jmaher

A few years ago I asked for help in this forum about what bike would fit in my small convertible trunk. There was a lot of helpful advice and I ended up with a new Brompton followed by a used Birdy. Well the Brompton fit great and the Birdy fit barely. Of the two I am still amazed by how well the Brompton folds and how well the Birdy rides (grin).

Well I am trying to move to a smaller place and have another question. I am thinking about another bike or perhaps a replacement. I am intrigued by the style of newer Birdy’s and by the look of the Moulton TSR. Maybe I don’t need a folder for the new place but I still like the idea of a smaller bike. I don’t have an immediate need but I see myself suffering from this bike obsession. I am trying to ride more often – trying for just a few miles a day 4 or 5 days a week. If I can keep this up I’ll reward myself with a new bike.

Forget why I need it – just voice your opinion. If you could choose – Birdy or Moulton TSR. Which one and why?

Jim

SesameCrunch

I'm biased (as we all are). But the Moulton TSR is a sweet ride. The wheel base is very long for a stable ride. The suspension system is excellent for comfort on long hauls. The bike looks gorgeous. It's a relatively uncommon sight in the US. I just love the ride that mine offers.

It's not the lightest bike out there (around 27 lbs, I think). It's for touring, not racing. But, boy, you sure tour in style. I just recently converted mine to moustache bars and I love them.



You can contact BruceMetras on this forum. He's got a very nice looking TSR up for sale right now.

dahut

Did someone say, "wine?"

ddez

I dont know if this helps,but i can commiserate with you. I certainly dont need another bike and wont be selling any i have to get the new one. But i really always wanted a Moulton and when i saw the new TSR2 i knew im going to have to get one. I would pick the TSR. It has history,you wont come across another one in your rides most likely, and there just plain way cool.

jur

As someone blessed with both Moulton APB and Birdy Monocoque, the Moulton gets my vote. Nice as the birdy is, the suspension and stability for the Moulton is quite far ahead. I recently nicked the light wheelset off my Swift and put them on the Moulton - wow what a major difference!

The Moulton is a nicer ride. I am currently commuting with it. And being steel, somehow (perhaps entirely unjustifiable) I feel it is a bike that will live longer.

The Birdy wins with folding of course, and its quality is impeccable. But I don't find the suspension all that good. I need to do some experiments involving the famous rubber doorstop method for improving suspension behaviour, inspired by Julian Edgar.

BruceMetras

TSR-27 in the trunk of my Alfa Romeo .. my Birdy won't fit ... I vote TSR because they look cool and ride nice. ..

jmaher

Thanks for all the replies - they both seem to be great bikes and both with very unique looks. The idea of my purchase is to both reward and motivate me to get out and ride more often (even if short distances) to get in better shape and to just live a healthier life style. Besides all that I just like wonderfully made gadgets of all kinds.

Jur, You said the light wheelset made a big differnece. Would something like the the Kinetix Pro that Thor sells qualify as light and make a difference as well?

Jim (off to ride to the local store to pick up a few things)