New Mini is a… bicycle

Perhaps it’s meant as an antidote to the bulk of the Countryman, but the latest addition to the Mini range is a fold-up bike. Logically called the Mini Folding Bike, when collapsed it’ll even fit into the poky 160 litre boot of the Mini Hatch.

Mini Folding Bike (Folded)Mini Folding Bike (Unfolded)
Mini Folding Bike and Mini One Hatch 1Mini Folding Bike and Mini One Hatch 1

As many of the components including the frame, forks, seat post and handlebars are made from aluminium, the bike weighs only 11 kilos. Such lightness should mean it’s not too much of an effort to lug about in the supplied transport bag.

The eight gears are controlled via a grip shift and, sensibly, the drive chain - coloured neon yellow - is Teflon-coated to negate the need for messy lubrication.

Available only in matt black, the Mini Folding Bike goes on sale from August 2011. A UK price has yet to be set, but in the Eurozone it’ll cost €499 via the Mini website or selected Mini dealers.

Related post:
Smart and Mini scooters

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