Louis Garneau MV-1
What is a mini-velo?
A mini velo is a small wheeled bicycle usually with 20 inch tires. Folding bikes have the same wheelset but the difference is in the frame. Most mini-velo or MV's don't have a fold. So no flexing of the frame, good for long uphill climbs and fast descent without worry on the hinge. Plus most MV's has the same frame shape of the traditional road bike and most of the road bike components can be slapped on an MV frame. But unlike its traditional big cousins, these small size MV's are really good for the urban commuter where they can weave in and out of traffic easily.
I started biking regularly with a foldie but after seeing an MV, I got to have one. My first one is a japanese surplus bike with a traditional diamond frame and some very nice components attached to it.
But I have always wanted a Louis Garneau MV-1.
After patiently waiting for some time, i now have two. One for me and the other for my wife.
With the first LG, i did not have to do much at all with it as it came stock and with all the original components still working. All it needed was a little servicing and it can be ridden to your hearts desire.
The second one, was a disassembled bike. I wanted to build a bike from the ground up.
After reading up on how to assemble a bike, I had to try it...
Installing a square bottom bracket.
I had a spare lying around and i just installed it. But it seems i have issues with this bottom bracket as can be seen later on.
Toeing in a brake pad.
Another spare v-brake found in the parts bin. Had to make do with this one for the meantime.
Toeing in means that the front part of the brake pad touches the rim first before the whole pad makes contact. Gives better grip. I used a 2mm washer as a shim to bring the rear end of the pad up.
Installed a rear derailleur.
Another spare part this time a mid cage 8 speed Shimano Claris. The skewer was installed incorrectly so I can take pictures.
Dropbar installed.
This one I had to buy since i used my spare dropbar when i change the other MV from a bullhorn to a dropbar.
Cogs/casette installed.
Spare bin has a few more surprises, a Shimano 11-30 8 speed casette. Good for long climbs. Skewer now installed correctly.
Bike taking shape.
Crankset installed.
52/42 alloy crank will be used. Again from the spare basket.
I like how the first MV-1 looked with the bottle cage installed. So I had to have one too.
Also, I attached the tire pump holder to the bike since this will now be my constant companion.
A generic brake lever interrupter.
The clamp is a standard one but my dropbar is a bit tapered so i had to use some rubber shim to make up for the deficit in size. Or if this does not hold for long, i can always use some leather strips.
Headset and fork cleaned.
This was earlier in the day. I had to check the headset and fork if it had enough grease or its condition. The fork is in excellent condition. The headset needed some grease. I liberally applied a good amount of grease there.
Headset cleaned. As you can see the stem was also cleaned. The wedge was rusted but with my super secret cleaner and an old toothbrush, that wedge looked like it just came out from the factory.
His and her bikes...
8 speed Claris STI.
Front Derailleur installed.
This was supposed to go on my MIT V8 folding bike since its for a 10 speed set but unfortunately again, the cage is too long and is hitting the hinge. The extra Claris FD was used instead and this Shimano 105 will be used for this bike.
Bike taking shape
MKS pedal installed.
Issues with the bike.
The chainring is too close to the frame. Either i install a spacer on the drive side or replace the bottom bracket with a longer spindle. I will have to consult this one with Mang Nestor of Tryon.
Cat-eye light holder.
Update...Build is complete
As suggested by Mang Nestor, we placed a spacer on the bottom bracket to move the crank and chainring away from the frame. This could have been achieved too by using a longer spindle but i have a spare spacer around and that is what i used.
Road caliper installed but not a Shimano component and most specially not a short reach brake. This is mid-reach brake
Using a 451 rimset.
I paired the 52/42 alloy crank with an 11-30 8 speed casette.
FD performed flawlessly on my test ride.
