It seems that if stuff is that cheap in china you could just bring a suitcase filled with IG hubs and tires to the US. It seems that the difference between $150 China and $550 USA is not just extra margin.

$250 Birdy you picked up coming along?

Things I have done.
1.) Replace missing spoke with custom cut spoke.
2.) Overhaul front hub.
3.) Overhaul rear hub.
4.) Overhaul headset bearings.
5.) Super glue chain stay 'pillar'.
6.) Rim tape rear wheel
7.) New green elastomer

To Do
Brake cables
Derailer cable
fenders?
Touch up paint
rim tape front

I think $250 was fair as a new upgraded one is $1000 or so. The rear rim is also highly scored. The Tires were almost new. The rear tube was dippled from not having rim tape. If you check the Birdy board at Yahoo there is a recall dealing with steering stem failure, $100 to replace (I probably will not do it immediately). The hub overhauls might have been unnecessary, and perhaps unwise, the headset needed new bearings for sure. The welds seem to be in good condition.

I suspect that the original owner somehow broke a spoke, LBS did not have one for 18" wheels, and did not suggest a LBS that could cut one. I know the previous owner removed the cassette to remove the spoke, and also screwed with the headset bearings(but do not know why). The original owner may have also heard about the recall and gave up at that point perhaps figuring on getting a new one for $1000-$250. He did say he would not be responsible if the bike fell apart.

The Birdy pump was also missing, he gave me a used generic pump as a gift.

Original manuals were also sold to me.

The bike is now ridable and I have put about 40 mi.