Citta Minivelo

[rex615]

Got one ordered up from the latest deal, can't wait to get ahold of it and start some mods!

rex615, a few q.'s:
1- how decent is the wheel set? any idea of the rear hub spacing?
2- would the decals be easily removable?
3- are there 2 kickstand mounts on this thing, or is that just clamped on to the stay?
4- are the seattube internals pretty smooth, i.e. will it work well with the stock Q/R for easy drop-the-post stowage?
5- am looking for good ideas for hacking together a q/r "foldable" stem/steerer...

I am in the Big Apple till this weekend, so I don't have the bike here. I will check then and reply. For now.....

1- Single wall alloy wheels with machined braking surfaces. The spokes aren't stainless steel. I think the rear spacing is 130mm, but I will check. The wheel of my Catrike Trail fits with no problem and it has a standard 9 speed cassette.

2 - The Citta logo seems to be paint not a decal, that or it is under clear coat.

3 - Yes there are two kickstand mounts, one in the regular place, behind the BB bracket and on on the chainstay near the rear axle.

4 - I need to check, but I think so.

5 - Fork is threadless, but I guess you could still use a quill type stem with hinge like some folders use.

[alexaschwanden]

Nice minivelo bike.

[rex615]

Nice minivelo bike.

Thanks, best kept secret in cycling, these things are lots of fun.

[rex615]

To experiment with the effect of higher gearing, I grafted the rear wheel from my Catrike onto this bike. The experiment worked OK gearing wise, but I had two issues, the trike wheel is designed for a disc brake only and had no proper surfaces for the Vee bake pads. Also the rear del of the trike (a SRAM X-7) was bent and worn so the shifting was lousy. However I was encouraged to pursue the modification with proper parts.

I was able to find a used rear wheel with an Alex rim and a SRAM 7.0 cassette hub. I also got an eight speed SRAM cassette (11 - 32) to go on it. I also scored an old Spinergy QR skewer to top it off.

The real find was a pull off 10 speed SRAM XO rear del, it even has the carbon fiber cage. Bling! For this bike it is a bit like putting diamond earrings on the house dog but I got a really good deal on it so I couldn't pass it up.

I am still waiting on a grip shifter that is on order, so maybe this weekend I will get a chance to wrench on it,

[cb60089]

I received my Mini Velo last week. Bike Fender, Front was not in the box. I couldn't adjust rear derailleur as maybe it was bent in shipping.I took to local bike shop and the next day they had it going through all the gears no problem. Don't think this bike will be seeing any rain days so probably will remove front bike fender. I am posting photos of my first ride with the bike. Fast and fun. I compare it to my Dahon folding bike and it rides day and night. Very fun bike. I added a water bottle cage, bike seat bag, and handle bar bell so far. I bought a rear rack and plan to attach it soon and add photo.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1115995...eat=directlink

[monsterpile]

I received my Mini Velo last week. Bike Fender, Front was not in the box. I couldn't adjust rear derailleur as maybe it was bent in shipping.I took to local bike shop and the next day they had it going through all the gears no problem. Don't think this bike will be seeing any rain days so probably will remove front bike fender. I am posting photos of my first ride with the bike. Fast and fun. I compare it to my Dahon folding bike and it rides day and night. Very fun bike. I added a water bottle cage, bike seat bag, and handle bar bell so far. I bought a rear rack and plan to attach it soon and add photo.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...23166062479537

Man those are some nice photos it makes me want one. =)

[rex615]

I received my Mini Velo last week. Bike Fender, Front was not in the box. I couldn't adjust rear derailleur as maybe it was bent in shipping.I took to local bike shop and the next day they had it going through all the gears no problem. Don't think this bike will be seeing any rain days so probably will remove front bike fender. I am posting photos of my first ride with the bike. Fast and fun. I compare it to my Dahon folding bike and it rides day and night. Very fun bike. I added a water bottle cage, bike seat bag, and handle bar bell so far. I bought a rear rack and plan to attach it soon and add photo.
https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/1...23166062479537

Like monsterpile said, those are nice photos.

Please put up more pics when you get the rack mounted and let us know how you continue to enjoy the bike.

[cb60089]

Like monsterpile said, those are nice photos.

Please put up more pics when you get the rack mounted and let us know how you continue to enjoy the bike.

