Originally Posted by
bhkyte
I would not consider a double or tripple chainring on a Birdie.
there is not really enough clearence for the fold.
Thanks bhkyte! I have seen many pictures of Birdies with doubles, but none of them folded. I don't want to compromise the fold, and a narrow Q-factor would be nice.
Originally Posted by
bhkyte
I would also avoid a medium cage if you can.
I recomend you go for an IHG on a Birdie.
better clearence for the frame, tyres, and ground clearence for the rear mech/chain tensioner.
But see the picture I posted above, from
https://www.r-m.de/en-us/folding-bik.../#18B02_130411
Riese & Müller themselves configure the Birdy Touring with what looks like a long cage derailer. As you can see, it extends beyond the rim. I just can't believe that a company with this sort of focus on quality engineering would do that if it didn't work well. Even the City model with Nexus 8 IHG has a long-ish chain tensioner:
https://www.r-m.de/en-us/folding-bik.../#18B01_120211
Originally Posted by
bhkyte
if I was you I would go for an afline 11.
you could consider a double chainring later if you feel you need more range
The Alfine 11 doesn't have the range I need, and you said a double would affect the fold. So then I'm left with:
- 11-speed 9-46 cassette (if the chainstay allows it)
- Rohloff (expensive)
- Kindernay XIV (even more expensive)
- Dualdrive or Sturmey Archer CS-RK3
Sturmey-Archer | CS-RK3 Silver
Either way I'd need to build a new rear wheel, so I might as well buy the cheapest model, the Touring with 1x10 derailer gearing.
Thanks for the tips!