From:
"Ken Li" <kenli-bXbyeAer+9Hl9gibU2lq91aTQe2KTcn/@public.gmane.org>
To:
"Bob Gelman" <annelyse-fOdFMYwuEsI@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Hi Bob,
I wanted to log some time and mileage on the bike before responding back.
Just did my first over 20 mile ride (ever!) at the local 5-borough, 42-mile
Bike A Thon tour of New York City with 29,000 other bikers.
And I am glad to report that it performed admirably.
while I am no bike expert, I can safely say I was able to keep up with the
pack. What was a bit annoying was the attention the bike got everytime I
stopped for a break.
More than once, riders next to me crashed into the guy in front staring at
the bike.
I can now fold the bike in about 30 seconds. Thanks for your tips. What kind
of bag do you carry it? any suggestions?
One problem I've been having is the fitting of a cyclometer. I tried fitting
a Cateye cordless a week ago, but just couldn't make it work. It was about 2
inches too far away from the transmitter to be effective. the shop is now
trying to fit a corded cateye (Enduro 2). I'll update you on the progress.
I'm also waiting for the folding rear rack to arrive at the bike dealer.
Have you modified your Birdy's in any way?
Kenneth Li
Dear Ken,
I hope you don't mind me "outing" your private e-mail! Gotta get some action
going on this thing!
I have the folding rear rack on one of my Birdys. It is quite neat. The whole
folding/unfolding of the rack itself is automatic when the rest of the bike is
folded/unfolded; e.g., you don't have to do anything additional. It makes the
whole astounding operation all that more delightful. The weight limit (20-25
lbs if I remember correctly) is in line with other seat post attached racks
that one finds that don't fold. I have wondered if there was some NASA kind of
hi tec wire that could replace the OEM wire that holds the weight up that could
increase the carrying capacity. I never investigated this. You should be in a
good position with your job contacts to do this should you have an interest
(after you get it you'll see what I mean).
I haven't used any bike bags for the Birdy. I did take it into a luggage store
once and found that a 32" size piece of luggage fit the Birdy without having to
do anything to the bike (i.e., remove wheels, seat/seat post).
Sorry to hear you're having trouble finding a good match for Birdy and Bike
Computer. Perhaps Hiroki in Japan might have a suggestion. Otherwise I suppose
you'll just have to experiment if you can't find the unit Mike Hessey in
England used.
I haven't modified my Birdies at all really. I put "Spinacci" (sp. ?) like Aero
bars on one bike (from Performance Bikes 1-800-727-2453. They call them Strada.
$35.00 (282 grams). This allows me to get out of the wind a bit from the
upright position. Since I have a water bottle and frame on the front of the
head tube (attached with Velcro made by "Two Fish") I doesn't make the bike
substantially bigger than the water bottle protrusion when folded. I also
considered "Newk" bar ends. The have a version which would allow you to put
"drops" on the end of the Birdy bars without modifying gear selectors and
brakes, etc. But I couldn't see these without ordering them so I didn't know if
they would interfere with the Birdy's folding.
Nice to hear you're putting some miles on the bike. That NYC ride sounded like
fun. The bike sure never ceases to amaze people. It think I get more "Rad"
remarks from the kids in the street than if I'd gone by in a Testarossa.
Now, as an attorney I must pose this question:
Query: What is YOUR liability for those accidents of "other riders" intently
studying your bike? ;)
Bob
PS: Again, I hope you didn't mind my posting all this....
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