Folding Bikes - Schwinn Qualifier Mini Velo

I upgraded a Schwinn Qualifier F1 bike into a mini velo. It has Wald High Rise Bar, Specialized Sidewinder Grips, Brooks B-67 saddle and Greenspeed Scorcher Tires. Single speed.

Its a fast bike over the road. Looks cool too! ;):thumb::)

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YsK1lQ2BQmCJ7zSPKn2HrQEV4pFCtNq-t26lit2CTI0?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Iaxs6HARBZ46LdpxFiy-MgEV4pFCtNq-t26lit2CTI0?feat=directlink

Nice! An icon! What's that dead thing on the saddle?

There's a growing UK movement to restore the Raleigh Chopper, a 70's 'British icon' which only became an icon after the 70's. Adults fit them with rear wheelie bars like dragsters, but I've yet to see an adult riding one to work each day. :-)

http://www.rcoc.co.uk/

The mini velo is a normal sized bicycle with 20" wheels popular in Japan and Asia. Here they are derivisively viewed as "circus bikes" - curios fit for clowns and children. But a small wheeled bike is as fast as a large wheel bike and the size allows it to be stored in places were its awkward or difficult to fit in a standard bike.

The Qualifier was made only one year in the late 80s as part of a short-lived fad for parking lot races, which never caught on. A shame because its really a nice, light and fast bike for the 406 mm size.

There's a dead squirel on the seat!


My schwinn(100% original) and my sears tote cycle (100% NOT original)
154847154855

I guess it's an acquired taste.

I'm revamping my minivelo too! Turning this bike
154925
into a lean, mean road machine...stay tuned!

Oh that's a cool one! Is yours a Haro Dart?

I wish, but no...the brand was Skyline...There was a torn up "FORMULA ONE" decal on the top tube. Never found out much about it. I thought it was just a cheap children's BMX with a cool lookin frame when I bought it.

The Formula 1 bike was designed for parking lot races. Its NOT a children's BMX. Its proportioned for road riding and with the right tires - like Greenspeed Scorcher, it rolls very well over the open road. Its geometry makes it perfect to be set up as a mini velo.

Your Skyline find is a good acquisition. I hope it becomes a road-worthy bike. Just stay away from very skinny road tires - they are harsh in the 20" wheel size.

The Greenspeed scorchers do look awesome. I don't think they come in 451, though...

They are fast rolling and the perfect size. They are available in the 406, which is the size used on BMX and folder bikes. The 451 is more rare.