Here’s an interesting, albeit slightly odd looking, take on urban transportation. According to Tim the Masi Guy, “We still have some development to do on this and it IS NOT (currently) intended for the US market; this is a special custom bike produced solely for our Japanese distributor.”
“Mini-Velo is a “huge” category in Japan and some other Asian markets. The bikes are smaller, which works with a population of smaller riders. But it is also very popular with commuters because the bikes are much easier to carry on to buses or trains and easier to take into an office or apartment. In Japan especially, space is very limited, so compactness is very important.”
Get more info over at Tim The Masi Guy’s blog.
I have a Schwinn F1 bike from the 80’s that looks much like what is now called a mini-velo.
I look like a bear in the circus on it.
If it were a folder, you could tie it on the back of your regular bike for a spare.
Nice, I want one? I wondering if a 6″ + guy could manage one of these babies? Singlespeedbleed.com
I WANT ONE TOO ! Alas I am 6′3″ and ride a 63 cm. I am thinking of getting one anyway and jacking up the saddle with a 300 seat pin and the bars with some kine X stem. Think I have a hope of it fitting ? I lust for celeste so am thinking a Bianchi. I am also thinking it will end up all Campagnolo. Going up to Kamakura / Yokohama / Kawasaki this weekend to hit some bike shops. May not be able to resist. Y’s bike in Yoko has one for 80000 Y and think I will give it a try. See how much air I got between my boys and the top tube.