Birdy thread
07-24-13, 12:25 PM
#352
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Another fun Birdy pic I found.... this one was posted on the Riese und Müller Facebook page back in February.
07-26-13, 10:39 AM
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I am in the US. How/where can I buy newer model of XL/LT? Apparently the ones on www.birdybike.com are 2006 models, which seem to have various issues newer makes has fixed.
Edit: Bfold also carries Birdy but it only comes with Alvio or Carepso.
Edit: Bfold also carries Birdy but it only comes with Alvio or Carepso.
Last edited by CenturionIM; 07-26-13 at 10:44 AM.
07-26-13, 10:52 AM
#354
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I am in the US. How/where can I buy newer model of XL/LT? Apparently the ones on www.birdybike.com are 2006 models, which seem to have various issues newer makes has fixed.
Edit: Bfold also carries Birdy but it only comes with Alvio or Carepso.
Edit: Bfold also carries Birdy but it only comes with Alvio or Carepso.
07-27-13, 09:01 AM
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anja got back to me saying their models are all 2013 so I guess problem solved. Can someone verify that from their pics? the only reason I ask is this post from page one of this thread:
You are probably looking here: https://www.birdybike.com/Models/models.html
While these folks have done some nice things in the past, I'm very unclear about their ethics. They are one of the "authorized" US distributors. All of the bikes they sell are 2006 models. The problem is that the 2006 models went for as little as $800 in 2006. Even if they are getting the bikes from Europe and not Taiwan, the rise of the Euro could not account for the difference. You are better off buying the 2008 models off of eBay for a tiny fraction of the price from a similarly disreputable drop and ship supplier. That is the sad state of affairs of the Birdy distribution in the USA.
While these folks have done some nice things in the past, I'm very unclear about their ethics. They are one of the "authorized" US distributors. All of the bikes they sell are 2006 models. The problem is that the 2006 models went for as little as $800 in 2006. Even if they are getting the bikes from Europe and not Taiwan, the rise of the Euro could not account for the difference. You are better off buying the 2008 models off of eBay for a tiny fraction of the price from a similarly disreputable drop and ship supplier. That is the sad state of affairs of the Birdy distribution in the USA.
07-27-13, 05:17 PM
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That post was almost 5 years ago .. I personally know Anja, and if she says what they sell now are 2013 models, then I'm sure they are..
07-31-13, 07:13 AM
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Turns out it was indeed broken, although the innards don't show signs of this and I heard no cracking noise while using it. I replaced the original SL-RS41-8 with a SL-RS43-8, and learned how to adjust a derailleur in the process.
07-31-13, 07:18 AM
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I'm thinking of selling my entry-level World Speed for either the Touring Disc or the Speed Disc, because I prefer disk brakes and those two models provide a wider gear ratio (8.89m and 7.99m, respectively).
I would go for the Touring because of the higher gear ratio and speeds available, which is useful when going up steep hills, but the Speed is 3kg lighter (9.9kg instead of 11.8).
Are the 24 speeds on the Touring worth the extra 3kg (and money)?
Thanks for any feedback.
I would go for the Touring because of the higher gear ratio and speeds available, which is useful when going up steep hills, but the Speed is 3kg lighter (9.9kg instead of 11.8).
Are the 24 speeds on the Touring worth the extra 3kg (and money)?
Thanks for any feedback.
Last edited by Winfried; 07-31-13 at 07:35 AM.
07-31-13, 08:21 AM
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Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
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Really depends on what kind of riding you want to do. Going touring in all kinds of terrain - yes, definitely worth it. Mostly riding for exercise in flat to moderately hilly terrain - maybe not. Then again, I managed to do self-supported touring in the Sierra mountains with a Birdy Silver 9 speed (Capreo) - very occasionally had to walk, but mostly I thought the gear range was an excellent compromise.
07-31-13, 03:58 PM
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I'm thinking of selling my entry-level World Speed for either the Touring Disc or the Speed Disc, because I prefer disk brakes and those two models provide a wider gear ratio (8.89m and 7.99m, respectively).
I would go for the Touring because of the higher gear ratio and speeds available, which is useful when going up steep hills, but the Speed is 3kg lighter (9.9kg instead of 11.8).
Are the 24 speeds on the Touring worth the extra 3kg (and money)?
Thanks for any feedback.
I would go for the Touring because of the higher gear ratio and speeds available, which is useful when going up steep hills, but the Speed is 3kg lighter (9.9kg instead of 11.8).
Are the 24 speeds on the Touring worth the extra 3kg (and money)?
