Has anyone used both the Stelvio and "new" Birdy Maxxis tires?  I'd be
interested in reading your comments about preferences for either....

         Here are the spec's:

Stelvio :

http://harriscyclery.net/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1254

      Tires > ISO 355 18" - fits Birdy folding bikes
                         (Product 1 of 1)


                   Schwalbe
                   Stelvio 18 x 1.125"   (TR35500)
                   $32.95

                   A smooth tread, high-performance road tire. 18 x 1.125"

                   This size fits Birdy folding bikes.

                   With Kevlar belt for puncture resistance. 195 grams



                   MAXXIS:

                   http://birdybike.com/products/parts/index.html

                   Maxxis Road Tire
                   $25.90
                   The Maxxis Birdy tire has been specifically designed for the
Birdy's 18" rims. It is a high pressure (90 psi), low rolling resistance road
tire that is puncture resistant thanks to its Kevlar ® lining. It features
reflective side walls for safer riding at night. (Weight: 13.4 oz.)



                              If I did the math right the Maxxis is 380g vs. 195
for the Stelvio, about half the weight....  I haven't used a Stelvio yet.  I did
get a Maxxis from Germany before they were available here.  Great tire!  Wears
much better than the "Old" Birdy (80psi) tire and pumps up to 90 psi as I
recall.



                            Anyone know what psi you can pump the Stelvio's to ? 
How do they "wear" compared with the Maxxis ?



                                      Cheers,



                                                Bob





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Beat Ludin wrote:
> At 18:50 26.08.2004, you wrote:
> >      The problem the small tubes of glue in the patch kits is mainly that
> > they are for a single use.  Even though they give you enough glue for
> > several flats I've found that it is foolish to try to re-use these.  No
> > matter how tightly you screw down the top on these (I've also tried using
> > some Glad Plastic Wrap under the cap) when you need that glue a few
> > months or years later it will ALWAYS be dried out and USELESS !!!!  So, I
> > use my spare for flats and ONLY use the glue and patch kit if I have a
> > really bad day with multiple flats.
>
> Hmmm. I have one of these small repair kits that came with 15 or 20 small
> patches. The Box is so old the label has worn off to the point of
> unreadability. I've pretty much used up the patches over the last, I would
> say, 8-10 years. The glue (vulcanizing liquid, rather) in the small tube
> was still perfectly usable a month a go when I had my last flat tire. The
> price label is still readable. It says CHF 2.30, the equivalent of less
> than $2. Seems like the Swiss make better glue tubes, too (assuming that it
> is a Swiss product)
>
> B-)
>
> Beat
>

I've got quite a few years out of small tubes of glue as well. I always
squeeze the air out them before recapping. Maybe that makes a
difference. Also my puncture kit is typically inside a toolbag, inside
a pannier, so its not as exposed to the heat of the sun as some peoples
kits would be taped or rubber banded onto frames or seat posts.

Paul.

Aztek and Shimano both make excellent pads too....

         Bob


----- Original Message -----
From: "lee hopson" <birdybikenut@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 29, 2004 3:53 PM
Subject: Re: [birdybike] Replacement brake pads


> Hi Jason
>
> I really like the Koolstop range of brake pads.  They seem to me to have
an extra degree of grip and longevity.
>
> Cheers
> Lee
> Canberra
>
> hub_gear <jasonr@...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> The brake pads on my 2002 Birdy Grey are nearly worn out and I was
> wondering if any of you can recommend a brand to replace them with.
> The brake pad dust from the original un-branded blocks blackens the
> rear wheel in no time so I was thinking of trying a different
> compound. Of more importance is finding blocks that will work with
> the Birdy's rim size though..(I see Kool-Stop produce V-brake pads
> for BMX-size rims - has anyone tried these?)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jason
>
> London, U.K.
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

> From: hub_gear
> Of more importance is finding blocks that will work with
> the Birdy's rim size though..(I see Kool-Stop produce V-brake pads
> for BMX-size rims - has anyone tried these?)

I've been using Kool-Stop Vans (BMX blocks) on the back wheel for a
couple of years. They feel a bit spongy in comparison to other blocks
I've tried, but they work ok. Perhaps they are intended for plastic
rims? I've also used other Kool-Stop blocks (red, grey, black) on my
Birdys and they were all good, so far as I can tell with my limited
experience and expectations.

"Tour" magazine suggests that Shimano Dura-Ace blocks would give more
braking power (higher coefficient of friction).

Martin

Hi Jason

I really like the Koolstop range of brake pads.  They seem to me to have an
extra degree of grip and longevity.

