I've been itching to take my new Birdy for a bit of a longer ride, so I decided to take it on my commute.
I don't get to do my commute by bicycle too often, unfortunately. By car or motorcycle it is 32 miles round-trip, but by bicycle it is 50 miles round-trip as I have to go south to an alternate bridge (Dumbarton) which has a bicycle lane on it. It's fun but 2 hours each way takes too long, especially with meetings and having to get home and walk and feed my dogs.
Between craziness at work and business travel I hadn't gotten to do my bike commute in a couple of months, so I was looking forward to it. I also had a special guest (Bow from the Women's Forum) visiting so I was inspired to take lots of photos and make a proper ride report.
Ready to ride:
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow05.JPG
and together with my other "commuter" per Bruce's suggestion ;)
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow04.JPG
BTW my boyfriend (and several co-workers) thought I was absolutely crazy to ride 50 miles on a full-suspension, small-wheeled bike (carrying a big backpack that was even heavier than the bike).
The first part of my commute was through urban areas, I was busy battling traffic and didn't take too many pictures.
At one point I got to a pedestrian / bike bridge over the freeway. This bridge has fairly steep spiral ramps on both sides, with barriers at the end to keep you from zooming through. I had always wanted to ride around the barriers but wasn't able to on my hybrid. The Birdy proved to be much maneuverable and I rode through and up the ramp with no problem.
Here we are over the freeway (101):
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow06.JPG
Finally we made it to the approach to the Dumbarton Bridge.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow09.JPG
msincredible
03-31-08, 08:34 PM
The Dumbarton Bridge has a separated bike/pedestrian lane, but you are still riding next to traffic going 80-90 mph, and it is quite windy, so it can be a bit of an adventure.
Here's the lane (no worries about me breaking the speed limit):
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow11.JPG
Took a brief photo break at the top.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow12.JPG
Here's an old defunct rail bridge that runs parallel to this bridge.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow13.JPG
In the distance you can see the San Mateo bridge which is my direct route to work. This may give you a sense of how far out of my way I had to go.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow14.JPG
This is the flat section of the bridge, bikes go off the dedicated lane onto a separate road. The pavement here is really rough, but it was pretty comfortable on the Birdy (much more so than on my hybrid or road bike).
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow15.JPG
I took a self-portrait here. Interesting proportions!
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow16.JPG
msincredible
03-31-08, 08:38 PM
On the east side of the bridge there's some marshy areas so I took a couple of pictures here (while riding).
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow18.JPG
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow19.JPG
Of course I had to say hi to this family of geese as I rolled by:
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow17.JPG
Made it to Union City, I'm close now:
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow21.JPG
And finally made it to my office. :)
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow22.JPG
Convenient bike parking
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow23.JPG
I took the same route home that night.
Unfortunately, it was overcast, rainy, and there were strong headwinds, so I didn't bother to stop for any more pictures. It was still a good ride though.
Bike parking at home.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/bow25.JPG
Overall, the ride was really comfortable. My only issue was that the saddle is a little wide for me (I'm small) so I may end up replacing it at some point. It took me slightly longer than on my hybrid or road bike, but not significantly so (there are a lot of traffic lights). I was very happy with how the bike did.
I just got a suitcase to try packing it up for trips, so that will be my next adventure.
jur
03-31-08, 09:07 PM
Absolutely ace!! And such a distance! I have joined your admirers club. You're not crazy - just very advanced. :)
kb5ql
03-31-08, 09:32 PM
Absolutely ace!! And such a distance! I have joined your admirers club. You're not crazy - just very advanced. :)
I think Jur's jealous. I have the privilege of riding with her some weekends. She had to show off on her Orbea this weekend, though... :(
You, sir, are very astute, or I am very transparent. :D
BlastRadius
04-01-08, 04:14 AM
I think my co-workers Birdy was just like yours. You didn't buy it from a guy in Berkeley did you?
