Folding Bikes - Anyone ride a Birdy long distance regularly?

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nightmage
07-10-09, 02:30 AM
I need a foldable bike to take on trains for part of my commute, and although I tried my best to resist I think I have to make the switch. I tried a few foldables, hated the brompton but found the birdy quite endearing. After some more investigation it seems that the birdy might be the one I go for but I wanted to know if they are up to the rigours of daily usage...

Hence my question, does anyone cycle 80+ miles a week on a birdy? This is what I am intending to do and I would rather it didn't fall apart on my after 6 months.

Thanks.

jur
07-10-09, 03:15 AM
Yep.

I do 500km a week on mine. No trouble so far, 8000km on the odo.
nightmage
07-10-09, 04:24 AM
Yep.

I do 500km a week on mine. No trouble so far, 8000km on the odo.

which version do you have? is the entry level good enough or do i need to go for a 'city' ?

BruceMetras
07-10-09, 08:37 AM
Yep.

I do 500km a week on mine. No trouble so far, 8000km on the odo.

Nice to hear! I ride mine a lot, but not that kind of commuter distance .. quick question, are you using a 24h rear wheel? any spoke problems or wheel rebuilds?
elmergeorge
07-12-09, 08:43 PM
I do 120km/week on mine and am at 4000kms+ now with no problems. I have an older Birdy green 8spd.
jur
07-13-09, 01:54 AM
I got the entry-level and upgraded the drive train myself, more cost-effective. But the entry-level drive train would have lasted me this long I think. I still have the original chain and cassette on, I just replaced the derailer and shifter because I'm anal. ;)

I have had some wheel trouble, due to spokes loosening. Rear wheel broke a spoke, I re tensioned the whole lot and it's been OK since. Front I just re tensioned again last week, 2nd time. No locking compound on the nipples. But other than that the wheels are very strong. The rear is a 24H.