Birdy (bicycle)
Encyclopedia
The Birdy is a folding bicycle
designed by Riese und Müller
and produced by Pacific Cycles
. As of 2010 over 100,000 had been sold.
Released in 1995, it was the first fully suspended folding bike. The ride is regarded by some as more sporty than the Brompton
, thanks in part to a stiff single-piece aluminium
frame with road bike rider geometry and no hinge. Some prefer its stiff suspended ride and rapid acceleration to that of a full-sized bike.
, 8-speed derailleur, 24-speed SRAM Dual Drive hybrid gearing sysetm, Rohloff Speedhub
14-speed hub gear
. Available accessories are mudguards, mountain bike tyres, front and rear folding racks, bags and lighting sets.
, the Birdy is suitable not only for commuting
but also for touring
.
The combination of smooth but stiff ride, fold, and quirky looks have created a fetish for the Birdy in Japan. It also has a large following in the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia. The Birdy's folded size is similar to the 20-inch Dahon folders: larger than a Brompton, but significantly smaller than a Bike Friday
(including the Tikit
).
This is one of the most versatile bikes on the market, offering high performance for fast group rides, comfort for century ride
s, and sturdiness and luggage capacity for loaded long-distance touring.
or Airnimal models, but less easy to pack than a Brompton
. The only other hinge-free performance bicycle that is small enough to serve as a multi-mode commuter or that fits into an airline legal suitcase with minimal disassembly is the (unsuspended) Mezzo folding bike.
One other major advantage is the suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on small wheels. The suspension is anti-dive and has minimal impact on pedalling efficiency due to its stiffness, while improving rolling resistance on rough surfaces. The suspension can be adjusted using different elastomers (small pieces of rubber that serve as suspension).
The Birdy has no frame hinge, with both the front and the back points of contact serving as latches and shock absorbers. Thus, the downward force of the rider holds the bike together in such a way that the latches cannot fail while providing shock absorption.
The longer reach offered by the "all round" stem option makes for a much sportier ride than the Brompton.
-beaded tires, which can be folded for carriage in panniers, are available (as of late 2007) as the Schwalbe Marathon Racer.
Birdy uses less common 18 inches (457.2 mm) wheels instead of the more common 20-inch wheels found on BMX bikes. This allows for a more compact folded size but makes finding replacement wheels, tubes and tires more difficult. It is easy to fit more common 17-inch and 16-inch wheels if 18-inch wheels are unavailable. Some have even fit 20-inch wheels to the bike.
The unique front folding mechanism is long, weaker, and more flexible than others; the tolerance of linkages amplifies the flex, causing the leading arms to wander; thus an old Birdy may be unstable at speed. The Birdy's leading arm design provides anti-dive suspension, unlike trailing arm designs such as that used on the 1946 Vespa.
The Birdy, like most folders, has a long seatpost and stem. These components increase the weight to the bike, and the longer stem limits the exent to which the rider can pull on the handlebars. Thousands of miles of this activity can damage the headset or weaken the stem mount. The larger head tube on the Moulton gives it better hill climbing and sprinting abilities. However, with proper cycling shoes, Birdy riders can be found in non-UCI racing events and in pacelines of fast group rides.
In the UK, the entry-level model (C2W, similar to the Europe model elsewhere) costs £999 (as of 2010) to permit purchase under cycle-to-work schemes. High-end titanium models (rare outside of Japan and Australia) can cost over US$4,500. Japan is the biggest market for these bikes and offers a wide array of cost-effective choices. In Japan, the bike is distributed as the Bianchi Fretta (OEM) and BD-1.
The Birdy's dimensions are:
Width: 35–39 cm
Height: 58–61 cm
Length: 76 cm to 79 cm
This is small enough to take into businesses, on buses, and to easily pack for travelling. However, it is too large to fit in a locker or most overhead bins. It is the second smallest of the quality folding bikes (behind the Brompton), and is similar in size to the Mezzo performance folder.
