I was lamenting on this forum that I've never run across a Birdy to test ride in all my travels when I rec'd a PM from David, a fellow BF Folder member, who had not one, but two Birdy's and was willing to let me try them...



He works a couple blocks from my house so we met for Coffee yesterday and traded bikes [I rode my fixed gear Bike Friday Tikit]. I won't try and get into a huge comparison between the bikes since I only rode his older bike for 15mins and it wasn't setup for me really well, but I did have some general observations:

- the Birdy was quite light despite the suspension bits...probably about the same as my Tikit +/-1lbs
- handling was similar to my Tikit...a little fast, but only took 10' to be comfortable on it
- Birdy was fast...responded well to hard pedaling...didn't seem to suffer from suspension bob
- suspension was quite stiff...I think my Tikit with GS Scorchers was more plush on rough pavement, they were about the same on the dreaded wooden bridge deck I ride regularly and the Birdy was better for bigger bumps/holes
- I think a Birdy with Scorchers [or equivalent tires] would be the best combo for a comfy fast ride
- I didn't notice any brake dive in the front suspension
- I didn't try the fold
- Birdy looks weird, but rides normal!



I want to say thanks to David for being very kind in letting me try his fine bike... I really enjoyed finally getting to see what that crazy German folder... was like to actually ride.

Based on this experience would I buy one?

Well I enjoyed it enough that I could see myself riding a Birdy or at least spending some more time checking them out. I didn't find the ride or the suspension particularly revolutionary for the city riding I do in Victoria, but at the same time there didn't seem to be much downside to it either and perhaps riding a Birdy more I'd come to appreciate the suspension better and/or ride faster and attack bad roads more aggressively???

I wouldn't pay a premium to own one or spend a lot of time hunting one down online, but if one crossed my path in good condition for $1K or less I'd be tempted...



What did surprise me is how well my Tikit with Scorchers performed in the suspension/comfort department compared to the fully suspended Birdy. David commented that on the wooden bridge from hell we rode that it seemed about the same as his Birdy and I agreed with that observation.