tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post5523131392646027386..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: The Bobbin Birdie Lands in America!Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23115723395669549052012-06-25T12:06:10.579-04:002012-06-25T12:06:10.579-04:00I tested a few of the Bobbins and, although really...I tested a few of the Bobbins and, although really nice to look at, they don't compare to the Trek Cocoa I just bought. The Trek Cocoa weighs less, the seat is much more comfortable, and the tires are bigger at 700x32c. I prefer a faster more comfortable ride over looks (althought I love the look of my Cocoa) but it is all about personal preference!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8122383808527185552012-05-13T22:38:30.306-04:002012-05-13T22:38:30.306-04:00Just bought a Bobbin Birdie. I tried a number of ...Just bought a Bobbin Birdie. I tried a number of more "conventional" North American bikes. But when I got behind the wheel of the Birdie the bike just took off with a beautiful cruising and free wheeling feeling.<br /><br />I had had some reservations about it only having 3 speeds but tried a couple of fairly stiff hills and it handled them beautifully. They are lovely looking bikes (I bought the Robin egg blue colour). I know these bikes are ideally suited for women, but what's wrong with a guy having a "pretty" bike. Also this bike goes up to a 21" frame which makes it ideal for my 6' height. I also needed a step through as I'm no spring chicken and have some difficulty getting my leg over a cross bar.<br /><br />I have also ridden a Pashley (Princess Sovereign). The Pashley is a great bike and comes complete with all the options including drum brakes and dynamo front light. However I found the Pashley somewhat heavy, and not as light and nimble as the Birdie (makes sense with the Pashley being all steel and having so many options loaded on to it). It's also twice the money of a birdie if like me you are budget conscious.<br /><br />All in all, initial impressions are that this is a very good bike for the price ($650 CDN).Davidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54207057969589280702012-04-05T00:29:07.252-04:002012-04-05T00:29:07.252-04:00I have been on the hunt for a cherry red bicycle a...I have been on the hunt for a cherry red bicycle and found this review very helpful. I was wondering if you have also tested or ridden the Pashley Britannia bicycle as well, if so how does it compare to the Bobbin? I really would like to test ride a bike before I purchase anything, but all bike dealers that I’m interested in aren’t anywhere close to where I live. Fortunately I’m a seasonal rider and live in a flat area with few hills. Still, any opinions and information I can gather on how a bike rides would be helpful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91376797948170421282012-01-21T19:54:54.627-05:002012-01-21T19:54:54.627-05:00I have had my Bobbin Madam mixte for a few weeks n...I have had my Bobbin Madam mixte for a few weeks now and it is a very, very nice ride. Well, I don't really have a lot to compare it to, but it just feels like quality. The Madam is fairly zippy compared to the step-throughs I've previously ridden, while remaining stable and cruisy. I had some problems setting up the gears (I bought it from the UK and it came with the frame and wheels in separate boxes) but now everything's working, and that problem is obviously not Bobbin's problem.<br /><br />I ride it the 5km or so to work on bike paths that have small to moderate inclines. The 5 speed Sturmey-Archer wide range (X-RF5-W) is interesting - it feels like gears 2-3-4 are evenly spaced, and these are the gears in which I mostly ride, and gear 1 is a very low 'granny' gear and gear 5 is pretty high. I think I prefer gears with more steps on between but it's very nice as is. It works well with the bike and it's comfortable to ride at all speeds.<br /><br />Depending on how you set up the seat height and handlebars, you can ride in a slightly-leant-over way like on a hybrid bike (etc) or in a more upright position, but not quite as upright as a Dutch bike. I swapped the Brooks B68 saddle that came with the bike for a B67S for a bit more comfort as I sit upright, and it made a noticeable difference immediately.