Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Bianchi Mini Velo

Bianchi Mini Velo

Through the ages, Japan’s fascination with miniaturization has precipitated numerous cultural aspects, from bonsai to Tamiya plastic models. Bianchi recognized this passion and introduced the Mini Velo into their range — to which Tokyo’s Jin Hidaka has applied his own sense of style.

Off the shelf, the Japan-only Mini Velo 7 model is a fairly standard spec, but Jin upgraded nearly all the components on the lugged, high tensile frame. The standard saddle, for example, was replaced with a Brooks number, which in turn carries a rare Garrick Anderson tool roll.

Other accoutrements include brakes by Paul Components, a solid brass bike ID holder hanging from the top tube, while security is provided by a vintage brass padlock by Henry Squire. The Kimura tail lamp and headlight are actually new items but the aluminum bidon is an original retro piece.

Jin even tipped his hat to the Japanese heritage of the Mini Velo by installing a Shimano Dura-Ace 25th Anniversary rear derailleur, a fitting piece of jewellery for this exclusive commuter. See even more details of Jin’s Mini Velo on his flickr stream.

Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo
Bianchi Mini Velo