If you are looking for a bike that you can ride for long distances, this is the one for you. What do the manufacturers say about it? Want to learn more about the Birdy folding bikes? The range of 33-90 inches is fine for most situations, although bottom gear could usefully be lower if you live anywhere hilly or plan to use the bike for touring. There's another advantage of this suspension setup for the Birdy that isn't immediately obvious. Birdy R20 - The Foldable Bike that rides like a Road Bike They are easy to ride and a great place to start if youre looking for a leisure 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. Review: Birdy Touring | road.cc Read on to find out more about each of the 6 individual Birdy bikes: The Birdy New Classic is the entry-level model of the Birdy folding bikes. That's close enough that you can use Brompton-sized innertubes in Birdy tyres, if you can't get hold of Birdy ones. The speedsters can look forward to the R20, a 11-speed racing bike. Yes, this bike bobs and wallows almost all the time, but especially under pedalling input. What do the manufacturers say about it? The Birdy Race (10.9kg or 24.0lb) was introduced in 2013 and had dropped handlebars, and Shimano 20-speed gears with two front chainrings. Mudguards seem a bit vulnerable. Suppose you are someone who commutes to work by bicycle or just wants to do leisure riding, the City if perfect for you. Tell us what you particularly liked about the product. This 8 speeds bike is great for daily commuting. The V-brakes offer more power and modulation than the brakes of most folding bikes, despite unavoidably convoluted cable runs. I tested the Touring Birdy here, which comes with a 10-speed derailleur gearset, as opposed to the City model with Shimano Nexus hub gear, or Rohloff model with you guessed it a Rohloff Speed Hub. At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. A Birdy performance bike can be folded in about 15 seconds with practice. . Like most folding bikes, there are no bottle mounts. How was the bike in terms of height and reach? Like this site? Ride quality. Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? According to Riese and Mller's website, the Birdy Touring sits in the middle of a three-bike range. Finishing off the important moving parts are the Shimano Deore hydraulic disc brakes. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. As of 2010 over 100,000 had been sold. Using .45 pistol rounds would probably be better. Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? no date. The stem height is adjustable via a quick-release, so you can sit up more if you want. It makes an excellent commuting bike if you need to take it on the train regularly. After June 1995, Birdy became available in Germany, Japan and USA. There's the entry-level Birdy City starting at 2,579 or the halo Birdy Rohloff starting at 3,979. It feels like a minor hassle, whereas folding a Brompton or even a fold-in-half bike like a Dahon feels trivial, like folding an umbrella. The best Birdy folding bikes they offer are reviewed below and summarised in the following table: Birdy City 9SP Birdy City 9SP Positives 9-speed gears are perfect for a range of terrains Lightweight, weighing just 22 pounds (10 kilograms) The sport has a black frame with adjustable stem, 8-speed derailleur, fenders and kickstand. A parallel-push V-brake would solve this issue but they're like hen's teeth these days. It is equipped with a 11-speeds Shimano 105 derailleur and is the only Birdy model with 20\" Hubsmith wheels. Wheels are 18" but conversions can easily be made to the more readily available 16" size used by Brompton. I doubt you'll be knee-down in the corners enough for it to be a problem, but just be aware that it's a lot closer to the floor than a rear mech normally is. The gears are all protected within the aluminium casing. Though when you compare the ride experience of the City and Touring, the latters will feel much more smooth and cushioned. That combined with the monocoque Birdy frame provides a stable ride even at its top speed. Mudguards, Chain Tensioners & Wheel Stoppers. The Birdy Performance Folding Bikes were designed by Markus Riese and Heiko Mller in Germany and are manufactured in Taiwan by Pacific Cycles. Birdy New Classic 8 Speeds. Birdy R20 11 Speeds. Even with how hard it is to find in a bicycle shop in Singapore, many still try to get their hands on it. Here at road.cc, we don't do grouptests, which is a blessing to some extent. [16] Tire selection is now adequate, and Kevlar-beaded tires, which can be folded for carriage in panniers, are available including the Schwalbe Marathon Racer. Call me a snob, but a 30 rear mech on a 2,500+ bike seems a bit cheap. The two were college buddies who shared a passion for cycling, going on long tours during college breaks. The World Sport's contact points are fine. The bike looks, well.. mean. It makes no difference to performance but does seem just a tad strange. The first generation Birdy performance bikes had full suspension tubular single piece aluminium frames. The gears are broken up into 8 external gears and 3 internal gears housed in a gearhub. And this stand is bolted to the dropout in such a way that it forms a closed loop around the wheel quick-release. They are a lot thicker than CST tyres, and more cushioned to absorb impact from rougher roads. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? For example: The Birdy uses a unique rear rack, a "spoon" clip to hold the rear in place, and unique front suspension bearings. It didnt take long for them to find someone who wanted to make their bikes. Graphite Birdy Folding Bike Long Term Review How did the bike transfer power? These models are produced uniformly for the whole world which creates cost savings that we gladly pass on to you. Birdy Folding Bikes: What makes each special - Mighty Velo Sale. Like this site? The Hubsmith is highly sought after and on its own costs around $1.5K to $1.8K. It weighs 11kg. There was a rifle made No - it's what happens if you try and ride under Tower Bridge before they've raised it.. Those bibs have been on offer at that price for months. It usually costs money for the gadgets though, unless you just use your phone and a free Strava account. 0:00 / 0:53 Birdy the Best Performance Folding Bike made by Pacific Cycles - Mighty Velo Mighty Velo - Singapore's Folding Bike Specialists 4.73K subscribers 85K views 3 years ago The Birdy. It is made of a single welded piece of aluminium, making it lighter yet stronger than other folding bike frames. Despite its fairly phenomenal price, though, I have developed a bit of affection for my little Birdy test . The Birdy is one of the most well recognized folding performance bikes in the world. The overall score is not just If so was it a problem? Thanks to its unique folding properties and low weight, you can take it with you easily at any time: folded together, it fits onto any form of public transport or into any . So in comparison, you'd have to say the Birdy does look expensive. It is custom-fitted with premium Rohloff bike parts, providing a super smooth ride. Show more Show more Even at this size, the folded World Sport is small enough for an end-of-carriage luggage rack on a train or for any car boot. Thus, the downward force of the rider holds the bike together in such a way that the latches cannot fail while providing shock absorption. It warrants its price tag and is a bicycle that you can ride for the rest of your life. It had a high price tag, usually over US$1,000. If you've got the money, you could go for the even more exclusive and lighter weight Vello Rocky Titanium at 2,890. In that same year, Markus and Heiko set up stands at Europes two biggest bicycle trade fairs in Germany: Intercycle in Cologne and Eurobike in Friedrichshafen. It also has a large following in the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia. For folding, the rear suspension tucks under the frame, the front suspension is unclipped and hinges back under the frame, and the seat post is collapsed. Our mission is to bring you all the news thats relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. These brakes give the rider more stopping power and thus more control. Tech, reviews: tech [at] road.cc With its wide range of gearing options, stiff frame and basic suspension, the Birdy is suitable not only for commuting but also for longer distance touring. The bare minimum tyre size a good quality folding bike should have is 18. It is a folding bike after all so you can fold it up once you ride to the station or bus stop and roll it in with you. Claimed travel is up to 60mm. It is the only Birdy model that can do light trail and light off-road riding. would you recommend any changes? The cheapest model in Australia was A$1,400 in 2015 and around A$2000 in 2021. It is one of the fastest folding bikes out there. The budget version of the fully-sprung German folder doesn't disappoint. > Best folding bikes 2022 - portable bikes for convenient commuting. In the UK, the entry-level model (World Sport) cost 939 (in 2013) to permit purchase under cycle-to-work schemes. The History of Birdy Bicycles The bike looks, well.. mean. Brand New. Folding is relatively more complicated than for a Brompton and takes slightly longer. All Birdy models have minimum 8 speeds, have a single welded aluminium frame and come with front and rear suspension. While some riders might far rather swap at least some of that obviously compliant bump-absorption for a bit more stiffness, pedalling is far from a turgid affair and the Birdy actually gets up to speed well. The Birdy you fold when you have to. Clever! For another thing, there's suspension at both ends. Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose. Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork? The bike has always offered standard rear dropout spacing, which allows a wide range of gearing options and disc brakes. Designed for racing, the Birdy R20 is the perfect bike for people who love speed and a thrilling riding experience. They are designed in such a way so that they grip into uneven surfaces. Your subscription will help us to do more. The Birdy GT is perfect for daily commuters who want to go on outdoor adventures on their days off. Markus Riese had the basic idea for the Birdy in 1992. The Birdy is a folding bicycle designed by Riese und Mller in Germany and produced by Pacific Cycles in Taiwan. Opens in a new window or tab. That saves weight and, more importantly, eliminates flex. As a package, the wheels seem fine if exceedingly nondescript. This Birdy prototype won them the Hesse Innovation Prize in 1993. But the availability of some spare parts for the Birdy is rare, even in places in which sell folding bicycles, due to their unique design. The prototype was shown at two trade shows, Intercycle in Cologne and Eurobike in Friedrichshafen, and caused a stir. Best of all, though, the front dynamo hub powers Supernova E3 lights at the front and rear, and our Birdy also came with Riese & Mller's funky Birdy luggage rack (that's an extra 94), which cleverly drops down with the rear triangle in folded form. If youve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as 1.99. Make no mistake, Birdy is a full fledged bicycle. compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price. Fork travel is up to 30mm, so it'll cope with most potholes without bottoming out. I'd suggest a higher-spec gearset would make things even better. 2008present unless otherwise stated. Yes, its ride experience is unusual, but it's quite fun, very comfortable, and surprisingly fast and secure on the road. Overall it has the smoothest transition between gears out of all the Birdys. The Birdy brand is one of the most recognized folding bike brands in the world. It's not as bad as it was; Schwalbe offer several decent options, including the Kojak (which I'd pick), Marathon Racer, and Marathon Plus. The mounting pivots for this rack have only been fitted to frames since 2003. You can choose from 17 different frame colours for your Birdy Bike. If you have qualified for the e-scooter Trade-in Grant (eTG), you can use your eTG letter to purchase the Birdy Rohloff. How each is suited for different riding styles? Trying to get multiple versions of similar bikes from disparate manufacturers or distributors can feel like herding cats. When it comes to having the most compact fold, the the Brompton is the clear winner here. How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size? Out of all the models, the New Classic has a unique look. It's an all-rounder that rides well. Sign up for our mailing list to receive new product alerts, special offers, and event news. Comes with full local warranty from Mighty Velo. The EPS on the review bike is current-now-previous gen EPS v4 12v. Significantly heavier or lighter riders could retro-fit a firm or soft elastomer respectively; they cost about 15 each. It removes the 'chatter' you get from anything other than a billiard table smooth road. It reminded me very much of the old Birdy Red. This is mainly due to its retro tubular frame design. from China. Shimano SL-RS-45-8 twist-grip shifter, Shimano RD-2300 rear derailleur. The two college buddies shared a passion for cycling, going on long tours during college breaks. The Birdy World Sport is a more versatile folding bike than similarly priced compacts like the Brompton. They do go quite far. On a 2,500+ bike, you really expect better. Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork? With a larger case (designed specifically for the Birdy), no disassembly is required. I agree why cancel the event if the other pertacipentes are still safe Definitely this, 100%. I say 'almost' because Birdy does make mention of the fact that, despite its low bottom bracket, it still complies with regulations regarding pedal strike when leaning over into a corner. The King of Birdys, the Rohloff. First released in 1995, it was the first fully suspended folding bike. The Speedhub allows you to switch through the gears when you are, say waiting at the stoplight. The Birdy R20 is the fastest Birdy model that has ever been built. The Big Apple tyres increased cushioning is to make the ride more comfortable when going longer