r/minivelo

🤔 WHAT’S “POTTERING” ———————

In cycling, pottering (often referred to in Japan as potaringu or ポタリング) refers to a leisurely, aimless, and relaxed ride on a bicycle, similar to a "stroll" or a "putter" on two wheels. It is distinct from competitive cycling or high-intensity training, focusing instead on enjoying the surroundings, casual sightseeing, and maintaining a low-effort pace.

Key aspects of pottering in cycling include:

・Relaxed Pace: It involves riding slowly to enjoy the atmosphere, often with no time limit.

・Casual Purpose: It is often described as "cycling around," "strolling," or "exploring," rather than commuting or exercising.

・Flexibility: It allows riders to stop whenever they feel like it, making it ideal for sightseeing or photography.

・Japanese Context (ポタリング): The term is widely used in Japanese cycling culture to describe a leisurely, enjoyable ride, often on mini-velos (small-wheeled bikes) or folding bicycles.

In essence, pottering is about taking a comfortable, slow-paced bike ride to enjoy the journey, often for short, close-to-home excursions and visits of cafes/restaurants.

📍LOCATION ———————

Anywhere in the Greater Tokyo Area

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5cdYmQQrQDXcRtGg8

🫡 WHAT YOU GET ———————

• Rides between 10 and 40 kms.

• Ride at an easy pace.

• Rest anytime you like.

• Nice cute cafes/restaurants to enjoy.

• Fun discussions with interesting people.

• Routes from a veteran rider, fluent in Japanese, and who knows the area a lot.

🙏 CONDITIONS ———————

• You must have either a minivelo or a folding bike.

• You don’t mind 1-with-1 meetups (until we get more members).

• You can ride with us at least once a month.

👥 THE GROUP ———————

Currently 6 members (1 French, 4 Japanese, 1 Australian).

Beware that I will deliberately remove people from the group if they never show any actual willingness to ride together within a month after they joined.

ℹ️ HOW TO JOIN ———————

Apply in the comments below with the following information:

• Your nationality

• Your bike’s model/brand

I recently made a trip in Korea and I found Java CL2. I did not have any intension to buy it but the price was hard to pass and Delta airline is generous for bikes so I had to get hahaha (it was free for the bike package since it was part of luggage count. the price was $350. they had carbon version with dropbar and Ltwoo electric groupset but it was $1200 so I decided to get Aluminum frame version. initially I tried to buy silver color but last min, I changed my mind to match my car color haha but I should stick with original thought since it looks brighter color. Unfortunately it has 7 speed freewheel which is 14-28 and 52T chainring. A little too much for hilly area... so upgrading might be expected... Hard to find cheap 451 wheel with 142mm through axel compatibility..... Looks like it's new version and cable routes were internal and no wire hanging. Java should put cassette HG hub instead of freewheel system....... welding is smooth except one spot but smooth welding looks nice for entire frame.

bicycle that doesn't require lifting your legs high

I am looking for a bicycle for women who aren't very interested in bikes.

Brand-New Star Dragon 20” Build
Just finished a 100% brand-new Star Dragon build. The goal was a practical and sporty 20” setup with reliable components and a comfortable riding position.
📋 Build Specification
Frame: Star Dragon, Size S
Wheelset: Pasak sealed-bearing hubs, loud freehub — 24H front / 24H rear
Tires & Tubes: Schwalbe Big Apple 20×2.15 (55-406)
Drivetrain: SRAM GX 10-speed shifter & rear derailleur + Shimano CN-HG54 chain + Shimano HG50 11-36T cassette
Crankset: Racework CNC crank + CNC 48T chainring
Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes + Shimano UR300 calipers + Avid/Anrancee 160mm rotors
Stem & Handlebar: UNO aluminum stem, 31.8 × 70mm, 17° + aluminum BMX handlebar, 31.8 × 710mm
Seatpost & Saddle: UNO aluminum seatpost, 31.9 × 350mm + KTM saddle
Grips & Pedals: Ergonomic grips + Promend M86 pedals
Accessories: Sturdy aluminum double-leg kickstand + bell
A simple, solid and capable 20-inch Star Dragon built from the ground up. 🚲
#StarDragon #MiniVelo #20InchBike #BikeBuild #Bicycle #Cycling #SRAMGX #Shimano #Schwalbe #BikePorn

My accent bolt has been built today and I'm quite happy with it. I added inner barends for an additional riding position and it's quite comfortable. Featuring a Velotric Discover 3 and a Cranston R9 Max next to this. 3 bikes in 3 months is enough to last me years, I hope.

