Flying Pigeon!!!
01-05-09, 03:31 PM
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On the flying pigeon homepage I also found a folding bike with a shaft drive system. 
I wonder how much it costs and how it performs.
I wonder how much it costs and how it performs.
01-05-09, 03:58 PM
#27
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Ed that looks like a nice sturdy folder! I must say that the Flying Pigeons that we see here are of the regular kind, though some really do fly 
01-05-09, 05:16 PM
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I would be very concerned to make sure that a shaft drive bike had gear ratios that suited me because unlike a chain drive bike, you can't easily change the ratios. If my chain driven bike is too highly geared, it is easy to buy a smaller front chain ring (usually) but what do you do with a shaft drive if it is too high for the local hills?
01-05-09, 05:17 PM
#29
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Thread Starter
Thanks, it is quite sturdy.
In what city was this photo taken?
I must say that pole is more popular with bikes, than with dogs
Ed
In what city was this photo taken?
I must say that pole is more popular with bikes, than with dogs
Ed
01-05-09, 07:53 PM
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Guys,
Your really encouraging me to get back into the folder well, ummmm fold again. I bought a Downtube a couple years ago and it was nice. Turned out my old girlfriend road it more than me. Once we broke up, I traded it for a 2004 Trek 7500.
I work in Manhattan and have seen a few of the regular "Flying Pigeons". They appear to be well built, but clumsy. It seems women appear to like them for their style and looks rather than their functionality.
Anyways, these "Pigeon's" have peeked my attention in folder's again. I put a bid on the 20 inch one on ebay. Hopefully, I'll be "flying the coop" and returning "to the roost" (OK, this is getting out of hand) once again.
Does anyone else have info on these folders??
Your really encouraging me to get back into the folder well, ummmm fold again. I bought a Downtube a couple years ago and it was nice. Turned out my old girlfriend road it more than me. Once we broke up, I traded it for a 2004 Trek 7500.
I work in Manhattan and have seen a few of the regular "Flying Pigeons". They appear to be well built, but clumsy. It seems women appear to like them for their style and looks rather than their functionality.
Anyways, these "Pigeon's" have peeked my attention in folder's again. I put a bid on the 20 inch one on ebay. Hopefully, I'll be "flying the coop" and returning "to the roost" (OK, this is getting out of hand) once again.
Does anyone else have info on these folders??
01-06-09, 05:41 AM
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Like I said in another thread, I bought a bike with the same frame 2-3years ago, it's my only bike at the moment and I'm using it weekly. It's still like new. I can't complain about quality, stability and the construction at all. And I'm a rather heavy rider.
01-10-09, 01:17 AM
#34
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Flying Pigeon folder...1st Impressions........
When I got home from work this evening I had a surprise! Three days after ordering, my "Pigeon" was at my home. I decided to go for the red color. (it's really not red, but rather a "cranberry" color) It happens to match the color of my Trek 7500 so I'll save on touch-up paint. I made an offer of $100.00 for it which was not accepted, but was able to secure it for $105.00. I paid $35 for shipping.
The package arrived well packed with no flaws, other than part of the "bell" was missing. I found it in the box later. It is basically all ready put together, and all I had to do was place the seat pole in its slot. Once folded, the FP is a surpising tight package. It should easily fit into most sub compact car trunks with room to spare. The wheels are bolted on, with no QR mechanism.
Now the fun stuff started... Like Mr. Wong, I decided to lose the fenders, as well as the rack. The fenders were very difficult to remove, and since I was not going to save them anyways, I basically just cut them off. The bike rack is very nice and is solidly placed on the bike. Some might want to keep it, but I decided to go the less weight route. After I removed the rack and the fenders and weighed the bike, I was surprised on two fronts....A. I'm getting fat and B. it was 24.5 lbs!!
It took me about 20 minutes or so to adjust the brakes. They are basically cheap, and just "brakes", but they are functional and do a decent job in stopping the bike. Like Ed, I could really use an extra 2 inches or so with the seat post, but I have it presently at about an inch above the highest "safe" region, and it rode fine. Maybe down the road I'll get a longer post. The handlebars are basically two pieces that are screwed together, with no means to adjust other than the angle. In my situation, they happen to be placed pretty much where I would want them anyways, so it wasn't a problem. Once locked into place, they provide a surprisingly "tight" fit for a folder, and not as "squirrelly" as some.
The tires are also cheap and have no name and arrived about 1/2 inflated. I inflated them at a local service staton with no ill effects. I spent about hour riding the bike tonight in the harsh New Jersey cold, and the only complaint is that some small sand/road salt gets caught in the tread and they make a "clacking" noise. They are 20 x 1.75 inches, and based on there thickness provide a degree of "absorption" while traveling the pot-holed roads of Jersey.
Kudos will have to go for the stock pedals and the stock seat. Yea, I know they are cheap, but they work well for me. Both pedals fold nicely and can be riden on both sides.
The bike has a 6 speed Shimano gear system, and after some normal initial adjustments, it worked fine and shifted well. I frankly like the gear ratio...I'm a normal guy in somewhat decent shape and was able to go about 15 mph on the flats in 6th gear withstanding a moderate pace. The typical hills around my co-op were handled in the lower gears with no problems.