Makes me want a folding/traveling bike, but I never travel :(
sahadev
04-01-08, 01:58 PM
My hat(helmet) is off to you!! The few times I've ridden across Dumbarton I swore I would never do it again - traffic, noise and the wind. Haven't attempted it on my Downtube IX yet. Maybe I'll watch the WX reports for a calm, warm day. Congratulations on a long, but scenic, commute.
spambait11
04-01-08, 04:05 PM
Crossing Dumbarton is awesome and very fun! But I've never seen or known anyone to stop mid-span (or thereabouts) to take a picture. :)
BruceMetras
04-01-08, 05:03 PM
Great pics!! you make the south bay seem like a tourist stop...ahha... what a fine commute, a half century... nice!! can't wait for your Mt. Diablo to Tilden pictorial ... glad you like the Birdy.. terrific bike ..
Bruce
foldHer
04-01-08, 08:16 PM
Great ride-to work story -I too am impressed by the distance. But mostly I loved the picture of you & your shadow!
pm124
04-01-08, 08:29 PM
Great pics!! you make the south bay seem like a tourist stop...ahha... what a fine commute, a half century... nice!! can't wait for your Mt. Diablo to Tilden pictorial ... glad you like the Birdy.. terrific bike ..
Bruce
Ahh, but the Birdy is a great climber once you can figure out how to stop bobbing. It should also get up to the speed of your road bike once you get rid of those damn Maxxis tires and throw on some Stelvios. However, your ride quality will deteriorate, you'll get stuck in some of No. Cal's notorius road ruts (including some on the way to Tilden and down that caught me), and you'll get flats.
I've never had a flat on the Birdy Maxxis tire, but it's much slower than the Stelvio.
energyandair
04-01-08, 09:05 PM
Ahh, but the Birdy is a great climber once you can figure out how to stop bobbing. It should also get up to the speed of your road bike once you get rid of those damn Maxxis tires and throw on some Stelvios. However, your ride quality will deteriorate, you'll get stuck in some of No. Cal's notorius road ruts (including some on the way to Tilden and down that caught me), and you'll get flats.
I've never had a flat on the Birdy Maxxis tire, but it's much slower than the Stelvio.
I changed the old Birdy tires to Marathon Racers when I bought my NOS Birdy and the improvement was amazing. Have you tried them? I suspect that they give most of the speed of the Stelvio with puncture protection and comfort at least as good the Maxxis tires.
David
pm124
04-02-08, 07:16 AM
I changed the old Birdy tires to Marathon Racers when I bought my NOS Birdy and the improvement was amazing. Have you tried them? I suspect that they give most of the speed of the Stelvio with puncture protection and comfort at least as good the Maxxis tires.
David
I have. They came on my partner's monocoque. I found that they give the best all around ride, but have had tons of flats (both in NY and Thailand). We threw a tire liner in them, and that worked, but kind of defeats the purpose (makes it heavier and more sluggish). I think they'd be good for an area without much glass and no thorns. Part of the problem is that they are wider, so they have a bigger contact area to pick up glass.
The original tires even held up in thorn country, but we had a flat on the Marathon Racers or the suitcase trailer almost every day. The original tires also did well off road since they are so fat and flat. Likewise, no flats on the regular Marathon tire, either. (The Kevlar lined version of the Racer.) But that tire is just as sluggish as the original Birdy Maxxis.
In CA, we experimented with a Stelvio and a tire liner, and that seemed OK. But we mostly just rode up to Tilden and back, on a route which isn't too glass laden.
The original rims are light and strong and the Stelvio is very light, so the bike accelerates like crazy with its small wheels, but I still haven't found the perfect tire for both fast rides and daily commuting. In Japan, the tire selection was better, but I didn't pick any up; I didn't know what I was doing and there was still some rubber left on the existing tires.
bestfoldingbike
04-03-08, 09:54 AM
love the pics, i'm thinking about getting a birdy (hard to come by in ny). was wondering if that is a stock birdy or did you add or change stuff.
also, how hard is it to maintain or take care of? I'm hessistant cause if i can't get parts from the lbs than i'm in trouble cause nobody carries their stuff in the US.
thanks in advance, rob
werewolf
04-03-08, 10:32 AM
In CA, we experimented with a Stelvio and a tire liner...