<br /><br />I could have gotten a loop frame type step-though, but I wanted just one bike that I could use for not only riding to work and the shops, but on longer rides around Canberra's extensive bike path network, which can have some moderately difficult hills (for me anyway). The Madam is lighter than other step-through frames I investigated, but is strong enough to handle my heavier weight. <br /><br />The main drawback is that it's been difficult to fit a rack on the back because of the long wheelbase + mixte frame. There are no built-in anchor points on the seat stays. I've had to get some p-clamps to attach a standard rack - though I think I might get a custom rack made and powder coated in red just to keep the aesthetic of the bike consistent. Also on aesthetics, while it's not fully lugged, the welding is kept unobtrusive, nothing like the ugly welds on department store bikes.<br /><br />Overall I'm really pleased with it and am having so much fun riding it. I consider it good value. You can see my pictures of it if you click on 'harpy' above.harpyhttp://harpraxis.tumblr.com/post/14713512988/my-shiny-new-bobbin-madam-mixte-5-speed-and-goesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58121989603634083162011-12-19T06:55:04.586-05:002011-12-19T06:55:04.586-05:00It doesn't make me sigh with longing like the ...It doesn't make me sigh with longing like the Bella Ciao. I know they are different price brackets! I think the primary colours of the Bobbin Birdie are a bit off-putting. Perhaps it's a small thing, but they are just too bright for me.stephanienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-71933448008135027062011-12-15T12:28:02.157-05:002011-12-15T12:28:02.157-05:00cloudsofviolet - In a way the handling is not diss...cloudsofviolet - In a way the handling is not dissimilar, though the Birdie has a harsher ride quality over bumps (could be the wheels and tires, but can't be sure). <br /><br />As far as construction goes, Bella Ciao frames are handmade in Italy and use higher end tubing. Bella Ciao comes standard with higher end wheels, handlebars, tires and saddle. Bella Ciao frames are powdercoated. Mine also has a hub brake in the rear, so I can ride it in winter. Considering these differences, they are both good values at their respective price points. <br /><br />But on a separate note, aesthetically the two bikes are completely different - some may simply prefer one type of frame curvature over the other regardless of price.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68535603419374601242011-12-15T12:10:57.766-05:002011-12-15T12:10:57.766-05:00how would you compare the ride to your Bella Ciao?...how would you compare the ride to your Bella Ciao? You said the Bobbin is "light and zippy, and maintains momentum well", and your review of the Bella Ciao seems to be along the same lines.<br /><br />For folks who want a zippier city bike, could the Bobbin be a cheaper alternative to the Bella Ciao?cloudsofvioletnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74441378647572902592011-12-15T08:08:26.208-05:002011-12-15T08:08:26.208-05:00Hello from Bobbin!
Firstly a HUGE thank you for t...Hello from Bobbin!<br /><br />Firstly a HUGE thank you for taking the time to review and comment on our Bobbin Birdie model. You've warmed our cockles on this cold and bright London morning.<br /><br />Already in production and coming stateside this Spring:<br /><br />A 5 speed Birdie!<br /><br />A 5 speed deluxe Vintage with Brooks saddle, kevlar tires and dynamo lighting!<br /><br />Sian & Tom x<br />BobbinBobbin Bicycleshttp://www.bobbinbicycles.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33286867007040252072011-12-15T07:47:29.398-05:002011-12-15T07:47:29.398-05:00A lovely bike indeed! I'll definately be looki...A lovely bike indeed! I'll definately be looking at their website (and saving it to favs). I'd still prefer to find a bit of classic Brittish steel to refurbish next year,but if unable to find a suitible candidate,this looks like a good alternative...I don't NEED one (x + y = n!),but I've lusted after the classic 3 speed for about town since before actually living in town. Good read,V,looking forward to the follow-up on it :)<br /><br />Disabled CyclistAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-7395995369059063962011-12-15T06:39:41.225-05:002011-12-15T06:39:41.225-05:00Oo la la, what a beautiful cheery, cherry, red col...Oo la la, what a beautiful cheery, cherry, red color.