Since I primarily purchased the bike for my girl, I'll probably keep the bike as it is. It is what it is...a surprisingly adequate little weekend warrior. I drove a friends Kent Ultralite a couple of times a year back, and in my humble opinion, the "pigeon" blows the Kent away. The Kent had a nice frame, but it was just too slow. Frankly with all the peddling I was doing on the "Ultralite", combined with the 16 inch wheels, I felt like I was participating in a circus.
Based on my hour or so ride in the frigid 27 degree (farenheit) landscape in the shadow of New York City, I would give this bike a thumbs up. Heck, maybe my opinion will change as the months roll by and quality issues become apparent, but for a $100.00 folder it was a lot of fun!
The package arrived well packed with no flaws, other than part of the "bell" was missing. I found it in the box later. It is basically all ready put together, and all I had to do was place the seat pole in its slot. Once folded, the FP is a surpising tight package. It should easily fit into most sub compact car trunks with room to spare. The wheels are bolted on, with no QR mechanism.
Now the fun stuff started... Like Mr. Wong, I decided to lose the fenders, as well as the rack. The fenders were very difficult to remove, and since I was not going to save them anyways, I basically just cut them off. The bike rack is very nice and is solidly placed on the bike. Some might want to keep it, but I decided to go the less weight route. After I removed the rack and the fenders and weighed the bike, I was surprised on two fronts....A. I'm getting fat and B. it was 24.5 lbs!!
It took me about 20 minutes or so to adjust the brakes. They are basically cheap, and just "brakes", but they are functional and do a decent job in stopping the bike. Like Ed, I could really use an extra 2 inches or so with the seat post, but I have it presently at about an inch above the highest "safe" region, and it rode fine. Maybe down the road I'll get a longer post. The handlebars are basically two pieces that are screwed together, with no means to adjust other than the angle. In my situation, they happen to be placed pretty much where I would want them anyways, so it wasn't a problem. Once locked into place, they provide a surprisingly "tight" fit for a folder, and not as "squirrelly" as some.
The tires are also cheap and have no name and arrived about 1/2 inflated. I inflated them at a local service staton with no ill effects. I spent about hour riding the bike tonight in the harsh New Jersey cold, and the only complaint is that some small sand/road salt gets caught in the tread and they make a "clacking" noise. They are 20 x 1.75 inches, and based on there thickness provide a degree of "absorption" while traveling the pot-holed roads of Jersey.
Kudos will have to go for the stock pedals and the stock seat. Yea, I know they are cheap, but they work well for me. Both pedals fold nicely and can be riden on both sides.
The bike has a 6 speed Shimano gear system, and after some normal initial adjustments, it worked fine and shifted well. I frankly like the gear ratio...I'm a normal guy in somewhat decent shape and was able to go about 15 mph on the flats in 6th gear withstanding a moderate pace. The typical hills around my co-op were handled in the lower gears with no problems.
Since I primarily purchased the bike for my girl, I'll probably keep the bike as it is. It is what it is...a surprisingly adequate little weekend warrior. I drove a friends Kent Ultralite a couple of times a year back, and in my humble opinion, the "pigeon" blows the Kent away. The Kent had a nice frame, but it was just too slow. Frankly with all the peddling I was doing on the "Ultralite", combined with the 16 inch wheels, I felt like I was participating in a circus.
Based on my hour or so ride in the frigid 27 degree (farenheit) landscape in the shadow of New York City, I would give this bike a thumbs up. Heck, maybe my opinion will change as the months roll by and quality issues become apparent, but for a $100.00 folder it was a lot of fun!
01-10-09, 05:27 AM
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ricky,
Congratulations on the new Pigeon! It's good to see that there is someone else with on of these.
Like you, I was most impressed with the way the bike came packaged. Other manufacturers of more expensive bikes, should take note of that. It assures that the product will arrive undamaged.
Remember to go through the whole bike, and make sure everything is tightened, especially the pedals.
The only problem I had with my bike was the stock seat post a little too short for me, and it would gradually slip down into the seat tube after some riding. However, after I got my new 28.6 x 400 mm Kaloy seat post, both issues were resolved.
I am glad you noticed how rigid the handle post is after you lock the QR. Again, this is something you can really appreciate after riding some other makes, and realize how flimsy, and flexible their stems are in comparison.
You shouldn't experience any "quality issues" for quite a while. In my humble opinion, the stock components are good enough to provide good service for quite some time. However, everything wears out after some time, and that wonderful magnesium alloy frame is worth "throwing" some money at with upgrades. I know I've said to myself that I will leave the bike "as is", and then I get ideas about possible future upgrades. Who knows what the future holds for my FP.
Ricky, keep us posted.
Regards,
Ed
Congratulations on the new Pigeon! It's good to see that there is someone else with on of these.
Like you, I was most impressed with the way the bike came packaged. Other manufacturers of more expensive bikes, should take note of that. It assures that the product will arrive undamaged.
Remember to go through the whole bike, and make sure everything is tightened, especially the pedals.
The only problem I had with my bike was the stock seat post a little too short for me, and it would gradually slip down into the seat tube after some riding. However, after I got my new 28.6 x 400 mm Kaloy seat post, both issues were resolved.
I am glad you noticed how rigid the handle post is after you lock the QR. Again, this is something you can really appreciate after riding some other makes, and realize how flimsy, and flexible their stems are in comparison.
