Custom minibike
#1
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
Custom minibike
Small-wheel not folding warning!
This custom built bike was posted to the Fixed Gear gallery today and it's a corker! It's so close to a notional bike I have in my head and in the odd sketch - a small wheel road bike with obvious bmx lineage but lightweight road sensiblilities. I think it's a lot more elegant than the upcoming dahon hammerhead. If someone made these I'd have one like a shot! Maybe I should get a quote on a frame?
https://homepage.mac.com/w.rentschler/PhotoAlbum79.html
This custom built bike was posted to the Fixed Gear gallery today and it's a corker! It's so close to a notional bike I have in my head and in the odd sketch - a small wheel road bike with obvious bmx lineage but lightweight road sensiblilities. I think it's a lot more elegant than the upcoming dahon hammerhead. If someone made these I'd have one like a shot! Maybe I should get a quote on a frame?
https://homepage.mac.com/w.rentschler/PhotoAlbum79.html
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
#2
Hauja
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It is a Very nice bike all it needs is some wine corks for the handlebar ends.
#3
All ur bike r belong Enki
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Oh man...that's a luscious Phil/ENO flip-flop hub. I want that rear wheel for my Swift.
Last edited by james_swift; 12-25-05 at 10:37 PM.
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Man, that is such an awesome machine, it looks tougher than Titanium coffin nails. Much nicer than the Hammerhead indeed. The guy can really build/weld and he's got class too! (Saddle, Bag and other components).
#5
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nice idea about that brake disc adapter combined with single speed adjustability ....
very nice bike indeed... congrats
thor
very nice bike indeed... congrats
thor
#7
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
I don't think he could do an SS coupler version on account of the aero-profile downtubing but I do aim to ask him about a cost for a build as I can see myself on something like that to be sure!
I'll let you know what I find...
I'll let you know what I find...
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#8
All ur bike r belong Enki
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Originally Posted by LittlePixel
I don't think he could do an SS coupler version on account of the aero-profile downtubing but I do aim to ask him about a cost for a build as I can see myself on something like that to be sure!
I'll let you know what I find...
I'll let you know what I find...
#9
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
Ok I wrote and the guy - Tony Rentschler - got back straight away - very happy to hear we are liking his bike; a very nice man all round it seems.
He says he had it in mind to build a folder all along but wanted to get the geometry and handling right in this first one and that he might try a folder or demountable in another incarnation - which he might also upscale to 451 wheels for better handling. Probably not with a S&S coupling though. He says he spent no small amount of time looking at other folders - especially Moultons - and this is where the mono suspension comes from - something he's definately a convert to since building the MiniVelo.
The long steerer is aparently custom - two tubes simply brazed, and the rear spacing is the standard mtb 135mm for ease of sourcing parts which is pretty sensible if you ask me.
The bad news is - at least for now - he's only building for a hobby and as such isn't 'set up' as he put it for re-sale - though he says he will think this through and see if it's practicable. One problem is he's getting parts at full retail price rather than wholesale so things aren't really economic if say you wanted a frame with those dinky forks or whatever....
But maybe as a 'frame-only' deal he could be persuaded to knock out a few? I'm gonna ask - maybe he can find the time!
I'll keep people posted if they're still interested
Huw
He says he had it in mind to build a folder all along but wanted to get the geometry and handling right in this first one and that he might try a folder or demountable in another incarnation - which he might also upscale to 451 wheels for better handling. Probably not with a S&S coupling though. He says he spent no small amount of time looking at other folders - especially Moultons - and this is where the mono suspension comes from - something he's definately a convert to since building the MiniVelo.
The long steerer is aparently custom - two tubes simply brazed, and the rear spacing is the standard mtb 135mm for ease of sourcing parts which is pretty sensible if you ask me.
The bad news is - at least for now - he's only building for a hobby and as such isn't 'set up' as he put it for re-sale - though he says he will think this through and see if it's practicable. One problem is he's getting parts at full retail price rather than wholesale so things aren't really economic if say you wanted a frame with those dinky forks or whatever....
