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Nothing could be more fun for cycling fans of the Mini Cooper car than Mini Cooper folding bikes! The latter perfectly complements the former.
So, what does the Mini Cooper folding bike have to offer?
A notable spec is the low weight, which compares favorably with a lot of multi-geared folding bikes.
This article looks more closely at the bike’s finer points.
- Frame Material: 7005 Aluminum
- Gears: 8-speed
- Folded dimensions: 31″ x 28″ x 15″
- Weight: 25 lbs.
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Top Features Of The Mini Cooper Folding Bike
Folding bike aficionados will notice the Mini Cooper “folder” shares certain features with Dahon and Tern products. It’s fair to assume one or both of these brands were engaged in its making.
The Frame
The Mini Cooper folding bike is made with 7005 aluminum alloy. This is one of two common aluminums used for bike frames, the other being the more common 6061.
Cast primarily with zinc, 7005 has a little more tensile strength than 6061, and that helps to create a lighter frame. A benefit of 6061 aluminum alloy is its easier manipulation, which makes it ideal for butting and shaping bike frames.
The frame uses patented Fusion technology. This is a Dahon invention for fusing the frame, fork, and handlebar post into an unyielding and stable unit.
Read more: Dahon Boardwalk review
Wheels & Folded Size
Like most Dahon and Tern bikes, the Mini folding bike has 20” wheels. This theoretically makes it a little smoother to ride than bikes with smaller wheels. Bromptons have smaller wheels, but they also have a rear suspension block.
The wheel size limits the folded size of this and other folding bikes. The 31″ x 28″ x 15″ folded dimensions of the Mini Cooper is a middling size that isn’t as compact as some folding bikes (especially Bromptons).
Video: Folding Bike Wheel Sizes
Gears & Drivetrain
Dahon and Tern are evident in the gears of the Mini Cooper bike with the Neos 2.0 rear derailleur. This derailleur is more low-profile than normal derailleurs to facilitate folding. It’s a product made by SR Suntour for both Tern and Dahon.
The Mini Cooper folding bike has 8 gears to help you tackle varied terrain. A good range is available in the rear 11-32t sprockets, though the big 52t front ring is more beneficial for fast riding on flat roads.
The cassette is driven by a Teflon-coated Taya OCTO chain, which has anti-corrosion, self-lubricating properties.
An SRAM MRX Comp twist shifter helps you to change gears smoothly and assuredly.
Extras
As well as its high-quality base specs, the Mini Cooper folding bike comes with many extras. These include front and rear fenders from top German manufacturer SKS, foldable Suntour pedals, a bell, and a kickstand. Last and least, you get a transport bag.
The bag is made of thin material, so it’s not as robust as you’d wish as a bike carrier.
The Mini Cooper is liked by users on social media. We found evidence of this on Instagram in particular. The post below is one example.
Mini Cooper Folding Bike Alternatives
The Mini Cooper folding bike is great, but there are plenty of alternatives on the market.
1. Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike
If you need a well-made bike that folds up small, consider the Brompton C Line Explore Folding Bike. This bike is made of steel, which technically makes it more durable than the Mini Cooper folding bike.
The Brompton’s hybrid derailleur/hub 6-speed system offers a wide 300% range that exceeds that of many 7- or 8-speed bikes. Also included are fenders, a 500-lumen front lamp, and a pump. A downside is the high price.
What We Like
- Durable – steel construction means an indefinite lifespan.
- Lightweight – lighter than expected for a steel bike.
- Gears – 300% wide gear range.
What We Don’t Like
- Price – more expensive than the Mini Cooper folding bike.
2. Dahon Mariner D8 Folding Bike
One of Dahon’s most popular bikes is the Mariner D8 Folding Bike. It shares some features with the Mini Cooper folding bike (e.g., Fusion technology), but there are key differences.
Ironically, the steel fork on this bike helps make it heavier than our review bike, which has Dahon aluminum forks. Steel forks are often used to increase ride comfort.
The gear range in this bike is identical to the Mini Cooper folding bike. A notable extra you don’t get with the Mini is the rear cargo rack.
What We Like
- Technology – lots of Dahon bike tech, some of it also in the Mini.
- Rack – includes a useful rear cargo rack.
- Fork – compliant steel fork adds to ride comfort.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a little heavier (27.69 lbs.) than the review bike.
3. Zizzo Urbano Lightweight Folding Bike
Our third alternative is chosen for its light 24 lbs. weight, which beats the Mini Cooper bike. The Zizzo Urbano Lightweight Folding Bike achieves this partly with a lightweight 6066 thin-walled aluminum frame.
You do get some nice key features on the Zizzo Urbano. There’s a Shimano Altus rear derailleur and a Shimano Revo gear shifter. The 8 gears (11-32t) are easier for climbing than our Mini review bike owing to a smaller 48t front ring.
Zizzo is another company with familial links to Dahon (a co-founder is Henry Hon). The construction quality of the bikes is high, despite their moderate prices.
What We Like
- Lightweight – only 24 lbs.
- Gears – lower gears than the Mini for easier climbing.
- Build – high-quality construction.
What We Don’t Like
- Sparse – few extra features.
Mini Cooper Bike: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mini Cooper folding bike:
Is The Mini Cooper Folding Bike Easy To Carry?
It’s lightweight and compact when folded, so in that respect, it is easy to carry. The provided carrying bag is not its strongest feature, however.
Are There Different Models Of Mini Cooper Folding Bike?
There are matte black and lime green versions. The latter is more recent and includes extras like a Klickfix adapter for a bag and a pump built into the saddle.
Is The Mini Cooper Folding Bike Easy To Fold?
The Mini Cooper folding bike is easy to fold once you’re used to doing it. It uses a classic three-stage folding technique, like most such bikes.
Is The Mini Cooper Folding Bike Any Good?
What We Like
- Lightweight – you won’t find many lighter folding bikes.
- Sturdy – same patented Fusion technology as Dahon bikes.
- Frame – strong & lightweight 7005 aluminum frame.
- Drivetrain – low-profile derailleur and Teflon-coated chain.
What We Don’t Like
- Climbing – big 52t front chainring is better for flat roads than for hills.
- Bag – the bike storage bag is flimsy.
VIEW DETAILS ON MINIMALLY MINIMAL
The Mini Cooper Folding Bike is a good buy, not least because it seems to have been made in partnership with Dahon.
This is a cool folding bike to own if you also drive a Mini car and want a matching machine for the trunk. It also makes an excellent commuting bike.
Go here for a closer look at the Mini Cooper folding bike.
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