You shouldn't experience any "quality issues" for quite a while. In my humble opinion, the stock components are good enough to provide good service for quite some time. However, everything wears out after some time, and that wonderful magnesium alloy frame is worth "throwing" some money at with upgrades. I know I've said to myself that I will leave the bike "as is", and then I get ideas about possible future upgrades. Who knows what the future holds for my FP.
Ricky, keep us posted.
Regards,
Ed
When I got home from work this evening I had a surprise! Three days after ordering, my "Pigeon" was at my home. I decided to go for the red color. (it's really not red, but rather a "cranberry" color) It happens to match the color of my Trek 7500 so I'll save on touch-up paint. I made an offer of $100.00 for it which was not accepted, but was able to secure it for $105.00. I paid $35 for shipping.
The package arrived well packed with no flaws, other than part of the "bell" was missing. I found it in the box later. It is basically all ready put together, and all I had to do was place the seat pole in its slot. Once folded, the FP is a surpising tight package. It should easily fit into most sub compact car trunks with room to spare. The wheels are bolted on, with no QR mechanism.
Now the fun stuff started... Like Mr. Wong, I decided to lose the fenders, as well as the rack. The fenders were very difficult to remove, and since I was not going to save them anyways, I basically just cut them off. The bike rack is very nice and is solidly placed on the bike. Some might want to keep it, but I decided to go the less weight route. After I removed the rack and the fenders and weighed the bike, I was surprised on two fronts....A. I'm getting fat and B. it was 24.5 lbs!!
It took me about 20 minutes or so to adjust the brakes. They are basically cheap, and just "brakes", but they are functional and do a decent job in stopping the bike. Like Ed, I could really use an extra 2 inches or so with the seat post, but I have it presently at about an inch above the highest "safe" region, and it rode fine. Maybe down the road I'll get a longer post. The handlebars are basically two pieces that are screwed together, with no means to adjust other than the angle. In my situation, they happen to be placed pretty much where I would want them anyways, so it wasn't a problem. Once locked into place, they provide a surprisingly "tight" fit for a folder, and not as "squirrelly" as some.
The tires are also cheap and have no name and arrived about 1/2 inflated. I inflated them at a local service staton with no ill effects. I spent about hour riding the bike tonight in the harsh New Jersey cold, and the only complaint is that some small sand/road salt gets caught in the tread and they make a "clacking" noise. They are 20 x 1.75 inches, and based on there thickness provide a degree of "absorption" while traveling the pot-holed roads of Jersey.
Kudos will have to go for the stock pedals and the stock seat. Yea, I know they are cheap, but they work well for me. Both pedals fold nicely and can be riden on both sides.
The bike has a 6 speed Shimano gear system, and after some normal initial adjustments, it worked fine and shifted well. I frankly like the gear ratio...I'm a normal guy in somewhat decent shape and was able to go about 15 mph on the flats in 6th gear withstanding a moderate pace. The typical hills around my co-op were handled in the lower gears with no problems.
Since I primarily purchased the bike for my girl, I'll probably keep the bike as it is. It is what it is...a surprisingly adequate little weekend warrior. I drove a friends Kent Ultralite a couple of times a year back, and in my humble opinion, the "pigeon" blows the Kent away. The Kent had a nice frame, but it was just too slow. Frankly with all the peddling I was doing on the "Ultralite", combined with the 16 inch wheels, I felt like I was participating in a circus.
Based on my hour or so ride in the frigid 27 degree (farenheit) landscape in the shadow of New York City, I would give this bike a thumbs up. Heck, maybe my opinion will change as the months roll by and quality issues become apparent, but for a $100.00 folder it was a lot of fun!
The package arrived well packed with no flaws, other than part of the "bell" was missing. I found it in the box later. It is basically all ready put together, and all I had to do was place the seat pole in its slot. Once folded, the FP is a surpising tight package. It should easily fit into most sub compact car trunks with room to spare. The wheels are bolted on, with no QR mechanism.
Now the fun stuff started... Like Mr. Wong, I decided to lose the fenders, as well as the rack. The fenders were very difficult to remove, and since I was not going to save them anyways, I basically just cut them off. The bike rack is very nice and is solidly placed on the bike. Some might want to keep it, but I decided to go the less weight route. After I removed the rack and the fenders and weighed the bike, I was surprised on two fronts....A. I'm getting fat and B. it was 24.5 lbs!!
It took me about 20 minutes or so to adjust the brakes. They are basically cheap, and just "brakes", but they are functional and do a decent job in stopping the bike. Like Ed, I could really use an extra 2 inches or so with the seat post, but I have it presently at about an inch above the highest "safe" region, and it rode fine. Maybe down the road I'll get a longer post. The handlebars are basically two pieces that are screwed together, with no means to adjust other than the angle. In my situation, they happen to be placed pretty much where I would want them anyways, so it wasn't a problem. Once locked into place, they provide a surprisingly "tight" fit for a folder, and not as "squirrelly" as some.
The tires are also cheap and have no name and arrived about 1/2 inflated. I inflated them at a local service staton with no ill effects. I spent about hour riding the bike tonight in the harsh New Jersey cold, and the only complaint is that some small sand/road salt gets caught in the tread and they make a "clacking" noise. They are 20 x 1.75 inches, and based on there thickness provide a degree of "absorption" while traveling the pot-holed roads of Jersey.
