Help getting my Birdy into a suitcase
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 37
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Help getting my Birdy into a suitcase
So I have a Samsonite type of suitcase and I am ready to pack up my birdy for travel...
here's my question - how do I get the wheels off? I'm used to brakes that unclip, but by all appearance the brakes on my birdy have to be disassembled... anyone have any tips on how I can get my wheels off for packing?
Thanks,
Mike
here's my question - how do I get the wheels off? I'm used to brakes that unclip, but by all appearance the brakes on my birdy have to be disassembled... anyone have any tips on how I can get my wheels off for packing?
Thanks,
Mike
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I had trouble getting rear wheel out until I found that pulling some brake cable through towards the back for some more slack, allowed the pads to separate just far enough to allow the tyre through with a little force. Failing that, deflate the wheel a bit so it can be squeezed past the brakes.
#3
Part-time epistemologist
While this doesn't answer your wheel question -- Jur did that -- this should be a helpful page when you proceed past that step.
https://www.gaerlan.com/bikes/birdy/birdypk.htm
https://www.gaerlan.com/bikes/birdy/birdypk.htm
__________________
A narrative on bicycle driving.
A narrative on bicycle driving.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
On mine the rear wheel won't come off without removing the quick release first. It binds on the top of the derailleur. This is really strange, I never had that problem with other bikes.
#5
Car free since 1995
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,050
Bikes: M5 Carbon High Racer, Trek Emonda SL6
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
6 Posts
The link that Invisiblehand sent was for a Samsonite Oyster. When I first packed the bike, I erroneously thought I was using a 29" suitcase, but it was a huge monster (because I'm stupid, had never used suitcases for travel, and didn't measure it). The bike almost fit in with the wheels on.
I'm now years out. When that suitcase died, I bought an Oyster. It's much tougher and easier to tow on a trailer, but you really do have to carefully follow the directions. I might also consider getting a crush protector to prevent the chainring from getting bent. You should also fit a few bits of rolled up newspaper into the empty spaces. The baggage handlers will destroy it if you give them the chance. I have had the wheels ripped off the suitcase, the outside secure strap torn apart, and have had a bent chainring. The latter is a hassle if you are traveling somewhere that does not sell road bikes.
I'm now years out. When that suitcase died, I bought an Oyster. It's much tougher and easier to tow on a trailer, but you really do have to carefully follow the directions. I might also consider getting a crush protector to prevent the chainring from getting bent. You should also fit a few bits of rolled up newspaper into the empty spaces. The baggage handlers will destroy it if you give them the chance. I have had the wheels ripped off the suitcase, the outside secure strap torn apart, and have had a bent chainring. The latter is a hassle if you are traveling somewhere that does not sell road bikes.