I’m not sure exactly when it started, but I think it was the kelly green Hyda bike that a customer brought in for a tune-up. Since then I’ve noticed small wheeled bikes everywhere. The most popular by far seems to be the Raleigh 20, but I’ve seen a bunch that seem to be Italian. The frames are often similar, but the brand names are different. With my limited research I found out that they are sometimes called mini velo’s and they were big in the 60’s. Sometimes they are foldable, but often they are not. The small size means that they are easily stored inside. The most popular was probably the Raleigh 20 which is having a bit of a resurgence right now.
The word on the street is that these bikes are big in Japan. I guess this makes sense since they have space issues. I haven’t had a chance to ride one yet. I’m really curious to see how it feels.
Here are some of the cool ones that I found.
Here’s a new one that Monacle was selling at their store. It’s by the Swedish brand, Skeppshult.
Cool dude in the West Village.
Of course Chloe Sevigny has a super cool one.
Love these cool ladies
I found these on Rides a Bike
The Jopo might be a stretch in this category, but I love it so I put it in.
This one has an unusual double tube.