Cheers
Lee
Canberra

hub_gear <jasonr@...> wrote:
Hi,

The brake pads on my 2002 Birdy Grey are nearly worn out and I was
wondering if any of you can recommend a brand to replace them with.
The brake pad dust from the original un-branded blocks blackens the
rear wheel in no time so I was thinking of trying a different
compound. Of more importance is finding blocks that will work with
the Birdy's rim size though..(I see Kool-Stop produce V-brake pads
for BMX-size rims - has anyone tried these?)

Thanks!

Jason

London, U.K.





Yahoo! Groups Links










---------------------------------
Find local movie times and trailers on Yahoo! Movies.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

The brake pads on my 2002 Birdy Grey are nearly worn out and I was
wondering if any of you can recommend a brand to replace them with.
The brake pad dust from the original un-branded blocks blackens the
rear wheel in no time so I was thinking of trying a different
compound. Of more importance is finding blocks that will work with
the Birdy's rim size though..(I see Kool-Stop produce V-brake pads
for BMX-size rims - has anyone tried these?)

Thanks!

Jason

London, U.K.

From the perspective of a consumer:

we just traveled with our new Grey and Black.
In a completely unscientific test, the ariline weighed
both in their travel bags. the Grey weighed in at 50lbs,
and the black at 45lbs. That includes the bag, the bike,
pedals, a helmet and maybe some small stuff in both bags

best
TS

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Gelman <annelyse@...>
To: birdybike@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 07:16:26 -0700
Subject: Re: [birdybike] Birdy Weights

   Different parts of the world have different Birdy Distributors who
   each accessorize and paint their bikes (actually, Pacific Cycles, in
Taiwan,
  makes and paints all the frames before shipping them to the various
   distributors) according to their views of the local market. A "Birdy
Red"
   in one place might be a very differently equipped Birdy in different
places.
  That's why it's easier to speak of "my 7 speed Birdy" or "my 3x7".

  Bob


  ----- Original Message -----
  From: "prauguste" <prauguste@...>
  To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
  Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 11:59 PM
  Subject: [birdybike] Birdy Weights


  > I have a Birdy Blue 2000/2001 model. I notice in the original
  > literature for that year, without options, the weight is 10.7 Kgs but
  > the current Birdy is 11.8Kgs. Is the weight gain due to the new
  > gearing, i.e., 24 speed Dual Drive system where pre-2003 models were
  > 21 speed. Also, has there been any major developments in the new
  > models? I have seen a very good site http://www.birdy.com.au and the
  > new model comes in a much lighter blue or is it that in certain
  > countries the colours are different.
  >
  > Thanks
  >
  > Patrick
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >
  > Yahoo! Groups Links
  >
  >
  >
  >
  >


    Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
     ADVERTISEMENT




  --------
  Yahoo! Groups Links
   * To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/birdybike/

* To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
birdybike-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Different parts of the world have different Birdy Distributors who
each accessorize and paint their bikes (actually, Pacific Cycles, in Taiwan,
makes and paints all the frames before shipping them to the various
distributors)  according to their views of the local market.  A "Birdy Red"
in one place might be a very differently equipped Birdy in different places.
That's why it's easier to speak of "my 7 speed Birdy" or "my 3x7".

                Bob


----- Original Message -----
From: "prauguste" <prauguste@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 28, 2004 11:59 PM
Subject: [birdybike] Birdy Weights


> I have a Birdy Blue 2000/2001 model. I notice in the original
> literature for that year, without options, the weight is 10.7 Kgs but
> the current Birdy is 11.8Kgs.  Is the weight gain due to the new
> gearing, i.e., 24 speed Dual Drive system where pre-2003 models were
> 21 speed.  Also, has there been any major developments in the new
> models?  I have seen a very good site http://www.birdy.com.au and the
> new model comes in a much lighter blue or is it that in certain
> countries the colours are different.
>
> Thanks
>
> Patrick
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Hello Peter,

Your help is very much appreciated thank you very much.  I am sure
many others will find this info useful.  I live in Northolt,
Middlesex, UK and the Birdy is essential for beating traffic jams.  I
have had not much experience using the Birdy on longer commutes but I
was advised the Birdy Blue was a great all rounder.

