Price Paid:
$400.00
at Big Oak, Yokohama, c Favorite Ride:
Recreational Bike Setup:
Stock with Shimano Alivio 11-28, foldable baggage carrier with strut (Japanese design). Added extendable handlebar stem and LED Lenser light. No-brand carrying bag. Summary:
I bought the Japanese BD-1 at half the list price (LBS closing down). It has the same design and gearing as the Birdy Red but graphite (titanium) color and (likely) different hubs, rims and brakes. BD-1 is fully assembled in Taiwan; looks, rides and folds very decent. Front wheel bearing was 1/4 turn too tight. Strengths:
Lightweight, stiff frame, even with seatpost to the max. Responsive ride, good climber, comfortable suspension, no brake dive. Handles my 6'4" and 220lbs well (but pressure on the butt, it is just not as comfy as a recumbent). Folds neatly and holds together. Weaknesses:
Minor quibbles. Standard handlebar too low for me, extendable bar available but needs 4" longer cables (penny-pinching?). No sensible fenders available here (German fenders look better). Rim butting not smoothed, tickle the brakes. Short wheelbase and high center of G may throw me over in emergency stop - ride only with helmet and gloves. Similar Products Used:
No other folder yet. Compares favorably to all other bikes I have used for sub-5mi rides.
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