That's roughly the equivalent of a compact double. If you're racing I could see it as an issue but otherwise what are you doing over 55kph and not willing to coast?

For the normal 52x11 setup, I agree on both counts. My Birdy is in pieces right now getting the wheels rebuilt to move to a 9-32 cassette and 406 rims. I use a loop bar (Origin8 Strongbow, matches the flat bar sweep) and that gives me a reasonably aero position but I'm relatively tall at 190cm so a bit short on reach even with the sport stem. It doesn't impact the fold but the loop sticks out 1-2 cm past the pedals when folded. Not an issue for my local public transportation but could be fixed by something like the Tern rotating handlebar clamp thing.

Do we have the gear ratios on the R+? Chain ring looks like a 52 and the derailleur is SRAM so a 52x10 would be the top end?