<br /><br />I reminds me of recent happenings at PerformanceBike.com. The store has a line of city bikes named Charge, complete with 3 and 5-speed versions and in a mixte or diamond frame style. I guess everyone is realizing the demand for zippy, pretty, and practical bicycles. Yay!anniebikeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09761205231523083781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2475642002399560552011-12-15T02:24:58.315-05:002011-12-15T02:24:58.315-05:00The bobbins have been available at a bike shop in ...The bobbins have been available at a bike shop in Vancouver for awhile and the colours are so cheerful and they look fun. 3 speeds are just not an option for my terrain. Glad you got to have a test ride....i was curious how they would ride!heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70906060461840665902011-12-15T01:47:19.743-05:002011-12-15T01:47:19.743-05:00That bike reminds me of my favorite English three-...That bike reminds me of my favorite English three-speed: a red "Robin Hood" brand bike that was probably from the fifties or sixties. I know that, save for the color, it was practically a clone of Raleigh or any number of other English three-speeds from that time. But there was something about that red Robin Hood...Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80233781842010005842011-12-15T00:21:52.994-05:002011-12-15T00:21:52.994-05:00That the standard of comparison is a bicycle manuf...That the standard of comparison is a bicycle manufactured more than forty years ago (1970s Raleigh Sports don't count) says rather a lot on behalf of those great machines. For that matter the collective memory of those bikes includes machines made 50 and 60 years ago, many of which are in service.<br /><br />Someone above said something about lack of integrated lighting. If you want that, get a Superbe.<br /><br />Yes, it becomes harder year by year to find a Sports that remains in good condition, one that does not need a massive refit to ride as it should. I do wonder how many of those slagging the Sports have ever been on one with a straight frame and straight wheels, tires that in any way stood in for the Dunlops, proper Dare or Var or Constrictor grips. If you had ridden that bike you would wish to ride it again.<br /><br />Yes there are not enough Sports to be had. So the Birdie becomes interesting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69751140213518397732011-12-14T23:52:41.319-05:002011-12-14T23:52:41.319-05:00Great to see new manufactured products from Blight...Great to see new manufactured products from Blighty - where I was born and grew up. We live in Scottsdale, AZ (we both work and do not like golf) and have Pashleys. What's great with these bikes and other city bikes such as the Bobbin is that you dont need to drink Gatorade and wear Spandex to enjoy a good ride.Phil Allsopp, RIBA, FRSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04377140701940685161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31195827233198641252011-12-14T23:30:49.812-05:002011-12-14T23:30:49.812-05:00I've ordered a Bobbin Madam, which is their 5-...I've ordered a Bobbin Madam, which is their 5-speed mixte. It should be here in a few days and I am even more excited now. :) It comes with fancier fittings than the other Bobbins, like a Brooks seat and leather handlebar grips. I bought it online after looking at many, many bikes in person and online - it just leapt out at me as a combination of all the things I wanted in a bike. Hopefully it lives up to that but your review gives me more confidence that it will.Harpraxisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-29235337061374716822011-12-14T22:47:03.798-05:002011-12-14T22:47:03.798-05:00I for one love that Linus, and now Bobbin, are mak...I for one love that Linus, and now Bobbin, are making bikes that are good quality for the money while appealing to normal people. Or at least people who want a nice looking bike. They are both good deals, each with understandable trade-offs in componetry and frame details.<br /><br />My wife saw the Bobbin earlier this fall in DC. I was impressed that it was made in Taiwan (perhaps meaningless, but I associate that with very nice QBP bikes) and, of course, lugged. She thought it was gorgeous, and was immediately interested. Ultimately she was concerned about the weight and "limitation" of three speeds, and she ended up with a cream Linus Dutchi 8-speed that she adores. Of course, I made some improvements to the Dutchi, which is a fantastic platform for a city bike. She still looks wistfully at the Bobbin, especially when I pointed out this post!