Thanks a lot

Patrick
Middlesex
UK

--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, Peter de Leuw <peter@b...> wrote:
> Hi Patrick,
>
> prauguste schrieb am 29.08.2004 8:59 Uhr:
>
> > I have a Birdy Blue 2000/2001 model. I notice in the original
> > literature for that year, without options, the weight is 10.7 Kgs
but
> > the current Birdy is 11.8Kgs.  Is the weight gain due to the new
> > gearing, i.e., 24 speed Dual Drive system where pre-2003 models
were
> > 21 speed.
>
> this may be one reason. Another reason is, that r-m improved the
frame
> several times. Some points were too weak and had to be made
stronger -
> resulting in a higher weight.
>
> >  Also, has there been any major developments in the new
> > models?
>
> Yes, there are some improvements. You can take a look at
> http://www.birdy-freunde.de/changelog/index.html#2002
>
> It is in German, but perhaps you can read it or bablefish helps you.
>
> For 2004 the major changes were:
>
> - The rear swingarm is modified: The dropouts for all models are
now the
> same as for the Birdy grey (European, for Rohloff Speedhub).
>
> - The (European) Birdy blue comes now with the Shimano Intego
instead of the
> SRAM Dual Drive.
>
> - All models come with brakes from the Shimano Capreo group. Maybe
this is
> for European Birdys, only.
>
> The major changes for 2003:
>
> - The Birdy blue comes in Europe with mudguards and the height
adjustable
> comfort stem. Maybe this is for Europe, only.
>
> - The Birdy blue comes in Europe with the SRAM Dual Drive 3x8
instead of the
> 3x7. The standard tyre is the Schwalbe Marathon instead of the
Maxxis.
>
> - All Birdy frames have now the modified quick release for the
seatpost (in
> German: "Segmentklemmung"). This is compatible to the "expedition"
carrier,
> introduced in 2002 with the Birdy grey.
>
> - The seat post has now a scale to adjust the seat hight when
unfolding.
>
> The major changes for 2002:
>
> - The mudguards are black now.
>
> - The front mudguard has now two fixing points instead of one. For
this
> improvement the front fork had to be changed. The brake cable runs
now
> through the fork.
>
> - The rear wheels with internal hubs have 36 spokes since 2000 or
2001. Now
> other models (in Europa: red) have 36 spokes, too. The European
Birdy black
> comes with 24, the Birdy grey (Rohloff Speedhub) 32 spokes.
>
> - All models come with a special front hub, having 24 holes and a
smaller
> flange distance. So the folded package can be smaller.
>
> > I have seen a very good site http://www.birdy.com.au and the
> > new model comes in a much lighter blue or is it that in certain
> > countries the colours are different.
>
> In Europa the color describes the model. Here you can buy a Birdy
white
> (Shimano Capreo), red (8 gears), green (7 gear internal hub), blue
(Shimano
> Intego 3x9), black (9 gears) and grey (Rohloff Speedhub). In other
countries
> the colors vary, a Birdy red in the USA is not the same as the
Birdy red in
> Germany. In Asia you can get much more colors - and the color does
not
> describe a model.
>
> Peter
>
> --
> Peter de Leuw
> Hamburg, Germany
> http://www.birdy-freunde.de/
> http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdy.html (deutsch)
> http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdye.html (engl.)

Hi Patrick,

prauguste schrieb am 29.08.2004 8:59 Uhr:

> I have a Birdy Blue 2000/2001 model. I notice in the original
> literature for that year, without options, the weight is 10.7 Kgs but
> the current Birdy is 11.8Kgs.  Is the weight gain due to the new
> gearing, i.e., 24 speed Dual Drive system where pre-2003 models were
> 21 speed.

this may be one reason. Another reason is, that r-m improved the frame
several times. Some points were too weak and had to be made stronger -
resulting in a higher weight.

>  Also, has there been any major developments in the new
> models?

Yes, there are some improvements. You can take a look at
http://www.birdy-freunde.de/changelog/index.html#2002

It is in German, but perhaps you can read it or bablefish helps you.

For 2004 the major changes were:

- The rear swingarm is modified: The dropouts for all models are now the
same as for the Birdy grey (European, for Rohloff Speedhub).

- The (European) Birdy blue comes now with the Shimano Intego instead of the
SRAM Dual Drive.

- All models come with brakes from the Shimano Capreo group. Maybe this is
for European Birdys, only.

The major changes for 2003:

- The Birdy blue comes in Europe with mudguards and the height adjustable
comfort stem. Maybe this is for Europe, only.

- The Birdy blue comes in Europe with the SRAM Dual Drive 3x8 instead of the
3x7. The standard tyre is the Schwalbe Marathon instead of the Maxxis.

- All Birdy frames have now the modified quick release for the seatpost (in
German: "Segmentklemmung"). This is compatible to the "expedition" carrier,
introduced in 2002 with the Birdy grey.

- The seat post has now a scale to adjust the seat hight when unfolding.

The major changes for 2002:

- The mudguards are black now.

- The front mudguard has now two fixing points instead of one. For this
improvement the front fork had to be changed. The brake cable runs now
through the fork.