Two optional rear racks are available, the SL Carrier and the Expedition Carrier. The former mounts directly to the swingarm, and allows only the use of a rack-top bag. The latter is a folding 16mm tubular rack mounted on pivots on both the main frame and the swingarm, which allows use of panniers when mudguards (fenders) are fitted. The mounting pivots for this rack have only been fitted to frames since 2003. Both racks are available with rollers which allows the Birdy to roll when folded.
Models are offered outside the US with hub dynamo
systems. Fenders are available everywhere the bike is distributed.
A hybrid model is offered with an electric motor in the rear hub. The battery pack is carried on the handlebars.
, in Japan by Mizutani Bikes, in North America through dealers B-Fold http://www.b-fold.com, NYCeWheels http://www.nycewheels.com, and RAD-Innovations LLC http://www.birdybike.com. Some distributors make custom modifications to the bicycle.
Folding bicycle
A folding bicycle is a bicycle designed to fold into a compact form, facilitating transport and storage. When folded, the bikes can be more easily carried into buildings and workplaces or onto public transportation or more easily stored in compact living quarters or aboard a car, boat or plane...
designed by Riese und Müller
Riese und Müller
Riese and Müller is a bicycle firm in Darmstadt, Germany founded by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller. It designs and makes suspended bicycles. Frames are produced by companies such as Pacific Cycles, Taiwan...
and produced by Pacific Cycles
Pacific Cycles
For the American bicycle import company see: Pacific CyclePacific Cycles is a Taiwan bicycle manufacturing company based in Hsin Wu, Taoyuan, Taiwan...
. As of 2010 over 100,000 had been sold.
Released in 1995, it was the first fully suspended folding bike. The ride is regarded by some as more sporty than the Brompton
Brompton Bicycle
Brompton Bicycle is a manufacturer of folding bicycles based in Brentford, London.The Brompton folding bicycle and accessories are the company's core product, noted for its self-supporting compact size when stored. All available models of the folding bicycle are based on the same hinged bicycle...
, thanks in part to a stiff single-piece aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
frame with road bike rider geometry and no hinge. Some prefer its stiff suspended ride and rapid acceleration to that of a full-sized bike.
Specifications
The Birdy uses standard rear dropout spacing, which allows a wide range of gearing options. Standard options include: 8-speed hub gearHub gear
A hub gear, internal-gear hub, or just gear hub is a gear ratio changing system commonly used on bicycles that is implemented with planetary or epicyclic gears. The gears and lubricants are sealed within the hub-shell of the bicycle's rear wheel, as opposed to derailleur gears, where the gears and...
, 8-speed derailleur, 24-speed SRAM Dual Drive hybrid gearing sysetm, Rohloff Speedhub
Rohloff Speedhub
The Rohloff Speedhub is an epicyclic internal hub gear for bicycles, developed and patented by Rohloff AG. It has been manufactured and marketed by the German company since 1998. The Speedhub 500/14 has 14 equally-spaced sequential gears with no overlapping ratios and is operated by a single...
14-speed hub gear
Hub gear
A hub gear, internal-gear hub, or just gear hub is a gear ratio changing system commonly used on bicycles that is implemented with planetary or epicyclic gears. The gears and lubricants are sealed within the hub-shell of the bicycle's rear wheel, as opposed to derailleur gears, where the gears and...
. Available accessories are mudguards, mountain bike tyres, front and rear folding racks, bags and lighting sets.
Uses
With its wide range of gearing options, stiff frame and basic suspensionBicycle suspension
A bicycle suspension is the system or systems used to suspend the rider and all or part of the bicycle in order to protect them from the roughness of the terrain over which they travel...
, the Birdy is suitable not only for commuting
Bicycle commuting
Bicycle commuting is the use of a bicycle to travel from home to a place of work or study — in contrast to the use of a bicycle for sport, recreation or touring....
but also for touring
Bicycle touring
Bicycle touring is cycling over long distances – prioritizing pleasure and endurance over utility or speed. Touring can range from single day 'supported' rides — e.g., rides to benefit charities — where provisions are available to riders at stops along the route, to multi-day...
