Bike Check: Erik’s Mini Folding Prototype (By Sycip)
Erik’s prototype started life as a very practical idea. After deciding to move to Amsterdam with his wife, he wanted a bike that would make sense in Europe: something easy to bring on the train, handy for getting to trade shows, and still capable of a proper bikepacking trip. For someone working in the industry, that’s a pretty smart brief, because you really want a bike that can disappear into everyday life, but still turn into your show bike when you need it.
From the start, the plan was all about versatility. Erik wanted big tire clearance, space for a frame bag, and eventually a cargo front end. The long-term dream is even better: a setup that could one day carry his wife on the front, which is exactly the kind of idea that makes custom bikes fun with part utility, part mischief, and fully built around real use.
The frame was built by Sicyp, with Erik handling the 3D design himself before sending it out to make sure the concept made sense. Erik isn’t a framebuilder, but he does work in product design, and that probably explains the thoughtful, problem-solving approach. He was confident enough to sketch the bike out himself, but smart enough to ask for feedback on geometry and tube choices before committing. Best of both worlds and a great collaboration to make this project happen.
Detailed Parts List
Frameset
Minivelo Folding Prototype, built by Sycip
Groupset Microshift Advent
Crank Microshift Advent
Seatpost and Saddle
BBB seatpost, Fabric Saddle
Stem and Handlebar
Fairweather Bullmoose
Wheels
Astral Custom 20”
The parts list is equally practical, but still full of nice touches. There’s a Fairweather bullmoose bar up front, Chris King pink touches of bling throughout, and Astral rims laced to Astral hubs. The bike runs Microshift Advent, which makes a lot of sense on a 20-inch wheel setup thanks to its compact derailleur and clutch. Schwalbe Smart Sam tires keep it versatile, while Redshift pedals and a future Redshift seatpost will be for all-day usability. Right now it’s just built with a BBB seatpost and a Fabric saddle, which are totally fine in my book as well.
There are also a few clever practical details that deserve a mention. The Old Man Mountain basket (that I reviewed a few months ago) for easy hauling and Robert Axles cleverly used for all the pivot points and mountings. So in total, the bike uses not two, not three, but six axles! Which by itself gives you a sense of just how much thought went into making this. Even if this is still just a prototype,it already feels like a bike that’s ready for real-world abuse. Can’t wait to see more of these!
Should we ask Erik to make more?
🎞: Kodak Color Plus 200
📷: Nikon F100
📍: Dusseldorf