But maybe as a 'frame-only' deal he could be persuaded to knock out a few? I'm gonna ask - maybe he can find the time!
I'll keep people posted if they're still interested
Huw
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
Last edited by LittlePixel; 12-27-05 at 09:03 AM.
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Yeah i like the Aero tube though i am sure it would work nearly as well with regular tubing. I like how you can see in some of the background in his workshop that he did tons of research (lots of pictures of similair bikes including the Swift)... this guy seems thorough and skilled. Digging it.
#11
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
After seeing Tony's cool design I felt a bit odd as his frame is something like a design I've had in my head for a while. I had an Illustrator file with about 20 odd various geometries based on F1 bmx, road, Mtb and folding shapes and was working slowly towards one that I thought would be best. I spent a bit of time working on one of these tonight and thought I'd share. It's a bit taller and less bmx than Tony's, and has wishbone seat-stays, but the other details - front disk (though I think I'd go for a Pantour Susp. hub) and outsize fork are freakily similar. Anyway - here you go. Maybe I can convince someone to build me one. Custom frames have got to break the bank though right?
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You have some mad Illustrator/CAD skills Pixel! I really like it! Nice to hear that the builder is a cool cat and might consider building some frames. Keep us posted please!
And a real good idea for a custom bike. Hmm i don't know if custom bikes have to break the bank. I'd like to think not, i guess the key would be to find someone who builds 'for the love of it' and that might mean that he won't necessarily charge a $4itload for building a bike of which he diggs the design. Or otherwise maybe have a few build in the far east.
As for your design itself, some questions and comments:
1. Why make a taller frame/bigger triangles? I see little advantages (but i am probably missing a few things) and some disadvantages, to wit:
-The center of gravity will be somewhat higher than necessary and this is one of the things that i love about Twenties and other such designs, they bank like mad, feel super stable and rather light because the weight is where you want it, close to the ground.
-The bike will be a bit harder to mount and dismount, no biggie though.
-The longer Steerer/front tube may mean your choices of fork are limited (just like with Twenties).
-The added strength is pretty much moot, you have to do some crazy a$$ things to mess up any properly designed and build 20 inch frame.
2. I really hope there is an (affordable) way you could make a bike like that folding! I ask because if so i might order a frame along with you...
3. Might it be an idea to contact BF, they sort off specialize in custom after all and they may have similair designs knocking about (Tikit?).
4. Have you considered including drops in the style of the Xootr Swift or the On One Sliding Drops frames? If i were to custom order any frame i'd want it to be the 'frame to end all frames' and for me that would mean i could ride it for another few decades during which i would likely want to try loads of different drivetrains.
Lastly i was curious, what do you hope this proposed bike will be superior in when compared to a Twenty. Things i think where (minor) advantages could be gained: Styling, tubing quality, handling/geometry, weight etc. What do you think?
Anyway, once again, great design and i hope it becomes a reality for you, the more small wheeled bikes in this world the happier i will be.
And a real good idea for a custom bike. Hmm i don't know if custom bikes have to break the bank. I'd like to think not, i guess the key would be to find someone who builds 'for the love of it' and that might mean that he won't necessarily charge a $4itload for building a bike of which he diggs the design. Or otherwise maybe have a few build in the far east.
As for your design itself, some questions and comments:
1. Why make a taller frame/bigger triangles? I see little advantages (but i am probably missing a few things) and some disadvantages, to wit:
-The center of gravity will be somewhat higher than necessary and this is one of the things that i love about Twenties and other such designs, they bank like mad, feel super stable and rather light because the weight is where you want it, close to the ground.
-The bike will be a bit harder to mount and dismount, no biggie though.
-The longer Steerer/front tube may mean your choices of fork are limited (just like with Twenties).
-The added strength is pretty much moot, you have to do some crazy a$$ things to mess up any properly designed and build 20 inch frame.
