Mini Folding Bike

MINI designed this sleek and stylish bike that can be entirely folded or collapsed. Made from lightweight aluminum frame weighing only 24 lbs (11 Kg), the bike fits in the trunk of all MINI cars. The Mini Folding Bike is expected to be available in August 2011 for 499 Euro ($725).

[Source: Mini ]

[spoiler intro=”Press Release”]

Absolutely emission-free – the MINI on two wheels. Car boot-compatible folding bike for urban mobility.

Munich. MINI presents the eco-friendly solution to the parking space problem in city centres. The brand is celebrating the comeback of the folding bike with a modern version of the practical means of locomotion. The special gimmick: when folded, the MINI Folding Bike fits into the boot of almost every vehicle – and most definitely into the MINI. When travelling into the city, simply park the car outside the overcrowded city centre, then continue on the bike and relax. Park & Ride with an environmentally conscious understatement!

The bike is also absolutely suitable for commuters and impresses in urban travels. When folded, it can be taken free of charge on public transport.

The MINI Folding Bike presents itself as a genuine high-tech vehicle: high-quality components, a light-weight aluminium frame and a clever folding mechanism make the trendy bike the ideal companion while travelling. The bike can be folded and unfolded in just a few seconds. The bike is folded along the crossbar and handlebars. In addition the saddle can be retracted and the pedals be folded up. This makes the bike extremely easy to handle whilst saving space. Fitted in a sleeve under the saddle is a practical transport bag. The MINI Folding Bike can easily match the riding characteristics of a “normal” bike. Weighing less than 11 kilos and equipped with 8 gears and 20-inch wheels, it is quick and versatile. The teflon-coated chain prevents annoying soiling caused by chain oil and reduces the wear and tear on the components. The comfortable gel saddle ensures comfort. Thanks to the front and rear mudguards, you can carry on peddling regardless, even in the rain. Good visibility on the road is guaranteed by the accompanying reflectors.

Even on two wheels MINI proves its unmistakable design expertise. The bike comes in exquisite matt black. Silver highlights are set by the MINI lettering on the crossbar, the brand logo on the handlebars and the Union Jack motif on the rear forks. The absolute eye-catchers are the bike chain and bell in bold neon yellow.

The MINI Folding Bike is available as of August 2011 for 499.00 Euro on the Internet at www.MINI.de/shop and from selected MINI dealers. The bike comes completely mounted. Additional accessories will soon be available. Printable photos are available from the BMW Group Press Club at www.press.bmwgroup.com

Product specifications:

Components

Description

Frame

AAA Series, aluminium 7005 patented Fusion Technology

Fork

Dahon Slipstream, aluminium U7 double-butt. Matt black

Handlebar

Kinetix Comp double-butt. Aluminium, matt black

Stem

Aluminium, matt black, height-adjustable, 2 x quick release

Bar grips

Biologic ARX, screwed, black with grey lines

Brakes

Kinetix V-brakes, front and rear

Shifter / brake lever

Avid FR5 aluminium, matt black

Crank set

Kinetix Supra forged aluminium l=170 mm black, aluminium chain
guard

Bottom bracket

BSA cartridge bearings, sealed, 3-set.

Chain

Taya Chain OCTO,Teflon-coated, neon yellow

Pedals

Folding pedals, aluminium body, black, non-slip

Shift system

NEOS.2 for 8-speed, black

Gear lever

Sram Twist 8-speed grip shift incl. cable control

Cassette

Sram 8-gear, silver, 11-32 teeth

Front wheel hub

Kinetix Neutron 74 mm, aluminium, black with hollow axle and SSP

Rear wheel hub

Kinetix Comp. 8x cassette, black with hollow axle und SSP

Rims

Kinetix Comp, hollow chamber, black with CNC brake track

Tyres

Schwalbe KOJAK 35-406 Dahon special edition

Inner tubes

Schwalbe Unitube 20″ AV6 (with car valve)

Spokes

Niro Black, d=2mm, brass nipple, silver

Saddle

Selle Royal Gel, black without logo

Seat post

Super-Oversize 580 mm, patented head, aluminium, matt black with
scale

Saddle clamp

Dahon “Turtleneck” with quick release, black

Passive lighting

Spokes, front and rear reflector (as accessory pack) and pedal
reflectors according to DIN and STVZO (German Road Traffic
Licensing Regulation)

Bicycle bell

Thumb-lever bike bell, “Billy” model, same colour as chain

Accessories

Transport bag in sleeve (fitted beneath saddle), MINI Folding Bike-
specific operating instructions (various languages), component
manufacturers’ operating instructions

Chain case

Does not apply, see chain guard cover on crank set

Others

Supplied assembled and ready to ride (non-inflated tyres in folded
state), in special box with MINI Logo

[/spoiler]