I have started with lighter handlebars and brake levers. I am looking into v brakes that are lighter also. I wnt to do this on a budget and get ideas from others with mini's and leave this for future Mini owners who want to do the same.
I used Avid FR-5 brake levers as they are lightweight and I like the lever. I found a used Koski handlebar to replace the original. I am waiting for my new saddle.

Tyres? Less can be more.

I've a strong idea that on a 16" folder, less is probably less. I will attempt to prove this by putting very skinny tyres on my superfast Moulton (if I ever get to that project) and watching them self destruct.

I note that on the Hammerhead, the wafer-thin Stelvios only stick to fresh, hand-cleaned tarmac. Riding on anything else doesn't seem to be permitted.. They're very light, but no use as bicycle tyres..

DC, lighter wheels? Carbon fibre seat post? Take the bell off (whoa! steady on!)

It's not the sticking that bothers me, but the puncturing (though I suppose the contact patch is smaller on a 16", so sticking would be impaired too). I also don't have any real support for the idea that they'd puncture easier; it's just a feeling.

The size of the contact patch will not change at all with tire size.

The contact patch size is determined only by the total weight and the air pressure.

The tire width will change the shape of the contact patch, but not the size

I've a strong idea that on a 16" folder, less is probably less. I will attempt to prove this by putting very skinny tyres on my superfast Moulton (if I ever get to that project) and watching them self destruct.

I'd second this. The Mini isn't exactly a heavy bike and I would never compromise with the tyres. Unless it was a high performance folder or road bike then weight really isn't an issue like 1kg or 1kg there. Don't get me wrong if you can shave off 2-3kg then the carrying weight is much improved but otherwise not.

That's very interesting BB49 - I had never given it much thought and have done a bit of googling. So the size of the contact patch doesn't change with diameter providing none of the other parameters change - but the shape does and this in turn alters the handling characteristics.

This explains a lot of things:

http://www.precisiontandems.com/artbillwheelsize.htm

Between 700c and 26" there is no difference in the AREA of the contact patch. "Pounds per square inch" means just what it says. If we know the loaded weight of a tandem and the inflation of the tires we can accurately predict the area of the contact patch. Actually, if we know any two of three variables (weight, inflation and the size of the contact patch) we can calculate the third. Tire diameter has no effect.

Tire diameter does, however, effect the SHAPE of the contact patch. Because the 26" wheel has a diameter that is 11% smaller (559mm vs 622mm bead seat diameter) the resulting contact patch or footprint of a 26" tire is both 11% shorter and 11% fatter.

The shape of the footprint affects handling. With all other things equal (especially fork rake and bottom bracket heights) the rounder contact patch of a 26" front tire dramatically improves low speed maneuverability. Conversely, high speed stability is enhanced by the longer and narrower footprint of a 700c front tire. While the two tires will feel different in a hairpin curve--the smaller tire corrects quicker and the larger tire holds a smoother line--because cornering speed is a function of area and grip, maximum speed through a sharp turn is the same.

If they both corner at the same speed, is either wheel size more efficient? Yes. Because of its smaller diameter, the 26" tire is forced to deform more to apply its equal-area-yet-fatter contact patch to the ground. When we put the same weight on both bikes it's easy to observe more "bulge" in the sidewall where the 26" tires meet the ground. Greater tire deformation (sidewall flex and tread squirm) equals greater internal tire friction; the leading cause of rolling resistance.

Why not compensate for the extra rolling resistance by inflating 26" tires to higher pressures? While many of us fear blowouts, the leading justification for lower pressures (and wider tires) is COMFORT. Because the smaller wheels start with a comfort handicap (smaller wheels are less compliant), higher pressures won't be a popular option.

If rolling resistance effects speed, why do leading triathletes use 26" tires?

For certain events (triathlons, track pursuits and time trials) rolling resistance is less important than the frontal area of the tire--in these no-slipstreaming events a solo bike with 26" wheels has an advantage. But for pack cycling events (criteriums, sprints and road races) the aerodynamic advantage of the smaller wheel is not great enough to offset increased rolling resistance.

I've a strong idea that on a 16" folder, less is probably less. I will attempt to prove this by putting very skinny tyres on my superfast Moulton (if I ever get to that project) and watching them self destruct.

Sammyboy, your Moulton has 14" wheels doesn't it, or have you found a way to use larger rims ?

There's not all that much scope for lightening a Mini. The tyres, maybe Primo Comets? I think they are available in 305mm.

I've a strong idea that on a 16" folder, less is probably less. I will attempt to prove this by putting very skinny tyres on my superfast Moulton (if I ever get to that project) and watching them self destruct.

I have just recently put 19mm Primo Champ [racing wheelchair] tyres on my Merc/Brompton and they seem pretty hardy actually. [jinx]. Nice and fast - inners weigh about half that of the 1¼" jobs you have to fit with stelvios. This is the 349 not the 305 size though.

I vote lose half your spokes also and drill everything till it looks like a collander! :giver:

There's not all that much scope for lightening a Mini. The tyres, maybe Primo Comets? I think they are available in 305mm.

I agree with Dr. Jur. There's not much one can do the the Mini. A lot of the weight is in the two hinges, for good reason. But one certainly can't switch those out. Another thing is the SA8 hub. I think they weigh around 3 or 4 lbs just by themselves. Again, can't do much about that.

The stock saddle used to be heavy and an easy decision to swap out. Don't know about the 2009 model, though. Tires would be my next choice for a cost-effective weight reduction.

Next comes wheels, carbon fiber seatpost, handlebars,etc. But they sure seem like diminishing returns.

Good thing is that the Mini is not that heavy to start with....