- The rear wheels with internal hubs have 36 spokes since 2000 or 2001. Now
other models (in Europa: red) have 36 spokes, too. The European Birdy black
comes with 24, the Birdy grey (Rohloff Speedhub) 32 spokes.

- All models come with a special front hub, having 24 holes and a smaller
flange distance. So the folded package can be smaller.

> I have seen a very good site http://www.birdy.com.au and the
> new model comes in a much lighter blue or is it that in certain
> countries the colours are different.

In Europa the color describes the model. Here you can buy a Birdy white
(Shimano Capreo), red (8 gears), green (7 gear internal hub), blue (Shimano
Intego 3x9), black (9 gears) and grey (Rohloff Speedhub). In other countries
the colors vary, a Birdy red in the USA is not the same as the Birdy red in
Germany. In Asia you can get much more colors - and the color does not
describe a model.

Peter

--
Peter de Leuw
Hamburg, Germany
http://www.birdy-freunde.de/
http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdy.html (deutsch)
http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdye.html (engl.)

I have a Birdy Blue 2000/2001 model. I notice in the original
literature for that year, without options, the weight is 10.7 Kgs but
the current Birdy is 11.8Kgs.  Is the weight gain due to the new
gearing, i.e., 24 speed Dual Drive system where pre-2003 models were
21 speed.  Also, has there been any major developments in the new
models?  I have seen a very good site http://www.birdy.com.au and the
new model comes in a much lighter blue or is it that in certain
countries the colours are different.

Thanks

Patrick

At 18:50 26.08.2004, you wrote:
>      The problem the small tubes of glue in the patch kits is mainly that
> they are for a single use.  Even though they give you enough glue for
> several flats I've found that it is foolish to try to re-use these.  No
> matter how tightly you screw down the top on these (I've also tried using
> some Glad Plastic Wrap under the cap) when you need that glue a few
> months or years later it will ALWAYS be dried out and USELESS !!!!  So, I
> use my spare for flats and ONLY use the glue and patch kit if I have a
> really bad day with multiple flats.

Hmmm. I have one of these small repair kits that came with 15 or 20 small
patches. The Box is so old the label has worn off to the point of
unreadability. I've pretty much used up the patches over the last, I would
say, 8-10 years. The glue (vulcanizing liquid, rather) in the small tube
was still perfectly usable a month a go when I had my last flat tire. The
price label is still readable. It says CHF 2.30, the equivalent of less
than $2. Seems like the Swiss make better glue tubes, too (assuming that it
is a Swiss product)

B-)

Beat

Dear Carsten,

      I congratulate you on your anti-throwaway efforts.  I DID ask the SRAM
tech guy if there were a feasible repair for these units and he said "No, it
really isn't worth bothering with".  Same answer from my very knowledgeable
Local Bike Shop.  $20 wasn't a bad hit for me.  BUT, I did save the old Wavy
SACHS unit.  Maybe when I have two broken ones I'll attempt to take them
apart and repair one ;)

            Cheers,

                 Bob

PS:  The SRAM guy did mention, I believe, that we don't have any Sachs stuff
(i.e., parts) available here in the US, making any repair more difficult
here....



----- Original Message -----
From: "carsten_thies" <c.thies@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, August 27, 2004 1:09 PM
Subject: [birdybike] Re: Shifting Problem


--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Gelman" <annelyse@w...> wrote:
> The twist-grip shifter will not stay in gear.  I.e., it goes from
low gear(s) into higher gears, rapidly changing "by itself", unless I
hold the shifter in position with my hand.
>
>     I'm guessing that the "detents" are worn in the index mechanism.
  Could it be something else???

In my 3x7 rear shifter (on the recumbent), the spring was broken. It
was shaped like a clothes hanger, so maximum bending stress was at the
same point where it would go in and out of the detents. I replaced it
with the newer spring that is shaped like a lying V from another shifter.
Closing the shifter is a bit tricky: you have to place the spring only
halfway in its recess, slightly slanted, otherwise it will prevent the
twistgrip part from sliding into the fixed part.
Thanks for reminding me to ask SRAM if there are replacement springs,
if I do not forget again I will be able to tell in about two weeks.
I do not know if flat spring steel in ~3mm width is available to bend
a new spring yourself.

>     A few questions regarding all this:
>
> 1.  Can this be fixed or can the unit be "rebuilt" or should I just
get a new shifter?
>
> 2.  It seems easier now to get an 8sp shifter than a 7 sp one.  Can
I use an 8 speed shifter with my 7 speed cluster, utilizing the low
stop adjustment to prevent the chain going off into the spokes towards
the "phantom" 8th gear?

That should be possible. The sprocket distances of 8sp are very nearly
the same as on 7sp (only 0.1 mm smaller).