<br /><br />On the lighting note, I'm not sure what the precise cross-section shape of the Bobbin rims are but I can attest that the polished Sun CR18 is a near spot on match for the polished rims of the Linus bikes. I say this because I had Anthony at Longleaf Bicycles build a new dynamo wheel with the Sun rim in the front, and she now has full front and back dynamo lights (thank you Velouria for your post on clean wiring tips!) that look like they came from the factory. I have to say, it's not really fair to criticize one company because they don't include dynamo lighting, since hardly any do. I do hope that changes, because in my view a bike isn't complete without dynamo lighting and fenders. If not exact, I imagine the CR18's would still look good for front dynamo wheels on the Bobbin.Michaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07456684777630871337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21390840033506076752011-12-14T22:29:41.840-05:002011-12-14T22:29:41.840-05:00"Really? Which Chinese bikes does it remind y..."Really? Which Chinese bikes does it remind you of? The looks remind me of a repainted vintage Raleigh Cameo. "<br /><br /><br /><br />That was the first thing I thought when seeing your pictures. Not a bad look, really.<br />In comparison to more recent models, it's a bit like a Pashley Poppy, too.<br /><br />One ride question- did it have twitchy low-speed handling? This was something that had to be adjusted out of the Cameo.<br /><br />Snarkypup, I agree. The main reason the Sports models are so gilded in our memories is because it is so hard to kill them with mere age and neglect. So we find one in the garage, and it's just as reliably ill-adjusted as it was when Grandma last put it away during the Ford Administration!Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8335199515409546422011-12-14T21:37:01.210-05:002011-12-14T21:37:01.210-05:00Thanks, V. I would put a white tail on that Birdie...Thanks, V. I would put a white tail on that Birdie, though. Seriously: all city bikes should have adorable white rear fender sections, mandatory. And front fender bobbles in chrome. Otherwise, lookin' good.<br /><br />I see they do not have a Seattle distributor, yet. Clever Cycles in Portland has found yet another reason to lure me down there, I think. It's all part of their plan, I'm sure.ridebloghttp://rideblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34896150153734736182011-12-14T21:33:07.406-05:002011-12-14T21:33:07.406-05:00Oh rideblog! I think you nailed it in your 1st par...Oh rideblog! I think you nailed it in your 1st par. I was not able to articulate this myself, but it's how I feel exactly.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19304453767101017532011-12-14T21:24:44.571-05:002011-12-14T21:24:44.571-05:00Looks cute to me. Reminds me of my Raleigh, but ne...Looks cute to me. Reminds me of my Raleigh, but newer. In the 1970's, a Raleigh Sports came with a pleather mattress saddle, and never came standard with lighting, as far as I know. I think there's a lot of romanticizing of the old 3-speeds, but they were very much like this bike in terms of what they came with, and frankly, this one looks like it was better-constructed than my old Sports. Raleigh wasn't known for making the Sports with gorgeous lugs. Mine are sloppy and ugly, and I have a '69 Sports, which was before the "lost years" in the late 70's. The rack on the Birdie is nicer than my Pletscher, and the brakes no doubt work better on those rims than on the old steel ones. I love how often folks complain that they "just don't make bikes like those old 3-speeds," then when someone does, folks think it looks too cheap or doesn't have high-end enough components. As if the Sports was gilded by anything but our nostalgia.<br /><br />If the Bobbin shows up in shops here in Seattle, I'm sure it will sell. It's adorable and looks quite practical, though a 5-speed version is nice around here, given our hills. <br /><br />And having test-ridden both the Linus Dutchie and the Mixte, I hope it rides better than either bike. I thought they were incredibly bland bicycles. The Linuses are also ridiculously tiny, and only come in one size. The Birdie at least acknowledges that taller women do exist in the universe. Keeping in mind that I'm only 5'6" and both Linus women's models were too small for my longer inseam.<br /><br />Go Birdie, I say! It looks like a great new alternative to what are becoming very expensive old bikes. Around here, a good condition Raleigh Sports would run you at least $250, and then once you tune it up, and when you put on aluminum rims, better brakes, new grips... you're looking at close to the retail for this bike. Throw on a Brooks, and you're well over. Ask me how I know... :)ridebloghttp://rideblog.