Kudos will have to go for the stock pedals and the stock seat. Yea, I know they are cheap, but they work well for me. Both pedals fold nicely and can be riden on both sides.
The bike has a 6 speed Shimano gear system, and after some normal initial adjustments, it worked fine and shifted well. I frankly like the gear ratio...I'm a normal guy in somewhat decent shape and was able to go about 15 mph on the flats in 6th gear withstanding a moderate pace. The typical hills around my co-op were handled in the lower gears with no problems.
Since I primarily purchased the bike for my girl, I'll probably keep the bike as it is. It is what it is...a surprisingly adequate little weekend warrior. I drove a friends Kent Ultralite a couple of times a year back, and in my humble opinion, the "pigeon" blows the Kent away. The Kent had a nice frame, but it was just too slow. Frankly with all the peddling I was doing on the "Ultralite", combined with the 16 inch wheels, I felt like I was participating in a circus.
Based on my hour or so ride in the frigid 27 degree (farenheit) landscape in the shadow of New York City, I would give this bike a thumbs up. Heck, maybe my opinion will change as the months roll by and quality issues become apparent, but for a $100.00 folder it was a lot of fun!
01-10-09, 07:21 AM
#36
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01-10-09, 09:16 AM
#37
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Thread Starter
Yep! That's the bicycle that the company (Flying Pigeon) is mostly known for. It is still being made after 50 years! There's a handful of dealers here in the US that sells them, like the one that posted that video on the website you mentioned.
I read an article somewhere on the net, that the company has been "re-vamped" to be more competitive on a global scale, and now they manufacture more than 300 different models, folders included of course.
Regards,
Edward
There's a handful of dealers here in the US that sells them, like the one that posted that video on the website you mentioned.I read an article somewhere on the net, that the company has been "re-vamped" to be more competitive on a global scale, and now they manufacture more than 300 different models, folders included of course.
Regards,
Edward
01-10-09, 09:17 AM
#38
Pedal faster not harder.
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What a sexy name for a bike.
01-10-09, 01:19 PM
#39
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Edward, don't you now have a qile duo, a vilanti, and a flying pigeon? For those of us also looking for an entry-level folder, could you favor us with your opinions on the relative merits of these three? Hate to ask still more questions, as you've already been very helpful, but you seem to have pretty unique experience.
01-11-09, 03:57 PM
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Harlond,
I didn't realize that you had posted a question to me. I actually have only the Qile Duo, and the Flying Pigeon. I got rid of the Vilano. I wasn't very happy with the lousy paint job they did on the Vilano.
The Qile Duo is basically what is called a "shopper" folding bike. It's ruggedly built, and durable. Understand that that "ruggedly" means heavy, so it's not the most convenient bike for multi modal transportation, though that wouldn't stop someone from using it for that purpose. When folded, the front, and back wheel are fairly even next to each other, and the bike can be rolled using the handlebar.
This is really more of the kind of bike that you won't be folding, and unfolding several times a day, but it's nice to know that you can.
I've been riding this bike for more than 8 months for commuting, errand running, etc. with no issues out of the ordinary for any bike. It's solid, and built to last, but it may disappoint anyone looking for a sporty, high performance ride. That's not what it is meant for.
The QD has a 5 speed drivetrain, with a 14-26 rear cluster, 46 tooth chainring. Derailleur, and top mounted friction shifter are made by "Saiguan". It's rear suspension is provided by a friction dampened shock using a 1200 lbs./inch black spring. Front brake is a single pivot, side pull caliper brake. The rear brake is a cable activated 90 mm band brake.
Qile Duo VSTII...one TOUGH bike!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Flying Pigeon has more potential in uses that the Qile Duo isn't strong in, such as multi modal transport. It is much lighter. I've removed the fenders, and rack, and got the weight down to just over 24 lbs. It has more "up to date" equipment such as linear pull brakes, and a fully foldable handlepost. With appropriate changes in wheel sets, and drivetrain, you can use it for faster paced rides, and perhaps a light duty tourer.
Unlike the Qile Duo, the Pigeon has a 6 speed drivetrain instead. The rear cluster is a Shimano MF-TZ06 and is a 14-28 tooth. Chainring is a 42 tooth. It is geared lower than the Qile Duo. And of course, you already know that the frame's material is made of lightweight magnesium alloy.
Flying Pigeon...great value per dollar!
I like both bikes though for different reasons. The Qile Duo is my all purpose workhorse. In fact, Qile Duo calls their bikes, "multi functional". The Pigeon is intended mainly for recreational riding, with the possibility of adding upgrades to increase it's performance envelop.
Regards,
Edward
I didn't realize that you had posted a question to me. I actually have only the Qile Duo, and the Flying Pigeon. I got rid of the Vilano. I wasn't very happy with the lousy paint job they did on the Vilano.
The Qile Duo is basically what is called a "shopper" folding bike. It's ruggedly built, and durable. Understand that that "ruggedly" means heavy, so it's not the most convenient bike for multi modal transportation, though that wouldn't stop someone from using it for that purpose. When folded, the front, and back wheel are fairly even next to each other, and the bike can be rolled using the handlebar.
This is really more of the kind of bike that you won't be folding, and unfolding several times a day, but it's nice to know that you can.
