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Introduction
Birdy bikes are perhaps the most versatile and high-performance folding bikes available today. With their sleek design, full front and rear suspension, and compact fold, they defy the stereotype that folding bikes are only fit for casual riding. At Mighty Velo, we stock a wide range of Birdy models that cater to cyclists of all types, from casual PCN riders to speed enthusiasts and adventurous types.
But with so many models to choose from, a newcomer to the world of folding bikes might find themselves confused. How can one decide which Birdy is best for them?
Let’s explore the differences between some of our most popular models to help you decide!
What is a Birdy Bike? What makes them special?
Before we take a more in-depth look at individual Birdy models, let’s examine the Birdy brand as a whole and understand why Birdy bikes stand out from other folding bikes.
Birdy bicycles were first designed in the 1990s by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller, two German engineers and cycling fanatics. They partnered with Pacific Cycles in Taiwan to manufacture this innovative new bike design. Pacific Cycles continues to manufacture Birdy bikes to this day, but each Birdy we sell is actually assembled by hand by our mechanics in our local workshop?
Why so? Because we want to give our customers a chance to personalize their ride by choosing from 13 different frame colours. Even the manufacturing factories in Taiwan can’t boast this amount of variety!
The Birdy’s standout traits are more than just skin-deep, though. Each Birdy features a single-shell monocoque frame with no hinges, meaning they’re remarkably stable to ride. The frame rigidity minimizes loss of pedalling power.
Full front and rear suspension ensures riding a Birdy is always comfortable, even over rough terrain. Smaller wheels don’t mean a rockier ride. The Birdy also boasts high-quality components and 18” or 20” wheels for a higher top speed and greater stability than smaller folding bikes.
The Birdy achieves this superior riding performance without sacrificing foldability. It can be folded easily under 15 seconds and wheeled around once folded, making it an excellent candidate as a first-mile-last-mile commuter option.
Birdy City vs. Birdy GT: Which One Should You Choose?
Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular Birdy models and their differences.
The Birdy City weighs 10.9kg and features a 9-speed Shimano Sora derailleur, as well as Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes. It’s a solid beginner option, providing comfort, flexibility and style without specializing at any one thing. Compared to other Birdy bikes, it has a superb price-performance ratio, and can be easily modified to fit a cyclist’s needs.
The Birdy GT is slightly heavier, at 11.4kg. It’s meant as an all-rounder, all-terrain gravel folding bike. Its wide, knobby Schwalbe Black Jack tyres can tackle PCN, roads, and light off-road trails with equal ease. Its 10-speed SRAM X5 derailleur and Juin-Tech cable-actuated hydraulic brakes are also meant to improve performance on rough, challenging terrain. The GT blends versatility and ruggedness in one portable package.
If you’re more of a casual cyclist looking to have fun on the PCN during weekends, or you’re a newcomer to the world of folding bikes, the Birdy City is suitable for you. It’s one of the most affordable Birdy models while still performing well as a bike for commuters and casual cyclists, while the ease with which it can be modified means that you can shape it to your needs.
If you’re someone who enjoys riding off-road, or on gravelly or rocky terrain; or if you’re just more of an adventurous person in general, the Birdy GT is likely more suitable for you. Its versatile nature means you can take it almost anywhere, even to light off-road trails, and it’s rugged enough for seasoned adventurers.
Birdy Rohloff vs. Birdy R20: Which One is Right for You?
Let’s move on to two relatively high-end and specialized Birdy models.
The Birdy Rohloff, weighing 12kg, is often referred to as the “king of Birdy”. That’s because of its legendary 14-speed Rohloff internal gear hub, which not only allows riders to change up to 8 gears even while stationary, but is renowned for its low-maintenance design. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the Rohloff hub only requires a quick oil change every 5000km. All these features allow the Rohloff to be ridden for longer and further than any other Birdy while also requiring less maintenance and care.
The Birdy R20 goes in a different direction: pure speed rather than longevity. It comes equipped with 20-inch Panaracer tyres for higher top speeds, and is more lightweight than other Birdy models at just 10.8kg. It has a Shimano 105 derailleur and TRP Spyre disc brakes, components designed for smooth and efficient gear-shifting and braking at high speeds.
If you’re a traveller or long-distance cyclist, the Birdy Rohloff will serve you well. Its incredible reliability and low maintenance needs mean that it is very suitable for long tours overseas where you might have few chances to visit a mechanic or bicycle shop in between sightseeing. If you’re planning on a cross-country or marathon-type cycling trip, you can’t go wrong with the Rohloff.
If your aim is to maximize speed and handling on the road, the Birdy R20 is the better choice. It’s a folding bike that can go head-to-head with many full-sized road bikes. If you enjoy the feeling of racing down roads with your friends, it’s probably the superior Birdy bicycle.
Get Your Dream Birdy Now with Our Instalment Payment Plans!
Now you have a better idea of which Birdy bicycle might best suit your preferences. Keep in mind that you can always test them out with a free test ride at Mighty Velo’s retail store!
What happens if you’re very interested in riding your dream Birdy bike, but happen to be tight on budget at the moment? Not to worry. We offer 12-month instalment payment plans (IPPs) that are completely interest-free!
As long as you have a UOB, OCBC, DBS or POSB credit card, you can take advantage of these IPPs in order to ride away with the Birdy after paying just a fraction of its cost initially! Whether you’re investing in your first Birdy or upgrading to a higher-end model, our flexible plans make it easier to own the perfect folding bike without the upfront cost.
Conclusion
Every Birdy bike is designed with precision, performance, and convenience in mind. Whether you’re after a comfortable commuter bike, a rugged gravel explorer, a long-distance tourer, or a high-speed road bike, there’s a Birdy that’s perfect for you. Explore our range today and find your dream ride!