> 3.  If I do get an 8sp shifter can I put on an 8 sp cassette?  Any
problem using one with, say, 11-30 or 14-32 with the DeoreXT derailleur?

You can easily take away the second smallest sprocket, but is it
possible that you will have to add a very narrow spacer (perhaps the
1mm one for using 10sp clusters on 8/9 speed cassette bodies?) behind
the cluster to prevent the sprockets from rattling.
On clusters up to LX, you also can grind off the heads of the three
long rivets (used to be srews - no longer such luck :o( ) holding
together the bigger sprockets so you can choose which sprocket you
omit. The workshop of the bicycle shop where you bought the cluster
should do so for free. In this case, you can also replace the 8sp
spacers by 7sp spacers (for example from your old cluster or any worn
7 sp cluster in your LBS's bin) and won't need the narrow spacer for sure.

>          Back in the "good old days" I'd just tighten down the lever
on my downtube shifter to prevent the derailleur "self shifting" -- I
suppose the index shifting is worth the hassle of the more difficult
fix though....
>
>            Thanks in advance for any help!
>
>                    Cheers,
>
>                            Bob

Good luck (and tell us what you did)

\_|
O°O Carsten





Yahoo! Groups Links

This install was an easy no-brainer.  Works perfectly!  Nice to
get good crisp shifts back from the derailleur!

                   Bob




----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Gelman" <annelyse@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 9:23 AM
Subject: [birdybike] Shifter update


>        I called SRAM technical support (they bought SACHS I understand)
and they recommended their 7 speed MRX shifter as a replacement for the USA
3x7 OEM Sachs Wavy.  I bought one locally for $20.  I'll advise if there are
any problems with the installation....
>
>                Bob
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Gelman" <annelyse@w...> wrote:
> The twist-grip shifter will not stay in gear.  I.e., it goes from
low gear(s) into higher gears, rapidly changing "by itself", unless I
hold the shifter in position with my hand.
>
>     I'm guessing that the "detents" are worn in the index mechanism.
  Could it be something else???

In my 3x7 rear shifter (on the recumbent), the spring was broken. It
was shaped like a clothes hanger, so maximum bending stress was at the
same point where it would go in and out of the detents. I replaced it
with the newer spring that is shaped like a lying V from another shifter.
Closing the shifter is a bit tricky: you have to place the spring only
halfway in its recess, slightly slanted, otherwise it will prevent the
twistgrip part from sliding into the fixed part.
Thanks for reminding me to ask SRAM if there are replacement springs,
if I do not forget again I will be able to tell in about two weeks.
I do not know if flat spring steel in ~3mm width is available to bend
a new spring yourself.

>     A few questions regarding all this:
>
> 1.  Can this be fixed or can the unit be "rebuilt" or should I just
get a new shifter?
>
> 2.  It seems easier now to get an 8sp shifter than a 7 sp one.  Can
I use an 8 speed shifter with my 7 speed cluster, utilizing the low
stop adjustment to prevent the chain going off into the spokes towards
the "phantom" 8th gear?

That should be possible. The sprocket distances of 8sp are very nearly
the same as on 7sp (only 0.1 mm smaller).

> 3.  If I do get an 8sp shifter can I put on an 8 sp cassette?  Any
problem using one with, say, 11-30 or 14-32 with the DeoreXT derailleur?

You can easily take away the second smallest sprocket, but is it
possible that you will have to add a very narrow spacer (perhaps the
1mm one for using 10sp clusters on 8/9 speed cassette bodies?) behind
the cluster to prevent the sprockets from rattling.
On clusters up to LX, you also can grind off the heads of the three
long rivets (used to be srews - no longer such luck :o( ) holding
together the bigger sprockets so you can choose which sprocket you
omit. The workshop of the bicycle shop where you bought the cluster
should do so for free. In this case, you can also replace the 8sp
spacers by 7sp spacers (for example from your old cluster or any worn
7 sp cluster in your LBS's bin) and won't need the narrow spacer for sure.

>          Back in the "good old days" I'd just tighten down the lever
on my downtube shifter to prevent the derailleur "self shifting" -- I
suppose the index shifting is worth the hassle of the more difficult
fix though....
>
>            Thanks in advance for any help!
>
>                    Cheers,
>
>                            Bob

Good luck (and tell us what you did)

\_|
O°O Carsten

glue capsules?

haven't seen them in 30 years or so.
I think they're gone.

good one about the Elmers, tho.

best
TS

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Gelman <annelyse@...>
To: birdybike@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:50:48 -0700
Subject: [birdybike] Help Please:  Glue Capsules !!!

