Originally Posted by
daibutsu
I have a Birdy Red (8 speed), no major maintenance issues except local DC dealer (Vienna VA) doesn't even stock spokes. He'll custom make 'em at a premium price all the while selling more big money, birdy bikes at a good profit. Go figure, sell 'em don't support them ?. Still the bike is just ok given the unique wheel size, constant creaking, and weird bounce. If I had to do it all over again Bike Friday or Dahon, although the earlier posts are discouraging re: Dahon.
The
District Hardware shop has a Phil Wood threading machine -- I think that the shop recently moved to 24th ST NW just north of L ST -- such that I suspect that they could make the spokes you need. They also have some excellent mechanics there that some friends take their vintage bicycles.
The building is a new condo built inside the old framework of the Columbia Women's Hospital.
If you have stock rims and hubs, you can also get spokes from Black Dog Bicycles online.