Is Bird a dirty word?

[Doggyman1202]

Asking for a friend. Truly. I was asked for input by my neighbors who spend half the year in Florida. Since they are new to the e-bike world I suggested they try something fairly economical to see if it's something they will find enjoyable.

I had no knowledge of Bird e-bikes until I read something late this summer about the city of Burlington (Vermont) offering Bird e-bikes for a ride share program. I have no idea if the Bird share ever got off the ground (pun intended) but the bike itself is intriguing, especially at the sub $800 price point ($650 now on Amazon). It's a single speed but with a Gates belt-drive, reasonably powerful 500w motor, respectable range ( especially considering pancake flat Florida) and slick looking integrated display. While I know VanMoof went poof, the styling is quite similar to that bikes highly praised aesthetic.

My understanding is that the Bird mobility company abandoned-ship on this thing, and it's now being distributed by a 2nd or 3rd party seller. They apparently come with a warranty but I don't know how robust it is.

In summary, I suggested the Bird as an interesting gamble, but underscore gamble. Any thoughts from the community on this Bird?

 

[JedidiahStolzfus]

I'm pretty sure that bird is the word.

 

[6zfshdb]

It is when you flash it to someone.

 

[harryS]

I've taken my ebikes down to Florida. Yes, it's flat. Still no excuse to hobble yourself with a one speed. There are 10 degree slopes on the overpasses.

On the other hand, if these new bikers haven't ridden a bike in 30 years and never ridden with shifters or hand brakes, maybe simple is better.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I will admit that outside of very flat cities and people on amphetamines I really do not understand the appeal of single speed bikes. Even single-speed e-bikes.

 

[rob feature]

I've taken my ebikes down to Florida. Yes, it's flat. Still no excuse to hobble yourself with a one speed. There are 10 degree slopes on the overpasses.

On the other hand, if these new bikers haven't ridden a bike in 30 years and never ridden with shifters or hand brakes, maybe simple is better.

View attachment 167168

highest point in Florida?

 

[Mr. Coffee]

highest point in Florida?

Britton Hill -- On Google Maps too.

 

[rob feature]

Britton Hill -- On Google Maps too.

Guess the joke got lost somewhere

 

[Doggyman1202]

I will admit that outside of very flat cities and people on amphetamines I really do not understand the appeal of single speed bikes. Even single-speed e-bikes.

Simplicity. The Lectric Lite that my niece and a friend own actually does surprisingly well on moderate hills. I'm not a fan of 20'' tires generally, but that's a different topic.

The specs on this Bird compares favorably with the far more expensive and arguably over-engineered Urtopia Gates single speed. In some ways better. It weighs 20 lbs. more but 52 lbs is still relatively manageable.
I started the topic because the Bird, limitations notwithstanding, looks like a fantastic bike for the money, at least on paper. I'm also hesitant to recommend it to friends without the gamble qualification. "You get what you pay for" is a pretty time-tested rule of thumb with very few exceptions. Could the Bird be a sleeper deal?

 

[harryS]

highest point in Florida?

For me, it's the Sanibel causeway about 10-12 stores above the ocean, We were far behind some road bikes and caught them at the top, but we weren't going to pass. No room, it's a fast downhill, and I was terrified by the height. There was a bike lane, but no traffic separators. I don't think the Bird would have made it,

 

[mschwett]

For me, it's the Sanibel causeway about 10-12 stores above the ocean, We were far behind some road bikes and caught them at the top, but we weren't going to pass. No room, it's a fast downhill, and I was terrified by the height. There was a bike lane, but no traffic separators. I don't think the Bird would have made it,

a 500w hub motor should not have any problem with that grade (8-10% for only about 80 vertical feet!) unless its a really badly designed motor.

 

[m@Robertson]

 

[Taylor57]

What does the Bird on Amazon weigh?

