Mini designs its own folding bike

Old world cities like London and Paris suffer from brutal traffic congestion in their downtown cores. That's where a car like a Mini or Smart truly shines. But even a small hatchback can have trouble getting around when things really get tied up. That's where a folding bike comes in handy. Little wonder, then, that Mini has designed a collapsible bicycle of its own.

The Mini Folding Bike is built around a lightweight aluminum frame that easily folds in a matter of seconds to be placed inside a car's trunk or carried onto public transport with a minimal fuss. The crossbar, handlebars and pedals fold up and the gel seat retracts to save space. All told, the bike weighs only 11 kilograms (24 pounds) and packs eight gears, 20-inch wheels with mud guards, an under-seat pouch, and a Teflon-coated chain that reduces both wear and the prospect of getting dirty while handling it.

Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in the gallery below for a closer look.