Bikesdirect Mini Velo upgrade thread
#101
All ur bike r belong Enki
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No doubt about that, but after the 2nd flat due to glass puncture just last weekend, I've resigned the tires and concluded that fast, feather-weight tires and urban streets simply do not mix.
Now that I'm back on the 65psi/100psi (front/back) Kenda Kwest tires, I'm really noticing the rolling resistance and rotational weight. The Panaracers are road scorchers by comparison, but the fastest tires in the world won't make any difference when you're slowing down for every bump and rail car track, or stuck on the side of the road having a wrestling match with a tire that is reluctant to be unmounted.
Now that I'm back on the 65psi/100psi (front/back) Kenda Kwest tires, I'm really noticing the rolling resistance and rotational weight. The Panaracers are road scorchers by comparison, but the fastest tires in the world won't make any difference when you're slowing down for every bump and rail car track, or stuck on the side of the road having a wrestling match with a tire that is reluctant to be unmounted.
#103
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#104
So what did YOU do to it?
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Well, I got mine. And I did my first "upgrade". Which was making the brake pads actually touch the rims.
I already bought a threadless adapter. And I have bars to put on it. I need to decide what size stem to use.
How light have you guys gotten the bike down to?
I already bought a threadless adapter. And I have bars to put on it. I need to decide what size stem to use.
How light have you guys gotten the bike down to?
#105
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Has anyone got a set of fenders on one yet?
#106
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There seems to be enough clearance to put a set of fenders on, such as planet bike 20". However, the caliper brake uses recessed nut. To put the fenders on in a perfect way, you need Sheldon fender nuts.
I just learned that the hard way after messing with my bike and fenders for an hour.
I just learned that the hard way after messing with my bike and fenders for an hour.
#108
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Not sure if this has been mentioned but the bolts on the stock brake levers leave deep gouges in the bar when the clamp is tightened. I swapped mine out for Cane Creeks.
#109
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I don't really see a problem there ... the handlebar *might* be a little on the soft side. As long as the levers dont slide down, who cares ... its all under the bar tape, no?
#112
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Tektro R365 brakes are solid on a mini velo. Standard Shimano BL R770 brakes will work with that brakeset. And the price isn't too bad for the quality and safety you're buying for your bike.
#113
So what did YOU do to it?
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If the bolt is to long. Trim the bolt.
#114
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For folks who are still using the stock brake levers, I notice that my right lever's QR pin holder is plastic and it is broken on arrival. It still stops the lever when released but off a bit. It is just a matter of time before the holder is completely broken. I am upgrading them 'cause I need a set of small hand levers anyway. Why didn't them put on a small version on small frame?
#115
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All right- I ordered my Nano today (Black, big size) and I can't imagine it will stay stock for long. Anybody thought about building a 406 wheel with an ENO hub for fixie fun?
#116
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If only the frame were a lot lighter.
#117
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How much would it cost to have a wheel built like that?
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#118
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Count me among those that experienced a flat on their first real ride on this bike.
I tooled around on the bike in the driveway a bit previously, but last night was the first time I took it out for a real ride. I flatted a couple miles from my house. I knew of this issue that others have had and even ordered some rim tape that should be arriving tomorrow, but I risked it anyway and it bit me.
I was in a hurry to get somewhere and grabbed the bike without much thought (and without a flat repair kit). I was only going a few miles, right? Needless to say, I was late for where I was going since I went ahead and walked the rest of the way there and ended up walking the whole way home late last night. :-(
I have not had a chance to inspect the wheel yet, but I presume it is most likely the exposed spoke nipple issue.
I tooled around on the bike in the driveway a bit previously, but last night was the first time I took it out for a real ride. I flatted a couple miles from my house. I knew of this issue that others have had and even ordered some rim tape that should be arriving tomorrow, but I risked it anyway and it bit me.
I was in a hurry to get somewhere and grabbed the bike without much thought (and without a flat repair kit). I was only going a few miles, right? Needless to say, I was late for where I was going since I went ahead and walked the rest of the way there and ended up walking the whole way home late last night. :-(
I have not had a chance to inspect the wheel yet, but I presume it is most likely the exposed spoke nipple issue.
#120
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The custom 406 fixed-gear wheel I had built for my Swift by Wheelsmith cost $250, and that was with a $30 Surly track hub. The Eno hub retails anywhere from $160 to $180. So to answer your question, more than the cost of the bike itself.
#121
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#122
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I think about it all the time, but every time I take out my fixed sub-19lb Xootr Swift for a ride, I begin to have serious doubts as to how fun a ~24lb fixed-gear Nano would be.
Last edited by cedar_lake; 06-15-11 at 01:17 PM. Reason: added quote
#123
So what did YOU do to it?
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#124
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$5-6 for even just saving one flat, I would say it is well worthy it. The stock tape is quite narrow and slippery. No wonder it moves around. Now, the weather is warm. Removing the tires is quite easy.
#125
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