Birdy thread
#352
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Chicago-land
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Another fun Birdy pic I found.... this one was posted on the Riese und Müller Facebook page back in February.
#353
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,043
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#354
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
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.
#355
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,043
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#356
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
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..
#357
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,497
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 573 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
99 Posts
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.
#358
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,497
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 573 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
99 Posts
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.
#360
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
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
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
#361
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,043
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#362
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Chicago-land
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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?
#363
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Chicago-land
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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!
#364
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,497
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 573 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
99 Posts
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?
#365
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
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
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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
#366
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London UK
Posts: 32
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#367
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,497
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 573 Post(s)
Liked 118 Times
in
99 Posts
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
#368
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Chicago-land
Posts: 269
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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?
#371
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London UK
Posts: 32
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
#372
Banned
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 ..
#373
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London UK
Posts: 32
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What kind of additional setup needed to make it achievable? When I say occasional, that would be like once every 20-30 rides.
#375
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London UK
Posts: 32
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts