mini-velo instead of folder for commuting
 

I tried commuting on the MEC Origami folder (made by Tern) but the bicycle simply didn't withstand the use. After six months, the handlebar latch developed play, the cheap spokes started to bend or they broke, and worst of all, the main folding hinge failed. (MEC has a good refund policy so I returned the bicycle.)

I am looking for is a non-folder for resiliency, with 20" wheels. It seems that folks call this a "mini-velo".
I want to use a Shimano Alfine 11 IGH on the bicycle, so drop-outs must be suitable.

I would buy the Dahon non-folding Smooth Hound if I could find a large size. I know the bicycle isn't made anymore. I see from other posts here that Dahon made a "Hammer Head" but I don't know if it was non-folding.

Biria makes a model called the Mini 20. Does anyone have experience with this bicycle?

There are other folders, just saying. I don't see how the failure of your MEC folder invalidates the concept entirely. A non-folding mini velo can have wheels just as failure prone if you buy unwisely. In general however, 20" wheels have the potential to be stronger than larger diameters. But they do not roll as well, unless suspended. Buy a standard size non-folding bike or buy a folder. A quality folder or an established brand. Mini-velo's just haven't caught on. I don't know why or why not. But it probably has something to do with the fact that they have all the drawbacks that small diameter wheel vehicles have but none of the advantages. I mean... why do folders fold? They have small wheels, no? But that really isn't enough by itself is it. FWIW.

H

Soma used to make a mini-velo, but I believe it's been discontinued. You may be able to find one used, however.

I was going to point out the BD Mercier Nano, but it looks like the dropouts aren't what you're looking for. Soma has one, but again, I'm not sure the dropouts are what you're looking for (I can't really tell on my screen, though). If nothing else, Cannondale has the Hooligan 1 model that comes with a 3spd IGH- maybe you can lace your Alfine 11 into that wheel and swap the shifter out and call it good?

Oh, and here's a bit of eye candy for you ;)- http://www.bikeforums.net/folding-bi...s-we-like.html

Biria might make a bike you'd like. My local shop sells them, and the mechanic invited me to test drive a bike with 20" wheels. It felt nice, though different from what I'm used to. I normally ride large-wheeled bikes.

It's possible your issues could have been from poor setup and maintenance. Did the place you bought it from have a real bikeshop? Machine-built wheels need to be gone over by a human,otherwise you can have the spoke issues you reported. Also,the hinges on folders need to be periodically checked/adjusted/lubed or they can also fail.

As for a mini-velo,they're pretty rare in North America. The Soma is long out of production,and the dropout and rear spacing wouldn't be suited to an IGH. The Nano is pretty low end,there's a thread about them over in the Folding forum where owners basically go over the entire bike when they get it and replace things like rim tape to make them rideable. If you want to run an Alfine 11,best best would prolly be to see a Cannondale dealer and get a Hooligan,then have the wheel relaced with that hub.

He should be able to use a chain tensioner with either the Mercier or the Soma to solve the dropout issue.

I believe at one time ANT bike fabricated a nice looking "mini velo" type bike. Live in a very rural area, when I go to an urban area - take a bike Friday NWT with an nexus 8 spd hub. It works well and had stood up to city streets and rural gravel roads.

I want a durable bicycle and I doubt the durability of a folder with a hinge in the frame. Brompton and Bike Friday seem better, and I've been told that Bike Friday provides a lifetime guarantee. Dahon's guarantee is five years, which in my opinion is a poor investment.

The mini velo may not be popular in North America (4% of the world's population) but I like it. If made of standard parts, it'll be maintainable and durable.

The Hooligan is a fine product but I'd want fenders and a rack for commuting. From what I see in pictures, the Hooligan isn't a rain-or-shine bicycle.

I looked at the Hooligan, but I don't see how I could fit it with fenders. And I think that some bike-loving people might pelt me with rocks if they saw me riding a Hooligan with fenders. (o:

You, Sir, caused me to spend an evening reading that thread.

But it was worth it, so thanks for the link. Here are some of the models that I liked (those with an asterisk are bicycles that are discontinued, or not available to me unless I fly my private jet to my estate in Asia):

alizé 16 bonnet noir *
sugimura progressive *
KHS P20 and F20R
seven mini
demonchaux lafeyette *
soma *
sillgey
bike friday tourist
amanda
billion
Louis Garneau LGS-MV Cargo
spinburn solo
bannard
Origin8 Bully

When I investigated folding bikes 7 or 8 years ago my choices were limited because a lot of them said they carried up to 200 lbs. Are you a big guy?

Indeed he could! But evidently that is what he is trying to avoid.

Hooli's will take both a rear rack and fender,no prob. The solo fork models will require MacGyvering for a front fender,but the standard ones are ok. Also some models have an attachment point on the headtube for racks/bags.

Have you looked at the Moulton TSR 8? Twenty inch wheels, 8 speed IGH. A little on the pricey side but none the less a very bike.

I have an Origin 8 Bully that I no longer ride since moving from a third floor apartment. My is modified with a front disc brake and wheel and has axiom pannier rack and fenders. Here is someone who went on a total overhaul with his:

http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...its-sweet.html


sing

Sing, are you thinking of selling your bicycle?

I'm near the upper limit for weight. Likely over the limit if I ride with a full backpack.

I don't doubt you that there is a standard-fork model of the Hooligan, but I haven't seen a picture of one such. Google images shows the solo fork model.

Thanks for the link. It's more appealing to me than other Moultons that I've seen (in pictures), but I think that I'll go with a Bike Friday Tourist (or even better, Diamond Tourist) if I'm going to spend $1500-$2500.

If it doesn't fold, what is the purpose of getting a bike with 20" wheels? Rougher ride, faster tire wear...

Mini Velos are tending to be all on the small size, Too . fwiw. ...
[Biria site does not suggest any size choices so I assume they only make 1]

so having one made for you wont be cheap, but at least it will fit.

Must be imagining the Hooli 8 hanging on the rack behind me. :rolleyes:

Need to work on your Google-fu:
http://ridgewoodcycle.com/images/lib...8_wht_11_z.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgs4-mqQmu...25281%2529.jpg
http://www.s-rinten.com/images/%E5%8...0%E6%A8%AA.JPG

1) they're fun
2) take up less space in a small apt
3) for shorter riders