Built up a Soma Rufus minivelo with a mix of BMX, mountain bike, and road parts. The goal was to keep it compact and a little unconventional without turning it into a novelty build.

The frame is a Soma Rufus, with a Chris King headset and hubs, Sun Envy 32H rims, Demolition Momentum tires, S&M S.A.C. bars, an Odyssey Elemental stem, Shimano XT Deore brakes, a Shimano CUES short cage rear derailleur, and a Shimano Claris crankset.

A few of the parts came over from an old Santa Cruz Blur, and it is still a work in progress. But at this point it is fully rideable and pretty close to what I had in mind from the start.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbn24IekRu_/?img_index=1

This new rack looks pretty sick. It looks backwards compatible to the Itty Bitty — curious if it will also fit other Minivelos with similar head tubes diameters.

May have had a few beers when I clicked buy on this... 22" wheels... I upgraded the seatpost, new derailleur, added tri-bars because hilarious...

8 speed "indexed" shifter (2 clicks per gear) with the jankiest Shimano derailleur.

The original derailleur jumped in the spokes and exploded after I did things to the bike I shouldn't have... (more MTB than gravel) had to scoot it home about 5k.

I haven't seen this kind of build in probably 20 years... square taper BB, old school 8 speed freehub, stamped steel front ring, 1-1/8" non-aheadset headset with screw to lock friction steerer, mechanical discs, 15mm screw on wheels with those little safety washers with a lip...

Had to bend the frame into shape to get the rear wheel in. Nothing was tight or tuned.

It's stupid and I love it. It will probably strand me again.

If a road bike is like an F1 car, this is like a go-kart.

With cheap commute components.

Paid USD700 for the bike. Second hand.

USD15 Rear Rack

USD10 Fenders USD50 Meroca Suspension stem and Aliexpress Bars Billy Bonkers tyres

Feat.

3D Printed Components in PETG-CF.

Bottle Cage for my fave oversize mug.

Rear Box for rain gear.

Holder for Android Tracker.

Used daily for a year with no issues.

Just finished building this MeloVelo Racer. I wanted a compact 20” bike that feels sporty and responsive while still being practical for everyday riding.
Build specs:
Frame: MeloVelo Racer
Wheelset: Pasak sealed-bearing hubs, 24H front / 24H rear
Tires & tubes: Specialized Renegade 20×2.10
Drivetrain: MicroSHIFT Advent Super Short 9-speed, 11–38T cassette, Shimano CN-HG53 chain
Crankset: Shimano CUES FC-U6000 hollow axle + 48T CNC chainring
Brakes: Shimano MT200 levers + UR300 calipers
Rotors: Avid 160mm
Stem: Aluminum 31.8mm × 60mm
Handlebar: BMX aluminum 31.8mm × 710mm
Grips: Specialized ergonomic grips
Seatpost: Aluminum 30.9mm × 400mm
Pedals: Kore
Kickstand: Aluminum double-leg
Really happy with how this build turned out. The 20” wheels and short cockpit give it a fun, nimble feel without sacrificing practicality.

Loved my Ascent Intrepid so much I bought another Used one for my wife.

Paid SGD800.

Came with some fancy stuff -> BEAST Components stem, saddle and seatpost + Custom Built Carbon Light Bicycle rims.
Swapped it out for cheaper commuter friendly parts and recover costs.

Ps. Live in Singapore where its relatively safe to keep panniers and gear on bike during commute trips.

Prices shown in SGD.

To Do List:
3D Printed Components - In Burgundy PETG-CF
Custom Bottle Cage for Wifes Favourite Mug
Rear Box for Locks / Wet Weather Gear
Install Kickstand
Not a fan of carbon pedals it came with (platform feels small) -> to replace with Nylon Pedals

I noticed this small dent on my Giant Escape Mini frame. It’s definitely a dent, but quite shallow. There are no visible cracks or other damage.

The frame is Giant ALUXX 6061 aluminum alloy.

Should I be concerned about the structural integrity of the frame, or is a small dent like this generally safe to ride with?

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.

Hi there!

I've received some feedback recently. Turns out some people here would value a deeper dive into this bike. I can't provide links... But everything is very easy to find on the Internet.

Everything you should be able to see in the photos provided.

But there are a few adaptions that I needed to make for fitment purposes.

Rear rack needed pushing out away from the frame with some plastic bushes i made on the fly.. they need improving.

The cassette needed a washer to space the lowest ratio gear from the chainstay.. can somewhat see it in the photos.