gringo_gus

So, this mini-velo frame is really tempting, especially as there isn't much minivelo choice in the UK.

But if you bought it, how would you build it up ?

I have one or two ideas, but don't want to be limited by my own imagination, or lack of expertise, so suggestions, general and specific, much welcome.

dynaryder

YMMV,but not my cup of tea. Like my knees,so no interest in a SS/FG build,and the rear spacing limits the drivetrain/IGH selection. Would also prefer canti posts for better brake clearance around wide tires.

If I had to use that frame,I'd do it as a bomb-around-town bike with a 3spd hub and as wide of tires as I could fit,basically a geared BMX.

BruceMetras

I'd do what bikeboyjohn did and have it set up with a SRAM Automatix 2 speed ... and ride the heck out of it..

smallwheeler

BRuceMetras refers to this very nice bike:



but the build really depends on how you wish to use the bike...

gringo_gus

thanks brucemetras and smallwheeler - I have been off the forum for a while, so had missed the bikes we like thread altogether - lot of homework to to.

Actually, the two speed hub would work well for me - my brommie is a two speed and ideal for the urban landscape where I live. Of course, if you were married to me you might ask why I therefore need another two speed bike, but hey, a man needs hobbies, and this one aint to harmful. Except on the wallet of course.

Like their handlebasket too.

BruceMetras

Man can never have enough two speed bikes ... it looks like you could have a fairly light build if you wanted with the mini-velo ... add smooth high volume tires ... could end up being your 'go to' bike ..

smallwheeler

i'm envisioning using the 2 speed hub with this freewheel double and a chain tensioner or even just loosening the wheel and resetting the chain tension by hand. is there any reason why this wouldn't work with the automatix two speed hub?

BruceMetras

The interface would be the biggest obstacle .. if you would want an extra hi/lo range using the automatix, a f/d would be easier... something similar has been done using a 2 speed Schlumpf crank (by me) and also put into a limited production Moulton (Moulton 50 - but with kickback duomatic instead of automatix) ... although, I could see using 2 narrowed 3 dog cogs and a simple changer.. but you would only be essentially gaining 1 extra speed .. either 1+ over the shift point, or 1+ under the shift point.. at which point you might consider a nice 3 speed single cog hub..

noglider 

Fixed gear!

mconlonx

I'd build it very much like this one (not mine):

smallwheeler

i see. got it. thanks for the explanation.

fietsbob

New SRAM Torpedo is a freewheel / fixie hub that locks by screwing in a pin.




My preference, an IGH, maybe an SA 8 speed with a drum brake,

Add a patterson metro 2 speed crank would give a low 23:28t and a large overdrive high gear. '45t'
[ x23t x the internal hub overdrive.]

Hub brake, drum is retrofit-able without frame fittings./ & stop in the, non cricket season, there.



BTW, there is 2 3 spline AW pattern cogs in 3/32, made in 13 and 15t, by & for the Sachs
hubs made for Bromptons, first 2 by 3, 6 speed Hybrid hubs. Mk3 bikes..
the 15t has 3 shorter teeth as shift gates .. Im using it alone on my BSR hub, now.
(black steel, not Cr plated)

Current B 6 and the 2 use 9 spline drivers, now,+ there is a 5 speed IGH , in a narrow axle.
using the 9 spline, Shimano BMX driver .. so potential to half step that.

[12.13.15,16t in Brommy parts ]

smallwheeler

haha! that's just what i was looking at...

BruceMetras

Bike frame in question - 120mm drop out width ... your SA8 with drum brake - 132mm OLN .. not a good fit..

fietsbob

Kinetics, the Scottish, Brommy dealer narrows down the SA 8 speed to fit (Freewheel Version)

the 5 speed S-A hub still is possible , and Brommys 2 speed cassette hub.. 117 0n those..

Fyxation got a 6 of 9 cassette hub made for them in narrow like an old 5 speed freewheel hub 120.

BruceMetras

That would be a lot of work .. whew!! Here's the frame/fork the OP is asking about for build advice..

smallwheeler

i've got to say though, this frame looks very small with a short wheelbase. that's my no.1 pet peeve about small wheeled bikes. that's one of the major things that brompton got right- the 1045mm wheelbase.



i'd be willing to bet the respect mini is 930mm or less!

also, the clearance looks very tight at the fork and rear brake mount. so, i'm also going to assume there's no possibility to go 451mm with the respect frame.

mconlonx

A little cutting, a little fabrication, a little welding...

OK, I admit, I didn't click through to the provided link. Bad BF'r!

This makes it even easier: SA S2C hub out back, X-FD front hub. Black and silver styling. 2sp, coaster brake out back, drum up front.

Or S2 hub out back, regular wheel up front, caliper brakes.

Keep it simple -- SS/FG, or if you want gears, 2 speed kickback.

For styling, all black if you really want to murder it out, or black and silver for better shot at parts availability.

dynaryder

Man,that looks tiny. Would not want to bomb down Embassy Row with that.

gringo_gus

I'm hoping the guy sat on it is particularly tall or something.......

Edit: and that fence behind him.... well, I have ordered the frame, nothing ventured etc....

Edit 2: And I can't do any of these things on my Brommie.....or these and this is just for completeness, the two speed hub at work and getting ready to go.

Just to add, I have not commercial interest in these bikes, which is a shame. Just enthusiasm for small wheels, urban cycling, and people who share that enthusiasm....

LittlePixel

I'd build it up with 451 not 406 skinny tyres and a gumwall tyres, sort of a mix of old and new. A Sram A2 would be good but that two-wheel freewheel would work well with the track dropouts too. Cockpit? black leather, with porteur or flipped north road bars.

chaadster

Yeah, it is tiny: 18" ST & TT is 457mm! At 6', I wouldn't even bother. But then again, I refuse to pay money for a frame (unless it's a real track bike) that doesn't have cable stops on principle.

noglider 

Tiny top tube!

gringo_gus

Yep, it is small. But maybe small can be beautiful ???? There are certainly big folks having fun with these on the youtube clips I posted. It is, maybe, something of a paradigm shift ? One size fits all might work in an urban bike, and especially as kerbs/curbs, drains and the like have historically been a problem with small wheels with longer wheelbases. I am gonna give it a try anyway, and its priced to take a risk..

chaadster

Oh, I agree that small bikes are a blast! I've got one of the Mercier Nano minivelos, but I also run my 700c road bikes on the small side (one is a 54ST/570ETT) for the same reasons: they're responsive and playful.

The Nano has a 525.8ETT and a 934.8mm wheelbase, so though it's a bit longer, it's still quite petite insofar as wheelbases go. The complete bike was $300, but I'm probably another $350 into it at this point, but you know, I really dig it, and I hope you enjoy your mini, too!