1977bobbob

Hello!

I'm in the market for a minivelo bike in the US. They're hard to come by

I've narrowed it down to-

Dioko Popcorn:
www.diokousa.com

or the

Dioko Lexy:
www.diokousa.com

They're available on ebay and run $258 and $310 respectively.

I'd love some help in trying to choose between the two models, in the quality of the bikes, ride and component quality etc. I'd be buying they online without being able to test ride them.

Why a minivelo? I'd be riding ~4 miles a day, am on the short side for a guy (5'7") and I love the look of them and the fun-factor.

Your advice and feedback are appreciated. Thanks!

jur

I'd say the Lexy is worth the extra. It has better (looking) componentry, especially replaceble chainring (good if you want higher gearing), aero rims, non-kid tyres, ahead-stem... It's a bit hard to see why it is a whopping 3kg heavier. I think that may be some sort of mistake. From what I see. it might even be lighter than the Popcorn. Frame size is small so that is good for you.

If you like girly things well then the Popcorn is the go, perhaps... but quality, the Lexy, no question.

1977bobbob

Thanks! That's very helpful. I couldn't understand about the weight difference either!

Joe Remi

Another thing to consider is which brake style you prefer. The Popcorn has linear-pull brakes like mountain bikes use, the Lexy has road brakes. I personally prefer the Lexy, but the lime Popcorn is pretty cool, too. I don't agree that any of them look "girly", they're just neon-colored fun-bikes, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. I appreciate you bringing these bikes to my attention..I'm 5'-7" as well, and I'm gettin' a Lexy!

Shane1985

Have you heard of respect cycles- they've got a tight mini velo -I see them around DC all the time- they look super fun!

1977bobbob

That's awesome! Curious to see how it will compare to your Nano.

NormanF

I'd go with respect -they use 4130 cromoly. Exactly what you want in a bike, small or not.



I'm 5'7" and I ride a 48 cm Big Shot Mini Polo.

14R 

Unless you can have Ti.

Seven Cycles | Seven Cycles Introduces the Mini Series

NormanF

It also comes in affordable steel - high quality mini velo:

tds101 

I luv how the wheels are triple walled. Excellent price for what they give you.

Ultralight

What is the pricing of the Mini in the various configs? Curious.

canklecat

I took a look at Respect mini velos and was impressed. The size and weight seemed right and the prices were reasonable, including on the optional SRAM Automatix 2 speed hub. But then I realized I'd need more gearing options for the hills in my area so I had to pass. But for some riders a mini velo with folding pedals and QR handlebar might be an alternative to a more expensive folding bike for multi-modal transportation.

14R 

I called Seven, they are 20 minutes from my house. Unfortunately, their starting price for the Ti mini frames is US$2400.00.

I ended up buying a Respect this weekend, with the promo code ended up being $325 shipped. If I enjoy it, I'll upgrade the crap out of that frame.

tds101 

This is the minivelo? Can it do disk brakes, fenders, and a rack? I'm hoping here,...

NormanF

You bought a Seven mini velo steel frameset? It can be upgraded for around $700 to $1500 depending on your build options. You will love it!

14R 

Edited: got the Respect, not the Seven.

NormanF

Its a good budget buy. Congratulations!

tds101 

J Rey 1978

Hi Joe Remi...did you ever get the Lexy. Can you share your experience if you did. Thinking about pulling the trigger myself this weekend! Thanks...

J Rey 1978

Reviving an old post? Hi Joe Remi...did you ever get the Lexy. Can you share your experience if you did. Thinking about pulling the trigger myself this weekend! Thanks...

mconlonx

I saw that they also do a steel mini frame, so I just called and asked about pricing for that. $2295. The carbon fork that goes with it, $545. Granted, custom geometry and a hand-built in the USA frame, but for that money, I'd be more apt to import nearly any other mass-produced Mini from the worldwide market. Like a complete Tyrell...

Abu Mahendra

Babah Bikes will design and hand fabricate in Reynolds 520 double-buttef whatever frame you want. $2,300 for a steel frame is an insult to the intelligence.

smallwheeler

dioko popcorn..
i imagine the reason she's pouting is because she's about to carry that 13kg gaspipe special up two flights of stairs.

ttakata73

I like how you could add fatter tires on the Popcorn but not the old crank, stem, and headset.
The Lexy looks to be a stronger design but the road brakes limit your comfort to thin tires.