What’s in a Classic? The Birdy New Classic and its Features

‍Introduction

Timeless aesthetics. Modern performance. The Birdy New Classic is a performance folding bike that seamlessly spans past and future. 

As the most affordable Birdy bike, it’s often seen as an entry-level Birdy bike, a great way to be introduced to the world of performance folding bikes. But don’t be fooled – even as an entry-level Birdy, this bike offers an exceptional balance of portability, performance, and comfort. Whether you’re a commuter, casual rider, or outdoor adventurer, its impressive array of features make it a versatile option.

In this article, we’ll be exploring these varied features, such as its folding design, full front and rear suspension, highly adjustable geometry, and more. Hopefully, by the end of the article, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes the New Classic such a classic. Let’s dive in!

Retro Monocoque Frame

The first thing many notice about the Birdy New Classic is the unique shape of its main frame. Like the other Birdy bikes, the New Classic features a single-shell monocoque main frame with no folding hinges. Unlike the others, it has a retro-styled tubular design, meant to harken back to the original Birdy bike designs in the 1990s. This immediately gives it a distinctive look that will probably appeal to those with retro sensibilities.

“Old school” doesn’t have to mean outdated, however. The Birdy New Classic’s tubular frame still follows the same monocoque design as other Birdy bikes. The lack of any folding hinges in the main frame means that the New Classic remains rigid and stable during rides, without lateral flex or much loss of power transfer when pedaling. This monocoque design allows the New Classic to perform much more like a full-sized non-folding bike than a bike with a trifold or bifold design.

Quick and Compact Folding

Another standout feature of the Birdy New Classic is one shared with other Birdy bikes: its ability to be folded and unfolded in just 15 seconds. In fact, with practice, Birdy owners can fold or unfold it in less than 10 seconds!

Once folded, the New Classic can be easily rolled around. This ability means that a rider can transition seamlessly from cycling to rolling it onto public transport, or into a mall or office building. It becomes quick and convenient to combine multiple modes of transport. No need to worry if the sky looks overcast, or the bus is taking too long to arrive – switch between cycling, taking the train, and hopping on a bus whenever you need to!

The compact fold also means the Birdy fits under a desk or in a closet. It’s easy to store the New Classic whenever necessary. Besides freeing up space at home, it also means you never need to worry about parking or security – just leave it under your desk at work!

What about cases where rolling the New Classic around becomes impractical, like when there’s an elevator breakdown? The New Classic weighs only 10.9 kg, so it’s lightweight and can be carried up stairs or lifted into a vehicle without much effort. All in all, it’s a superbly portable bike.

Full Suspension for a Smooth Ride

Unlike many other folding bike brands, Birdy bikes are equipped with full front and rear suspension. These suspension points are ingeniously combined with folding hinges. The New Classic is no different in this regard, boasting a full suspension system.

This feature absorbs shocks from bumpy roads and uneven terrain, ensuring a comfortable and stable ride. Whether you’re cycling on city streets, light off-road trails, or gravel paths, the suspension system provides a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

Adjustable Geometry for Comfort and Speed

When unfolded, the Birdy New Classic’s usual design is meant to mimic the geometry of full-sized road bikes, making it a great choice for fast riding. The rider will naturally assume a more bent-over, streamlined position for a more aerodynamic posture. 

If you’d prefer a more upright position, not to worry! The New Classic can be set up to accommodate different riding preferences. By flipping the seatpost and handlebars around in order to decrease the distance between them, riders can modify the bike’s geometry to achieve a more upright, relaxed riding position that is more comfortable for many. Ride the way you want!

This flexibility allows the bike to cater to both performance-oriented riders and more casual cyclists. Additionally, this adjustability means the Birdy New Classic can be adapted to fit smaller children as well, making it a great long-term investment!

Fit for Almost Any Rider, Any Age

Customization is a key strength of the Birdy New Classic that allows riders to adjust it to their specifications. With easily adjustable handlebar stem heights and seatpost heights, it can accommodate riders of various sizes and heights.

This ensures an optimal and ergonomic riding position for all, making the bike accessible to a wide range of users, whether they’re tall or petite.

But that’s not all! Thanks to this feature, if a child grows up riding the Birdy New Classic, it’s no issue to adjust the stem and seatpost heights as he grows taller. This is one bike that can literally grow with your child as a constant companion!

Reliable Tektro V-Brakes

Braking performance is crucial for any bike, letting you ride with the peace of mind that you can brake safely at any time. The Birdy New Classic is thus equipped with Tektro V-brakes. These lightweight brakes offer reliable stopping power while being much easier to maintain than disc brakes, making them a practical choice for everyday cycling and commuting. 

Whether you’re navigating busy streets or taking a detour downhill, you can trust the New Classic to provide safe and responsive braking.

Smooth and Efficient Shifting

The Birdy New Classic boasts a Shimano Acera 8-speed derailleur, giving you a wide range of gears capable of tackling both flat roads as well as slopes and more challenging terrain. Riders can enjoy smooth, precise gear shifting that’ll let them focus on cycling, hassle-free!

Whether you’re on an incline or speeding along the road, this meticulously designed drivetrain ensures that finding the right gear for any situation feels like second nature. Shimano derailleurs are known for their durability and reliability, and the Acera is no different. Enjoy long-term performance with minimal maintenance!

Conclusion

With its blend of classic design and modern functionality, the Birdy New Classic is not to be underestimated. Even though it’s the most affordable Birdy model, it’s still a top-tier folding bike that excels in portability, comfort, and performance.

Whether you need a fast and agile bike, a comfortable long-distance ride, or a compact companion you can bring on your daily commute, the New Classic delivers on all fronts. Its many features make it a standout choice for all riders.

Come down to Mighty Velo for a FREE test ride and try it out for yourself!

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