I've been riding this bike for more than 8 months for commuting, errand running, etc. with no issues out of the ordinary for any bike. It's solid, and built to last, but it may disappoint anyone looking for a sporty, high performance ride. That's not what it is meant for.
The QD has a 5 speed drivetrain, with a 14-26 rear cluster, 46 tooth chainring. Derailleur, and top mounted friction shifter are made by "Saiguan". It's rear suspension is provided by a friction dampened shock using a 1200 lbs./inch black spring. Front brake is a single pivot, side pull caliper brake. The rear brake is a cable activated 90 mm band brake.
Qile Duo VSTII...one TOUGH bike!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Flying Pigeon has more potential in uses that the Qile Duo isn't strong in, such as multi modal transport. It is much lighter. I've removed the fenders, and rack, and got the weight down to just over 24 lbs. It has more "up to date" equipment such as linear pull brakes, and a fully foldable handlepost. With appropriate changes in wheel sets, and drivetrain, you can use it for faster paced rides, and perhaps a light duty tourer.
Unlike the Qile Duo, the Pigeon has a 6 speed drivetrain instead. The rear cluster is a Shimano MF-TZ06 and is a 14-28 tooth. Chainring is a 42 tooth. It is geared lower than the Qile Duo. And of course, you already know that the frame's material is made of lightweight magnesium alloy.
Flying Pigeon...great value per dollar!
I like both bikes though for different reasons. The Qile Duo is my all purpose workhorse. In fact, Qile Duo calls their bikes, "multi functional". The Pigeon is intended mainly for recreational riding, with the possibility of adding upgrades to increase it's performance envelop.
Regards,
Edward
Edward, don't you now have a qile duo, a vilanti, and a flying pigeon? For those of us also looking for an entry-level folder, could you favor us with your opinions on the relative merits of these three? Hate to ask still more questions, as you've already been very helpful, but you seem to have pretty unique experience.
01-12-09, 08:09 AM
#41
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Thanks, Edward, that's helpful. Appreciate you sharing your experience.
01-12-09, 08:32 AM
#42
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Edward, thanks for this thread, I'm following it with interest.
Out of curiosity-- I am not trying to challenge you in any way-- the frame on your Pigeon looks like welded tubing. That's usually how aluminum frames are made; magnesium frames (like the Kent Ultralight Folder, which is apparently made by Flying Pigeon as well) are typically die-cast and have a very different look. Are you quite certain your frame is magnesium? I wouldn't trust the owner's manual or other literature that came with the bike-- things like that almost always state in the fine print "specifications subject to change without notification."
Also, I wonder if the fork on yours is steel; have you tried sticking a magnet to the fork blades?
Cheers!
Rudi
Out of curiosity-- I am not trying to challenge you in any way-- the frame on your Pigeon looks like welded tubing. That's usually how aluminum frames are made; magnesium frames (like the Kent Ultralight Folder, which is apparently made by Flying Pigeon as well) are typically die-cast and have a very different look. Are you quite certain your frame is magnesium? I wouldn't trust the owner's manual or other literature that came with the bike-- things like that almost always state in the fine print "specifications subject to change without notification."
Also, I wonder if the fork on yours is steel; have you tried sticking a magnet to the fork blades?
Cheers!
Rudi
01-12-09, 06:52 PM
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Rudy,
No problem...ask away
The Pigeon's frame is magnesium. It is identified as such on the top main frame tube. The fork is in fact steel, though I don't know if it's 4130 or 1010.
The Kent bike's magnesium frames were diecast. But if you look at the Kent frames, there are shapes that aren't feasible to make through extrusion.
However, the latest 6 speed Kent Compact 16, is aluminum. According to Larry from "RideThisBike.com", the company changed to this material because the manufacturing costs to make the diecast magnesium frames had escalated. This took away the cost effectiveness, and would have resulted in a higher price point.
The new bike looks much better, and will perform accordingly.
I am quite surprised that this thread has had quite a following, and enjoy immensely participating in it.
Regards,
Edward
No problem...ask away
The Pigeon's frame is magnesium. It is identified as such on the top main frame tube. The fork is in fact steel, though I don't know if it's 4130 or 1010.
The Kent bike's magnesium frames were diecast. But if you look at the Kent frames, there are shapes that aren't feasible to make through extrusion.
However, the latest 6 speed Kent Compact 16, is aluminum. According to Larry from "RideThisBike.com", the company changed to this material because the manufacturing costs to make the diecast magnesium frames had escalated. This took away the cost effectiveness, and would have resulted in a higher price point.
The new bike looks much better, and will perform accordingly.
I am quite surprised that this thread has had quite a following, and enjoy immensely participating in it.
Regards,
Edward
Edward, thanks for this thread, I'm following it with interest.
Out of curiosity-- I am not trying to challenge you in any way-- the frame on your Pigeon looks like welded tubing. That's usually how aluminum frames are made; magnesium frames (like the Kent Ultralight Folder, which is apparently made by Flying Pigeon as well) are typically die-cast and have a very different look. Are you quite certain your frame is magnesium? I wouldn't trust the owner's manual or other literature that came with the bike-- things like that almost always state in the fine print "specifications subject to change without notification."
Also, I wonder if the fork on yours is steel; have you tried sticking a magnet to the fork blades?
Cheers!