___________
What was your verdict on tire liners? I'm experimenting with them now.
msincredible
04-03-08, 11:23 AM
Thanks everyone for the nice comments! :)
love the pics, i'm thinking about getting a birdy (hard to come by in ny). was wondering if that is a stock birdy or did you add or change stuff.
This is stock, I bought it like this basically new from another board member (Bruce M).
also, how hard is it to maintain or take care of? I'm hessistant cause if i can't get parts from the lbs than i'm in trouble cause nobody carries their stuff in the US.
I'll let others comment but it seems pretty simple, although you will probably have to order tubes/tires online.
pm124
04-03-08, 05:15 PM
love the pics, i'm thinking about getting a birdy (hard to come by in ny). was wondering if that is a stock birdy or did you add or change stuff.
also, how hard is it to maintain or take care of? I'm hessistant cause if i can't get parts from the lbs than i'm in trouble cause nobody carries their stuff in the US.
thanks in advance, rob
NYCEwheels carries them. But you are much better off getting one from Black Dog Bicycles in WA. NYCEwheels is among the worst dealers I've interacted with and Black Dog is by far the best. You are welcome to try one of ours when we get back in May. Just PM me in a month. We have a monocoque and a yellow. Only the stem, seatpost, and wheels are non-standard, but, save the stem which is totally unique, other wheel sizes and seatposts can be fit without difficulty.
pm124
04-03-08, 05:44 PM
What was your verdict on tire liners? I'm experimenting with them now.
So far, so good. Jur convinced me to try the Slime liner, and it seems to be a good trade off between weight and protection. Some say that they themselves can wear out a tube, causing a flat. But little wheels with high pressure tires hardly deform at all, so I doubt this will be a problem.
It sure would be fun to test the efficiency losses with a power meter. I hate getting dropped on fast group rides. (Of course, nothing will drop you faster than a flat.)
This is my 2 second summary after way over 10,000 miles:
Upside:
Spoke for spoke and pound for pound, I still think that the Birdy is very fast so long as you learn not to bob, stand, or pull. It is more aerodynamic than other bikes, and, for the well adapted rider, is probably a second only to the Moulton in terms of rolling efficiency. (On the other hand, road bikes are lighter and have fewer spokes, so the argument is moot; Moultons now routinely get beat, and only hold the speed record because they were run on a flat course). It's best use outside of urban multimode commuting, is in touring, where it can fit easily into a suitcase, can hold 35+Kg and still be folded to take inside guest houses. In the urban setting, it is by far the lightest bike, since you do not have to carry around a NY Kryptonite Chain.
Downside:
It is not as stable as full sized bikes at high speeds, and you can't take your hands off the bars (due to shimmy). You also have to buy tires (but not tubes) online if you don't have a dealer near you. If you are a stander or puller, forget it. It may be too responsive for some. There are more parts than on a normal bike, and those parts are over engineered. I've found that the steel used in some of the bolts rusts when exposed to sea water, so they need to be replaced with better steel or titanium...kind of a drag on such an expensive bike. Finally, on the older bikes, like this yellow, the seat should be pushed all the way forward. I had a seat post break on me. This isn't a problem with the newer posts. Finally, it doesn't roll on it's own when folded unless you get a fancy rear rack for it.
jur
04-03-08, 06:13 PM
So far, so good. Jur convinced me to try the Slime liner, and it seems to be a good trade off between weight and protection. Some say that they themselves can wear out a tube, causing a flat. But little wheels with high pressure tires hardly deform at all, so I doubt this will be a problem.
I got a flat with my Mini from the liner where I cut it shorter. :( The end's edge was sharp, and I have now used tape over the sharp edge to protect the tube.
Pine Cone
04-03-08, 08:54 PM
I got a flat with my Mini from the liner where I cut it shorter. :( The end's edge was sharp, and I have now used tape over the sharp edge to protect the tube.
