Road bikes and cross bikes offer a wide variety of parts, allowing for the enjoyment of customization.

However, aren't mini velos often left in their original, uncustomized state?

Perhaps the following factors are hindering customization of mini velos:

・Mini velos are for short rides

・Mini velos prioritize portability over riding performance

・Mini velos serve as a secondary bike

As the author, since my mini velo wasn't my primary bike, I didn't have many specific preferences for it.

I just wanted it to be light and reasonably rideable. That was my general feeling.

However, by replacing the wheels, a mini velo can be reborn as a highly rideable compact bicycle.

This time, I will focus on wheel replacement, so please stay with me until the end.

Resolve dissatisfaction with mini velo riding performance!

What you feel when riding a mini velo.

I think many people feel that the ride isn't comfortable and it doesn't go very fast.

Nevertheless, mini velos remain popular because of the following advantages:

・Extremely compact. It broadens transportation options, such as being loaded into a car or carried on a train.

・Can be stored at home.

・Riding performance isn't outstanding, but it's faster than a mamachari (city bike).

These are the points.

But wouldn't you like to improve the ride comfort and speed performance a little more if possible?

If you read this article, there's no doubt that your bike will transform into a vehicle that's not just one, but two or more ranks higher in performance.

The key is wheel replacement, what changes after replacing them?

To alleviate dissatisfaction with riding performance, a small adjustment is needed.

I'll explain wheel replacement, which addresses dissatisfaction with the ride and comfort of mini velos.

Bicycle wheels are one of the parts that affect riding performance.

・Acceleration: starting off and speeding up

・Cruising performance: long rides

・Comfort: ride quality

You might be surprised, but the type and stiffness of spokes on the wheels affect riding performance.

How much does it cost to replace mini velo wheels?

Many beginners find wheel replacement difficult, but it's surprisingly simple.

Of course, you can also take it to a bike shop to have them replaced.

Typical costs are as follows:

・If replacing yourself: around 2,000 yen for tools

・If taking it to a bike shop for replacement: around 4,000 to 7,000 yen

However, please note that some bike shops will handle it while others won't, so please check in advance.

Mini velo wheel sizes: 14 inches to 24 inches

Even within mini velos, there's a variety of sizes from 14 inches to 24 inches.

This time, I will explain using 20-inch wheels, which are commonly adopted by many mini velos.

Two types of wheels available for 20-inch mini velos

For 20-inch mini velos, you can replace the wheels with either 406 or 451.

406 and 451 refer to the diameter of the bead seat in millimeters.

You can think of it as the wheel's diameter.

Does this mean both can be used for a 20-inch bike? Not necessarily.

Check whether your mini velo is 406 or 451. You'll usually find the 406 or 451 marking on the tire.

Many people upgrade from 406 to 451 or downsize from 451 to 406, based on the characteristics of both 406 and 451.

If you're unhappy with your current mini velo, it might be a good idea to consider upsizing or downsizing the wheels.

Features of 406 - Recommended for these people

The 406 wheel pursues riding stability and excellent initial acceleration.

With slightly thicker tires, it prioritizes ride comfort.

Want to ride in the city or go for a leisurely spin?

406 wheels are suitable for city riding. Since there are frequent stop-and-go movements, initial acceleration is crucial.

It's designed for people who want to ride at speeds of about 15km to 25km per hour. It's a comfortable speed for leisurely riding.

Want a less tiring ride (in the city)?

Suitable for city riding. Riding a bicycle in the city requires dealing with bumps and turns.

The tires are also somewhat thicker, and handling turns is stable due to the stiffness of the wheels.

Features of 451 - Recommended for these people

The 451 wheel is for those who want to enjoy long rides like with a road bike.

Since the diameter is larger, the distance traveled with one pedal stroke also increases. You might feel that the initial acceleration is slower compared to 406. However, once you get going, you can continue riding smoothly with less effort.

It's suitable for people who want to ride at speeds of about 20km to 35km per hour.

Want to enjoy long rides?

Many people probably don't want to do long rides on a mini velo.

Many may also feel that the tires are small and the stability is unreliable.

However, by replacing the wheels, the stiffness increases and air resistance decreases, so you'll experience a noticeable improvement in speed.

Furthermore, it will transform into a bicycle that can be enjoyed for longer distances!

Want a less tiring ride (long rides)?

Compared to 406, the characteristics change, so you might feel more tired when riding in the city.

Sometimes it can feel difficult to ride a road bike just to go to a nearby convenience store.

However, with long rides, it's a different story. On long rides, you don't frequently turn corners; you mostly ride straight or on gentle curves.

With 451 carbon wheels, you're sure to experience a satisfying ride!

ICAN's Recommended Wheels

Uses "NOVATEC" brand hubs. Smooth rotation and improved riding performance. Made with Toray T700 carbon.

Full carbon with a 2-year warranty, and reliable repair support.

Currently, there aren't many companies handling carbon mini velo wheels, so ICAN is the only choice for affordable carbon wheels.

Let's hear from previous ICAN users.

20-inch 451 Carbon Wheel Bicycle Wheelset Folding Wheelset

Front 627g Rear 724g

Features smooth rotation and extremely good riding performance.

Response: Excellent, Product: Excellent. It was exactly as I imagined.

There were no scratches or rough spots, and I've ridden about 300km since replacing them with no issues.

Starting off feels lighter! Carbon indeed!

Starting off feels lighter, making riding easier. 

20-inch BMX 406 Small Wheel Carbon Wheelset

Front 627g Rear 724g

This wheelset is also very popular, similar to the 451.

"Comfortable ride, easy to assemble, and good ride quality. Being carbon, it's light and easy to maneuver. Since I mainly ride in the city, this is sufficient."

As such, it is supported by many ICAN fans, and there is no doubt that it will expand further in the coming years.

Mini velos have the advantage of being easily portable, so I didn't expect much in terms of riding performance. As a result, I sometimes hesitated to go on long rides.

However, after replacing the wheels, my current impression is, "Mini velos can actually perform quite well, can't they?"

The cycling season is approaching, so why not take the plunge and replace your wheels?

I'm sure you'll experience speed and comfort beyond your imagination, and you'll probably think, "I wish I had replaced them sooner!"