distances. How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc? I usually ride: Islabikes Beinn 29My best bike is: 25-year-old Dawes Galaxy, I've been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Most daysI would class myself as: Experienced, I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb, Leisure. All had only one front chainring, and a range of gearing options on the rear wheel from 6 to 14 gears. The easy to use twist shifter on the Rohloff also makes changing gears a breeze. How did the bike feel overall? Ugh.. more strikes.. FFS not the World Champs and surely any disrutption to these world champs would affect any future bids we might have.. (for A nice low faff urban e-folder if you dont ask too much of it, Compact folder with some very clever details and welcome extras, The ultimate folding commuter bike that offers handling, comfort and gears to go much further, Titanium lightness and a decent dose of electric assist are now added to Brompton's legendary foldability, Editorial, general: info [at] road.cc View our media pack, All material FarrellyAtkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. The Birdy City is also an entry-level Birdy folding bikes model, similar to the New Classic. Tell us how you felt about the ride quality. If youve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as 1.99. If you don't mind losing a bit at the top end, you could fit a smaller chainring. Ability to take it just about anywhere. Folding or pop-off pedals, which the World Sport doesn't have, would also slightly reduce the volume. Once youve picked your model and frame we will assemble your bike for you in 4 working days. How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike? [1] They're usually one of the first casualties of cost cutting. [1] The frame looks the same as a Mk2, but the fold is smaller, the bike is slightly lighter, components have again been strengthened, and the front fork redesigned. This is thanks to the Tourings 18 Big Apple tyres. Advantages:[13]. Think of it sort of like a folding bike equivalent of an old Citroen 2CV; it's almost impossible to stop it lolloping and rolling but it's still quite impressive in its own way. You can take it on leisure rides or cycling trips and bring it to work with you during the weekdays. If you dont want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. Designed by German company Riese & Mller, the Birdy is now sold worldwide. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? Any less and you wont be able to keep up with regular-sized bikes. Folders already have to compromise between portability and rideability. The suspension can be adjusted using different elastomers (small pieces of rubber that serve as suspension, but gas filled alternatives are available). Fitting budget drivetrain componentry to bike at this price point doesn't look good. For a folder, reach is quite long, which provides a slightly more enthusiastic ride and, at speed, the Birdy handles very well. Review: Birdy World Sport folding bike | road.cc Thanks to its unique folding properties and low weight, you can take it with you easily at any time: folded together, it fits onto any form of public transport or into any car boot. For best performance, small wheels need suspension, as the late Alex Moulton realised 50 years ago, but the Birdy is one of a small number of folding bike designs that has it front and rear. 6 Best Birdy Bikes 2023: Birdy Electric & Folding Bikes Ranked Mark 1 frames were available in Asia from a third party, badged as Rhine and produced in China or the Philippines. It is the only Birdy model which has Hydraulic Disc brakes and for good reason. Better tyres, which I mentioned above, would boost performance further. Each one of these are made to be extra sturdy and relentless, so the frame wouldnt bend around while you ride even though it is a folding bike. The combination of smooth but stiff ride, fold, and quirky looks have created a fetish for the Birdy in Japan and other parts of Asia. The Vello Rocky (review to come) is similar in being almost a boutique-style folding bike, although it comes with a better Shimano XT gearset yet costs 'just' 1,352. Like the New Classic, the City also comes with 18 CST tyres. How would you describe the steering? You might even get it on a bus if you stash it one of the optional carry bags to disguise the fact that it's a bike. And with it being a foldie, you can take it with you almost anywhere. 2023 UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP - XCO/XCC/XCM - Nove Mesto Na Morave Buy It Now. Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? I fitted a shorter bolt and had no problems thereafter. They do go quite far. It also tracks well, so the steering feels firm. Of course, it takes practice to get used to that fluidity, but the design makes it generally faster to foldthan any other bike. From ; Sale. Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. It has all the parts that make up a great sporting bike, and compacts down just the same to give us that portability. It is manufactured by Taiwan's Pacific Cycles, who also brought you the popular CarryMe folding bike and CarryAll folding tricycle. It usually costs money for the gadgets though, unless you just use your phone and a free Strava account. It is for the adventurous, the bold and thrill-seekers. I measured the World Sport at 84x63x39cm. 5+ watchers That model became known as the Classic, built with a circular cross-section of the main frame rather than the new triangular style. This fueled Riese and Mueller to find a manufacturer for their Birdy performance bikes. Drop the saddle to lock everything in place, and you've got a very compact little folded package. Thus, it provides the smoothest, most comfortable rides out of all the folding bikes in the market. A Birdy can fit into a standard airline-legal 29-inch suitcase, but this requires the pedals, wheels, and rear rack to be removed. The Birdy is expensive, with some models costing as much as custom made bikes. However, as luck would have it, at the same time as I was testing the Birdy, I also had the Vello Rocky on review, so (don't tell anybody), if you read that review (once it's published) straight after this, I've sort of snuck in a little two-model 'boutique-style' folding bike grouptest here. Some distributors make custom modifications to the bicycle including better suspension dampers and wheels.[12]. It is also the model with the most amount of speeds. With its Shimano Ultegra R8000 11 Speed groupset, experience the highest performing foldable bike ever built. Its threaded, knobby Schwalbe Black Jack tyres will dig into dirt and sand roads with ease to give you a stable ride. The bird-like properties produced while riding, thanks to the full suspension, inspired the name Birdy. The Birdy offers a strangely springy ride quality, far more so than the very, very stiff Vello. The Sturmey Archer internal gear hub keeps the gears inside safe and dirt free. Fitted with treaded tyres and a hydraulic disc brake system, it is the bike to satisfy your off-road riding needs. The front suspension is unique among bikes currently on the market. That's not a problem when you're taking the wheel out but it makes it fiddlier than it need be getting the wheel back in again. Advertising, commercial: sales [at] road.cc The Birdy is distributed in Europe by Riese und Mller, in Japan by Pacific Cycles Japan, in North America through dealers B-Fold. And in 1993, the duo finally found one. It merges high-quality craftsmanship with ease of use. It also offers a great balance between ride performance, easy operation and low maintenance. It keeps the gears safe and clean, keeping dust and dirt out from the parts. The hinged rear swingarm is suspended by a urethane bush, that can also be replaced with a gas-filled unit. The stand out would be the 11 speeds Shimano 105 derailleur. And we also want our bikes to be a part of our everyday lives. Aluminium monocoque for the main body of the frame, with hydroformed aluminium elsewhere. Brand New. I'm not sure I produceenough testoteroneto even look at it in the wrongway. At the rear, there's a single pivot just behind the bottom bracket like there is on the Brompton. Lastly the handlebars hinge downward. It was during one of these tours that they realised their regular bikes did not provide a lot of support. Like other Birdies, the TIG-welded aluminium frame and fork of the World Sport are unusual in a couple of respects. We want to bring our bikes with us off-road. Braking: Avid V-brakes with Tektro levers, Steering and seating: Velo VLG 519 AD2 grips; 520mm X-tas-y aluminium bar; Birdy Sport height adjustable stem; DiaCompe Al2 Aheadset. The before mentioned 20 Panaracer tyres complete the R20s speedy setup. This kind of suspension fell out of favour off-road, where telescopic forks rule, but you still see some iterations of it on road; for example, the Moulton. I used it for train-bike journeys and rides in the countryside. Even with its old school design, the build quality of the frame is modern. The TouringPLUS also has the same single welded monocoque frame as the City and other Gen 3 models. The Birdy Rohloff is a gem in the bike world and will suit the needs of seasoned cyclists. In 1995, Pacific Cycles stepped forward to be their manufacturer. New models have much stronger components. This is a folding bike aimed at the serious commuter or even longer-distance cyclist. The latest iterations, the MK3, have been in the market since 2015. The single welded