Rudi
Out of curiosity-- I am not trying to challenge you in any way-- the frame on your Pigeon looks like welded tubing. That's usually how aluminum frames are made; magnesium frames (like the Kent Ultralight Folder, which is apparently made by Flying Pigeon as well) are typically die-cast and have a very different look. Are you quite certain your frame is magnesium? I wouldn't trust the owner's manual or other literature that came with the bike-- things like that almost always state in the fine print "specifications subject to change without notification."
Also, I wonder if the fork on yours is steel; have you tried sticking a magnet to the fork blades?
Cheers!
Rudi
01-12-09, 08:37 PM
#45
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Still having a blast!
OK, so it's only been three days, but all remains well. It's almost that I'm feeling a little guilty, having so much fun on this $100 folder!
My beloved Giants took a beating yesterday, so I decided to drown my sorrows, with a little fresh air to "clear my head". I purchased a Bell wireless speedometer at the local Target on Friday evening, and installed it rather quickly with no problems. I've heard that the distance between the magnets from the fork to the handlebars may exceed the limits of the speedomenter, but it performs just fine. Anyways, before I knew it, I had peddled about 12 miles without giving it much thought. Once again, even with a little snow and ice on the local bike path, the Pigeon performed well.
After work tonight, I decided to go out again. I managed to find an old gel seat cushion in the closet, and put that on the Pigeon's saddle. This added a much needed additional inch or so. Once again the ride was blissfull. All told, I really gave it a test tonight... about an hour and a half and almost 16 miles. I was able to get to 18 mph-20 miles an hour "really cranking it", but was able to maintain 13-15 miles an hour with a "good -honest effort. This bike cruises very nicely!
If anything, I have been a little hard on the Pigeon in the last 3 days. I brake hard, shift gears repeatedly and do my best to try to find some flaws with it. Like I said before, "so far, so good". If this little bike performs this well in sub freezing tempertures, I just wondering how nicely it will perform when the weather gets nice.
My beloved Giants took a beating yesterday, so I decided to drown my sorrows, with a little fresh air to "clear my head". I purchased a Bell wireless speedometer at the local Target on Friday evening, and installed it rather quickly with no problems. I've heard that the distance between the magnets from the fork to the handlebars may exceed the limits of the speedomenter, but it performs just fine. Anyways, before I knew it, I had peddled about 12 miles without giving it much thought. Once again, even with a little snow and ice on the local bike path, the Pigeon performed well.
After work tonight, I decided to go out again. I managed to find an old gel seat cushion in the closet, and put that on the Pigeon's saddle. This added a much needed additional inch or so. Once again the ride was blissfull. All told, I really gave it a test tonight... about an hour and a half and almost 16 miles. I was able to get to 18 mph-20 miles an hour "really cranking it", but was able to maintain 13-15 miles an hour with a "good -honest effort. This bike cruises very nicely!
If anything, I have been a little hard on the Pigeon in the last 3 days. I brake hard, shift gears repeatedly and do my best to try to find some flaws with it. Like I said before, "so far, so good". If this little bike performs this well in sub freezing tempertures, I just wondering how nicely it will perform when the weather gets nice.
01-12-09, 10:44 PM
#46
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Hey Ricky,
I'm glad to hear that you're having a lot of fun on that "$100 folder"!
I like mine a lot, but I haven't been riding it as much as I'd like. Most of the times, when I ride a bike, it's to run an errand, etc., and my Qile Duo folder is set up for that purpose. Tomorrow morning, I might take some time and go for a ride in my Pigeon.
Think that you'll get a chance to take a picture of your Pigeon, and post it here?
Regards,
Edward
I'm glad to hear that you're having a lot of fun on that "$100 folder"!
I like mine a lot, but I haven't been riding it as much as I'd like. Most of the times, when I ride a bike, it's to run an errand, etc., and my Qile Duo folder is set up for that purpose. Tomorrow morning, I might take some time and go for a ride in my Pigeon.
Think that you'll get a chance to take a picture of your Pigeon, and post it here?
Regards,
Edward
OK, so it's only been three days, but all remains well. It's almost that I'm feeling a little guilty, having so much fun on this $100 folder!
My beloved Giants took a beating yesterday, so I decided to drown my sorrows, with a little fresh air to "clear my head". I purchased a Bell wireless speedometer at the local Target on Friday evening, and installed it rather quickly with no problems. I've heard that the distance between the magnets from the fork to the handlebars may exceed the limits of the speedomenter, but it performs just fine. Anyways, before I knew it, I had peddled about 12 miles without giving it much thought. Once again, even with a little snow and ice on the local bike path, the Pigeon performed well.
After work tonight, I decided to go out again. I managed to find an old gel seat cushion in the closet, and put that on the Pigeon's saddle. This added a much needed additional inch or so. Once again the ride was blissfull. All told, I really gave it a test tonight... about an hour and a half and almost 16 miles. I was able to get to 18 mph-20 miles an hour "really cranking it", but was able to maintain 13-15 miles an hour with a "good -honest effort. This bike cruises very nicely!
If anything, I have been a little hard on the Pigeon in the last 3 days. I brake hard, shift gears repeatedly and do my best to try to find some flaws with it. Like I said before, "so far, so good". If this little bike performs this well in sub freezing tempertures, I just wondering how nicely it will perform when the weather gets nice.
