Hi, we're Pam and Gilbert from 2Bikes4Adventure. We've always been interested in touring
on folding bicycles and we've tried a few models. Since 2014 we've been traveling with our Bromptons,
but prior to that we toured with Birdy bicycles for several years. Both bike brands have their fan base
where users feel a strong sense of loyalty to one or the other, similar to Apple versus Android
or Playstation versus Xbox. Having toured with both, we can evaluate and compare their pros and cons.
First, a bit of folding bike history. The first Brompton, the Mk1 was released in 1982.
Since then, three more versions were released. The latest, the Mk4 launched in 2005.
Some cosmetic changes to the stem, handlebars and speed selector were introduced in mid-2017
but overall not much has changed since 2005. We own a pair of 2001 Mk3 T3s as well as
two 2016 Mk4 M6Rs. The Birdy family tree is shorter. Created in 1995, the award-winning Mk1
was available for a decade before being replaced in 2006 by a new monocoque design, the Mk2.
An approved version of the monocoque design, the Mk3 was introduced in 2015.
A slightly redesigned vintage look Mk1 has been reintroduced in some markets under the name "New Classic".
Quite popular in Asia, the Birdy is also available in Europe but is rare in North America.
We own two late model Mk1 Classic Birdy.
While our comparison won't pit the latest Brompton against the latest Birdy,
we feel that most of our points are still applicable. In this evaluation, we will rate
the bikes using a scorecard in these main areas: Ride, Quality, Reliability,
Foldability, Luggage carrying capacity, Maintenance/upgrade and Appearance.
While the rear suspensions of both bicycles are relatively similar in design,
consisting of a polyurethane or polymer block between the main triangle and the rear triangle,
the main differentiator is the Birdy's front anti-dive suspension.
This cleverly designed suspension is distinctive and provides a superior riding experience,
particularly when cycling long distances.
The adjustable handlebar stem on the Birdy makes it easier to adapt to the rider's preference.
Birdy also offers an optional horizontal stem extension for those who need a longer reach,
unlike the brompton where you decide at purchase time on an S, M or H handlebar model.
The seatpost setup is quite similar but Birdy provides an engraved scale on the post to quickly
set seat height after unfolding and its quick release seat clamp tension can be adjusted
without using a tool. The Brompton pentaclip design is quite clever but it basically just compensates
for an old school seatpost attachment point. The Birdy is based on a much more contemporary design.
The conventional derailleur arrangement on the Birdy provides more gears and less
friction than the Brompton. Furthermore, because the Birdy's rear triangle is a standard width,
the gearing can be upgraded with a choice of off-the-shelf third-party gearing options
including a 14-speed Rohloff at a fraction of what it would cost to implement on a Brompton.
Our Birdys are equipped with 8-speed Shimano and 9-speed Sram group set.
The Shimano and Avid V-brakes on our Birdys give a slightly better feel than the dual pivots
Brompton proprietary setup although the latest Brompton models have improved in this area.
Birdy offers disc brakes as an option something that's an expensive proposition to integrate onto
a Brompton. Although our Birdy Mk1 Classic are not new, in many aspects they seem decades
ahead of even the latest Mk4 Brompton. This may be an advantage in performance but it comes
at a cost in reliability and robustness. Compare the stem clamp, the Brompton couldn't be simpler,
two parts, low tech, unlikely to break. The Birdy clamp is an intricate mechanism that, yes. failed
eventually on Gilbert's bike and explains why he has this twisted metal wire here.
At the other end of the spectrum, some of the Birdy initial design decisions
seem surprisingly under-engineered, as while waiting for a catastrophe to occur.
These include the rear triangle latch, a simple plastic piece that could break when the bike is
folded and a derailleur that is so low to the ground, we still wonder how we avoided tearing it apart
while riding on road debris. The absence of a hinge in the Birdy main aluminum frame
makes it stiffer and reduces a potential failure point compared to Brompton steel
frame however, aluminum is also more susceptible to abrasion as can be seen here in the front
fork where the fender interfered with the suspension and on the front baggage hook.
Some of these issues may have been addressed in the latest Birdy models and while our Birdy
never suffered significant mechanical failures during our trips, we think of them as more fragile
purebreds compared with Brompton's low-tech timeless design. We often take the chance to ship
our Bromptons in padded Ikea Dimpa bags whereas we would not take a similar risk with our Birdys.
After years of practice with both bicycles, we can fold the Brompton much faster than the Birdy.
We don't need to select a particular gear, lift the bicycle off the ground nor get our hands dirty.
The possibility of the Birdy's chain falling from the chainring is a concern, especially
considering the low-tech chain tensioner used on the Birdy compared to the Brompton.
The Brompton is tough to beat when folded. Smaller and with fewer parts sticking out,
it's unlikely to unfold while being carried in contrast with the Birdy.