Note to attach a rear rack to the bike one would have to remove the rear Fender as you need the screw hole that the fender attaches to. Removing the fender requires you to completely remove the rear wheel to get access to a philips screw holding on the fender. The Bike comes without braze-ons or eyelets for mounting a rack on the seatstays. I attached it with the P-clamps that the rack I bought came with. I find the P-clamps look ugly. I will order a "Seatpost Clamp with Rack Mount". Bontrager makes one (Eyeleted Seatpost Clamp, part # 415183) http://bontrager.com/model/08427 . Note this one has a QR versions include rubber lever grip.

[cb60089]

Like monsterpile said, those are nice photos.

Please put up more pics when you get the rack mounted and let us know how you continue to enjoy the bike.

Photo of Mini Velo With Rear Rack using P-clamps

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

[monsterpile]

Note to attach a rear rack to the bike one would have to remove the rear Fender as you need the screw hole that the fender attaches to. Removing the fender requires you to completely remove the rear wheel to get access to a philips screw holding on the fender. The Bike comes without braze-ons or eyelets for mounting a rack on the seatstays. I attached it with the P-clamps that the rack I bought came with. I find the P-clamps look ugly. I will order a "Seatpost Clamp with Rack Mount". Bontrager makes one (Eyeleted Seatpost Clamp, part # 415183) http://bontrager.com/model/08427 . Note this one has a QR versions include rubber lever grip.

I've often used the same holes for both the fender and the rear rack. You might need a longer screw or bolt to do it but thats just a trip to the local hardware store to solve that issue.

[rex615]

Note to attach a rear rack to the bike one would have to remove the rear Fender as you need the screw hole that the fender attaches to. Removing the fender requires you to completely remove the rear wheel to get access to a philips screw holding on the fender. The Bike comes without braze-ons or eyelets for mounting a rack on the seatstays. I attached it with the P-clamps that the rack I bought came with. I find the P-clamps look ugly. I will order a "Seatpost Clamp with Rack Mount". Bontrager makes one (Eyeleted Seatpost Clamp, part # 415183) http://bontrager.com/model/08427 . Note this one has a QR versions include rubber lever grip.

If you look at the pics above you can see that I reversed the use of the holes. By using fenders with longer stays, i was able to mount them using the bottom pair of holes on the drop outs, thus freeing up the top ones for the rack. I did however use the ugly P-clamps at the seat stays. Your proposed solution of using the special seat clam is very elegant and not too expensive. Thanks for the suggestion.

[cb60089]

If you look at the pics above you can see that I reversed the use of the holes. By using fenders with longer stays, i was able to mount them using the bottom pair of holes on the drop outs, thus freeing up the top ones for the rack. I did however use the ugly P-clamps at the seat stays. Your proposed solution of using the special seat clam is very elegant and not too expensive. Thanks for the suggestion.

I went to local shop and had them replace th P-Clamps with Eyeleted Seatpost Clamps to attach the seat stays. I really enjoy the look a ton better. The part cost was under 12 $ plus labor.
https://picasaweb.google.com/1115995...eat=directlink

[Joe Loco]

Finished up with my Citta rebuild after having received it a couple weeks ago. Pretty much immediately stripped it down to the frame, almost all components jettisoned and re-built with stuff I had on hand- the only new piece procured being the LD stem riser. The bike as-shipped came devoid of grease and everything over-torqued, so first priority was repacking the hubs. The wheels aren't the greatest, but should work fine until I convince myself to spring for some Big Apples.

[invisiblehand]

Finished up with my Citta rebuild after having received it a couple weeks ago. Pretty much immediately stripped it down to the frame, almost all components jettisoned and re-built with stuff I had on hand- the only new piece procured being the LD stem riser. The bike as-shipped came devoid of grease and everything over-torqued, so first priority was repacking the hubs. The wheels aren't the greatest, but should work fine until I convince myself to spring for some Big Apples.

What is that stem?

[Joe Loco]

RANS recumbent 7" stem riser. Oversleeves a 1 1/8" steerer, 31.8mm clamp at the top secures it and 28.6 clamp below it keeps the headset preload.

[rex615]

Joe, that came out very nicely. I do like the look. The curved riser goes so well with the curves of the frame and the drop bar. Excellent job.

Lots of nice details, Shimano 600 is always cool in my book. Love the brake treatment too.

You have inspired me to finish mine, when I get back home.

[cb60089]

Question..I want to add a chain gaurd to this bike. I think it is a 52T size

Most aftermarket ones aren't that large. Would be good if it could screw into
the gear itself. I ordered one and the screw holes did not line up.
I don't want to use clamp designed model.