.
The combination of smooth but stiff ride, fold, and quirky looks have created a fetish for the Birdy in Japan. It also has a large following in the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia. The Birdy's folded size is similar to the 20-inch Dahon folders: larger than a Brompton, but significantly smaller than a Bike Friday
Bike Friday
Bike Friday is a brand of folding bicycle made by Green Gear Cycling of Eugene, Oregon, United States. Cyclists often refer informally to the company as Bike Friday.-Hardware:...
(including the Tikit
Tikit
The tikit is a 16-inch wheel folding bicycle with an unusually fast folding mechanism that can be folded/unfolded in less than five seconds. The tikit is manufactured in the USA by Bike Friday.-Specifications:...
).
This is one of the most versatile bikes on the market, offering high performance for fast group rides, comfort for century ride
Century ride
A century ride is a bicycle ride of 100 miles or more within 12 hours, usually as a cycling club-sponsored event. Many cycling clubs sponsor an annual century ride as both a social event for cyclists and as a fund-raiser for the club’s other activities...
s, and sturdiness and luggage capacity for loaded long-distance touring.
Advantages
The primary advantage of this bike over other performance folders is that it folds quickly into a small package. Thus, it can be taken into stores, onto trains, and into the office, yet can also be used for cross-country touring or fast group rides. It is much easier to fit in a suitcase than comparable Bike FridayBike Friday
Bike Friday is a brand of folding bicycle made by Green Gear Cycling of Eugene, Oregon, United States. Cyclists often refer informally to the company as Bike Friday.-Hardware:...
or Airnimal models, but less easy to pack than a Brompton
Brompton Bicycle
Brompton Bicycle is a manufacturer of folding bicycles based in Brentford, London.The Brompton folding bicycle and accessories are the company's core product, noted for its self-supporting compact size when stored. All available models of the folding bicycle are based on the same hinged bicycle...
. The only other hinge-free performance bicycle that is small enough to serve as a multi-mode commuter or that fits into an airline legal suitcase with minimal disassembly is the (unsuspended) Mezzo folding bike.
One other major advantage is the suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on small wheels. The suspension is anti-dive and has minimal impact on pedalling efficiency due to its stiffness, while improving rolling resistance on rough surfaces. The suspension can be adjusted using different elastomers (small pieces of rubber that serve as suspension).
The Birdy has no frame hinge, with both the front and the back points of contact serving as latches and shock absorbers. Thus, the downward force of the rider holds the bike together in such a way that the latches cannot fail while providing shock absorption.
The longer reach offered by the "all round" stem option makes for a much sportier ride than the Brompton.
Disadvantages
It is expensive, with some models costing as much as custom made bikes. Component selection can sometimes seem illogical, with lower level Capreo components on the top-of-the-line monocoque frame, and higher quality SRAM X7 components on the less expensive model. However, the Capreo groupset is specifically designed for small-wheel bicycles as its smallest 9-tooth sprocket compensates for the small wheel size. Tire selection is adequate, and KevlarKevlar
Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed at DuPont in 1965, this high strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires...
-beaded tires, which can be folded for carriage in panniers, are available (as of late 2007) as the Schwalbe Marathon Racer.
Birdy uses less common 18 inches (457.2 mm) wheels instead of the more common 20-inch wheels found on BMX bikes. This allows for a more compact folded size but makes finding replacement wheels, tubes and tires more difficult. It is easy to fit more common 17-inch and 16-inch wheels if 18-inch wheels are unavailable. Some have even fit 20-inch wheels to the bike.
The unique front folding mechanism is long, weaker, and more flexible than others; the tolerance of linkages amplifies the flex, causing the leading arms to wander; thus an old Birdy may be unstable at speed. The Birdy's leading arm design provides anti-dive suspension, unlike trailing arm designs such as that used on the 1946 Vespa.