The Brompton front hook has a far superior design to the friction screw head offered by Birdy.
The Brompton is more stable when folded, especially with the rack option. We pretty much have to prop
the Birdy against a fixed object if we don't want it to fall on its side when left alone.
The front suspension polymer block is likely to drop off when carrying the bike,
we've lost two of these already. We've rarely been refused to bring
our Bromptons into Hotel rooms while the Birdy was often told to sleep outside as
even folded, it still looked like a bike that wasn't welcome indoors.
Despite having a bigger form factor when folded, the Birdy can be easily disassembled and put
in a smaller suitcase than the Brompton when traveling by air. It's a bit more work,
but can be an advantage on some airlines where luggage dimension is at a premium.
On the other hand, we sometimes prefer a bigger suitcase and less assembly and disassembly.
Because air travel with the Birdy necessitates a hard side case,
we always had to make arrangements to store the case while touring.
For more details on how we pack for air travel, see our video "Three ways to fly with your folding bike".
The weight of both models is similar, but the presence of Easy Wheels,
smaller form factor, stability when folded and less risk of unfolding while being carried
make the Brompton a better candidate for intermodal travels.
For an itinerary that involves multiple transports like train, bus and boat, the Brompton is the winner.
While both Brompton and Birdy offer 10 kilograms of front cargo capacity, the approach is quite different.
Birdy has a folding bracket that can accommodate conventional front panniers,
such as the Orlieb Front Roller. Two 10 liter panniers are sufficient for our type of touring,
but the added weight on the steering is quite noticeable when turning at speed.
The Brompton relies on a proprietary front carrier block that is versatile and simple to use
and because it's mounted on the main frame instead of the fork, it has less impact on
the steering. When off the bike, one 20 liter bag is also easier to manage than two bags of 10 liters.
The expanding range of Brompton-compatible bags makes Brompton a compelling winner
for a wide range of uses. The Brompton rear rack can carry an extra 10 kilograms but
any cargo must be carefully loaded to avoid heel strike. The Birdy offers an equivalent
option with 10 kilo capacity, but in typical Birdy fashion, is slightly over engineered.
The folding rear rack sits significantly higher however and permits carrying conventional touring
panniers without the risk of heel strike, it's also easy to remove when not required
Brompton's H and M type handlebars real estate is relatively limited, the conventional Birdy
handlebar offers more surface area to install a GPS, a smartphone, a headlight or a handlebar bag.
Finding replacement tires for small folding bikes while touring can be a problem.
This is particularly true for the Birdy's unconventional 18-inch tire.
While more manufacturers are now offering this size, it remains a niche market
and may explain why a new 20-inch Birdy is becoming popular in Asia.
For both bikes, we strongly suggest bringing a spare tire while touring.
Brompton is almost 100 proprietary parts this complicates maintenance while touring.
It's unlikely a regular bike shop will store the necessary part to repair or damaged Brompton.
While a Birdy may have more parts, some of them, namely gearing, hubs and brakes,
are relatively standard and can be easily fixed replaced or upgraded by any bike shop.
The relatively slow evolution of the Brompton design and its ever increasing popularity
and worldwide dealer network make the maintenance of even the older models relatively easy.
In many cases, new model parts are backward compatible with older Bromptons.
Through the years, we have no problem maintaining our 2001 Bromptons. This is quite the opposite with
our Birdy. Parts of the older Mk1 model are now difficult if not impossible to find,
worse in North America and newer models are less likely to be backward compatible.
The overall look of a bike is in the eye of the beholder and most likely open to endless argument.
Furthermore, we must agree it has minimal impact on the touring capabilities of the bike.
Nonetheless, traveling on folding bikes is bound to attract attention and our small wheel transport
is a frequent cause of questions from passersby. Although both models stand out, we find that the
Birdy's overall appearance is more intriguing and forward-looking than the perennial Brompton design.
The Birdy design has evolved through the years and its basic frame dimensions make it possible
to incorporate options that can only be dreamt of on a Brompton like disc brakes, 24 speeds or
Rohloff hub. Brompton, on the other hand, has been content to keep the now iconic design intact.
The timeless model does offer many advantages: simplicity,
robustness, ease of maintenance and resale value but may leave some of us wishing for more.
When we tally up the final score, we see the differences between the numbers in each area
are clear. The Birdy wins big in ride quality and design while the Brompton has the upper
position in foldability. The type of touring should influence the choice of folding bicycle,
for short daily distances less than 100 kilometers per day where no camping is
required and intermodal transport is likely a six-speed Brompton will be ideal.
For a longer ride, where more comfort is demanded and only occasional folding
and unfolding is foreseen, a Birdy with a four panniers set up will likely be superior.
In either case, you will be the proud owner of an exceptional folding bicycle. We hope that our
experiences with these two types of small wheel folders clarifies their strengths and weaknesses.