tartare

So I have a Samsonite type of suitcase and I am ready to pack up my birdy for travel...

here's my question - how do I get the wheels off? I'm used to brakes that unclip, but by all appearance the brakes on my birdy have to be disassembled... anyone have any tips on how I can get my wheels off for packing?

Thanks,

Mike

jur

I had trouble getting rear wheel out until I found that pulling some brake cable through towards the back for some more slack, allowed the pads to separate just far enough to allow the tyre through with a little force. Failing that, deflate the wheel a bit so it can be squeezed past the brakes.

invisiblehand

While this doesn't answer your wheel question -- Jur did that -- this should be a helpful page when you proceed past that step.

https://www.gaerlan.com/bikes/birdy/birdypk.htm

yangmusa

On mine the rear wheel won't come off without removing the quick release first. It binds on the top of the derailleur. This is really strange, I never had that problem with other bikes.

pm124

The link that Invisiblehand sent was for a Samsonite Oyster. When I first packed the bike, I erroneously thought I was using a 29" suitcase, but it was a huge monster (because I'm stupid, had never used suitcases for travel, and didn't measure it). The bike almost fit in with the wheels on.

I'm now years out. When that suitcase died, I bought an Oyster. It's much tougher and easier to tow on a trailer, but you really do have to carefully follow the directions. I might also consider getting a crush protector to prevent the chainring from getting bent. You should also fit a few bits of rolled up newspaper into the empty spaces. The baggage handlers will destroy it if you give them the chance. I have had the wheels ripped off the suitcase, the outside secure strap torn apart, and have had a bent chainring. The latter is a hassle if you are traveling somewhere that does not sell road bikes.