My beloved Giants took a beating yesterday, so I decided to drown my sorrows, with a little fresh air to "clear my head". I purchased a Bell wireless speedometer at the local Target on Friday evening, and installed it rather quickly with no problems. I've heard that the distance between the magnets from the fork to the handlebars may exceed the limits of the speedomenter, but it performs just fine. Anyways, before I knew it, I had peddled about 12 miles without giving it much thought. Once again, even with a little snow and ice on the local bike path, the Pigeon performed well.
After work tonight, I decided to go out again. I managed to find an old gel seat cushion in the closet, and put that on the Pigeon's saddle. This added a much needed additional inch or so. Once again the ride was blissfull. All told, I really gave it a test tonight... about an hour and a half and almost 16 miles. I was able to get to 18 mph-20 miles an hour "really cranking it", but was able to maintain 13-15 miles an hour with a "good -honest effort. This bike cruises very nicely!
If anything, I have been a little hard on the Pigeon in the last 3 days. I brake hard, shift gears repeatedly and do my best to try to find some flaws with it. Like I said before, "so far, so good". If this little bike performs this well in sub freezing tempertures, I just wondering how nicely it will perform when the weather gets nice.
01-13-09, 02:11 AM
#47
Brompton M3L, Strida 5.0
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Looks sharp for the price. I would certainly like a cheap folder I can lock up and not particularly care about if it gets stolen. For me in NYC, folding is more about less space in the apt than about security - that is, if the bike is cheap. (Which my Strida and Brompton are not.)
Re: the slipping seatpost - I had this same problem on my 10x - plus expensive Brompton. I think all you really need to do is wait. It's one of those things that has to "bed in".
Unfortunately about this Flying Pigeon, it's six speed. I'd rather not have the complication of the gears & deraileur. Don't need it in Manhattan and it just adds maintenance. However I find the one speed Flying Pigeon 16" on eBay much uglier than this one.
Re: the slipping seatpost - I had this same problem on my 10x - plus expensive Brompton. I think all you really need to do is wait. It's one of those things that has to "bed in".
Unfortunately about this Flying Pigeon, it's six speed. I'd rather not have the complication of the gears & deraileur. Don't need it in Manhattan and it just adds maintenance. However I find the one speed Flying Pigeon 16" on eBay much uglier than this one.
01-13-09, 06:57 AM
#48
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Hello,
Thank you for your comments. Yes this bike (Flying Pigeon) is very cost effective, and should it be stolen, it's not a big loss.
In my particular case, I no longer have issues with the seat post. I installed a new, longer seat post that I purchased from "bikeman.com", and now I get full leg extension so the bike is much more comfortable for me to ride. Also, this seat post doesn't slip back into the frame. The post has very fine grooves around it, and provides a much more solid grip against the plastic seat post shim. Needless to say, I am very happy.
My opinion is that the bike is great as is, especially for the price, but would provide a nice base to work on for anyone who likes to "tinker"; so a single speed conversion is a possibility. Albeit, the rear dropout is vertical so it's a bit more challenging, but possible non the less.
There are two 16" folding models on eBay. I have to agree that the non suspended model is not very attractive. The suspended one in my opinion doesn't look too bad. It also has full fenders, and a rear rack...so it's a practical bike as well.
Regards,
Edward
Thank you for your comments. Yes this bike (Flying Pigeon) is very cost effective, and should it be stolen, it's not a big loss.
In my particular case, I no longer have issues with the seat post. I installed a new, longer seat post that I purchased from "bikeman.com", and now I get full leg extension so the bike is much more comfortable for me to ride. Also, this seat post doesn't slip back into the frame. The post has very fine grooves around it, and provides a much more solid grip against the plastic seat post shim. Needless to say, I am very happy.
My opinion is that the bike is great as is, especially for the price, but would provide a nice base to work on for anyone who likes to "tinker"; so a single speed conversion is a possibility. Albeit, the rear dropout is vertical so it's a bit more challenging, but possible non the less.
There are two 16" folding models on eBay. I have to agree that the non suspended model is not very attractive. The suspended one in my opinion doesn't look too bad. It also has full fenders, and a rear rack...so it's a practical bike as well.
Regards,
Edward
Looks sharp for the price. I would certainly like a cheap folder I can lock up and not particularly care about if it gets stolen. For me in NYC, folding is more about less space in the apt than about security - that is, if the bike is cheap. (Which my Strida and Brompton are not.)
Re: the slipping seatpost - I had this same problem on my 10x - plus expensive Brompton. I think all you really need to do is wait. It's one of those things that has to "bed in".
Unfortunately about this Flying Pigeon, it's six speed. I'd rather not have the complication of the gears & deraileur. Don't need it in Manhattan and it just adds maintenance. However I find the one speed Flying Pigeon 16" on eBay much uglier than this one.
Re: the slipping seatpost - I had this same problem on my 10x - plus expensive Brompton. I think all you really need to do is wait. It's one of those things that has to "bed in".
Unfortunately about this Flying Pigeon, it's six speed. I'd rather not have the complication of the gears & deraileur. Don't need it in Manhattan and it just adds maintenance. However I find the one speed Flying Pigeon 16" on eBay much uglier than this one.
01-14-09, 06:31 PM
#49
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Well I experienced issues with my FP today! It had nothing to do with the bike however.