I've had similar problems when I have cut the liners with sharp square corners. Cutting rounded corners helps, and I have tried sanding the edge to smooth it.
I think tape plus rounded corners would be easier. I always seem to have short spare pieces of cloth rim tape about. Now I know what I can do with it!
werewolf
04-03-08, 09:30 PM
I have kevlar belted Schwabe Marathon tires plus the liners on my new Swift. I was so overconfident that I didn't take a patch kit along, and I got a flat, a blowout, and this with only about ten total miles on the bike! Long walk home. When I got home I couldn't even find a reason for the flat. It just looked like there was a bit of a groove in the tube. I think the liner may have somehow done that. Anyway, the liner is still in there, and so far no more flats, but then I'm carrying the patch kit and pump now. If I leave that home one day, then I'll probably get another flat.
jur
04-03-08, 10:25 PM
Yep that sounds like the liner is guilty.
Clownbike
04-05-08, 10:54 AM
NYCEwheels carries them. But you are much better off getting one from Black Dog Bicycles in WA. NYCEwheels is among the worst dealers I've interacted with and Black Dog is by far the best. You are welcome to try one of ours when we get back in May. Just PM me in a month. We have a monocoque and a yellow. Only the stem, seatpost, and wheels are non-standard, but, save the stem which is totally unique, other wheel sizes and seatposts can be fit without difficulty.
I second that on Black Dog. http://www.blackdogbicycles.com/birdyfoldingtravelbike.html. Run by a real nice fellow. NYCEwheels no longer supports the Birdy, and I too had a rather rude experience when calling about accessories. Funny thing is, the Silver that I got off a guy on the NY Craigslist originated from them.
There's also a new outfit in Frisco that has plans on providing full support. http://www.warmplanetbikes.com/retail.shtml.
Clownbike
04-05-08, 11:16 AM
Actually, the amazing part of the OP's story is that she's doing a reverse commute. That means bucking the afternoon onshore on the ride home, which must be a treat on the Dunbarton. A buddy Freemont used to do it a couple times a week when he worked in Redwood City. Even with the tail wind it kicked his butt.
msincredible
04-08-08, 01:19 AM
Actually, the amazing part of the OP's story is that she's doing a reverse commute. That means bucking the afternoon onshore on the ride home, which must be a treat on the Dunbarton. A buddy Freemont used to do it a couple times a week when he worked in Redwood City. Even with the tail wind it kicked his butt.
Yeah the winds were tough coming home!
msincredible
04-08-08, 01:30 AM
Birdy adventures part 2:
So I have now tried taking the Birdy with me on a trip.
Here it is packed up in the suitcase. It took me a while to figure out how to get it there, but the second time was easier and I suspect it will continue to get better with practice.
Got to St. Louis after a missed connection in Denver. Actually my luggage fared better than me, and it was waiting for me.
The next morning I put it together (easier than packing it away). Again this improves with practice.
Bike parking in the hotel room
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis01.JPG
I rode over the Mississippi River on Eads Bridge to Illinois (not sure what my obsession with bridges is).
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis07.JPG
The good news was, not much traffic in East St. Louis. The bad news, well it did seem to be the "wrong side of the tracks". Lots of abandoned buildings and sketchy characters.
I rode for a while anyway, then eventually came back across the bridge.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis08.JPG
I then rode a bit around downtown and by the stadium. There was a marathon and half-marathon going on at the same time.
msincredible
04-08-08, 01:37 AM
This morning I decided on a different direction.
First I started off riding through the park where the Arch is.
The bike in front of the Arch (I would have had to cross a busy street to get the entire Arch into frame, it is that big).
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis02.JPG
The Old Courthouse across the street.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis03.JPG
Here we are in front of the north side of the Arch.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis04.JPG
And leaving the park.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis05.JPG
Caught sight of myself in a "Walk" button.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis06.JPG
We then headed north through town.
Found an interesting sculpture.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis09.JPG
But mostly found again some questionnable neighborhoods.
