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Errr....
Bikes are fun, each to their own. 👍
Edit: username checks out.
.... Does it?
I'm probably missing something, but what's the point of a bike like this? I get the foldability and convenience of eg a Brompton, but I can't see what advantage something like this gives over a standard wheeled gravel/hybrid/commuter bike? 🤷
I'm not sure I'm getting it. If you're that pushed for space in your shed or city apartment that you need a small wheeled bike. Why wouldn't you not just go for the much cheaper Brompton?
*Edit* Sorry, didn't notice your reply Hardtailonly. I wholeheartedly agree with you though!
Yep, I saw on there socials they were launching something, and immediately thought Pashley + Folder = great combo.
Then I look more closely and.... I just do not get it. Its the equivalent of those motorcycle trikes.
(All the drawbacks of a motorcycle, you die in a crash, get wet and deaf otherwise and dont have much front tyre to turn or brake.
All the drawbacks of a car, you need a car parking space and sit in car traffic jams.)
It doesnt fold up or really require much less space than a proper bike?
Yet it also bangs and crashes over bumps like a bike with tiny wheels? And the frame still weighs the same as one with normal wheels fitted?
Bizarre.
It is just a minivelo isn't it, been around for years. We all know that larger wheels roll better so let's put on some tiny wheels. I used to ride a bmx on gravel and singletrack, just because, and the rate it slows down when not pedalling is very noticeable.
Yes you get a bit more space to put it in your tiny flat as front/rear wheel edge to edge is shorter but how many people fit that use case.
Saying that, I was tempted many years ago to built up a brakeless fixed gear minivelo but never got round to it. Would have been fun for 10 minutes.
what advantage something like this gives over a standard wheeled gravel/hybrid/commuter bike?
It brings the trail less alive 🙂
there was once a train of thought (like in the early 1900s) about small wheels being intrinsically stronger (and lighter) than larger ones and therefore a small wheel with a large volume tyre - to absorb the bumps and larger wheel would roll over- being better than (or at least a viable alternative to) a large wheel with a skinny tyre. Same idea as Moulton's small skinny wheels and suspension for road bikes.
All seems part of Pashley's schtick of having new fun with old ideas
Literally nothing about that bike says "fun" to me.
Some of the other Pashleys look great though.
there was once a train of thought (like in the early 1900s) about small wheels being intrinsically stronger (and lighter) than larger ones and therefore a small wheel with a large volume tyre
I thought it was fairly well established that smaller wheels are stronger than larger wheels (as well as being lighter)?
Looks like a bit of a rascal.
I have never ridden one and I had the same ‘what’s the advantage?’ thoughts but mini-velos have a strong following and some people love them… so there must be something good about them. I will have to try one to find out!
Some explanation here https://www.svencycles.co.uk/the-mini-velo#:~:text=The%20compact%20size%20and%20nimble,%2C%20and%20everything%20in%2Dbetween.
With riser bars and a dropper, it'll be more fun. There's been a recent thread:
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/bike-forum/help-talk-me-out-of-a-bike-purchase/#post-13640451
referencing an older self build with pics:
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/bike-forum/custom-mini-velo-project/#post-13559266
Here's someone having fun on one:
I can't grasp the frame dimensions/size becuase of the odd proportions. Would it go in a standard (ie not oversized baggage) suitcase? Could get you some cheap bike touring foreign trips maybe? Maybe this is the idea if their primary photo shows it kitted out with luggage.
Maybe also the "throw a matching his n hers pair in the campervan/caravan for short bike path rides somewhere pretty" for the wealthy retired caravan club set.
I appreciate doing something different, but I'm not seeing how the mere act of riding this would be "fun"* to either a road/graveller who would find it draggy and slow (and under geared), or to the BMXer/urban mtber who would find the drop bars severly limiting handling compared to a DJ or cruiser bmx type thing.
