Bikesdirect Mini Velo upgrade thread
09-16-17, 06:32 PM
#776
Back In The Saddle
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 2,318
Bikes: N+1
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 87 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
5 Posts
Hi folks. Back with some updates to the Nano.
I added the following:
Soma Highway One Bars
Nitto Technomic Stem
Tektro brakes
Shimano Claris shifters
Specialized Phat bartape
Black seat post clamp to match the headset
And I replaced the crank bolts. The new ones look nicer than the plain bolts it came with originally.
I think I am going to replace the crank, chain rings and bottom bracket next, but for now it rides nicely and brakes well. Saddle and tires will be last. I want to get some use out of the originals.
What surprised me the most was the performance of the Claris shifters. They are really nice for the price. Smooth shifts and very comfortable hoods. They're a winner in my book.
-Shin
I added the following:
Soma Highway One Bars
Nitto Technomic Stem
Tektro brakes
Shimano Claris shifters
Specialized Phat bartape
Black seat post clamp to match the headset
And I replaced the crank bolts. The new ones look nicer than the plain bolts it came with originally.
I think I am going to replace the crank, chain rings and bottom bracket next, but for now it rides nicely and brakes well. Saddle and tires will be last. I want to get some use out of the originals.
What surprised me the most was the performance of the Claris shifters. They are really nice for the price. Smooth shifts and very comfortable hoods. They're a winner in my book.
-Shin
__________________
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
In life there are no mistakes, only lessons. -Shin
Last edited by High Fist Shin; 09-16-17 at 06:39 PM.
09-16-17, 06:47 PM
#777
Full Member
Those Nitto stems are very nice.
09-16-17, 08:05 PM
#779
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
Nice job Shin, very impressive. I'm comparing the before and after photos. :-)
09-16-17, 08:09 PM
#780
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
We've been having fun with Downtube folders for travel, but I've never folded them since they got out of the box, and the front stems do flex.
Have a bunch of older parts, like 1" quills, bars, rear derailleurs, and clicker shifers in my box. Maybe I get a Mercier and put on higher bars with shifters? The smaller size means I can stuff it in the garage with the other six bikes.
Have a bunch of older parts, like 1" quills, bars, rear derailleurs, and clicker shifers in my box. Maybe I get a Mercier and put on higher bars with shifters? The smaller size means I can stuff it in the garage with the other six bikes.
What model Downtube? I keep an FS9 in my trunk on my car.
09-16-17, 09:55 PM
#781
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
All, I'm looking to put a front basket on (and keep my fenders). The main support will be from my handlebars (hi rise).
I'm wondering these clamps (found on Amazon) would work on the fork.
Pico 7324PT 1-1/2" ID Rubber Insulated Clamps 1/2" Aluminum with 1/4" Mounting Hole 4 per Package
https://www.amazon.com/Pico-Insulate.../dp/B0002ZG7YQ
If not, another suggestion?
I'm wondering these clamps (found on Amazon) would work on the fork.
Pico 7324PT 1-1/2" ID Rubber Insulated Clamps 1/2" Aluminum with 1/4" Mounting Hole 4 per Package
https://www.amazon.com/Pico-Insulate.../dp/B0002ZG7YQ
If not, another suggestion?
09-16-17, 10:07 PM
#782
Senior Member
Kilckfix caddy & Klickfix-compatible basket
All, I'm looking to put a front basket on (and keep my fenders). The main support will be from my handlebars (hi rise).
I'm wondering these clamps (found on Amazon) would work on the fork.
Pico 7324PT 1-1/2" ID Rubber Insulated Clamps 1/2" Aluminum with 1/4" Mounting Hole 4 per Package
https://www.amazon.com/Pico-Insulate.../dp/B0002ZG7YQ
If not, another suggestion?
I'm wondering these clamps (found on Amazon) would work on the fork.
Pico 7324PT 1-1/2" ID Rubber Insulated Clamps 1/2" Aluminum with 1/4" Mounting Hole 4 per Package
https://www.amazon.com/Pico-Insulate.../dp/B0002ZG7YQ
If not, another suggestion?
09-17-17, 08:31 PM
#784
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
09-18-17, 03:13 AM
#785
Senior Member
Ortlien Klickfix caddy. The caddy weight limit is 3kg. I don't recommend loading more than that on the handlebars...
Tern sells a pretty decent Klickfix basket...
And so does Brooks...
Tern sells a pretty decent Klickfix basket...
And so does Brooks...
