【Bicycle Modification】Birdy x Ridea offers surprising upgrade options that you wouldn't expect! Which positions are upgraded using Swiss aluminum alloy? And let's also introduce the impressive Suncord full carbon fiber 5-spoke wheelset.
Posted by Jollymap - 2023-09-12T00:00:00.000+08:00 - 2025 Folding Bike Recommendation
Birdy folding bikes have recently launched a series of special editions, including limited edition color schemes. At a recent bicycle exhibition in Taiwan, an eye-catching green and purple EVA Unit 0 bike was showcased, garnering attention and anticipation from everyone. Birdy learned from cyclists' desire for customized bikes, and thus, when introducing the special editions, they chose the Standard version as the base, primarily using standard components and keeping the price relatively affordable. However, when extensive modifications are desired, the Birdy Standard may not fully meet those needs. It's not just the price that needs consideration; the changes made through modifications become more pronounced.
Now, let's showcase the various modifications that can be made to the Birdy. If you want to learn more details, just keep reading!
Ridea bicycle components: Enhance the quality of your bicycle
Ridea aftermarket components have become the top choice for cycling enthusiasts due to their outstanding design and quality. These components are made using European aluminum and Swiss aluminum alloy, ensuring superior performance in terms of strength and purity. The materials selected for components such as cranksets and bottom bracket caps undergo meticulous selection, utilizing top-grade Swiss aluminum alloy, resulting in enhanced stability and durability during bike rides. Whether it's the appearance or performance, Ridea can rejuvenate your bike and elevate your riding experience.
Birdy bicycle modification highlights:
1. Smooth and Adjustable Brake Levers
Let's delve into the modifications made to this Birdy bicycle in detail. First, let's start with the front end. In terms of functionality, we have replaced the brake levers with Ridea Organomic brake levers, which offer outstanding performance and design.
Next up is the brake levers, and I particularly appreciate this brake lever modification. Apart from matching the overall color scheme of the bike, it features a micro-adjustment screw that ensures smoother rotation. Additionally, there are numerical markings on the lever, indicating the specific position of the micro-adjustment.
2. Convenient and Practical Bottle Cage
The original Birdy bicycle did not come with a bottle cage, but now you can enhance it with the installation of this practical bottle cage modification. With this modification, you no longer have to worry about carrying a water bottle during your rides. The bottle cage can be conveniently attached to the front end of the Birdy bicycle.
3. Fine CNC-machined accessories add decorative elements
In addition to functional modifications, Birdy bicycles also offer some exquisite accessories that can enhance the decorative effect. These accessories include stem caps and secure switches for the headset. They are meticulously crafted by Ridea in Taiwan using advanced CNC machining tools, eliminating the need for additional polishing processes and presenting a more delicate surface finish.
4. Upgraded Headset and Added Safety Bolts
In the modification of the Birdy bicycle, a significant upgrade is the replacement of the headset with Ridea's Headset.
In addition, the two screws on the rear wheel have also been modified to secure the wheel, providing increased safety and reducing the risk of detachment. Compared to the original Standard version, which only uses a plastic latch, this modification offers higher security.
5. Enhanced Suspension Evolution
In addition, we would like to introduce Ridea's enhanced front suspension, known as the Evolution version. This front suspension has entered its second generation and boasts unique features. It achieves a 360-degree damping effect, unlike the original springs that only provide vertical movement. Furthermore, it utilizes a lightweight carbon fiber casing, reducing the weight by over 40% compared to the previous generation.
6. Improved Bicycle Braking System for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency
To enhance the braking system of the bicycle, we have made some adjustments. We chose the cable-actuated hydraulic disc brake system from JuinTech in Taiwan, which is highly impressive. Not only does it have an attractive design, but it also retains the familiar feel compared to the original mechanical disc brakes. Additionally, this cable-actuated hydraulic system improves braking performance, making it more efficient.
7. Ridea Seatpost Clamp, for a More Comfortable Ride
The Ridea seatpost clamp is designed to enhance the comfort of your ride in several ways. Firstly, it evenly distributes the force on the seatpost, ensuring stability even when using a carbon fiber seatpost, reducing the chances of slipping or sliding. Secondly, it provides noticeable rear suspension effects. Compared to traditional rigid elastomers, the Ridea seatpost clamp offers enhanced suspension, delivering a significant improvement in ride quality.
8. Ridea's New Roller Design Solves the Pushing Difficulty
You may have heard people mention the challenge of pushing the Birdy folding bicycle after it has been folded. However, there is now a new roller design that addresses this issue.
The Ridea roller not only solves the issue of pushing difficulty but also has a unique feature. It allows one side of the roller to be pulled out, increasing the contact area of the rollers and providing greater stability during pushing. This new roller design brings an upgrade to the Birdy folding bicycle, ensuring a smoother pushing experience.
9. Ridea Featured Hot Accessories Enhancing Functionality and Aesthetics
In addition to the seatpost clamp and roller, Ridea offers two other popular accessories.
Firstly, they have their renowned mudguards, which effectively prevent sand, gravel, and water from splashing onto the rear of your bike, keeping your frame cleaner.
Another featured accessory is their stylish and practical side stand. The Birdy bike itself does not come with a side stand, but many owners choose to install this accessory after purchase. The side stand not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also offers great convenience, helping to avoid potential scratches and damage to the bike's frame.
10. drivetrain system & a chain guide
In terms of the drivetrain system, Ridea does not change the original Sora 9-speed derailleur. However, they may replace the crankset with color options that better match the overall aesthetics of the bike. Additionally, they may offer the option to replace both pulleys with red ones to enhance the visual effect.
Additionally, there is a specific accessory worth mentioning called a chain tensioner. The original version of the drivetrain system did not include this accessory, which can lead to chain slack when the chain is connected. When the chain becomes slack, especially at the last jockey wheel position, it is prone to derailment. However, with a chain tensioner, it can pull the chain taut, reducing the likelihood of derailment and making the ride smoother.
Ridea's range of accessories not only enhances the functionality of bicycles but also focuses on aesthetics and personalization, making your riding experience more complete.
Suncord Stellar Wheelset: Experience a Lighter and Faster Cycling Journey
For cycling enthusiasts, the choice of wheelset is crucial. Some people ride the Birdy Standard, which comes equipped with an 18-inch wheelset that performs well. However, there are those who desire to upgrade to larger, lighter, and faster wheelsets!
Allow me to introduce the Suncord Stellar Wheelset from Taiwan. It features a 20-inch diameter with a specification of 406 and is constructed using full carbon fiber material. This wheelset is designed to be robust and capable of withstanding greater pressures.
The Suncord Stellar Wheelset features a cassette body and axle made of titanium alloy, along with a design that incorporates five bearings. This is a significant improvement compared to the typical four bearings found in most wheelsets, resulting in enhanced load-bearing capacity. What's even better is that the wheelset's bearings are made of ceramic material and are sealed, ensuring a smooth riding experience.
Contrary to what one might expect, the maintenance of this wheelset is actually quite simple. All you need to do is gently remove the cassette body for lubrication and maintenance.
The most exciting aspect is that, thanks to the use of carbon fiber material and advanced manufacturing processes, this 20-inch wheelset is 30% lighter than the original 18-inch wheelset! Just imagine the significance of this weight reduction in improving cycling performance.
Ridea's range of accessories and wheelsets are not only compatible with Birdy bicycles but also suitable for other brands and models of folding bikes, such as Brompton and Dahon K3+. This means you have the freedom to customize and modify your bike according to your personal preferences and needs.
