Strange looking bike - any ideas? Sorry, no pictures

[Llewellyn]

The other night I was pulled up at a railway crossing and also waiting for the train to pass was a lady a few metres away on what at first glance looked like a 650B road bike. But as I looked closer it had what I'm guessing might be 20" wheels (built up with narrow road rims) and a really long headtube.

For all intents and purposes it looked like a normal road bike built for a short girl but with really small wheels and this long headtube. It did look out of proportion compared to a typical road bike though.

Any ideas on what might have been the rationale behind this? Unfortunately I couldn't get any sort of picture

[Kirk Pacenti]

Mini-Velo bikes were all the rage a couple (3-4?) years ago. Some more here: http://gear11.blogspot.com/2010/11/japan-mini-velo-trend-for-2011.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZtSLQa6nzkE/TOy3S_6BB5I/AAAAAAAAAiE/lCTlay-_VME/s1600/fuji-2011-mini-velo-gear11-japan-2.jpg

But of course, just like almost all things in cycling, it has been done before. Here's my pal Reggie Jackson with something very similar that he built in 89-90-ish. I am pretty certain it had been done by someone else, long before Reggie did his, too...
http://mombat.org/591ReggieFat.jpg

Cheers,
KP

[cinema]

i'm guessing it probably wasn't a bike friday? I think they have 20"wheels

[Llewellyn]

i'm guessing it probably wasn't a bike friday? I think they have 20"wheels

Nope, definitely not a Bike Friday or Brompton

[alexstar]

As above, it sounds like a Mini-Velo. IIRC the idea is that the smaller wheels allow for a more compact design, good for urban environments and small living spaces.

Gios among others made a few different models.

[ultraman6970]

Some time trial bikes back in the 80s had smaller rear and front wheel, actually 650 and like 22 in the front, say other 26 and 24 too. Smaller lighter wheel, easier to get it rolling.

[ANAO]

Cannondale Hooligan?

https://wayofthebicycle.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/fred-1.jpg

[Louis]

also waiting for the train to pass was a lady a few metres away on what at first glance looked like a 650B road bike. But as I looked closer it had what I'm guessing might be 20" wheels (built up with narrow road rims) and a really long headtube.

Sort of like this?

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/04/08/article-0-127F8D28000005DC-820_468x760.jpg

[Admiral Ackbar]

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/images/nano_org_3q_500.jpg

sounds like a mini-velo for sure.

[shovelhd]

Sort of like this?

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/04/08/article-0-127F8D28000005DC-820_468x760.jpg

Love the left hand action. Booyah.

[pbarry]

KP, you nailed it. :hello: Say Hi to Reggie for me.

Slight thread drift, since we're on 20 inch wheels: Don't forget the shortest lived bike industry fad ever--Formula 1, [or was it just formula?] bikes..

[MRB]

An Alex Moulton?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulton_Bicycle

[Louis]

Love the left hand action. Booyah.

Yet another benefit of having the skill to ride single-handed...

[veggieburger]

My guess is one of those Dahons..
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7132/7813294750_5c0db2f5d9_z.jpg

[Llewellyn]

Thanks for all the replies. It was definitely something like the pictures Kirk and Admiral Ackbar posted, drop handlebars - the whole shebang.

I'm absolutely certain it wasn't a Dahon, Brompton or that type of thing. Thanks again.

[Louis]

So are you saying that it wasn't Miley Cyrus?

That's a bummer.

[christian]

On pinterest (which I cannot access from work), there is a picture from a Thai blog of a Toei minivelo. It is beautiful.

[Louis]

Christian, I think it's time for you to go home. ;)

[christian]

Ah, but they can't stop my iPhone power!

[cinema]

i kind of really dig these.