2020 Velo Orange Neutrino, BBS02, 11-speed SRAM, 8-speed Shimano Alfine (eventually)

[ncmired]

I'm thinking about a short-haul bike that would fit in the back of an extended cab pickup - not thinking of a folder at this time, but who knows. So maybe, Say Hello to My Little Friend ...

Some component notes:

• notice the three bolt water bottle mount - very desirable for tray batteries, and I'd just use the 17AH version I already have
• gearing to start would be an SRAM 11-speed package, chained to the Lekkie 40 tooth ring - since I don't like derailleurs (especially on low-slung frames), the Alfine will come later as funds permit
• depending on how high the stem spacer stack ends up, I might seek out a folding stem which would make stowing easier
• the frame has a kickstand tab, but I've not seen what brand stand other Neutrino owners have used. For errands, it's handy to have the bike self-support
• storage-wise, I think I'll go with a front rack with a decaleur, with a suitable, secured bag

The Velo Orange Neutrino has a steel frame and what appear to be paragon-compatible sliding rear dropouts (but aren't). It'll clear up to 2.4 inch tires.

[Mishinn_Control]

I was looking at this hub as an economical alternative to other IGH's. I was curious as to it's durability on an ebike. Any thoughts?

[ncmired]

Current status of this build - BBS02B motor with a Lekkie 40 chain ring, Alfine 8 rear hub, 20" wheels with Schwalbe Super Moto X tires, 17AH tray battery, quick-release pedals:

[Dshue]

I like it, to me it looks better than a folding frame.

[ncmired]

Thanks much Dshue! I was pretty sure most, if not all of the folder frames wouldn't handle my "super sized" carcass.

An advantage I hadn't appreciated is that it'll accommodate a pretty wide range of rider heights. I'm still looking for a quality, nicely finished folding handlebar or stem that'll fit.

[ebikester]

Amazing bike/project!

[ncmired]

Thanks, and welcome to the forum. The bike is out on an extended loan, and is rolling up the miles.

[yeahbike]

Man, we must think alike. I love this build. This was the first frame I found after starting my own that I was kicking myself for not knowing about. I've read the smaller diameter wheels make this bike feel really quick off the line while also reducing the overall length pretty considerably. That paired with a BBS* is probably a recipe for lots of fun. I love that they make this with plenty of clearance for + size tires as well.

Keep up the good work.

[ncmired]

Thanks much! I never did end up getting the pickup I intended this bike to go into, and I'll have a hell of a time prying it away from who has it now (and who is riding the heck out of it - which is satisfying in its own way).

Not only is it compact, but with a 17AH battery and the BBS02 motor it's easy to tote, using the top tube as a handle.

The frame fortunately has "just right, somewhat old school" specs (steel tubes, 68mm BB, 100mm front / 135mm rear sliding dropouts, kickstand plate, external cable bosses, 3 bolt downtube, clears 2.4 tires, etc.), which is what drew me to it. And it has a reasonable price, for a small production run frameset. I'll probably buy another if Velo Orange ever stocks them again.

Just what I need - build #7.

[ncmired]

Another Velo Orange Neutrino is hatched, and is a very similar build to the first one above except for some colors / tints, and it gets a Satori quick-release swivel stem experiment so that will compact up enough to fit in the car's back seat area without any component removal (except for the quick-release pedals). In case the Satori stem turns out to be a POS, I've installed a pinch block on the steering tube and will go back to a conventional stem.

[ncmired]

Changed the stem again, this time from the Satori ET2 to a Satori HEADSUP-ET.

While the Satori ET2 seemed to function just fine (work's on most current setups, easy to adjust, and no squeaks), I didn't like that it "hard sets" the stem length, angle, and bar size (though a shim could be used). Here's what it looks like:

It's slightly taller (10mm-ish) than a standard stem, so would probably fit fine on most stock bikes and not alter the bar height all that much, assuming removal of a few steering tube spacers.

The Neutrino bikes have about 250mm of exposed steering tube, and often have a 180mm or so stack of spacers below the stem - a somewhat giraffe-like look common on some mini velos. This allows for taller bar swivelers like the Satori HEADSUP-ET in a way that doesn't raise the bars. Ya just have to be willing to hack off some of the steering tube. It's not a stem per se - it allows you to use any stock stem you like:

So, two more ways to have no-tool rotating bars.

[ncmired]

I cleaned up and organized my bicycle parts pile and built two analog bikes. Here's the third Velo Orange large-size frame Neutrino build, with:

From the parts bins:

• Velocity cliffhanger rims, Sapim spokes, Velo Orange hubs, and Eclat Mirage 20" BMX Tires
• Shimano Zee short cage 10-speed derailleur, SHIMANO Deore XT M8000 11-speed thumb shifter, SRAM 11-34 11-speed cluster, Connex chain
• 160mm rotors, TRP Spyre cable brake calipers, with Jagwire Compressionless brake housing
• Modified (ground down to clear crank arm) kickstand, center lever drop post

New:

• frameset
• Avid Speed Dial 7 brake levers

The toolbag contains flat tire repair supplies and an all-in-one tool - a standard accessory on all my builds now.