*yes all bikes are fun but some are more fun than others depending on situation and some are downright unsuited for certain tasks
I've had a good look at this, I've no experience with mini velos and would need to see one in the flesh. But: it does hold some appeal despite seeming like the worse compromise of folding/normal bike.
Key thing is, if you have other bikes, like the spiel says it's kind of an N+1. It's never going to do gravel as well as a gravel bike, or long road trips as well as a road bike. But I can see it being a good urban bike, nippy and fun, fast steering (think Cannondale Hooligan, which was a cool mini velo). Or a bike to pack up for touring in a smaller box, that is easier to put on a train/boat/plane. Even though it doesn't fold, I imagine it's size makes it less obtrusive and easier to keep out the way on a train, which might make some journeys logistically smoother. 20inch wheel seems way better than a 16inch Brompton wheel, and the Pashley comes in flat or drop bar builds. Large frame has proper reach of 455mm, and discs.
Still quite want one.
I mean if you want a slightly impractical 20" bike, you may as well just go get a proper BMX that's actually fun to ride, surely? Don't really see the point in this!
If you have ever ridden a raleigh 20 or a dawes kingpin you know exactly why this would be a right laugh.
I don't quite understand it either. I had a Pashley built Moulton APB many moons ago, and that was a lot of fun. It had 20 inch wheels, like the Skyline, so was fun to ride. But it was also separable, and had (pretty primitive) front and rear suspension. I can imagine the Skyline is pretty harsh to ride. I used to take my APB down tracks and unmade roads, I wouldn't fancy doing that on the Skyline.
I think most people would be better served by the new Brompton G series. 20 inch wheels and the famous Brompton fold.
Much more rigid than a Brompton - just too much flex for gravel IMO though I still want one for times when only a folder will do.
I think it looks great and deffo a N+0.1 but don't underestimate the handling of this type of bike, they feel lighter and more nimble than they are. Its a bit like a Fat Bike - it shouldn't work, it doesn't actually do anything better really than a normal design but it feels like it does and that's more than half the battle....plus it looks great. I wouldn't kick kit out of bed before at least giving it a ride ;0)
If your question is "What's it for" then it's clearly not for you but then apart from a commuter or shopping bike then what is any bike for really unless you are a professional rider that's paid to pedal
Short version, What's it for? It's for having fun on, same as any bike and analysing it to the 12th degree misses the point of cycling, for me anyway.
It makes no sense at all, and so may be fantastic fun.
Why does it have to make sense? You either like it or you don't. Personally, I think it looks rad.
Minivelos are fun. Not everything has to be 'fast'. I see them as a bike that can live in your car boot with minimal hassle. Less cumbersome than a full size bike, put detachable pedals on it and drop the seatpost and it doesn't take up much room.
With room for 2.3" tyres it could run Big Apples, and that irons out a lot of the problems little wheels have.
I've ridden parts of the Great Glen way on my Dahon Hammerhead and had my Dahon Boardwalk higher up a mountain than most mtbs go. Any limitations are the rider's rather than the bikes, just ride it appropriately.
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In short don't knock minivelos until you've tried a good one.
They're fun.
I think most people would be better served by the new Brompton G series. 20 inch wheels and the famous Brompton fold.
14 to 20 kg? Vs what? 12kg? Don't get me wrong the brompton os a phenomenal fold. It is clearly and extremely useful bike. But its a stupid bike if you don't need a fold. Rigid 20inch bikes are way easier to manhandle up a set of stairs than a 700c bike. And they take alot less room, if you have the space.
My previous apartment was in an old building with a narrow and steep staircase, on the 4th floor. Taking a full-size bike up and down those stairs was difficult.
If you live in a city with very old housing stock, I can see this being popular. Especially if folding isn't required.
I reckon it'd be handy for bike polo too
‘Why does it have to make sense?’
That’s what I was getting at.
Small wheels (with big tyres) have always made sense to me. Easier to build, harder to break, and they don't take up as much space when you want to store your bike.