    I go out with a spare tire and a patch kit for my Birdy. I don't like
glueless patches at all. I think they are worthless. I put on the spare
tire when I get a flat. I do the repair of the flat tire at home in my
nice warm well lit garage. I tried to buy a nice big can of cement like
the (Camel Brand ??) big metal cans I remember seeing in shops when I
was a kid. I couldn't find glue in other than the tiny tubes anywhere.
I discovered that Elmer's No Wrinkle Rubber Cement at Ace Hardware (a
big chain hardware store in the USA) works perfectly!!! It is a nice
big 4 oz. jar with a screw top that has a built-in brush. The glue DOES
NOT DRY OUT between uses. You can use the same jar for years and
years!!! And it only costs around $2 !!!! Just bush a bit on the tire
where the hole is, wait a few minutes for it to dry, put on the patch
and PRESS. I then pump the tire up and hang it in the garage for a few
days to see if the repair was OK. If the air doesn't go out I fold it
and store it for re-use.

   The problem the small tubes of glue in the patch kits is mainly that
they are for a single use. Even though they give you enough glue for
several flats I've found that it is foolish to try to re-use these. No
matter how tightly you screw down the top on these (I've also tried
using some Glad Plastic Wrap under the cap) when you need that glue a
few months or years later it will ALWAYS be dried out and USELESS !!!!
So, I use my spare for flats and ONLY use the glue and patch kit if I
have a really bad day with multiple flats.

   Further: these damn small glue things can only be had when you buy the
whole $3 kit with patches. Stupid.

   Now, here's the part I want help with. I remember that many years ago
(30+ ???) I was able to buy tiny glue gel-like red or orange "capsules"
that looked like tiny "gel" pills. You'd carry a few of these
infinitesimally small and lightweight capsules and a few patches and
you'd be all set for whatever came your way (except for major tears).
You never had to worry about dried out glue and the single use "glue
capsules" were very inexpensive, maybe 4 or 5 for a dollar.

   So, HELP Please : Where are these capsules now? Anyone have any
information about them ??? I'd guess they came from Europe somewhere;
perhaps they are still sold somewhere ???

  Cheers,

  Bob



  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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I go out with a spare tire and a patch kit for my Birdy.  I don't like
glueless patches at all.  I think they are worthless.  I put on the spare tire
when I get a flat.  I do the repair of the flat tire at home in my nice warm
well lit garage.  I tried to buy a nice big can of cement like the (Camel Brand
??) big metal cans I remember seeing in shops when I was a kid.  I couldn't find
glue in other than the tiny tubes anywhere.  I discovered that Elmer's No
Wrinkle Rubber Cement at Ace Hardware (a big chain hardware store in the USA)
works perfectly!!!  It is a nice big 4 oz. jar with a screw top that has a
built-in brush.  The glue DOES NOT DRY OUT between uses.  You can use the same
jar for years and years!!!  And it only costs around $2 !!!!  Just bush a bit on
the tire where the hole is, wait a few minutes for it to dry, put on the patch
and PRESS.  I then pump the tire up and hang it in the garage for a few days to
see if the repair was OK.  If the air doesn't go out I fold it and store it for
re-use.

      The problem the small tubes of glue in the patch kits is mainly that they
are for a single use.  Even though they give you enough glue for several flats
I've found that it is foolish to try to re-use these.  No matter how tightly you
screw down the top on these (I've also tried using some Glad Plastic Wrap under
the cap) when you need that glue a few months or years later it will ALWAYS be
dried out and USELESS !!!!  So, I use my spare for flats and ONLY use the glue
and patch kit if I have a really bad day with multiple flats.

      Further:  these damn small glue things can only be had when you buy the
whole $3 kit with patches.  Stupid.

      Now, here's the part I want help with.  I remember that many years ago (30+
???) I was able to buy tiny glue gel-like red or orange "capsules" that looked
like tiny "gel" pills.  You'd carry a few of these infinitesimally small and
lightweight capsules and a few patches and you'd be all set for whatever came
your way (except for major tears).  You never had to worry about dried out glue
and the single use "glue capsules" were very inexpensive, maybe 4 or 5 for a
dollar.

      So, HELP Please :  Where are these capsules now?  Anyone have any
information about them ???  I'd guess they came from Europe somewhere; perhaps
they are still sold somewhere ???

                 Cheers,

                        Bob



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I called SRAM technical support (they bought SACHS I understand) and they
recommended their 7 speed MRX shifter as a replacement for the USA 3x7 OEM Sachs
Wavy.  I bought one locally for $20.  I'll advise if there are any problems with
the installation....

                Bob



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In the UK, we have got a lot of hawthorn hedgesby our roadsides,
which are beautiful and great for wildlife. However, it is a rapid-
growing species and quickly gets out of hand. Farmers use a hedge
cutter attachment on their tractors to trim the hedges, with
seemingly little or no collection of the trimmings.