 

[Doggyman1202]

52 lbs according to the specs page. While the company itself is no longer selling directly, their website seems to suggest they had high hopes these Birds would take flight. https://shop.bird.co/products/e-bikes-a-frame-stealth-black

 

[Mr. Coffee]

While it is a cool-looking bike, the specs raise some eyebrows. What in heck is a 28 inch tire? Is somebody just rounding a 27.5 inch 650b tire to 28 inches or is it something weird?

Also all of the drivetrain parts look proprietary and I wonder how you'd ever replace them. Although for $650 on Amazon you might not care. Also, something to watch for with a Gates Belt Drive is that there has to be some way to break the frame to replace the drive and also some way to adjust the belt tension. I'd kind of want to know what the deal was before buying the bike, because poor solutions on either of those can render the bike inoperable pretty easily.

I'd want to know more about that wheel size. If it is truly a weird wheel size that is going to make sourcing replacement tires a monstrous pain and I'd avoid the bike.

Kind of crazy that this bike sells for about twice what my annual service on my 2017 R&M Charger set me back this month.

 

[mschwett]

While it is a cool-looking bike, the specs raise some eyebrows. What in heck is a 28 inch tire? Is somebody just rounding a 27.5 inch 650b tire to 28 inches or is it something weird?

Also all of the drivetrain parts look proprietary and I wonder how you'd ever replace them. Although for $650 on Amazon you might not care. Also, something to watch for with a Gates Belt Drive is that there has to be some way to break the frame to replace the drive and also some way to adjust the belt tension. I'd kind of want to know what the deal was before buying the bike, because poor solutions on either of those can render the bike inoperable pretty easily.

I'd want to know more about that wheel size. If it is truly a weird wheel size that is going to make sourcing replacement tires a monstrous pain and I'd avoid the bike.

Kind of crazy that this bike sells for about twice what my annual service on my 2017 R&M Charger set me back this month.

other reviews mention that the tires are 700x45c. there was also originally a step through “v frame” and that one may have had 650 or something else smaller.

it’s a bafang 500w rear hub motor, definitely a vanmoof S3 clone, originally offered at around $2k. i think it’s kind of ugly but a good deal for sure!

 

[indianajo]

I will admit that outside of very flat cities and people on amphetamines I really do not understand the appeal of single speed bikes. Even single-speed e-bikes.

I like drag racing the cars out of traffic lights. 2 or 3 speeds every stop. They ride my rear fender if I can't pull out of their way. Once we are away from the light and a double lane of traffic being passed is much less dangerous.
Went to 2 speeds as soon as that was available 1962 in flat windless Houston. Bendix sold a 2 speed rear with coaster brake. I saw the ad in Boy's Life magazine. Bought one for my 26" cruiser. You back pedaled to shift the speed. Really helped crossing through the lights under I-10 to junior high school.

 

[Doggyman1202]

other reviews mention that the tires are 700x45c. there was also originally a step through “v frame” and that one may have had 650 or something else smaller.

it’s a bafang 500w rear hub motor, definitely a vanmoof S3 clone, originally offered at around $2k. i think it’s kind of ugly but a good deal for sure!

The V frame is still offered at Amazon and also on eBay last time I checked. The original web page indicates that the Bird would hatch December of 2021. I have no idea if they actually delivered any at that $2k price point. If I find I have an extra $650 burning a hole in my pocket after the holidays I might buy one as a gift for a family member with a January birthday.

 

[Taylor57]

Looks like it is $650 plus $200 shipping US. For $850 and I'm sure there is tax involved, it is a hard pass for me. Reviews are limited but horrible. I like the Gates belt and good looking cockpit, but it appears to have great paper weight potential...

 

[scottsdalecommuter]

for someone looking to test one out, i think a bike shop offers a better experience and allows them to actually test ride the ebikes. theres got to be an ebike shop on every corner in florida by now. i would have a hard time recommending something like that in case in a month or two it craps out and they are out 800 plus bucks.