i wanted silver components so chose the black frame. This 53 size is right in my fit for these mini velo bikes. I can lower the stem some and still be comfortable. The reach at 90 should be longer, start with a 100 and see. I love bullhorns on my FG/SS work bikes but intentionally stayed with the drop bar choice. What shim did you use for the 27.2 seatpost?

My shim was obtained from my LBS who had the 1mm thick shim in stock. I have been riding my other bikes recently and not the Nano, but it was ready to go and I rode it yesterday. Even as heavy as it is, it was not slower than my Swift or Brompton and seemed to soak up bumps fairly well. My 52/42 chainrings and 11-32 sprockets were certainly good enough for my ride. At less than 1/2 the price of a new Swift, or 1/4 of my Brompton, I think they are an excellent way to sample the joys of small wheel riding and tinkering.

Spent some time fitting the cockpit before I move on to the grease. Have had to go back to the OEM brake calipers. My replacements only stretched to 52mm. Needed a few more mm! Will keep looking through my bins for some.

wanted to have a Nitto bar, stem but the stem is low and the bar has a sweep back(177 noodle). I will look for a Technomic in 110 size later. For now I have a 44mm width anotomic Deda with the OEM stem. With the reach I can live with for now. Both pics show a comfortable set up but I do not want a low stem for this bike. I intend to use for all day riding.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a909e06d4.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d7e9c086f.jpeg

You gotta have a comfortable position, but picture one sure looks good. Bull horns and moustache bars are other options that give you the height and multiple hand positions. My Bullhorns with the stock brake levers work well and are comfortable for me, at least. But, I am too old and stiff to go with drop bars . BtW, weighed it yesterday at 26.6 lbs. I have been using a Velo Orange model 6 leather saddle at 540 grams but I like those saddles so much I have five of them. Pretty much ride for exercise so what difference does a pound make unless it is off the tires. Perhaps I'm just used to bikes around that weight, but the Nano doesn't feel sluggish to me.

Oh people! Heed the Sages of past on the subject of grease! Please, look into the shiny surfaces of those new bearings and smoother them in loving grease. Your rewards are boundless!

a change in tires will increase your joy as well. Kendra’s are good for sturdy travel but if you want something lighter and still protective, get some aftermarket rubber. I chose for this machine the Schwalbe Marathon Racer. Much lighter! Feels like a lb or two weight drop.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d425b2e57.jpeg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1c53a2f90.jpeg
I love my bullhorns when I am rolling between traffic but when I am off, I got for drop bars. It calms me down!
i am 60 yrs old but very flex from daily traffic combat. The first pic felt completely comfortable but realistically I do not want that set up on a leisure bike.

Seems our Gov’nor is shutting us down Monday so I will have plenty of time to work on the Mercier.

Bike weight... I have bad equilibrium so the heavy bikes make my life much better!

3SpeedSlow,

Did I read the 'new' version does not have the removable derailleur hanger? Is that an upgrade or downgrade?

On the subject of upgrades, what should be standard for the 'next' version?

Bikesdirect, are you listening?

I mean, who are buying these bikes? People with folders? Or people with road bikes?

My no/low cost suggestions;

- Rear axle should be 130mm(like standard 20 inch folder/BMX/406 frames), not 135mm(road bike).

- Rims should be made for Schrader valves, not Presta. See previous sentence.

- Braze-ons on seat tube.

- More of a BMX style handlebars

Just my suggestions.

Stay safe

mirfi

Hanger, not replaceable.

biggest upgrade IMO, headset!

Second upgrade, bottle holder on sear tube

As to who buys these... covering the purpose of a mini velo I think both sets of riders will consider a purchase. I was never a BMX riderbut a road, MTB rider who is now thinking of a bike which will go well in a smaller space and travels in less space. I don’t want to drop bar my folders which is another reason I like this Nano.

I am having a supply problem so this mini velo is taking a little bit longer to finish. Bike shops are open but seem to be holding off ordering some items.

Here is the Nano as it sits. Brakes are all set, wheels have security skewers, RSX components which will work for this frame are set. handle bar ready to tape, chain slap guard in place.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7667cdb02.jpeg
So close to rolling!

My improvements would be....
V-brakes
ISO Headset.
a 2 bolt stem that doesn't look so clunky.
Of course, cartridge bearing headset and hubs would be nice.

[MENTION=207730]3speedslow[/MENTION], it looks good! I'd love to try one.

+1 to all of those... I kinda like the brakes the way they are. I am toying with the idea of 451 rims to see if I can improve the spacing. My 52 RSX Shimano brakes would have been perfect for this build. Unfortunately, they were just short a Mm or two.

I KNOW the headset is on my upgrade list!

The cartridge bearings would definitely be an improvement. Tires I have changed with a good weight drop and looking into a better wheelset. I like the ones which came with the bike bike but will want a better set down the road.

What's wrong with the headset?

Off-brand dual pivot brakes seem good to me, but sometimes you have to change the pads.

Tom,

Cheap, old style JIS and not easy to adjust and lock down. Plus it is easy for dirt to get into the bearings. I will change these out on the second upgrade.

Pads on these are adjustable for toe in so I gave them a try on the test rides. At 134 lbs they stopped my girth fine. I still will upgrade when I get around to it.

Inspection and shakeout miles tomorrow then wrap the bars. Gonna be a great Saturday!

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8ed9b2177.jpeg

Do you think the short wheelbase might get tiresome? I know a guy who lengthened his Raleigh Twenty to improve its ride.

i never felt my R20 had a harsh ride or needed the wheelbase extended. I seem to work well with these mini velo machines.

Tiresome... I would have to do a long ride or short tour to really answer that question. First thought, no. I have been riding Dahon folders for a bit and feel comfortable with the steering.

Had a great ride today on my Mercier. It’s gonna be a super machine for different cycling adventures.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e0264b8e6.jpeg

This beastly abomination and the Mercier Nano share the same headset! Must change it out soon!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cc13c4e44.jpeg
Walmart fodder

I might look into getting a machne shopto mill 5 mm off the headtube so as to use 41mm headsets, but not till after the plague.

Interesting! Looking at the head tube, I don’t see milling any off the top. 5 mm could come off the bottom easy but wonder if it would change the steering angle.

I see BMX Porkchop has good headsets in the 41 stack height range.

I've had good results with velo orange cartridge headsets. I've used them on 3 bikes so far.

It looks so nice

unfortunatly the stack height on those are 41mm. This cheap unit is 37. Might have to go Tange Passage.

We are having seriously strong winds in this area. Today they are topping out in the mid 20’s. On a 700mm wheeled bike, I sometimes have to fight for control on the machine. With the mini, the smaller wheels do not have this problem. It’s a relief to say the least!