wasabimaster

I checked out the Brompton at NYCE Wheels, and also checked out the Birdy at the bfold store. I am leaning towards the Brompton also because bfold is the only store in the USA or probably the american continent that sells birdy bikes.

Ozonation

That's probably true... but if most of your riding is going to be in the New York area, and if the Birdy takes mostly stock components (not sure), then I think exclusivity should be less of a concern. I think ride quality and preference are going to be your most critical aspects - hey, 8 projected hours in the saddle makes for a long day!

keyven

Except the 8-hours-on-the-saddle doesn't sound like it's something he's going to do every week. Both of them are excellent bikes in their own ways, so I've little doubt you'll be happy with whichever one choose.

bhkyte

Birdie more comfortable as full suspension, longer wheelbase< is able to take wider tyres, and better able to adjust fit to some extent.
I use mine on gravel tow paths and fields etc. It is much more comfortable than the brommie.
However brommie is a comfortable ride for a compact folder, and it may be good enough for your needs.

wasabimaster

Does your Birdy have more lower and higher speeds than current Brompton with a 6 speed hub?

feijai

Allow me to proffer a contrarian but I think somewhat more objective :-)
opinion.

You should definitely not get a folding bike.

People often think they should get folders because they're lighter. But they're not. Folders are generally significantly heavier than equivalently priced "regular" bikes. The reason is simple: much of the cost of a folder is in the folding design, so when you buy an $800 folding bike you're really buying a $400 level bike with $400 of folding technology built into it. Whereas you could have spent that extra $400 paying for lighter weight.

And you may think that more compact is easier to lift, but it isn't. It's less easily balanced when you carry it, and makes a thick and unwieldy package. I have found carrying my folder up stairs folded is quite a bit harder than carrying it unfolded.

What you need is a small sport hybrid like the Trek FX series, which starts at about $500. For example a Trek 7.3 FX costs about the same as a cheap Dahon ($659) and at your size weighs only 22 pounds. And that's considered *heavy* in the sport hybrid world. In comparison, a Dahon Mu P8 ($749) weighs 27 pounds and is considered medium to light in the folding world. And the Mu rides far worse than the FX 7.3, without any doubt.

Folding bikes are good for many things. But your needs are not one of them. Get a lightweight regular bike.

wasabimaster

I agree about the cost of a folding bike vs non folding and i know that non folding bicycles are are as comfortable as they get. But for me purchasing a non folder means I cannot take the train (legally i can, but i wont drag my full scale bike into one). Weight does not really bother me as long as its between 20-35lb then its OK. I had non folding bicycles throughout my life but where I can go is limited, for example, if i want to travel somewhere 15-20 miles away, i don't want to ride back and will probably take the transit back.

feijai

I was replying to Boppsie, the OP, who mistakenly thought folders might be a good pick because (she?) was primarily concerned with weight.

keyven

Quite true. Folders are great for train rides and car boots and plane luggage but they aren't necessarily superior in the stair-hefting department. And to think most of us were so caught up recommending various folders that we didn't think of how to solve her problem at all lol.

bhkyte

No, but it could if you needed it to have. Standard axle width means you can fit what ever hub you want. I don't like brommie 6 speed at all, but it's the best standard option.

dynaryder

Don't forget the hinges add a fair bit of weight.

Ozonation

Perhaps so, but the OP's original concerns were both size and weight, and she identified size as a significant consideration. Most folding bikes are within the range of weight handling that she identified as manageable.

feijai's points are well taken, but I would argue that 25 to 30 pounds in a highly compact form factor will be easier to hoist up a flight of stairs, particularly turning on a stair landing or navigating doors, than the same weight distributed over a larger space. I know you indicate you found carrying your folder to be less balanced and harder, but I think a lot depends on the fold of your bike. I have very little difficulty with my Brompton carrying it around, and that includes going up and down stairs, down narrow aisles, into elevators, hoisting into the back of the car, etc.

A 5 pound difference is significant, but if the OP uses the bike for commuting regularly, the marginal benefit from weight savings provided by a lighter but larger bike will likely be small if the OP has to wear commuting apparel, and carry lunch, change of clothes, lights, carrying bag, office files, and so on. These too also have to be lifted up and down, and may be a greater issue to deal with.

Disclosure: my "regular bike" costs more than and weighs to within 1 lb of my Brompton, but I wouldn't trade it for a carbon fibre or aluminum bike that weighs less regardless of the weight savings - but that's just me...

WestPablo

If weight is the deal breaker, all you have to do is get a quick release for your front wheel. Just quickly remove the front wheel, lock it up somewhere out of sight outside, and take your bike upstairs, minus the extra weight of the wheel.