This "Biker's Paradise" was not really my idea of such.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis10.JPG
Tomorrow I will try my luck out west and see what I find!
jur
04-08-08, 04:26 AM
Remarkable. There are cars but you seem to be the only person in that city. Utterly deserted.
markhr
04-08-08, 08:52 AM
7-8am maybe or even earlier judging by the light and lack of cars?
The sign on the inside of the same kind of looks like it reads "If you do not know how to fly a plane do not remove anything" :D
ShinyBiker
04-08-08, 11:32 AM
Someone had to have taken the pix in front of the arch(?) That, or maybe a tripod with a delayed shutter release.
msincredible
04-08-08, 04:53 PM
7-8am maybe or even earlier judging by the light and lack of cars?
Yep, you got it.
msincredible
04-08-08, 04:53 PM
The sign on the inside of the same kind of looks like it reads "If you do not know how to fly a plane do not remove anything" :D
:lol: it says "This is a folding bicycle. It only fits in the case one way. If you do not know how to fit it, please do not remove anything. Thank you."
I'm a little paranoid about TSA.
msincredible
04-08-08, 04:54 PM
Someone had to have taken the pix in front of the arch(?) That, or maybe a tripod with a delayed shutter release.
Mini tripod on a park bench with a 10 second delay.
x136
04-08-08, 08:15 PM
Remarkable. There are cars but you seem to be the only person in that city. Utterly deserted.Wow, I hadn't noticed that. That is something. It's like a zombie movie sans the zombies.
Mini tripod on a park bench with a 10 second delay.10 seconds? That must've been quite a Sprint 'N' Pose™!
pm124
04-08-08, 09:51 PM
I have the exact bike (yellow) and suitcase (orange). Hopefully we are not ever on the same flight, b/c it would be a bummer for you to get a very heavily used substitute by accident. ;-) I also have packing instructions taped to the inside.
Anyway, one thing that will greatly expedite packing is to use MKS QR pedals. They come in clip on and regular versions, and can be interchanged. (I.e., you can put your regular pedals on whenever you want a night out on the town without biking shoes.)
With these, you don't need tools for assembly/disassembly. I do 2 bikes at once (my g.f. doesn't like to take it apart or put it together), so I've gotten quite fast. Over our last few legs of the trip, I packed/unpacked the bikes 16 times in all, mostly at airpoirts or train stations.
The downside to the pedals is that you have to be very careful to ensure that they are snapped all the way in. They come with little plastic locks that have to be used, or your pedal can un QR itself on a hard climb (ouch). When muddy, it's very difficult to tell that they are snapped in well. But it's been worth it overall.
kb5ql
04-09-08, 02:02 AM
Remarkable. There are cars but you seem to be the only person in that city. Utterly deserted.
Still beats Gary, Indiana (http://www.forbidden-places.net/urban-exploration-gary-indiana-ghost-town).
jur
04-09-08, 04:50 AM
Still beats Gary, Indiana (http://www.forbidden-places.net/urban-exploration-gary-indiana-ghost-town).The empty places remind me of Myst and Riven.
oaklandcyclist
04-09-08, 12:28 PM
I'm a little paranoid about TSA.
:lol: In my bike travel cases, I usually include a Powerpoint printout with numerous photos of how the pieces should be arranged, and a very polite note to TSA inspectors, along with a phone number where they can reach me if they need help with repacking it. TWICE, I've reopened my case at my destination with a handwritten scribble "THANK YOU" from the inspector(s). :)
redspoke
04-15-08, 10:54 AM
Wow, I hadn't noticed that. That is something. It's like a zombie movie sans the zombies.
It's exactly like our hometown on a Saturday morning... Not a creature is stirring at the Capitol or Old Sac. Until you cruise down I street and you have the Scientology protestors and the line of visitors at the County Jail. :p
I see that bike and I sing the song to Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving... Little Birdy. :D
I've only been to St. Louis as a kid but one of my coworkers says the town is mostly rolling hills. Sounds like a good place to ride when it's not snowing or humid as heck. Is there a big cycling community there? Anyone?
oaklandcyclist
04-15-08, 11:16 AM
I've only been to St. Louis as a kid but one of my coworkers says the town is mostly rolling hills. Sounds like a good place to ride when it's not snowing or humid as heck. Is there a big cycling community there? Anyone?
