Birdy (bicycle)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Birdy is a folding bicycle designed by Riese und Müller. As of 2005 over 60,000 have been sold.
Released in 1995, it was the first fully suspended folding bike. The ride is regarded as more sporty than the Brompton, thanks in part to slightly larger (18") wheels and a stiff single-piece aluminium frame with no hinge.
The Birdy uses standard rear dropout spacing so allows a wide range oif gearing options. Standard options include: 8-speed hub gear, 8-speed derailleur, 24-speed Shimano Intego, Rohloff Speedhub 14-speed hub gear. Available accessories are mudguards, mountain bike tyres, different racks, bags and lightning sets.
The Birdy folds in between 20 and 30 seconds to 79 x 61 x 36 cm, somewhat larger than the Brompton but nevertheless compact enough to present few problems in mixed-mode commuting or for carriage by car or boat. Mass is between 10 and 13 kg depending on configuration.
The Birdy's wide range of gearing options, stiff frame and well-designed suspension mean that apart from commuting it is also suitable for touring and sporting use.
The Birdy is distributed in Europe by Riese und Müller, in Australia by BikeBox, in the USA by C.M. Wasson Company, David Black (Rad Innovations) and NYCeWheels, folding bikes, in Japan by Mizutani Bikes, and in Singapore by Two Wheel Action Pte Ltd.[1] Some distributors make custom modifications to the bicycle.[2]
