Camping and Urban Riding Combined with the Sava Minivelo Bicycle!
Saba Mini Velo Bicycle: The Perfect Combination for Camping and Urban Riding! 🌟
With a foldable design and 9-speed shifting! Here’s how to handle it easily on your own 😉
📌 Table of Contents
Why Choose Saba Mini Velo?
Nowadays, mini velos are all the rage, right? 😄 If you’re wondering why Saba in particular, let me share my experience! Remember when I struggled last year to fit my bicycle in the trunk for my first camping trip? I was sweating profusely trying to make it work… The Saba Mini Velo, when folded, measures just 75cm×35cm×60cm, which is about one-third the size of a regular bike. It fits comfortably in camper trunks and can even be easily carried on the subway!
As you can see on the official Saba website, despite having 16-inch wheels, it boasts 9-speed shifting, making it easy to climb hills. Just last week, I rode in the Bukhansan area and had no trouble at all. (Of course, having a bit of stamina helps…) In my opinion, it strikes the best balance between portability and riding performance compared to other mini velos!
Quality at One-Third the Price of Brompton (Best Value)
When it comes to mini velos, Brompton is the most well-known brand, isn’t it? But did you know their prices exceed 2 million won? 😞 Initially, I considered getting a Brompton, but I was shocked to discover the Saba Mini Velo is priced around 600,000 to 700,000 won. The price difference is more than three times, but when you actually ride them, the quality difference isn’t that significant!
Thanks to its aluminum frame, it weighs only about 11 kg, and it uses Shimano components for smooth gear shifting. I’ve detailed this in my comparison with other mini velos, but for beginners, Saba is certainly the less daunting choice. (Honestly, Brompton feels like it carries a premium for its brand name.)
How to Fit It in Your Car’s Trunk for Camping
Riding a bicycle during camping is simply the best! 🏕️ But the issue is how to transport it… The Saba Mini Velo solves this problem perfectly with its foldable feature. Let me share my own trunk storage method!
1. First, fold the handlebars (takes about 30 seconds)
2. Then, fold the pedals inward
3. Finally, lower the seat, and you’re done!
This way, it fits into a regular sedan’s trunk, with space left for two camping chairs beside it. My friends were amazed when they saw it and said it looked like magic! I wish I could show you a video, but alas, it’s just text!
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can someone over 180cm ride it?
Yes! I’m 182cm tall, and when I adjust the seat height to the maximum, I can ride comfortably. However, some reviews mention it could be a bit uncomfortable for long rides.
2. Does it perform well on unpaved roads?
Due to its 16-inch wheels, it struggles to absorb heavy shocks. It’s best suited for flat roads or grassy areas rather than gravel paths.
🚴♀️ Epilogue: One Year of Saba Mini Velo Love Story
I bought this bicycle last spring. At that time, I thought, “I’ll just use it lightly for commuting,” but it soon became an essential part of my daily life. Especially after the pandemic, with remote work becoming more common, riding to the Han River during lunch breaks has been the best kind of relaxation.
A memorable moment was last fall when my friends spontaneously decided to go camping in Gangneung. I was worried about how to transport the bike, but I just threw it in the trunk, and I ended up riding it a lot while there. The feeling of riding while watching the sunrise at Gyeongpo Deck was indescribably wonderful.
Nowadays, I’ve taken up the hobby of riding to cafes near Seoul that have a similar vibe to Jeju Island every weekend. If you have a Saba Mini Velo with you, your everyday life will be much more enjoyable! (I guarantee it! 😄)
💬 What Are Your Thoughts?
1. Have any of you tried riding the Saba Mini Velo? What’s your actual riding experience like?
2. If you’ve compared it with other mini velos, please share your experiences!
3. Do you have any unique tips for transporting bicycles while camping?