Thanks for any feedback.
08-02-13, 01:55 PM
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I'm the second owner of a Birdy yellow and I have some questions that I can't seem to clearly find answers to online, so I hope you Birdy pundits can school me on this!
1) Was the Birdy Yellow only available in 2005?
2) I have the adjustable comfort stem... how many degrees is this stem? Is the angle 6 degrees?
3) Is the "Fixed Sport" stem (NON-adjustable) still available anywhere?
1) Was the Birdy Yellow only available in 2005?
2) I have the adjustable comfort stem... how many degrees is this stem? Is the angle 6 degrees?
3) Is the "Fixed Sport" stem (NON-adjustable) still available anywhere?
08-02-13, 01:56 PM
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Oh... by the way, I really need to get some good pics of my Birdy this weekend, as I have been modifying it over the past few months.
One notable modification....
I have completely modified the stem hinge because the holes where the hinge pins were seated had become worn out and "stretched" from years of abuse due to what appeared to be an improperly adjusted hing bolt! My stem was incredibly wobbly due to the hinge pins being able to "wiggle" in the holes a bit! Kind of scary when riding at times! I'll get detailed pics of my stock hinge reconstruction/modifications. It's VERY stable now and easier to fold too!
One notable modification....
I have completely modified the stem hinge because the holes where the hinge pins were seated had become worn out and "stretched" from years of abuse due to what appeared to be an improperly adjusted hing bolt! My stem was incredibly wobbly due to the hinge pins being able to "wiggle" in the holes a bit! Kind of scary when riding at times! I'll get detailed pics of my stock hinge reconstruction/modifications. It's VERY stable now and easier to fold too!
08-03-13, 04:43 PM
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Really depends on what kind of riding you want to do. Going touring in all kinds of terrain - yes, definitely worth it. Mostly riding for exercise in flat to moderately hilly terrain - maybe not. Then again, I managed to do self-supported touring in the Sierra mountains with a Birdy Silver 9 speed (Capreo) - very occasionally had to walk, but mostly I thought the gear range was an excellent compromise.
As an alternative to selling my World Speed and buying a (Touring | Speed) disc, what simple and recommended changes could I make to the gearing system, and it is possible to replace the V-brakes with discs?
08-03-13, 05:02 PM
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One gearing option is to fit a double or triple crank up front. Thor USA sells the necessary adapter: https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/special.htm
08-09-13, 02:18 AM
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Has anyone here had any experience in pushing their Birdy to the limit? Like going for a semi-heavy off-riding? or like a wheelie that Stijn Deferm did, or some crazy snow-biking? Share us your setup/upgrades/maintenance to keep your bikes still in full-working order. I know in Japan, which I think the Birdy capital, got some "cool" setups for cosmetics only. But I haven't seen a full-geared heavy-duty Birdy bike setup.
08-12-13, 05:43 AM
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One gearing option is to fit a double or triple crank up front. Thor USA sells the necessary adapter: https://www.thorusa.com/accessories/special.htm
08-18-13, 02:15 AM
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I'm the second owner of a Birdy yellow and I have some questions that I can't seem to clearly find answers to online, so I hope you Birdy pundits can school me on this!
1) Was the Birdy Yellow only available in 2005?
2) I have the adjustable comfort stem... how many degrees is this stem? Is the angle 6 degrees?
3) Is the "Fixed Sport" stem (NON-adjustable) still available anywhere?
1) Was the Birdy Yellow only available in 2005?
2) I have the adjustable comfort stem... how many degrees is this stem? Is the angle 6 degrees?
3) Is the "Fixed Sport" stem (NON-adjustable) still available anywhere?
08-20-13, 01:55 AM
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Hmmm... Was BMXing 15 years ago, planning to hop on a bike again, and Birdy got my attention. Will mainly use it for commuting. Just curious if it can handle that kind of riding: (standing/bunny hop) just like on the vid. I won't overdo it though, will do it occasionally. Promise... 
Last edited by decyph3r; 08-20-13 at 02:35 AM. Reason: Additional comments
08-20-13, 08:44 AM
#372
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Well a film shoot is short term use .. YMMV, long term as regular treatment, IDK .
There was a Stunt Video, using a Brompton.. a couple months ago, reposted a few times ..
There was a Stunt Video, using a Brompton.. a couple months ago, reposted a few times ..
08-22-13, 05:19 AM
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What kind of additional setup needed to make it achievable? When I say occasional, that would be like once every 20-30 rides.
08-22-13, 10:02 AM
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