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83434028740132920222011-12-14T20:16:50.644-05:002011-12-14T20:16:50.644-05:00Krystina - Oh that's neat that you have one! S...Krystina - Oh that's neat that you have one! So what do you think so far, positive/negative? <br /><br />Steve - well they could have used cream tires : ) <br /><br />The pedals I did not find problematic, but this is where the difference between test riding a bike for 5 miles vs owning it for at least several months comes into play. Also, I'm a little confused: Do you actually own this bike or are you guessing based on the photos?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45866259103748413242011-12-14T19:57:17.712-05:002011-12-14T19:57:17.712-05:00I'd guess that the tyres (I'm English!) ar...I'd guess that the tyres (I'm English!) are a triumph of form over function, since they add so much to the look. Imagine this bike with straight black tyres and it would look a LOT like the hacks (?? Pashley mostly!) that our Post Office use. Likewise the saddle and grips, which merely state that they know about Brooks but weren't going for that price point. No, the most disappointing ancillary choice wasn't even mentioned in the review - the pedals. I actually own a bike that came with these beknighted devices which must literally cost the same as a bag of peanuts. You can feel both ball bearings on every revolution, your feet slide off the solid plastic and worse, much worse, they squeak like guinea pigs and grind like Starbucks. That's the price you're paying for those lugs! So lets see - tyres, seat, grips, pedals... that should see you into 4 figures. But just look at it. It's STILL worth it :)Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81514400159801234202011-12-14T18:54:32.797-05:002011-12-14T18:54:32.797-05:00Mark - I am not a fan of 26" wheels either, u...Mark - I am not a fan of 26" wheels either, unless they come with balloon tires. But I think for me it's a psychological/aesthetic bias more than anything and I cannot honestly say that I detect a 26"-specific ride quality. The Raleigh Sports, Pashley Princess, Bobbin Birdie and Velorbis I've ridden with those wheel sizes (and 35mm tires) have all ridden differently. As Mike points out, 26" does make it easier to avoid TCO. But on this particular bike (the Birdie) there was so much toe-fender clearance that I am pretty sure 700C would have been fine as well. Ultimately I guess wheel size is a personal preference.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2957750078329343492011-12-14T18:51:29.326-05:002011-12-14T18:51:29.326-05:00Velouria, I've been quite curious as to what y...Velouria, I've been quite curious as to what your reviews would be on this once I saw that you checked Bobbin out at Interbike (actually, not too long after I ordered mine) and glad to see this now! <br /><br />This being the first bicycle I've owned in some ten or so years since grade school, I didn't want to purchase anything too expensive in case I realized that I've been a driver and pedestrian for way too long and city cycling isn't for me.<br /><br />Thankfully, I realized that I do enjoy biking in DC, so the Birdie for me was cute enough to ride as is, but something that I could add a few pieces to here and there (only lights and a basket so far, but looking at a different saddle and maybe some Schwalbes now...) to upgrade it if I so wish.<br /><br />Back to that price though, $650? Hm. While I am all for supporting local shops, I ordered my Birdie for a bit less than that from Evans Cycles online a few months ago, and that included shipment to Washington, DC... Granted, I'd have loved to buy it in person since it was quite a leap of faith to order on a few reviews online.Krystinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06145888161768870803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57346973984218910682011-12-14T18:43:07.037-05:002011-12-14T18:43:07.037-05:00Tanya - Thanks for sharing your impressions of the...Tanya - Thanks for sharing your impressions of the Trek Cocoa. I had a <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2011/09/bleak-prognosis-for-dutch-bicycle.html" rel="nofollow">good look at it at Interbike</a>, but didn't get to ride it.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.com