Hummm...seems like a valid observation but look how compact it really is when you see the final folded dimensions compared to other popular folders. The first measurement is the folded length of the bike, second is the height, and the third is width:

Kent Mini 8 folded dimensions: 28" x 23" x 16"

Sinclair A-Bike: 26" x 12" x 6" (A micro folder too, and does fold smaller, but has 6" wheels with many moving joints.)

Pacific Carryme: 35" x 12" x 10.75" (This is of course another "micro" folder with 8" wheels and though it does have a narrower folded size, it is several inches longer than the Mini 8.)

Kent Compact 16: 28" x 23" x 16" (Notice the same as the Mini 8, and this one folds it's frame in half just like any conventional folder.)

Strida: 44" x 20" x 20"

Bikefriday Tikit: 35" x 24" x 15"

Dahon Speed 8: 32" x 25" x 13"

Downtube FS 9: 33" x 23.6" x 12"

The Bikefriday NWT is slightly smaller at 27" x 27" x 10", and the Brompton is significantly smaller folding down to 22" x 22" x 10".

My point is, the Mini 8 can fold compact enough for most people even though it lacks a frame hinge. Why introduce another moving part that adds cost, weight, complication when folding, etc.? Abeit this bike isn't meant to be a direct competition to any of these fine machines with the exception of the A-Bike, and to a lesser degree, the Carryme but it's another contender in the micro folder class.

Edward Wong III
Qile Duo 5 Speed 20" Folder