frame flexes very little when riding, providing a very stable ride. would you recommend any changes? But the Birdy is good for a folder. The leading arm design provides anti-dive suspension, unlike trailing arm designs. There's also a kickstand. Doesn't have the Brompton's clever luggage system. Birdy Bike Models - Birdy Bicycle That's why even an entry-level Brompton, that benchmark British folder, will set you back well over 800. [8] The former mounts directly to the swingarm, and allows only the use of a rack-top bag. Or there is the legendary Brompton. [11] and in Australia by St.Kilda Cycles (until 2013, then again from 2015). For a long time there were no decent 18" tyres. Their single welded aluminium frame makes them lightweight but sturdier than other brands. We want to break out of the urban jungle. Here, the Birdy does well on the first two criteria, even if that bobbing sensation is a bit off-putting. Our Story - Birdy Bicycle Both combine to give the R20unrivalled speed, making it one of the fastest foldable bikes in Singapore and most of the world. The frame and fork are essentially the main selling points of the Birdy, and you can see why. Birdy Rohloff 14 Speeds. Designed by German company Riese & Mller, the Birdy is now sold worldwide. This bicycle is certainly not a spare or secondary bicycle, but rather provides just as much comfort and riding fun as it's full sized siblings. Its gear set is backed by a set of smooth 20" Panaracertyres. Some riders have reduced the Birdy's weight to 8kg using racing components, but this was only on the Mark 1 frames. Terms and conditions of use. Whether you're on holiday or for everyday working, the Birdy takes you safely to any destination, with Riese & Mller Control Technology. If you like road.cc, but you dont like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. A whopping 24 speeds are available for the rider to shift through on the TouringPLUS. I was impressed by the handling. If I didn't already have a Brompton, yes. Some owners have fitted 20-inch wheels to the bike (a 10th anniversary limited edition had 20" wheels as standard [6]). Riese and Mller says: "Whether you're on holiday or for everyday working, the Birdy takes you safely to any destination, with Riese & Mller Control Technology. This means you can take it places like Coney Island to ride on the gravel and lightdirt trails there. Bushes on the front suspension can be replaced. Your subscription will help us to do more. That's a useful point you make about '303 rounds. The overall score is not just Help us to make it better. Around town, the secure handling and suspension make bad road surfaces much less of a problem than for many small-wheelers. The Birdy Rohloff also has the unique ability to change gears while stationary. We want to bring our bikes with us off-road. At the front, it's sort of similar, actually. Good quality folding bikes aren't cheap. If you want something special, and you've got the money, certainly give one a test ride. Birdy Performance Foldable Bikes - Mighty Velo I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheelMy best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track (with front brake), I've been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Experienced. Each is also equipped with full suspension, front and rear, so your ride is smooth and easy to go on for long stretches. In November 2020, Pacific Cycles unveiled the Limited Edition Birdy P40 to commemorate its 40 years of precise craftsmanship and bike manufacturing. It is manufactured by Taiwan's Pacific Cycles, who also brought you the popular CarryMe folding bike and CarryAll folding tricycle. Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork? They will be instrumental when youre on dirt trails and trails with uneven grounds. The Birdy R20 is the latest of the Birdy bikes. Visit our official distributor showroom to check out all 6 models. With each model there are 17 available colors to choose from. Prices for the Mk 2 rose to the electric model with a 250watt motor in the rear wheel (3258/US$5068, 2013). The Brompton certainly has wonderful qualities of its own that appeals to many, but the reason that I went with the Birdy is for the larger 18" wheels and fully suspended ride which translates to more comfort for longer . Derailleur gears are prone to more problems (principally when folding) than hub gears. The Birdy uses 18 inch (355mm ETRTO) wheels. With 5 variations to choose from, there is a Birdy performance bike for every type of rider. We specialise in performance foldable bikes such as Pacific Cycles Reach GT, IFMove, and Riese and Mllers Birdy performance foldable bikes, CarryMe compact foldable bikes and CarryAll compact foldable tricycles and Iruka foldable bikes.