Momentum Review: Birdy City Edition Folding Bike For Convenient Urban Mobility

Finding a bike that strikes the perfect balance between style, functionality, and ease of use can be challenging — enter the Birdy City Edition. This folding bike that not only meets these demands but exceeds them. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or someone simply looking to downsize their ride, the Birdy City offers a compelling mix of innovation, quality, and versatility.

We spent a few weeks testing it out recently and here is what we thought.

Background

The Birdy City is the brainchild of Riese & Müller, a name synonymous with quality in the world of bicycles. Known primarily for their cargo bikes like the Packster and the Load, Riese & Müller has brought their design prowess to the folding bike market with the Birdy City.  We trust what they’re doing here with the Birdy thanks to that stellar reputation. They designed this bike with everything having a purpose, and it’s really sharp looking. T

Lightweight Yet Robust Construction

One of the most impressive aspects of the Birdy City is its weight—just 10.9 kg (22 pounds). This ultra-light build makes it incredibly easy to carry, whether you’re navigating stairs, hopping on a train, or simply storing it in your apartment. The frame is made from aluminum, so there is some strength and durability without adding unnecessary weight. The frame has a unique triangle design, so we don’t have to have a break in the frame when you’re folding it. This innovative approach not only enhances the bike’s structural integrity but also ensures a smoother, more comfortable ride, free from the flex and wobble that can plague other folding bikes.

The Birdy City Edition folding bike

Versatility for All Riders

The Birdy City is designed with versatility in mind, making it suitable for a wide range of riders and riding styles. The bike features a telescoping seat post and an adjustable handlebar, allowing it to accommodate riders from a reported 4’7″ to 6’1″. But I stand at 6’2″, and still found no difficulty in achieving a comfortable riding position.

This flexibility means the Birdy City can easily transition from a commuter bike to a leisurely weekend ride, adjusting to your preferred posture whether you’re sitting upright for a relaxed journey or leaning forward for a more dynamic ride.

Reliable and Upgradeable Components

When it comes to performance, the Birdy City does not disappoint. The bike is equipped with a Shimano Sora 9-speed derailleur, offering a smooth and reliable gear-shifting experience. Paired with Avid BB-5R Disc Brakes, which feature 160mm rotors, the Birdy City ensures responsive braking power even in wet or uneven conditions.

These components aren’t top-of-the-line, but they are dependable, serviceable at bike shops and easy to upgrade. This ease of maintenance and the potential for future upgrades add to the bike’s longevity, making it a solid investment for years to come.

A Folding Mechanism That Stands Out

Folding bikes are all about convenience, and the Birdy City shines in this regard. Its tri-fold design, reminiscent of the popular Brompton bikes, allows it to fold down into a compact package that’s easy to store or transport.

The rear and front tires both kind of fold underneath the bike, and then you can lower the handlebars… with the tri-fold, it’s a much more compact package.

This compactness is a significant advantage for urban commuters who need to navigate tight spaces, whether on public transportation or in small city apartments. The ability to fold the bike quickly and efficiently makes it an ideal companion for those on the go.

The Birdy City Edition folding bike

Practical Accessories for Enhanced Utility

The Birdy City with a range of accessories designed to enhance its functionality. These include a rear seat bag, a front handlebar bag, and even a specially designed suitcase that fits the folded bike perfectly.

The handlebar bag, for example, is more than just a simple pouch—it comes with a holder that securely attaches it to the bike, ensuring that your belongings stay put even on bumpy rides. The suitcase, designed for air travel, adds another layer of practicality, making the Birdy City an excellent choice for frequent travelers who want to bring their bike along.

Performance on the Road

While the Birdy City is primarily designed for urban environments, it holds its own in various settings. The bike can comfortably maintain a speed of around 23 to 25 km/h (14 to 15 mph) on flat terrain, making it suitable for city commutes and short trips around town. Its front-loading arm and fork design contribute to the bike’s stability and smooth ride, while the rear suspension adds an extra layer of comfort, particularly on rougher roads.

The Birdy CT comes with nine gears, mechanical disc brakes, as well as this unique front-loading arm and fork design, which works as anti-dive suspension. This thoughtful engineering ensures that the Birdy City remains comfortable and easy to handle, no matter where your journey takes you.

A Worthy Investment for Urban Cyclists

In conclusion, the Birdy City is a great option for getting into folding bikes. It is very efficient, it’s comfortable, super versatile.

Check out our video review here.

It’s a bike designed to adapt to your lifestyle, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply exploring your city. Its combination of lightweight construction, reliable components, and thoughtful design make it a standout in the world of folding bikes.