Your needs/constraints are different. You need to fold and schlep the thing up five floors. You are open to wheel size smaller than 406. I don't, on both accounts. Perhaps the Birdy (or a Tyrell IVE) is better for you.
If I lived in cramped NYC (and I did. I grew up there), I, personally, myself, would bite the bullet and schlep the Reach up cyclo-cross style by putting the top tube on my shoulder. Unless you are living in an unregulated tenament, NYC Fire Codes require staircases of width sufficient to carry and turn a bike with 451 wheels with no problems. What I would not do is fold/unfold the thing every time I go in and out (you've got the Brompton for that). But that's me. You kept two bikes so apparently you are mot living in the tiniest of spaces. Good luck.
In my region a Reach is a couple hundred dollars cheaper than a Birdy.
Originally Posted by
wilfried
Thanks for the input. I looked at Bike Fridays in the store, and other than the Tikit, I don't think they'll work for my situation (the joys of living in a teeny tiny big city apartment).
Abu Mahendra, could you tell me more about the Pacific Reach, and why you recommend it? According to the website, it costs $2100 or $2400, so pretty close to the Birdy.