Because opportunities to testride Birdys in the US are few and far between, I'd appreciate if someone in this group would "humor me" and answer a couple of questions...


First, For reasons of weight (I'm a "wienie" and beyond "middle aged") I am currently leaning towards the current 10 speed disk monocoque model. I wonder what the gear range is as expressed in "gear inches". I'm thinking about my ability to handle hills in my area (Portland, Oregon) yet still allow me to move on the flats and downhill at 18-20mph or so.

Second, the ten speed disk Birdy is fitted stock with a 21degree "sport stem"; if I find for the sake of comfort (with my stiff back) that I prefer the position offered by the 10degree stem provided on the Rolloff model, how difficult is it to obtain replacement part(s) and effect the change?

Third, components listed on the Pacific-Cycles site vary from model to model. The disk brakes on all disk models appear to be mechanical rather than hydraulic. (I suspect that is because folding might be more problematic with hydraulic brake lines. ?) Are the stock components all "good enough" or should I count on replacing (some) of them with higher quality components soon? (Money is not much of a concern; smoothness and predictability of function are!)

In advance, thanks all!