ubringliten

Hi folks,

My wife was convinced to take a look at a mini velo. It's so unpopular in the States, so it took some convincing. On her first day of trying it out, she was sold. She has a Brompton M3L, a Trek 7.4 FX hybrid, and Linus Dutchi; and she said love this bike the most. Her description of it is "zippy and solid", which sums it up pretty well.

And we decided to sell her Trekky and the Linus because the Mini-20 is able to meet both purposes, both recreation and utility.

Here is a review of it.

Product Review: Biria?s mini velo | I Love Biking SF & OAK

tds101 

I have a Lombardo Power2000 MiniVelo, and after a new wheelset (Xootr Swift wheelset actually) it's excellent. A MiniVelo is wonderful as a compromise between a larger bike & folder. I'm not surprised your wife luvs it. It just, occasionally, takes a bit of getting used to.

And here in NYC/Queens Village I've never seen a MiniVelo. Since I originally rode a Melon Slice folding bike awhile back folders in my area have increased in number (I got a lot of questions, and people started getting them - I'm a trendsetter!), but not a MiniVelo to be found.

I'm planning on riding my LP2000 this week,...It's a fantastic ride. And I'm glad your wife has a new ride to enjoy!

thugpipe

Nice review, it pretty well states the case. The biria mini20 is available in NYC at HUB on charles st in the west villiage, I have seen about 4 on the street in nyc and the 2 owners I talked to loved them. I do wish this style of bike would catch on, I love both of mine.

tds101 

Sweet! I may need to take a trip to downtown Manhattan then. Thanks!

thugpipe

I think the last time I checked they were going for between $700 and $800 but I am not positive. It looks like a really nice little bike.

tds101 

When I sell my Xootr Swift I may go see about getting one. I'm seeing a folder isn't my cup of tea. A full sized bike or MiniVelo, yes. And this bike looks fantastic for my needs.

I am wondering if I can put fenders/mudguards on it. I can use my Xootr Crossrack bag on it for carrying my stuff - but I'd definitely need fenders.

bjorke

Nice!

I've been riding my minivelos in SF for quite a while now, NEVER ever seen anyone else on one... at least I know someone is out there!

ubringliten

Thanks everybody!

I took for a test run to go to work with it one day. All I need is to raise the seat post and it's done.

It was incredibly convenient. I brought into two crowded elevators, no problem. Brought into my office, no problem. Brought onto the ferry, not a problem.

I also weaved between traffic and it was much easier to do, while I still have the same height visibility as on a regular bike.

tds101 

Is it possible to get mudguards/fenders installed on this beast? That's a big selling point for me.

ubringliten

tds101,

Yes, the fork and frame have eyelets for fenders.

NormanF

A mini velo is perfect for living in a small upstairs apartment. Carrying a full size bike up and down a flight of stairs every day can be a huge hassle.

A mini velo is convenient and a time-saver. And it zips easily through crowded urban traffic.

tds101 

Excellent, thank you.

7up

I'm looking for a mini velo.Im finding it almost impossible for some reason.I have to spend $500 to $540 more than Bikesdirect.com $299 mini velo Mercier that's also made in china.Im looking at the Bianchi Mini Velo and I read it's going for $500 usd but I can't find a source to sell me one and ship to me.By the time it comes state side the bike will be selling for $1500 or better.Something is going on over here in the states with these bikes.Ive noticed some manufacturers put them on the market and then stop making them and the supplies just dry up in a years time.

tds101 

The Mercier Mini Velo is no longer available. And no one really is interested in them, so getting one tends to be expensive when you do locate one.

PS: check out Respect Cycles - https://respectcycles.com

DLBroox

Big Shot bikes sells a single speed mini velo. They call it their polo bike. It's a nice bike for the money. Comes with a flip flop hub. I forget how much it costs. 3 or 400 I think.

tds101 

The Big Shot Polo has been unavailable for quite some time.

DLBroox

Sorry I didn't realize. Too bad. It's a nice little bike. .

tds101 

Yes, it sure was.

7up

Thanks for the info everyone.Im gonna keep my eyes open and keep my fingers crossed.I like being different and the mini velos are the ticket.

Winfried

The Spanish brand Orbea has a mini vélo called Katu:
Urban bikes ? Orbea

It's clearly a city bike, nothing like the cool bikes from eg. Tyrell, but it might good enough for your needs.

OTOH, you must get some tattoos and grow your hair:

jhoneil

Here is my Biria Mini-20. Your review actually convinced me to give it a try.