The Birdy, like most folders, has a long seatpost and stem. These components increase the weight to the bike, and the longer stem limits the exent to which the rider can pull on the handlebars. Thousands of miles of this activity can damage the headset or weaken the stem mount. The larger head tube on the Moulton gives it better hill climbing and sprinting abilities. However, with proper cycling shoes, Birdy riders can be found in non-UCI racing events and in pacelines of fast group rides.
Average price
The Birdy monocoque frameset costs approximately $1,000 US without parts, so even low-end models are pricey. Equipment set up differs greatly from country to country. In the US, entry-level bikes (non-monocoque) cost approximately $1,500 and were equipped with low-mid range Shimano Alivio components.In the UK, the entry-level model (C2W, similar to the Europe model elsewhere) costs £999 (as of 2010) to permit purchase under cycle-to-work schemes. High-end titanium models (rare outside of Japan and Australia) can cost over US$4,500. Japan is the biggest market for these bikes and offers a wide array of cost-effective choices. In Japan, the bike is distributed as the Bianchi Fretta (OEM) and BD-1.
Weight
Some riders have reduced the Birdy's weight to 8 kg using racing components, but this was only on the older round tube frames. (These older frames had some reports of cracks and breakage. The new frames, stem, and seatpost are about 1 kg heavier than the original 1996 models.) However, stock bikes range from 10.2 kg (for the new Birdy Speed with Tune and Shimano Ultegra road components) to over 12 kg, depending on the setup. The heavier bikes tend to have 3x8 gearing systems, involving an internally geared rear hub and an external derailleur.Transit capability
A Birdy can fit into a standard airline-legal 29-inch suitcase, but this requires the pedals, wheels, and rear rack to be removed. Some Birdy owners have had difficulty fitting both the bike and the rear rack into a standard suitcase, and recommend the larger 31-inch format. When fit with thin racing tires and short pedals, the bike can fit in a suitcase with less disassembly. With a larger case (designed specifically for the Birdy), no disassembly is required. A standard slipcase must be used on some trains and buses.The Birdy's dimensions are:
Width: 35–39 cm
Height: 58–61 cm
Length: 76 cm to 79 cm
This is small enough to take into businesses, on buses, and to easily pack for travelling. However, it is too large to fit in a locker or most overhead bins. It is the second smallest of the quality folding bikes (behind the Brompton), and is similar in size to the Mezzo performance folder.
Options
The Birdy can carry 10 kg of luggage on the front rack and 25 kg on the rear rack (both racks are optional).Two optional rear racks are available, the SL Carrier and the Expedition Carrier. The former mounts directly to the swingarm, and allows only the use of a rack-top bag. The latter is a folding 16mm tubular rack mounted on pivots on both the main frame and the swingarm, which allows use of panniers when mudguards (fenders) are fitted. The mounting pivots for this rack have only been fitted to frames since 2003. Both racks are available with rollers which allows the Birdy to roll when folded.
Models are offered outside the US with hub dynamo
Hub dynamo
A hub dynamo is a small electrical generator built into the hub of a bicycle wheel that is usually used to power lights. Most modern hub dynamos are regulated to 3 watts at 6 volts, although some will drive up to 6 watts at 12 volts.-Models:...
systems. Fenders are available everywhere the bike is distributed.
A hybrid model is offered with an electric motor in the rear hub. The battery pack is carried on the handlebars.
Distribution
The Birdy is distributed in Europe by Riese und MüllerRiese und Müller
Riese and Müller is a bicycle firm in Darmstadt, Germany founded by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller. It designs and makes suspended bicycles. Frames are produced by companies such as Pacific Cycles, Taiwan...
, in Japan by Mizutani Bikes, in North America through dealers B-Fold http://www.b-fold.com, NYCeWheels http://www.nycewheels.com, and RAD-Innovations LLC http://www.birdybike.com. Some distributors make custom modifications to the bicycle.