Mature hawthorn branches have some awfully sharp spikes and these
are liberally sprinkled over pavements, cyclepaths and roads. They
are generally too short to harm car tyres, but cause havoc to
cyclists. Even my Schwalbe Marathons aren't immune to them.

I had an annoying creaking noise when I pedaled my Birdy.  I spent LOTS of
time trying to track it down.  Turns out to have been coming from the bottom
bracket.  I don't believe this "noise" has been reported to the group before. 
Seems there was a spacer in the BB that broke and the retaining threads for the
sealed BB unit got stripped somewhat.  The shop that fixed it (I couldn't find
the damn creaking and gave up trying!) solved the problem by puttting in a
longer BB and eliminated the spacer.  The shorter old BB sealed unit didn't fail
in any way incidentally.

                    Cheers,

                               Bob

PS:  Do problems come in 3's or 4's ??  I got this BB problem, then the Index
Shifting thing, and got a flat tire the other day to boot !!!  We have this
darned weed out here in Northern California called "Puncture Vine".  It's like
riding over a little "land mine".  A most annoying weed!!!!

http://www.naturesongs.com/vvplants/puncturevine.html

http://barbwired.com/andy/PunctureVine/

Also:

Puncture Vine
Tribulus terrestris (Devil's thorn, three-corner jack)

It turns out that this obnoxious weed, bane of feet and bicycle tires
everywhere, has some beneficial properties. Its fruit (the part that inspires
such complementary names for the plant) appears to stimulate the pituitary gland
to secrete leutinizing hormone (LH) which in turn stimulates the gonads. Go
figure.
Specifically, studies have indicated the ability of tribulus to increase a
body's testosterone levels by as much as 30% in a week or less. The effects are
apparently not immediate and must be accumulated. Testosterone controls
agression and sex drive in both genders, so this increase is not insignificant
to our studies here. The usual dosage is 250mg., taken two or three times a day.
This unlikely herb has actually been in use in the Far East for centuries, and
has been the subject of study in Europe and America in the past few decades. It
has been traditionally used as a liver tonic and is apparently a saponin-bearing
plant (along with yucca, alfalfa and others), the practical meaning of which is
that it binds colesterols in the digestive tract, preventing their absorption in
the body and lessening the potential for heart disease, and also inhibits the
viability and growth of cancer cells, making it anticarcenogenic especially in
regards to colon cancer.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The rear derailleur shifter on my 3x7 "Elox" Birdy started acting up
yesterday.  The Shifter is a SACHS Powergrip Wavy 3x7.  The derailleur is a
Shimano DeoreXT (7 speed 13-23T Cluster) with a Sachs CH-SC40 Silver Chain - 112
links [told you I had to look up the chain links Spec's ;)   ].  The twist-grip
shifter will not stay in gear.  I.e., it goes from low gear(s) into higher
gears, rapidly changing "by itself", unless I hold the shifter in position with
my hand.

     I'm guessing that the "detents" are worn in the index mechanism.  Could it
be something else???

     A few questions regarding all this:

1.  Can this be fixed or can the unit be "rebuilt" or should I just get a new
shifter?

2.  It seems easier now to get an 8sp shifter than a 7 sp one.  Can I use an 8
speed shifter with my 7 speed cluster, utilizing the low stop adjustment to
prevent the chain going off into the spokes towards the "phantom" 8th gear?

3.  If I do get an 8sp shifter can I put on an 8 sp cassette?  Any problem using
one with, say, 11-30 or 14-32 with the DeoreXT derailleur?

          Back in the "good old days" I'd just tighten down the lever on my
downtube shifter to prevent the derailleur "self shifting" -- I suppose the
index shifting is worth the hassle of the more difficult fix though....

            Thanks in advance for any help!

                    Cheers,

                            Bob

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I just found the Spec on the OEM Birdy that was sold in the USA as
7sp or 3x7.  There were 112 links in the chain.

                  Cheers,

                           Bob



----- Original Message -----
From: "andy_harvey" <andy_harvey@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 3:08 AM
Subject: [birdybike] Re: Chain jumping


> Hi John,
>
> Thanks for the info. Think I'll have to take a few links out,
> otherwise it's fine. I have to say, I miss the Brompton's folded
> size though. The Birdy is not the neatest beast when folded!
>
> The Red is currently my default journey along the banks of the
> Danube in Budapest to work. Quite an attractive trip, I have to say.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy
> >
> > Hello,
> > I may be the seller-if so the Birdy was a Red and went to
> Budapest?
> > The chain was new out of the box.
> > Glad you are enjoying it.
> > John.
> > http://www.pbase.com/john28july
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Hi John,

Thanks for the info. Think I'll have to take a few links out,
otherwise it's fine. I have to say, I miss the Brompton's folded
size though. The Birdy is not the neatest beast when folded!

