Big favor from anyone attending Interbike 2010
 

I am in the market for a performance Mini-Velo, but those are impossible to be purchased in the USA (I am not interested in the Aluminium Shark line from Dahon).

If anyone that is attending Interbike in Vegas could provide me with any contact information from those that are exposing performance bikes with 20"wheels, I promise to ride 50 miles a week for the rest of the year!

Thank you,

14R.

They are going to be there http://www.asahibike.com/index.php?o...d=35&Itemid=93

You can get one in South America http://www.kinesis-bikes.com/bikes_minivelo.php

Rans is coming out with a 20x20 version of their crank forward-style bikes. Doesn't fold, small wheels - mini-velo, right?
http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/100_1822.jpg

it has to be steel ?
thor

Not really. Could be titanium or Carbon. I just don't like Aluminium.

I really like this. Do you have information regarding when it will be available?

How about scandium?

http://www.tyrellbike.com/products/s...index_main.jpg

Can`t get much nicer than that IMO. Is Tyrell at interbike?

never saw them over here
they are nice though
Thor

A place in japan that you may be able to order from.
http://translate.google.com/translat...al%26prmd%3Div

http://www.sandsmachine.com/p_rod_r2.jpg

This is VERY CLOSE to what I am looking for, but 6 couplings is an overkill for me. 4 would work fine, pretty muchjust like a Mounton.

http://www.rodcycle.com/6-packspecs.html not cheap.

They just announced it at the beginning of the month. Eventually they'll have info on their website. Pricing is expected to be in the $1200 range, I am pretty certain the frame will be made in Kansas.

Have you looked into Bike Friday or Mouton? They are available in the US.

E.g.

http://community.bikefriday.com/node/1591
http://www.moultonbicycles.co.uk/models/TSR30.html

Ultimately, my goal is to justify getting a Mouton. But I believe I can get a road bike replacement for a little bit over $1K. When my body fat is below 9% and I have the fitness level to say "I can't go faster because of my bike", I will get one. :)

I also believe Bike Fridays are overpriced for me. They might be a good fit at a reasonable price for others, but all I want is a steel frame similar to this image:

http://image.ec21.com/image/advantag..._Velo_Bike.jpg

Here:
http://www.bigshotbikes.com/polo-bikes.html

or you can build your own from kids/bmx frames...I did.

Special_K:

I have seen these Polo bikes, and they are pretty much what I want. My only concern is the geometry. Do you think these bikes can be fitted for speed?

Thank you for the link!

14R

14R they are built after you order them and I think they discuss it with you. Give them a call and ask them, I would be curious also.

I just called them. All the other bikes they sell are built after you order them, but the Mini-Velos are ready to be shipped. No geometry change possible, and to make things worse, it is a "time trial", single speed rear drop (so the only way to place some gears on that bike is by using an internal hub).

Not a good fit for me. The search continues. :(

Thanks, That answers my question. try the place in Japan and see if you can get just a frame?

There is a part made to use a derailleur on a track frame http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-242860.html
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...3&d=1162794953

http://www.onipax.com.tw/product.htm

check out the SR1.

Yikes, talk about rear weight bias. I wonder how it rides.

Why not? Believe me I've spent plenty of hours cursing aluminum, but you can't get a better price/weight tradeoff. It's almost as light and slightly more durable than carbon and much cheaper. Is it really worth pedaling around the extra weight of steel when in all likelihood your bike will end up getting stolen or totaled in a crash before you pass it on to your heirs?

As far as getting stuff from japan. This site is in the business of exporting stuff available at japanese retail (they mostly deal with electronics...but perhaps they can accommodate you):
http://www.pricejapan.com
I ordered from them and deposited paper cash directly into their account at bank of america...so they're very honest.

I have several aluminium bikes and they are very good... but I also like steel or titanium better, for no reason whatsoever except whimsy. So regardless of whether this is justified or not, I agree. :) Except I can't bring myself to like carbon. I have some carbon bits too and they are very nice.... weird huh?