Originally Posted by
pibach
Yesterday I could test ride the Birdy of a friend. It was a Birdy Red with the new frame. OMG, what a difference to my Dahon Mu Sport. The Mu excels in practically all aspects. I was quite surprised because I expected much more from a Birdy. But the Birdy wheelbase is too short. It comfortably rides from A to B, no question. But Jumping curbs and agressively weaving through traffic ist not its task. The whole geometry does not allow for sportier ride. Plus 18" small wheels and smallish tires (but upgradeable to Big Apples). The suspension works, but makes the ride imprecise. No hands-free riding. Unfortunalely also the long handlepost is not as stiff as the one on the Dahon (its weakest part). Also parts selection is quite mediocre in comparison to the Dahon (with Nexus hub). Also folding, rolling and overall handling seems to bee different worlds. All together it still costs twice as much as the Dahon. I really don't understand why it gets so high reviews here. What am I missing?
This is interesting and in controversy with all I have read about Birdy and Dahon Mu. Especially I can understand what it means
`The suspension works, but makes the ride imprecise` . I do not know how a full suspension bike would feel and I have my doubts however I thought it should be stiff enough to keep all the precision there while allowing some comfort. And `no hand free` is mentioned for Bromptons here and there. To make things worse Dahon's are criticized for low quality fittings and accessories (compared to Bromton, BF, Birdy etc).
Now I am between a Brompton Nano and a Birdy Hybrid or Birdy Bionx. And Birdy is in my lisyt just because it has the best ride quality reported. Unfortunately I have no chance to test any bike, none available where I live now and once I will one I will have it shipped overseas.
If Birdy ride quality is even near what you described then Brompton wins due to better folded shape and size. Could it be your weight and height?