The Red is currently my default journey along the banks of the
Danube in Budapest to work. Quite an attractive trip, I have to say.

Cheers,

Andy
>
> Hello,
> I may be the seller-if so the Birdy was a Red and went to
Budapest?
> The chain was new out of the box.
> Glad you are enjoying it.
> John.
> http://www.pbase.com/john28july

--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, "andy_harvey" <andy_harvey@y...>
wrote:
> Yep, but in vgc, with a nice Brooks saddle, front & rear carriers,
a
> comfort stem fitted and the powershift changer altered to the
> trigger type. Not cheap, but I'm happy with the overall package -
> especially the comfort stem, which suits my riding position much
> better. Even got 2 pairs of tyres and a Birdy frame bag thrown in.
I
> think the seller is on this group.
>
> John, did you put the chain on out of the box? (Should have asked
> that here first)
>
> Cheers,,
> Andy
>
> --- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Gelman" <annelyse@w...>
wrote:
> >         You bought the bike used?
> >
> >                 Bob

Hello,
I may be the seller-if so the Birdy was a Red and went to Budapest?
The chain was new out of the box.
Glad you are enjoying it.
John.
http://www.pbase.com/john28july

Yep, but in vgc, with a nice Brooks saddle, front & rear carriers, a
comfort stem fitted and the powershift changer altered to the
trigger type. Not cheap, but I'm happy with the overall package -
especially the comfort stem, which suits my riding position much
better. Even got 2 pairs of tyres and a Birdy frame bag thrown in. I
think the seller is on this group.

John, did you put the chain on out of the box? (Should have asked
that here first)

Cheers,,
Andy

--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Gelman" <annelyse@w...> wrote:
>         You bought the bike used?
>
>                 Bob

--- In birdybike@yahoogroups.com, Peter de Leuw <peter@b...> wrote:
> Hi Hiroki,
>
> once upon a time you had a webpage
> http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en
>
> This link is broken. What is the actual address?

http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en.iso8859-1

works at least under Netscape 7.1

\_|
O°O Carsten

Dear Peter,

         I just clicked on the link you sent and it works for me:
http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en

              Cheers,

                       Bob


PS:  Bablefish, http://babelfish.altavista.digital.com/, now does JAPANESE
translations, so you can look at all those obscure Japanese Birdy sites and
read them (it does Japanese to English but not Japanese to German).



----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter de Leuw" <peter@...>
To: "birdybike" <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 10:49 PM
Subject: [birdybike] Link to http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en


> Hi Hiroki,
>
> once upon a time you had a webpage
> http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en
>
> This link is broken. What is the actual address?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Peter
>
> --
> Peter de Leuw
> Hamburg, Germany
> http://www.birdy-freunde.de/
> http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdy.html (deutsch)
> http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdye.html (engl.)
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Sorry about the delay in replying, but I put the
transmitter on the upper portion of the right front
fork.  This provides a very short distance for
transmitting the signal, and works well despite the
folding stem that is just in front of the computer.
Jim

--- Martin Donnelly <martind@...> wrote:

> > From: Jim Pierce
> > I put our cordless 7 on the forward part of the
> top
> > tube.  It stays out of the way when the bike is
> > folded, and is easy to see without loss of signal.
>
>
> Jim,
> None of my cordless computers (VDO, Sigma,
> Paramount) worked in this
> position when tested with partially used batteries.
> They worked OK
> when the unit was moved out of the shadow of the
> frame tube.
> Where do you put the transmitter?
>
> Martin
>





__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage!
http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail

Hi Hiroki,

once upon a time you had a webpage
http://onohiroki.cycling.jp/bike-bd-1.html.en

This link is broken. What is the actual address?

Thanks,

Peter

--
Peter de Leuw
Hamburg, Germany
http://www.birdy-freunde.de/
http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdy.html (deutsch)
http://www.pdeleuw.de/fahrrad/birdye.html (engl.)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Beat Ludin" <bludin@...>
To: <birdybike@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2004 3:55 AM
Subject: Re: [birdybike] Some Attachments. Request for help Re : PHOTO's


> At 20:21 21.07.2003, you wrote:
> >                     I've temporarily (for this email only!!!) turned on
> > the ability to send attachments, to send out these "mystery"
> > photo's.  Can anyone figure out what all this is and how it works????
>
> Where did you get the pics from?

          Cant' remember where I found these....  I just couldn't image what
it was all about.  Thanks.

                  Bob