"Big" is a tall word to use relative to Cali and the Western states, but MO does have a growing week-long UCI 2.1 stage race (http://www.tourofmissouri.com/) that some d00d named "George" won last year. You'd imagine they got some peeps on wheels there. :D
msincredible
04-17-08, 12:03 AM
Oops, got behind on my posting.
I have the exact bike (yellow) and suitcase (orange). Hopefully we are not ever on the same flight, b/c it would be a bummer for you to get a very heavily used substitute by accident. ;-) I also have packing instructions taped to the inside.
Ha ha, actually it would be cool if we were on the same flight and could go for a ride together! :D
Anyway, one thing that will greatly expedite packing is to use MKS QR pedals. They come in clip on and regular versions, and can be interchanged. (I.e., you can put your regular pedals on whenever you want a night out on the town without biking shoes.)
Thanks for the tip! I will check them out. I have been bringing the Park Tools pedal wrench with me and that works well.
:lol: In my bike travel cases, I usually include a Powerpoint printout with numerous photos of how the pieces should be arranged, and a very polite note to TSA inspectors, along with a phone number where they can reach me if they need help with repacking it. TWICE, I've reopened my case at my destination with a handwritten scribble "THANK YOU" from the inspector(s). :)
Another great tip! I have been meaning to print out instructions / photos but haven't gotten a chance yet. I did stick in a business card with my phone number on there.
So, I got a bit luckier my third day in St. Louis:
(or so I thought until I went by this neighborhood)
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis13.JPG
Eventually I found my way to Forest Park. Scenery! Bike lanes! Bike paths! Little rollers!
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis15.JPG
Neat gate at the entrance to the zoo
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis17.JPG
A place to worship "moolah" at St. Louis University
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis19.JPG
The last day there, I spotted this fun-looking club
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis21.JPG
Made my way to Washington U.
http://paularickert.net/albums/userpics/stlouis22.JPG
This week, I'm in the Philly area. No pictures (I forgot to bring full-fingered gloves so my hands have been too cold to operate a camera), but I've been riding along the Schuylkill River Trail.
Packing and unpacking the bike keeps getting easier and easier with practice too!
pm124
04-17-08, 04:15 PM
Here is mine with the orange suitcase in Thailand.
http://www.pceo.org/S6300238.JPG
pm124
04-17-08, 04:40 PM
When the conditions are right, Mae Hong Son has some of the best biking anywhere in the world.
http://www.pceo.org/S6300758.JPG
This is mostly thanks to the public works programs that built roads in areas where car ownership is low or non-existent. Believe it or not, the road in this picture is pristine cement with a yellow line down the middle. The leaves are dry...it hasn't been driven on in a long time, if at all. You might get surprised by an elephant, but not by a car.
http://www.pceo.org/S6300787.JPG
msincredible
04-18-08, 01:31 AM
Looks really nice! I've been to Thailand once but didn't get to bike there.
What did you have to do for the trailer conversion?
pm124
04-18-08, 08:47 AM
Looks really nice! I've been to Thailand once but didn't get to bike there.
What did you have to do for the trailer conversion?
Howdy...it's just a regular Green Gear trailer (the kind used by Bike Friday) that I bolted on to my suitcase. You can sometimes get refurbished ones for about $100 on eBay. It fits into the suitcase fine, but adds an additional layer of finesse when packing. You do notice that you have something on your bike, especially when climbing. The other problem is that you have 2X the chance of getting a flat.
Thailand can be a touch too hot to ride, except in the mountains. So long as you stay clear of the burning season (when the air fills with thick smoke), it's paradise in Mae Hong Son. Also did a bit of riding down south in Chumphoon, which is equally dreamy and has the sea breeze to cool things down.