2. I really hope there is an (affordable) way you could make a bike like that folding! I ask because if so i might order a frame along with you...
3. Might it be an idea to contact BF, they sort off specialize in custom after all and they may have similair designs knocking about (Tikit?).
4. Have you considered including drops in the style of the Xootr Swift or the On One Sliding Drops frames? If i were to custom order any frame i'd want it to be the 'frame to end all frames' and for me that would mean i could ride it for another few decades during which i would likely want to try loads of different drivetrains.
Lastly i was curious, what do you hope this proposed bike will be superior in when compared to a Twenty. Things i think where (minor) advantages could be gained: Styling, tubing quality, handling/geometry, weight etc. What do you think?
Anyway, once again, great design and i hope it becomes a reality for you, the more small wheeled bikes in this world the happier i will be.
#13
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by v1nce
You have some mad Illustrator/CAD skills Pixel! I really like it!
Originally Posted by v1nce
Nice to hear that the builder is a cool cat and might consider building some frames. Keep us posted please!
Originally Posted by v1nce
And a real good idea for a custom bike. Hmm i don't know if custom bikes have to break the bank. I'd like to think not, i guess the key would be to find someone who builds 'for the love of it' and that might mean that he won't necessarily charge a $4itload for building a bike of which he diggs the design.
Originally Posted by v1nce
Or otherwise maybe have a few build in the far east.
Originally Posted by v1nce
As for your design itself, some questions and comments:
1. Why make a taller frame/bigger triangles? I see little advantages (but i am probably missing a few things) and some disadvantages, to wit:
1. Why make a taller frame/bigger triangles? I see little advantages (but i am probably missing a few things) and some disadvantages, to wit:
Originally Posted by v1nce
-The center of gravity will be somewhat higher than necessary and this is one of the things that i love about Twenties and other such designs, they bank like mad, feel super stable and rather light because the weight is where you want it, close to the ground.
Originally Posted by v1nce
-The bike will be a bit harder to mount and dismount, no biggie though.
Originally Posted by v1nce
-The longer Steerer/front tube may mean your choices of fork are limited (just like with Twenties).
Originally Posted by v1nce
-The added strength is pretty much moot, you have to do some crazy a$$ things to mess up any properly designed and build 20 inch frame.
Originally Posted by v1nce
2. I really hope there is an (affordable) way you could make a bike like that folding! I ask because if so i might order a frame along with you...
Originally Posted by v1nce
3. Might it be an idea to contact BF, they sort off specialize in custom after all and they may have similair designs knocking about (Tikit?).
Originally Posted by v1nce
4. Have you considered including drops in the style of the Xootr Swift or the On One Sliding Drops frames? If i were to custom order any frame i'd want it to be the 'frame to end all frames' and for me that would mean i could ride it for another few decades during which i would likely want to try loads of different drivetrains.
Originally Posted by v1nce
Lastly i was curious, what do you hope this proposed bike will be superior in when compared to a Twenty. Things i think where (minor) advantages could be gained: Styling, tubing quality, handling/geometry, weight etc. What do you think?
Originally Posted by v1nce
Anyway, once again, great design and i hope it becomes a reality for you, the more small wheeled bikes in this world the happier i will be.
Huw
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
Last edited by LittlePixel; 12-28-05 at 09:08 AM.
#14
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
So now I've finally got the amazing "BikeCAD" online Java-based design app to work on my Mac, I've done this design 'properly'. You key in some of the dimensions and it does the rest... It's really an amazing program - have a go with it here:
https://www.bikeforest.com/CAD/index.php
Here's my .bcad file if anyone wants to play with it. Apparently - some frame builders can literally work from the bcad file as it works out all the tube lengths to be cut, the mitre angles and all. I'm pretty amazed - and this isn't even the Pro version of the app.
