Originally Posted by
Biont
I was in between 4 bikes, Mu, Tikit, Brompton and Birdy
Birdy
I am thorn between Brompton and Birdy.
Though different, both won my heart by their design: I liked Bridy's hi-tech looks and expedition rack and built quality and good design; and I liked Brompton's elegance, understated, unpretentious looks that oozes quality.
1)For me a folding bike must fold in a neatest and smallest shape. Speed of fold/unfold may be 1 second or 1 minute I do not care. Brompton is excellent in that regard. Also its price compared to Birdy is far better as you know.
2) However I would choose Birdy over Brompton if they were at the same price levels. So price, best folded size push me towards Brompton.
1) Don't under estimate the birdie folding speed. IMO much faster then the Brompton. It has a beautifully designed seatpost clamp and stem hinge that operate faster than the brompton versions. Yes it is bigger,but if you opt to have the seat in a standard position rather than the typical forward the Brompton seat really sticks out, and if you require an extended post so does that. I strongly advise that you have a test ride as many people do not find they can get on with the brompton layout. I have never heard a compliant about the birdie, besides which there are more option customising the stem and risers,without compromising the fold.
2) What about a used Birdie? Personally I would always choose a used Birdie over a new Brompton as I feel the Birdie is much better value for money in comparative terms anyway. Another option is if you shop around for a used birdy and a used Brompton clone ,(MERC), you could have easily have both for the cost of a well-equipped new Brompton. Just a thought.
3) I personally found journeys on a Brompton a bit dull and slow,and less safe, all for a slightly more compact fold.