First Mini Velo build; options, pros & cons, ideas, help
#1
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First Mini Velo build; options, pros & cons, ideas, help
Hello Brains Trust,
I am getting ready to build a mini-velo.
Considerations are:
- Urban commuting (10km daily)
- Easy storage (small flat)
- Weight (carrying up stairs etc)
- Total build cost < $US2k
- Some nice components - Shimano 105 or better
- Disc brakes would be nice - Mechanical are OK.
- Pannier rack - I have a Tailfin X rack that will fit most frames, so not a big issue.
I'm tossing up between two very different frames:
1. Java Carbon minivelo Aero from Aliexpress: (I am not allowed to post links, but a search of these keywords will bring you to the right link)
2. A Titanium minivelo frame from ebay. Seller is called TiSport. Search for TiSport Minivelo Bike Frame
Some question:
- Any subjective opinions or thoughts on these two frames - any free flowing discussion appreciated.
- Any thoughts on mini-velo commuters in general
- I have a Tailfin X panier rack that will fit both, so not an issue
- I'm keen on drop bars, but unsure of STI levers + disc brake options.
- Wheel options? I'd like something more sure-footed than my road bike, so maybe some wide tyres - 32mm-35mm?
I'm a beginner at this, and am collecting & soaking up any information I can find in an unstructured manner.
If you're allowed to post links or photos, please post them in the discussion below.
I am getting ready to build a mini-velo.
Considerations are:
- Urban commuting (10km daily)
- Easy storage (small flat)
- Weight (carrying up stairs etc)
- Total build cost < $US2k
- Some nice components - Shimano 105 or better
- Disc brakes would be nice - Mechanical are OK.
- Pannier rack - I have a Tailfin X rack that will fit most frames, so not a big issue.
I'm tossing up between two very different frames:
1. Java Carbon minivelo Aero from Aliexpress: (I am not allowed to post links, but a search of these keywords will bring you to the right link)
2. A Titanium minivelo frame from ebay. Seller is called TiSport. Search for TiSport Minivelo Bike Frame
Some question:
- Any subjective opinions or thoughts on these two frames - any free flowing discussion appreciated.
- Any thoughts on mini-velo commuters in general
- I have a Tailfin X panier rack that will fit both, so not an issue
- I'm keen on drop bars, but unsure of STI levers + disc brake options.
- Wheel options? I'd like something more sure-footed than my road bike, so maybe some wide tyres - 32mm-35mm?
I'm a beginner at this, and am collecting & soaking up any information I can find in an unstructured manner.
If you're allowed to post links or photos, please post them in the discussion below.
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I am a fan of larger tires for a smoother ride and they are exceptionally helpful with small-diameter wheels which approach obstacles at relatively steeper angles than bigger ones so can use the cushioning..
#5
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Minivelo thread is a long running one in ... folding bike section
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...deas-help.html
how many places will you post the same question?
Bike Friday makes a Minivelo that folds, some, and is made to come apart to fit in a suit case or backpack.
you can look at some of their configurations for Ideas..,
Rinko is a method of outfitting a non folding bike to access rail connections , in Japan.
so as to go for a day ride in another prefecture..
A Minivelo frame can be outfitted with those features ..
...
Mods want to fold this one into the other section?
...
https://www.bikeforums.net/folding-b...deas-help.html
how many places will you post the same question?
Bike Friday makes a Minivelo that folds, some, and is made to come apart to fit in a suit case or backpack.
you can look at some of their configurations for Ideas..,
Rinko is a method of outfitting a non folding bike to access rail connections , in Japan.
so as to go for a day ride in another prefecture..
A Minivelo frame can be outfitted with those features ..
...
Mods want to fold this one into the other section?
...
Last edited by fietsbob; 07-12-20 at 11:56 AM.
#6
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Hello Brains Trust,
I am getting ready to build a mini-velo.
Considerations are:
- Urban commuting (10km daily)
- Easy storage (small flat)
- Weight (carrying up stairs etc)
- Total build cost < $US2k
- Some nice components - Shimano 105 or better
- Disc brakes would be nice - Mechanical are OK.
- Pannier rack - I have a Tailfin X rack that will fit most frames, so not a big issue.
I'm tossing up between two very different frames:
1. Java Carbon minivelo Aero from Aliexpress: (I am not allowed to post links, but a search of these keywords will bring you to the right link)
2. A Titanium minivelo frame from ebay. Seller is called TiSport. Search for TiSport Minivelo Bike Frame
Some question:
- Any subjective opinions or thoughts on these two frames - any free flowing discussion appreciated.
- Any thoughts on mini-velo commuters in general
- I have a Tailfin X panier rack that will fit both, so not an issue
- I'm keen on drop bars, but unsure of STI levers + disc brake options.
- Wheel options? I'd like something more sure-footed than my road bike, so maybe some wide tyres - 32mm-35mm?
I'm a beginner at this, and am collecting & soaking up any information I can find in an unstructured manner.
If you're allowed to post links or photos, please post them in the discussion below.
I am getting ready to build a mini-velo.
Considerations are:
- Urban commuting (10km daily)
- Easy storage (small flat)
- Weight (carrying up stairs etc)
- Total build cost < $US2k
- Some nice components - Shimano 105 or better
- Disc brakes would be nice - Mechanical are OK.
- Pannier rack - I have a Tailfin X rack that will fit most frames, so not a big issue.
I'm tossing up between two very different frames:
1. Java Carbon minivelo Aero from Aliexpress: (I am not allowed to post links, but a search of these keywords will bring you to the right link)
2. A Titanium minivelo frame from ebay. Seller is called TiSport. Search for TiSport Minivelo Bike Frame
Some question:
- Any subjective opinions or thoughts on these two frames - any free flowing discussion appreciated.
- Any thoughts on mini-velo commuters in general
- I have a Tailfin X panier rack that will fit both, so not an issue
- I'm keen on drop bars, but unsure of STI levers + disc brake options.
- Wheel options? I'd like something more sure-footed than my road bike, so maybe some wide tyres - 32mm-35mm?
I'm a beginner at this, and am collecting & soaking up any information I can find in an unstructured manner.
If you're allowed to post links or photos, please post them in the discussion below.
I have always wanted one but feared the fun factor was short lived.
make it cool and give us photos.
#7
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The carbon Java Mini Velo Aero CL is about $600 (inc shipping) + some nice components + wheels, I expect would add up to $1200.
The Titanium frame is about US$800 (inc. shipping) + components + wheels, say $1400 to $1500.
#8
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I recently got a chance to ride a Pacific Cycles Reach flat bar with front and rear polymer shock absorbing blocks (similar to Brompton or Birdy), and it was a lot of fun, super fast. But that bike is $3k, well beyond my budget. Also, I'd prefer a dropbar bike.