I think I might need to raise the Bottom Brack a bit (though at the same height as my Twenty it's probably ok) and probably fit a taller steerer/stem combo for a more comfy riding position, but I'm really getting to think I might get one made....
https://www.bikeforest.com/CAD/index.php
Here's my .bcad file if anyone wants to play with it. Apparently - some frame builders can literally work from the bcad file as it works out all the tube lengths to be cut, the mitre angles and all. I'm pretty amazed - and this isn't even the Pro version of the app.
I think I might need to raise the Bottom Brack a bit (though at the same height as my Twenty it's probably ok) and probably fit a taller steerer/stem combo for a more comfy riding position, but I'm really getting to think I might get one made....
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My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
My Raleigh Twenty site | foldr : A flickr pool | #6460, #5632 & #3407 on the fixedgeargallery
#15
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
<boing> Gauging interest here - how 'marketable' do you think a frame (or whole bike for that matter) like this would be?
Dahon seem to think Minibikes might be worth a punt as the next big thing. Would anyone here think about a non-folding 406 wheeler like mine? What would you pay? what features would you want?
(I ask as it may be something that could happen...)
Dahon seem to think Minibikes might be worth a punt as the next big thing. Would anyone here think about a non-folding 406 wheeler like mine? What would you pay? what features would you want?
(I ask as it may be something that could happen...)
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#16
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Hmm i don't know,.. in my case i think the non folding would be a no go. Unless it was a machine superbly suited to long distance touring and quite affordable. Personally i'd only be interested if it was a frame only deal or a complete bike with pretty good parts, both cases i'd have to be fairly affordable as it would be a secondary and not primary bike most likely.
#17
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
Resurecting this old thread cos I found this nice Japanese sweety earlier...
Cute fast smallwheeler here
Nice huh?
W h y c a n ' t w e g e t t h e s e i n t h e w e s t ?
Cute fast smallwheeler here
Nice huh?
W h y c a n ' t w e g e t t h e s e i n t h e w e s t ?
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#18
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Wow, I love your design little pixel! I think that you would do well to market your small wheelers, even if they don't fold. It would be great if you can include brazeons for front/rear racks, 2-3water bottles, fenders, as well as horizontal drop outs.
#19
Professional Fuss-Budget
Personally I don't see much of a market for non-folding mini bikes, it's a niche product. For most people, the disadvantages of small wheels are a good trade-off when you can fold the bike but not worth it otherwise.
#20
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Originally Posted by Bacciagalupe
For most people, the disadvantages of small wheels are a good trade-off when you can fold the bike but not worth it otherwise.
Now, if any of these designs could fit in a travelling luggage, I would pay US$1000.00 on one if it had all the features I want...
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#21
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Originally Posted by Bacciagalupe
Personally I don't see much of a market for non-folding mini bikes, it's a niche product. For most people, the disadvantages of small wheels are a good trade-off when you can fold the bike but not worth it otherwise.
#22
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Originally Posted by 14R
I agree. I am willing to give up riding quality, speed performance and even comfort IF I can take my bike with me where I cannot take a regular size bike. As far as I can tell, if I can take a non folding Mini-bike, my full size bike can go too...
Now, if any of these designs could fit in a travelling luggage, I would pay US$1000.00 on one if it had all the features I want...
Now, if any of these designs could fit in a travelling luggage, I would pay US$1000.00 on one if it had all the features I want...
Note that the frame of the "mini racer" is actually quite small. These bikes don't have to fold to be transportable. If you take off the wheels and remove the seat and pedals, a bike like this could fit in a case used to carry electronic keyboards. You need folding for commuting, or stuffing into a "regular" suitcase, but there are other possibilities!
#23
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Thread Starter
rafael - why have you changed your username to 14R?
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#24
Professional Fuss-Budget
Originally Posted by trentschler
The ride and performance of a folder is not necessarily represenative of small-wheeled bikes in general.
Since I can't read Japanese, I can't explain why they're popular over there.
#25
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Originally Posted by LittlePixel
rafael - why have you changed your username to 14R?
Safety was also something that other people pointed out, but, in my case, was just secondary.
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