10-07-17, 10:58 AM
#786
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: GT Transeo & a half dozen ebike conversions.
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 340 Post(s)
Liked 275 Times
in
192 Posts
FS8 and Nova. I raised the handle bars on both today. Less leaning on them makes for a nicer ride. We don't ride them far (18 miles today), but they're fun.
Still thinking about ordering a Nano. Maybe after I hang most of the bikes on the rafters for the winter, it will feel less crazy to roll in another one. My grand daughter (4 years old) counted them and got ten. She was right. They're all inexpensive bikes ...
Still thinking about ordering a Nano. Maybe after I hang most of the bikes on the rafters for the winter, it will feel less crazy to roll in another one. My grand daughter (4 years old) counted them and got ten. She was right. They're all inexpensive bikes ...
04-10-18, 07:24 PM
#787
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston, TX/Austin, TX
Posts: 79
Bikes: 1997 Romic Neo-Retro, 2015 Ridley Ignite 27.5, Mercier Nano
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bought my Nano a few weeks ago when it popped up on the local CL for $100. Pleasantly surprised to find it in practically brand new condition, and with a few upgrades (rear rack + rim strips + WTB Speed V saddle). Rode it on a couple 30-40 mile rides with some friends and LOVED it. It's great for getting on the Houston MetroRail as well.
So... it got some well-deserved upgrades. Since the original drivetrain was in such great condition, I was able to sell it and fund most of the upgrade parts. Here's what I've got so far:
- Shimano 105 5500 rear derailleur
- Shimano Ultegra 6500 front derailleur
- SRAM 970 cassette
- FSA 9 speed chain
- Shimano Dura Ace 7700 downtube shifters
- Suntour Sprint crankset, 52/42
- Shimano BB-UN72 bottom bracket
- Shimano 105 1050 brake levers
- Tektro brake pads
- Nitto Technomic stem
- some old Raleigh drop bar I had laying around
- Specialized Power replica saddle from Aliexpress (these things are great for ~$20)
- Bontrager bar tape
- Animal Nylon flat pedals
- Ibera alloy bottle cage
- New cables
In the future I'll upgrade the tires and call it a day. Figure I might as well wear these out a little bit, no reason to waste them.
Okay, maybe the headset will get an upgrade too....
Final weight is 25.4lb, which I'm happy with, especially considering that I only have $120 into the whole thing.
Pics:
IMG_2098 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
IMG_2099 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
IMG_2100 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
IMG_2101 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
IMG_2102 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
So... it got some well-deserved upgrades. Since the original drivetrain was in such great condition, I was able to sell it and fund most of the upgrade parts. Here's what I've got so far:
- Shimano 105 5500 rear derailleur
- Shimano Ultegra 6500 front derailleur
- SRAM 970 cassette
- FSA 9 speed chain
- Shimano Dura Ace 7700 downtube shifters
- Suntour Sprint crankset, 52/42
- Shimano BB-UN72 bottom bracket
- Shimano 105 1050 brake levers
- Tektro brake pads
- Nitto Technomic stem
- some old Raleigh drop bar I had laying around
- Specialized Power replica saddle from Aliexpress (these things are great for ~$20)
- Bontrager bar tape
- Animal Nylon flat pedals
- Ibera alloy bottle cage
- New cables
In the future I'll upgrade the tires and call it a day. Figure I might as well wear these out a little bit, no reason to waste them.
Okay, maybe the headset will get an upgrade too....
Final weight is 25.4lb, which I'm happy with, especially considering that I only have $120 into the whole thing.
Pics:
IMG_2098 by Sathvik Aithala, on FlickrIMG_2099 by Sathvik Aithala, on FlickrIMG_2100 by Sathvik Aithala, on FlickrIMG_2101 by Sathvik Aithala, on FlickrIMG_2102 by Sathvik Aithala, on Flickr
Last edited by vdub6541; 04-10-18 at 07:27 PM. Reason: fixed embedding for pics
04-10-18, 07:32 PM
#788
Senior Member
what's the wheelbase on the Nano?
04-10-18, 07:33 PM
#789
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Houston, TX/Austin, TX
Posts: 79
Bikes: 1997 Romic Neo-Retro, 2015 Ridley Ignite 27.5, Mercier Nano
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
04-10-18, 09:50 PM
#790
Senior Member
I've come to appreciate a short wheelbase. I've got a minivelo with a 93cm wheelbase. I love its agility, flickability. It's a hoot. Can anyone else relate?
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 04-11-18 at 04:46 AM.
