Mulleady, It is. The older stem was pretty stiff, the new one is unmovable. If one notices any movement, it is either the front shock or a loose bit (QR, headset, front hub). Despite the stiffness, I rarely pull on it with all my strength (e.g., when climbing). The headset is not one of those super long modifications you see on Moultons or old R20s, so it receives a lot of stress.

Psykocycle, No mods other than drilling 3 holes in it. Thanks for the kind words, though. The only trick is measuring out the drill marks. The BF trailer just attaches right on with 2 oversized washers on each drill hole.

You will be thankful for having the Birdy unless you have a big suitcase. You need to take the frame apart to fit it in an Oyster.

Although the Birdy´s suspension is stiff, it seems to do the trick fine off road. I would bring an extra tire and some tubes. (You can get tubes that fit in most towns, but they tend to have Asian style valves.)

I had a 2006 DT, and the stem was reasonably stiff, but made of solid steel. Not sure what they are like now. (Are they alloy these days?)

The Birdy is hard to fold until you get used to it. I like to make sure it´s in gear, lift the bike, fold the back wheel under, lock it by lowering the seat post, then front wheel, then stem. That said, packing it in an Oyster requires actually removing wheels, the seatpost, and unlatching the stem. If you want to fold and pack, try the Pacific rep to see if you can get one of those suitcases for the Birdy (and report back!).