Tell me guys, I test rode the anthracite Birdy yesterday. Gorgeous looking bike but I found the steering stiffer than other folders I've used or tested. Is this normal on your models?
Thanks

PM: Is that a modded Oyster? If it is, that's nuts!!!! Would be interested in how you pulled it off. My hats off to you SIR! I hope to do a bit of touring in Thailand and Indonesia around Jan/09, sans some of your threads and pics. Should I take the birdy or the DT???

MULLEADY: I've got a silver circa 2000, and I've ridden another silver that's more recent (2005??). The birdy should not have stiffer steering (same compared to my DT FS, and other folder's I've tested).

MSINC: Thanks for reminding about notes with the folding bike. I will also be travelling soon, and did not even think about this. Nice bike by the way. I am just awful at folding the Birdy, so I can't even imagine what an inspector would make of it.

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!).

Someone else in the NorCal group (zorrov999) put this video together from last weekend, you can see me and the Birdy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SQv_xtPHR0

I'm getting quite fast at unfolding it seems!

Hey IncrediBabe, how does one find out about these rides 'before' they become a video?

Hey Bruce, you just have to stop by the NorCal forum once in a while. This was a special "Bring your other bike" ride.

I had the only folder there, however, the usual suspects (SesameCrunch and kb5ql) bailed on me.

You are so proud of that Birdy MissI, you can see the TLC with which you unfold the bike in the video

I test rode a Birdy in Anthracite the other day. Gorgeous looking bike in reality, even nicer then what the best photos portray. Sure does ride like a big bike.

Bruce:

Do come and join us sometime! I'd love to meet you and see your Reach in action! You, me, IncrediBabe (that's a keeper), and K5qbl will form our own Folding Bike Division....

My pop is in Hercules, CA. So Ms. Invisible Hand and I drop by San Francisco on a regular basis. Are two Bike Fridays welcome in the mix? Her bike is Power Rasberry. Mine is a more boring Silver.

Absolutely! Sounds like we have to organize a NorCal folder ride.

I do not like folding bikes. I think they look silly.

Yeah, me too. The small wheels make my butt look big.

Well, if you have the No. Cal Origami Club, I'll drop by for a ride once a year.

I've been traveling and riding, but haven't been keeping up with the thread, sorry.

Here's a picture from today's ride in Calgary. Finally made it to Fish Creek park for some nice trail riding after accidentally exploring the local highways.

Did some more MTBing last night, this time on Russian Ridge.

Never done so many wheelies and so much fishtailing on a ride before!

Also never had to cover brakes pedaling uphill before. The downside of a nice quick-turning front...hit a big bump or loose sand, and suddenly you are inches from heading down the side of a cliff.

Lots of fun ...although I did have to portage the bike in several places.

what a bike....i love it, seems like your enjoying it alot, great buy