04-11-18, 07:10 AM
#791
Full Member
I think the steel frame helps offset road buzz a bit compared to my aluminum xootr swift which is a little longer, and the Nano is nimble. However so are my swift and Brompton. I also like being able to hang a large bag of the saddle. I can carry a lot more on my Brompton but a big bag in the front has a definite drag.
04-12-18, 07:13 AM
#792
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
FS8 and Nova. I raised the handle bars on both today. Less leaning on them makes for a nicer ride. We don't ride them far (18 miles today), but they're fun.
Still thinking about ordering a Nano. Maybe after I hang most of the bikes on the rafters for the winter, it will feel less crazy to roll in another one. My grand daughter (4 years old) counted them and got ten. She was right. They're all inexpensive bikes ...
Still thinking about ordering a Nano. Maybe after I hang most of the bikes on the rafters for the winter, it will feel less crazy to roll in another one. My grand daughter (4 years old) counted them and got ten. She was right. They're all inexpensive bikes ...
04-15-18, 07:06 PM
#793
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: GT Transeo & a half dozen ebike conversions.
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 340 Post(s)
Liked 275 Times
in
192 Posts
I like the Nova. My original concern was some squeaking and groaning from the frame that made me think it was coming apart. Then I lubricated the hinge and it went quiet. A quiet bike must be, of course, a good bike, and usually faster, no? I like the latch design better on the Downtube 8FS, but the Nova latch is adequate.
Wanting to get a little more gearing. I switched the freewheel to a DNP 11-28. I believe the original was a 14-28 and the front gear s 46T. The brakes feel good, and the shifter shifts. I changed out the cheap bell. Use the same grips.
I just checked the wheelbase. Got 40 inches, which is 100 cm. It's always felt stable to me.
Wanting to get a little more gearing. I switched the freewheel to a DNP 11-28. I believe the original was a 14-28 and the front gear s 46T. The brakes feel good, and the shifter shifts. I changed out the cheap bell. Use the same grips.
I just checked the wheelbase. Got 40 inches, which is 100 cm. It's always felt stable to me.
04-15-18, 07:53 PM
#794
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
Thanks, not sure why they are geared so low. Switch FS9 to 11-32 and crank to 52. BTW, do you know the weight?
05-16-19, 05:20 PM
#795
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
Help,
I need a new rear wheel on my Mercier Nano Mini-Velo. I bought it back in 2012, just broke a spoke, others do not look good and I run 100psi KWest tires on them. I weight 250lbs and a new wheel is in order.
If I buy a wheel, does the cog(?) come with it? Or re-use my old cog. BTW, I had upgraded to a SRAM PG-830 cassette so would like to stay with the same architecture.
Right now, I just learning the part names and what to ask for, so please forgive any confusing things I say.
Thank you.
I need a new rear wheel on my Mercier Nano Mini-Velo. I bought it back in 2012, just broke a spoke, others do not look good and I run 100psi KWest tires on them. I weight 250lbs and a new wheel is in order.
If I buy a wheel, does the cog(?) come with it? Or re-use my old cog. BTW, I had upgraded to a SRAM PG-830 cassette so would like to stay with the same architecture.
Right now, I just learning the part names and what to ask for, so please forgive any confusing things I say.
Thank you.
05-17-19, 07:01 AM
#796
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago Suburbs
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: GT Transeo & a half dozen ebike conversions.
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 340 Post(s)
Liked 275 Times
in
192 Posts
I believe you want a wheel that works with rim brakes and takes a cassette, not a freewheel. Maybe you can find a 36 spoke wheel too, for added strength,
05-17-19, 08:51 AM
#797
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 536
Bikes: Vilano Urbana, DownTube FS9, Montaque paratrooper, Nano mini-velo, Motobecane CX, Raleigh 20, MIFA folder, ROG Pony, Iverson Grand Touring folder, Exclusiv German folder
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 168 Post(s)
Liked 191 Times
in
119 Posts
06-10-19, 02:20 AM
#798
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Sunseeker EZ-1 recumbent rack
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwU7QCAH...d=hnw1d7zv3o85
06-10-19, 02:23 AM
#799
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I think it will
06-10-19, 02:31 AM
#800
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 69
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Tioga Powerblocks 20x1.75
Is anyone running the Tioga PowerBlock 1.75 on their Nano? I have seen people mention them as being very tight fit, and was wondering if they had issues... I'd like to go with a as fat a tire as possible without fenders.....but am afraid the Tioga Powerblock 1.6 is as big as will fit without issue...anyone have any advice on this?