Originally Posted by
mkatz
Light is GOOD! (Particularly for this back-injured senior who finds it difficult to lift heavy folders into the back of his car
) I was not aware of the Birdy having much in the way of major steel components for which titanium components were readily (not custom made) available. Other than nuts and bolts, what titanium components have you sourced? Are your 20" wheels much lighter than the original 18" ones?
I bought a titanium upgrade kit which includes all the hardware, including the pin and long screw/nut for the folding stem, the large pin for the swing arm pivot, and the two pivots for the front swing arm, also the v-brake posts and hardware. I also installed a titanium bar and seat post, along with a Brooks Swift titanium-framed saddle.
I run Ultegra hubs and Alivio aero wheels, which are a bit heavier than the original parts, but the 20" wheels are faster, and tires are easier to find. The conversion required adapters to move the v-brake bosses, but brakes with long arms can be used without adapters.
The fold is not as compact with 20" wheels, but the bike still fits in the carry bag.