Birdy (bicycle)

The Birdy is a folding bike, which is developed by the German bicycle manufacturer Riese und Müller and built by Taiwanese manufacturer Pacific Cycles. Right now ( 2010) sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. As the bike after three years of development in 1995 came on the market, it was the first fully suspended folding bike. The bike has a one-piece aluminum main frame without joint and 18 -inch wheels. The Birdy has been awarded the iF product design award 2006.

Technical details

The Birdy has standard dropouts, allowing the use of a variety of hub and gear shifts. By default, the bike with the 8- speed hub by Shimano, with an 8 - speed derailleur, with the Dual Drive SRAM or Speedhub 500/14 of the German manufacturer Rohloff is available. Also normal dynamo hubs fit into the fork of the Birdy. A pedelec trim level of the bicycle ( Birdy hybrid ) has been marketed since October 2009 by Riese und Müller.

Folded measures the Birdy 68 × 57 × 35cm. The size of the wheel is then subject to the 20 -inch folding bike Dahon comparable, slightly larger than a Brompton and significantly smaller than a Bike Friday. Depending on the equipment, the Birdy weighs 10.2 to 12 kg, and is allowed up to a total weight of 120 kg. Optional luggage carriers are allowed up to a weight of 10 (front) and 15 kg ( rear).

Benefits

The main advantage of the Birdy is the extremely rapid folding of the wheel and the small pack size. This can very easily be taken on public transport, even if a bicycle transport is not actually provided.

Despite the small wheels are attenuated by the full suspension of Birdy shocks. The suspension is designed so that it only has a very small influence on the pedal kickback. By using different softer elastomer, the damping can be regulated. The special folding mechanism without hinge in the frame, it is impossible that the wheel folds while driving.

Due to the large number of possible transmissions and the full suspension Birdy is not only used for driving in the city, but also for tours. A lowrider is available, which panniers can be mounted on the front wheel.

Disadvantages

The Birdy falls on a comparatively high price. The price range of production models ranges between € 1199 ( Birdy europe ) and € 3499 ( Birdy hybrid, both of 2011).

The wheel size of 18 inches makes the Birdy somewhat more compact. At the same time the selection of tires and rims is less than, for example with 20-inch wheels, which are commonly used in bicycles.

As with many other folding bikes also are stem and seatpost of Birdy extremely long. This means that you do not necessarily optimum ergonomic sitting on the bike.

Distribution

In Europe, the Birdy by Riese und Müller is marketed in Japan by Mizutani bikes and in the USA by B- Fold, NYCeWheels and RAD - Innovations LLC.