noglider 

I'm looking for used bike with 20" wheels and steel frame. I'd like it to be upgradable with components of standard dimensions, because I'm a bike tinkerer and like to make improvements where they make sense.

What models and brands should I consider? State of repair doesn't matter (within a reasonable price range), because I can fix any bike up.

Where is a good place to look?

I haven't decided on a price range yet. Let's start with $200, and I'm open minded to spending more in the near future.

HGR3inOK

I assume you want a folder. Consider a Dahon Boardwalk or a Dahon Speed (Uno, D7, P8, etc.). But note that these have a narrower front hub than 20" BMX and children's bikes.

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

Diode100

Does it have to be a steel framed bike ?

Seems like you would be ideally placed to pick up a Downtube at a reaonable price (look in local Craigslist or ebay), it's a solid & reliable bike that has been shown to have endless scope upgrading with standard sized components.

smallwheeler

very nice, if youre into the U shaped euro-folders:

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/3582772832.html

not 20", but pretty unique folding mech and cool saddle on this vintage miyata:

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/3612862992.html

Dynocoaster 

Check out the minivelo
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...upgrade-thread

noglider 

Sorry, I did mean folding bike, because the commuter train from NJ to NYC requires that during rush hour.

The U shaped bikes were kind of bottom of the line. My mother had an Italian one when I was a kid.

I have an old Raleigh Twenty, and I'm fixing that up for now. I just ordered aluminum rims and nice tires for it. I'll be changing the headset and the brakes.

smallwheeler

so, are you still looking for something else? or will you settle on the twenty? hmm, i dont think you will be getting on the path train with that big clunker during rush hour..

smallwheeler

helios p 8:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/3613819378.html

piccolo:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/3596978958.html

downtube:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/3623945268.html

presto lite (looks beat up):

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/bik/3626501750.html

noglider 

I've decided to soup up my Raleigh Twenty. Follow my thread about it, if you care.

badmother

In CV? Why not here? Those CV guys already told you to buy a Dahon instead . We would newer do that to you!

noglider 

What's bad about a Dahon?

It doesn't matter. I like my ideas so far. Suggestions are welcome.

badmother

Nothing wrong with a Dahon, absolutely not. Only thinking that since you are a guy who knows what you are doing and you want to build up a R20 I would not suggest a Dahon. R20 builds are my favourite threads around here. Do your build and tell us what you do. If you later decide to buy a Dahon that is fine with me..

I was also thinking a R20 may be a bit big to take on a commuter train or bus but I did not want to say that since I want to see this build
.

BassNotBass

Give it to me when you're done.

noglider 

I may not need it for long. Or I may decide to replace it with something more modern. So keep in touch.

noglider 

OK, I pretty much finished it today. I tooled around the neighborhood, and it feels good. I measured the seat, crank, handlebar relationships on one of my road bikes and tried to duplicate it on the Twenty, and that seems to have paid off.

Continue reading here. Many pictures included.

fietsbob

A Raleigh 20 [ overpriced ?] sits at Astoria's Mallternative, for the 2nd Summer..

smallwheeler

awesome bike and great pic here: