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What would you be happy with as a downgrade after a Birdy?

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What would you be happy with as a downgrade after a Birdy?

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Old 10-26-10, 06:20 AM
  #1  
ningnangnong
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What would you be happy with as a downgrade after a Birdy?

Since I don't use it as much as I should I've put my Birdy on ebay (https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...id=p2763.l1259)

I do still want the flexibility of a folder, so I wondered whether anyone had any thoughts on what I might be happy with ie something cheaper but still fun?

Please remember it has to be available in the UK.

Thanks in advance
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Old 10-26-10, 01:09 PM
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As you're in the UK, why not try a R20? They're easy to find on ebay for about £15 and are popular for modifying if you wanted the challenge.

Would suggest a Dawes Kingpin but I'm currently trying to bid on every one of em I see

This Vindec folder also caught my eye https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-VINDEC...item2eb0aaf586
Might be an interesting alternative to the R20 and a bit different.

If you need foldability you might get a Bromton for £300-350 on ebay.

Theres also a couple of Giant Halfways going fairly cheap atm
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Old 10-26-10, 01:33 PM
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Everytime I look at prices they seemed to have notched up some more. . . I was going to say a Dahon Curve with a Thudbuster but that's far from cheap. Mind you I did acquire a thudbuster ST on ebay for £50 recently, which is in near-perfect condition. But I'm always feeling the lack of suspension on my Dahon so really I'd say stick with the Birdy.
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Old 10-26-10, 02:18 PM
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You can try a Downtube Full Suspension. I think Lil pixel was a dealer in the UK for them. Very comfortable ride. If you think you can get buy on front suspension only, they also have front suspension models with IGH or deraiileur.
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Old 10-26-10, 02:18 PM
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Brompton? I don't know relative UK prices though.
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Old 10-26-10, 02:23 PM
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+1 on Brompton, assembled off the factory menu, or
Apparently You can get the whole bike a piece at a time from SJS,
to do something unique, ... if you want to strike out on your own ..

Then again one of the Bike Friday bikes will suit most riders.
derailleur or IG hub drive train choices.

see Avon link below, the UK dealer

Last edited by fietsbob; 10-26-10 at 06:55 PM.
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Old 10-26-10, 02:46 PM
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Avon Cyclery in Bath deals with lots of different folding bikes
https://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/
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Old 10-26-10, 03:16 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by ShinyBiker
You can try a Downtube Full Suspension. I think Lil pixel was a dealer in the UK for them. Very comfortable ride. If you think you can get buy on front suspension only, they also have front suspension models with IGH or deraiileur.
SammyBoy is/was the rep in the UK. I was going to suggest the Mini. Sammy might have a used one, don't know if that got sold.
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Old 10-26-10, 05:44 PM
  #9  
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No more Minis, sorry. All I can offer at present is full-sus 8 speed hub gear models, though that should change soon. There will be no more Minis that I know of, however.
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Old 10-26-10, 09:54 PM
  #10  
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An older 8 speed Birdy in good shape
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Old 10-26-10, 11:34 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by ningnangnong
I do still want the flexibility of a folder, so I wondered whether anyone had any thoughts on what I might be happy with ie something cheaper but still fun?
Without a doubt: Downtube Full suspension with hub gear from Sammyboy.
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Old 10-27-10, 04:14 AM
  #12  
ningnangnong
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Originally Posted by Sammyboy
No more Minis, sorry. All I can offer at present is full-sus 8 speed hub gear models, though that should change soon. There will be no more Minis that I know of, however.
PM sent.
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Old 11-01-10, 03:58 PM
  #13  
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Hmmm! The Birdy had the best ride of any folder that I've owned, IMHO you'd have been better sticking with your Birdy.
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Old 11-02-10, 06:42 AM
  #14  
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The Birdy's now gone, so it really is time for a more modest ride.

Missed out on Dahon Mu Uno which was a pity. Looking, ideally, not to go over £250. As for modding something myself, unfortunately neither the skill nor time.
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