Originally Posted by
ivictor
How stable of a ride do you get with a 16"? Can you steer with one hand without to much twitchiness?
Adjusting for the weird fit, before the mods, the Mini had a decent ride. After the mods, the ride is quite good. I can steer with one hand with little problem. As for riding with no hands, to date I have had no luck over any real distance.
Originally Posted by
ivictor
Can Big Apples be installed with stock rims?
Yep.
Originally Posted by
ivictor
What fenders can be used with a mini? How do they attach?
Can dahon curve fenders fit?
I have no idea.
Originally Posted by
ivictor
What is a realistic range for riding a mini?
5mi round trip?
10mi round trip?
20mi round trip?
Really depends on the ergonomics.
The stock ride is not bad. You can adjust the spring load on the suspension. In my opinion, the Big Apples are a big improvement over the stock tires. I found them to give much better feedback while cornering, less rolling resistance, and be more cushy than the stock tires.
So if the bike fits you well and your fitness level is good, I think that you can easily do a 20 mile round trip ride. If you have long legs, have a long reach forward, etc., then the ride will be worse.
On the modified mini, I did a 35 mile ride the other day. My typical commute with the Mini is 19 miles round trip.
Originally Posted by
ivictor
How rugged is the frame and welds?
Look fine to me. I am 190 pounds and I mount an SQR bag when commuting to work. So far no problems with the bike after tuning it up and lubing all of the appropriate parts.
Originally Posted by
ivictor
Is it a problem not having a quick release rear (8sp hub model).
It can be a pain. But with a little practice goes a long way.