[Joe Loco]

Been commuting daily this past month on the Citta, am still damn pleased with the thing. It has been a total win-win-win in terms of a budget solution to my multimodal commute. Anyhow, today I spied out of the corner of my eye a gen-u-ine steel Swift, and shot a couple of phone pics for comp purposes:

... which was reassuring, b/c building up a commuter Swift was definitely one of the considerations I had in the running. True to my photoshop comps, I was happy to see the sizing proportions of the Citta were still more fitting to my tastes as a 6'+ guy. While I wish it were steel, for $199 it is still a dang sweet deal. Nab one while you still can!

[rex615]

Took a quick cellphone pic of the Trekking bar I installed on my Citta. I really like these bars on this bike. You cant really tell from the photo but I also added a new stem which adjust for height with a QR. Long flats or hairy head wind, drop the bar, Tired from a long ride, back hurting or just want to sit really upright to cruise the boulevard, then just raise the bars. At first I thought it was a bit of a gimmick but it is actually useful and surprising solid. IMAG0530.jpg

[rex615]

IMAG0525.jpg

Question..I want to add a chain gaurd to this bike. I think it is a 52T size

Most aftermarket ones aren't that large. Would be good if it could screw into
the gear itself. I ordered one and the screw holes did not line up.
I don't want to use clamp designed model.

I just noticed this post. Were you able to find a guard to fit?

Since these are essentially project bikes for most us here, we have changed out many stock parts. I no longer run the OEM cranks, but here is a pic of it.

There are holes in the 52T ring which should work for a chain guard or you could just drill new ones to match. Use tape to position the guard in place, and then spin the cranks around and adjust to make sure it is concentrically aligned. Once you are happy with its location, mark the holes and drill them.

[monsterpile]

Been commuting daily this past month on the Citta, am still damn pleased with the thing. It has been a total win-win-win in terms of a budget solution to my multimodal commute. Anyhow, today I spied out of the corner of my eye a gen-u-ine steel Swift, and shot a couple of phone pics for comp purposes:

... which was reassuring, b/c building up a commuter Swift was definitely one of the considerations I had in the running. True to my photoshop comps, I was happy to see the sizing proportions of the Citta were still more fitting to my tastes as a 6'+ guy. While I wish it were steel, for $199 it is still a dang sweet deal. Nab one while you still can!

Thanks for those comparison pics next to the swift. I had a Swift for a hot minute before moving it on to a BF member a few months ago. I know you got your Citta cheap, but where are they $199? I almost don't want you to tell me because I might want to buy one. LOL

[Joe Loco]

Search eBay for 'minivelo'... okay there, now you have to buy one. Only 8 left!

[monsterpile]

Search eBay for 'minivelo'... okay there, now you have to buy one. Only 8 left!

Only 1 left so...yep I bought one! I'll be dismantling my little Peugeot MTB I had built up and move it along to make up for this purchase. $200 for this bike is a steal. Thanks for the tip!

[rex615]

Only 1 left so...yep I bought one! I'll be dismantling my little Peugeot MTB I had built up and move it along to make up for this purchase. $200 for this bike is a steal. Thanks for the tip!

Congrats on your new bikes and even though it goes without saying, I will say it, be sure an post some pics.

[Joe Loco]

Right on. I was tempted to nab another myself (who knows what reason!)... if you're so inclined, I'd recommend tearing it apart and (re?)greasing everything. Not much in there from the factory, and the hubs are packed with something more akin to a hard cheese than Phil.

By the way, I started a flickr pool for this style of Dahons and minis: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1930277@N25/ - some slickly upgraded ones in there which might give you more ideas.

Someone asked, so here's my list of replaced/upgraded parts:
- pulled the wheels, repacked and replaced axles with Q/R (be careful to retain stock dust shields, they are hub-specific)
- Shimano 600 rd
- Shmano 7sp 11-34t megarange fw
- pulled bb and replaced with Shimano cartridge
- Sugino GS crank with 54t Mighty Competition ring, MKS AR-8 pedals
- added Tektro canti-hangers at the fender bolt locations
- replaced V-brake with DiaCompe VC2 cantis and Kool-Stops
- RANS 2-bolt clamps, 31.8 and 28.6 on steerer
- RANS 7" riser stem
- old Specialized/Nitto bars, 42cm
- Cane Creek SCR5 levers
- 400mm seatpost, Brooks Conquest