I'm not sure if it was the temperture or whatever, but my computer was giving me a lot of problems. It was about 20 degrees farenheit when I was riding this evening, so maybe that's the cause. It started showing unrealistic speeds. I checked the magnet and it so close to the sensor (1/4 inch) that can't be the issue. Maybe it is the distance between the handlebars and the sensor. When I brought the bike inside, after about 15 minutes, it was working fine again. On my other bikes (3) I have cheap "Backtrails" $10 speedometers that are not wireless. They all work perfect. Frankly, when I went to Target, I was looking for another one of them, but I had to settle for the Bell computer. The cheap speedometers have all the info that I need...actual speed, miles traveled via trip and total miles. Simple and good. The Bell wireless has all the "bells and whistles" that are useless to me. (ie: calories burned, temp, time in Paris, etc)
The bike nonetheless rode fine.
Edward, I'll post the pics when I straighted out my digital camera's issues. I lent it to a friend a couple months ago, and since it was returned, I've experienced downloading problems with it.
I'm not sure if it was the temperture or whatever, but my computer was giving me a lot of problems. It was about 20 degrees farenheit when I was riding this evening, so maybe that's the cause. It started showing unrealistic speeds. I checked the magnet and it so close to the sensor (1/4 inch) that can't be the issue. Maybe it is the distance between the handlebars and the sensor. When I brought the bike inside, after about 15 minutes, it was working fine again. On my other bikes (3) I have cheap "Backtrails" $10 speedometers that are not wireless. They all work perfect. Frankly, when I went to Target, I was looking for another one of them, but I had to settle for the Bell computer. The cheap speedometers have all the info that I need...actual speed, miles traveled via trip and total miles. Simple and good. The Bell wireless has all the "bells and whistles" that are useless to me. (ie: calories burned, temp, time in Paris, etc)
The bike nonetheless rode fine.
Edward, I'll post the pics when I straighted out my digital camera's issues. I lent it to a friend a couple months ago, and since it was returned, I've experienced downloading problems with it.
01-18-09, 08:20 PM
#50
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I'm adding on to this subject now! In my quest for my 1st bike since I was a kid, I'm down to 2 bikes:
Flying Pigeon
Dahon Mu P8
Obviously, the price difference is too big to even compare the 2 in a fair manner, but nevertheless, I would like to compare it and see how they fare.
I posted in another post before, but I'm 5'2" female living in 6 floor walk-up, to be using the bike on weekends for recreational riding only (around Central Park & NYC Greenway). I won't be riding on the streets at all since I'm not exactly an expert in riding and I don't feel confident enough to do that.
That said, my biggest concern is weight first, and then I'll evaluate the other stuff. I have a feel questions.
1) The Dahon Mu P8 has a weight of 24.7 on its official site. If I'm going to strip the Flying Pigeon of the rack & fenders (the Mu P8 also doesn't have either) & any other easy stuff I can strip away (I'm really working on the weight issue), FP is only 24 pounds, so it's actually lighter than the Dahon? Wow.
2) Does the flying pigeon brake w/ a bar on the handle? I cannot manage bikes where you have to pedal backwards to break.
3) What is the biggest difference between the Flying Pigeon & the Dahon Mu P8 given its price point? Is it due to brand name? I know Dahon has an extra gear, but I don't care about that. Does the difference in the wheels actually make much of a difference? Will I feel every little bump and pebble on the Flying Pigeon?
3) I googled the mileage for Central Park & the NYC Greenway. They say the NYC Greenway is 32 miles *mind boggles*!!!! How do you think the bikes will fare w/ that kind of riding in one day (well, maybe 15 miles - not sure if I can do entire 32 miles)? Would I regret not getting one over the other at day's end?
4) Lastly, blue or red bike? Both look adorable.
Thank you for your help
Flying Pigeon
Dahon Mu P8
Obviously, the price difference is too big to even compare the 2 in a fair manner, but nevertheless, I would like to compare it and see how they fare.
I posted in another post before, but I'm 5'2" female living in 6 floor walk-up, to be using the bike on weekends for recreational riding only (around Central Park & NYC Greenway). I won't be riding on the streets at all since I'm not exactly an expert in riding and I don't feel confident enough to do that.
That said, my biggest concern is weight first, and then I'll evaluate the other stuff. I have a feel questions.
1) The Dahon Mu P8 has a weight of 24.7 on its official site. If I'm going to strip the Flying Pigeon of the rack & fenders (the Mu P8 also doesn't have either) & any other easy stuff I can strip away (I'm really working on the weight issue), FP is only 24 pounds, so it's actually lighter than the Dahon? Wow.
2) Does the flying pigeon brake w/ a bar on the handle? I cannot manage bikes where you have to pedal backwards to break.
3) What is the biggest difference between the Flying Pigeon & the Dahon Mu P8 given its price point? Is it due to brand name? I know Dahon has an extra gear, but I don't care about that. Does the difference in the wheels actually make much of a difference? Will I feel every little bump and pebble on the Flying Pigeon?
3) I googled the mileage for Central Park & the NYC Greenway. They say the NYC Greenway is 32 miles *mind boggles*!!!! How do you think the bikes will fare w/ that kind of riding in one day (well, maybe 15 miles - not sure if I can do entire 32 miles)? Would I regret not getting one over the other at day's end?
4) Lastly, blue or red bike? Both look adorable.
Thank you for your help