This thread rocks! I just ordered one in black from bikesdirect. This is the first bike that I've owned in a looong time and had a couple of question for you guys:

- I live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan and plan to bring it along with me on the subway... Will this be doable with the mini Velo?

- I'm planning on taking the day off from work when this baby arrives! While I await the 5 to 6 days for delivery, I'd like to plan on some initial upgrades for day number one. I've seen some of the work that you guys have done and I'm very excited. I'd like to swap out the brakes, maybe change the seat and seat post, maybe even swap out the tires to something a little faster... Will upgrading the brakes myself be doable.. for a beginner?

- What tools should I have handy?

- I'm digging the possibility of purchasing a Soma saddle and seat post in advance so it's here by the time I get the bike. What diameter seatpost should I get?

I'm a designer so I'm also looking forward to doing some custom graphics for the bike. I'm really digging the possibilities of the black and white palette with maybe some color in the saddle and drop bars.

Thanks in advance!