 48cm frame even when you're 5'7"!

Ah ha! Hooligan!
If that`s not a remake of an `09, they`re already out in the world. The derailer model looks just like what I saw at the LBS about three weeks ago. I`m glad I happened onto your link because I searched C-dale`s website for it and didn`t find anything (don`t think I looked for 2010s) and since it wasn`t at my regular LBS, it might have been a while before I got back there.

There's one at Tread on Dyckman. I don't get it. Looks like a folding bike that doesn't fold.

Mini velos are rigid bikes with small wheels. They are NOT folding bikes! Such bikes are a different kind of animal! ;)

@ noteon - if you'd read all the posts in this thread you'd see there is some discussion on the definition of the mini-velo and their relationship to folding bikes. Perhaps this will help you 'get it' ;)
This pic of a Dahon Hammerhead might explain - many 'go flat' for minimal corridor occupation - great for shared stairwells in urban centres.

http://www.dahon.it/images/bikes/large/fold/hammerhead.jpg

Saw this one in Independent Fabrications' booth at the 2008 NAHBS:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b359/x136/bicycles/indy-minivelo.jpg

@ noteon - if you'd read all the posts in this thread you'd see there is some discussion on the definition of the mini-velo and their relationship to folding bikes. Perhaps this will help you 'get it' ;)
This pic of a Dahon Hammerhead might explain - many 'go flat' for minimal corridor occupation - great for shared stairwells in urban centres.

Nope, doesn't help, but I don't claim that's anyone's fault but mine.

I'm a Xootr Swift owner in Manhattan. I don't see the advantage of a bike with the same general form factor and rigidity as mine that removes the possibility of a fold--and costs more.

But there's plenty of stuff I don't get. No disrespect intended!

Its still small enough to be stored in a closet or tossed into a car trunk. Its not possible with standard sized wheels. The very diminutiveness of the mini velo is part of its appeal. And 20" wheels can be very fast over the ground.

I'm a Xootr Swift owner in Manhattan. I don't see the advantage of a bike with the same general form factor and rigidity as mine that removes the possibility of a fold--and costs more.


This argument sums up precisely why Mini-velos haven't taken off in the US, IMHO.

And I don't know if it ever will. Unless some movie starlet gets photo'd riding one in a mini-skirt and it suddenly becomes chic and iconic ;).

My understanding is that some do fold. It looks like the later (`08 and up?) Smooth Hounds and Hammerheads do. And yeah, as I see it, they`re mostly just a style thing without a whole lot of advantage over a full sized bike, but this is one of the few cases where I happen to like what appears to be an upcomming fasion. It sure would be cool if more mfgs jumped on the bandwagon with takedown minis, (ala Moulton Stowaway). They look a lot more roadworthy than B.F., which I think is the most common current choice for packable road bikes.

In the past my choice of non folding R20s has been questioned on this forum, as in, "What's the point?"
I tried to explain that I don't need a folder, but I still enjoy and understand the benefits of SWBs over full sized bikes. IMHO folders, non folders, mini velos and their kind get enough grief from the rest of the cycling community without picking fault with each other.

Perhaps some here think I should be banished to a dark, dank corner in the deep recesses of BF that caters for odd bikes?.....Oh yeah, that would be Alt Culture bike subforum.