My old Birdy was a 90's model. When stopped at a light, with my left food on the ground, I could make the frame flex by pushing down on the right pedal. The swing arm bushings were new. I wasn't surprised or dismayed, I have had other bike flex a lot too, the worst being a 531-framed Trek 660 road bike, which also happened to be the sweetest riding bike I have owned. The monocoque frame is quite solid, were it not for the suspension, the ride might be quite stiff.

Last night I got a titanium handlebar on eBay, and locally I found a front derailleur adapter. I am not sure if I will run a front derailleur yet, but the chains has two rings, and the shifters came in a pair, so perhaps I might as well do it.