u/gray_grum

SOLD!! THANKS REDDIT!

XDS mini velo, size 470mm frame. This is a well-used bike that's mechanically solid and ready to ride — all stock/original components, nothing swapped out.

This bike fits 90% of riders, with the low stepover height frame and the long seat tube adjustment.

Great little bike for city riding, commuting, or as a fun compact runabout. Small wheels make it quick, nimble, and easy to store or transport. These are perfect for apartments, college students, a bike you can easily throw in your trunk or hatchback.

Frame Size: 470 mm

Tires: Just replaced, 3 miles on them

Condition: well-used, shows normal wear, but mechanically sound and rides great

Components: Shimano RevoShift 2x8 drivetrain

Price: $250 local pickup (Chattanooga, TN) $400 shipped (boxed and shipped in the domestic US)

Cash or Venmo for local pickup. Message with any questions — happy to send more photos or answer specifics on fit/sizing.

I've been watching all the various jig videos and trying to absorb what I can. I want to build my first jig. I have minimal fabrication equipment right now and no welding setup in my shop space currently (coming soon) so I'm thinking 80-20 aluminum extrusion, something I can mostly bolt together and make happen with a cutoff saw and a drill press.

I don't mind getting a few pieces made or going to the local makerspace to make some things. Also don't mind buying good stuff as needed, but i'm trying to keep the budget on this low.

I know some people weld completely in their jig, but I'm not really sure why. Speed maybe? Because they can? I'm expecting to tack in the jig and then pull it out and weld or braise in a Park stand.

Stylistically, I see 3 core designs:

1. Center spine with pivoting HT/ST (Cobra, Farr, Benchmark)
2. Bottom base with two or three uprights (ThriftyFramebuilder, Konga BFB)
3. Top Down Side View "Frame In A Box" (ideas2cycles, Dr Welby instructable)

What do y'all think about these core designs and how they compare? I can see how #1 is fast, repeatable, probably best but highest initial investment, #2 gives a lot of access and is cheaper than #1. #3 has downsides compared to above but cheap and easy to build

• Dr Welby Instructable

https://www.instructables.com/The-simplest-bicycle-framebuilding-jig-I-could-com/

This looks really simple and intuitive.

• Simple Bicycle Frame Building Fixture by ideas2cycles

https://www.instructables.com/A-simple-bicycle-frame-jig/
https://ideas2cycles.com/simple-framebuilding-jig/

This is the most cost friendly option, I think. If this works well, I'm pretty tempted.

• Thrifty Framebuilder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoO605wIwVo

I really love his channel and this looks pretty easy to use. If there's a solid argument to this style I would be happy to copy it.

• Tanner W - Instructable

https://www.instructables.com/Bicycle-Frame-Building-Jig/

I like this one a lot too. Only real issue is I can't easily find 160-40 extrusion here secondhand or cheap.

• Kuba Kasprzycki Youtube Build

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBCBPhimQDI

I like this design. Not sure what it's based on. Haven't seen anything else on it but it's clean and simple. Looks like plate parts were watercut or laser

• Konga V1/V2 (Bike Frame Buddy)

https://theradavist.com/konga-bicycles-free-framebuilding-tool-files
https://kongabicycles.com/

I found the Konga page and designs. Thinking about copying that but there's no BOM or instructions that I can find and that makes me nervous.

• 40 feet workshop

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDsZQwlgqjY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdM-epD9woQ

Design-wise I'm leaning towards either the Dr Welby, Thrifty Framebuilder, Tanner W or buying the $160 setup from ideas2cycles and getting access to their info and page.

Y'all have thoughts?

I need a different chain ring to get the chain line right whatever else is pretty much ready to rock on this bike aside from waiting for a few other parts to arrive from China. Looking forward to riding it soon.

Any weird mini velo things I need to know when I'm inspecting it? I'm really excited, I need a proper apartment bike for my downtown second floor walk up!