Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Folding Bikes
Reload this Page >

Swift folders

Notices
Folding Bikes Discuss the unique features and issues of folding bikes. Also a great place to learn what folding bike will work best for your needs.

Swift folders

Old 10-22-05, 06:57 PM
  #101  
Purr
Kitten
 
Purr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Metro NY
Posts: 30

Bikes: A no-name 10-speed tank, but man, that Xootr Swift in the window sure looks sweet...no, wait...someone just hung a "SOLD" sign on it...that's cuz I bought it!!!

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
And today, my fellow friends of folders, I have officially joined your ranks in having taken delivery of my Silver Swift.

Of course, it had to RAIN all day, so I haven't been able to actually RIDE it yet...

Weather.com says it's supposed to clear a bit tomorrow, so that means the BF and I will probably go out tomorrow. He's excited because then he'll get to ride his Cannondale instead of my old beater.

BTW, I like how you've tricked out your Swift, James -- especially the comets. Snazzzzy!
Purr is offline  
Old 10-22-05, 08:58 PM
  #102  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Purr
And today, my fellow friends of folders, I have officially joined your ranks in having taken delivery of my Silver Swift.

Of course, it had to RAIN all day, so I haven't been able to actually RIDE it yet...

Weather.com says it's supposed to clear a bit tomorrow, so that means the BF and I will probably go out tomorrow. He's excited because then he'll get to ride his Cannondale instead of my old beater.

BTW, I like how you've tricked out your Swift, James -- especially the comets. Snazzzzy!
Excellent! Be sure and let us know what you think of your Swift.
james_swift is offline  
Old 10-23-05, 08:50 PM
  #103  
Purr
Kitten
 
Purr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Metro NY
Posts: 30

Bikes: A no-name 10-speed tank, but man, that Xootr Swift in the window sure looks sweet...no, wait...someone just hung a "SOLD" sign on it...that's cuz I bought it!!!

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by james_swift
Excellent! Be sure and let us know what you think of your Swift.
A very nice ride. Very maneuverable. Much more manageable than the BF's 700c Cannondale. Though I'm typically of the once-you-find-a-gear-you-like-you-stick-with-it school, I found myself easily shifting up and down to accommodate inclines and headwinds.

The BF and I were exploring a new route, and to my surprise he said he was ready to give up and go home due to the uphill grade and strong headwinds. I was a little winded, but willing to persevere after a brief breather, however we decided to back home. Also we had car-necessary errands that needed to be run. Still, we had a really fun little 3.5 mi. spin.

[Note: The BF informs me that he had felt winded because he didn't realize he was in 3rd gear instead of Granny-low. Consider the record set straight.]

After the errands, I was tempted to go back out and take a run (~5 mi. or so) on my own, but it was getting late, I was just plain sleepy. Wouldn't do to risk an unpleasant ride this early in the game, now would it? Besides, "leave 'em wanting more," was a standard phrase in vaudeville. It must be true because I can't wait to take 'er out again!

All in all, a great bike. Although I'm used to your standard drop-handlebar 10-speed, it's going to take just a little getting used to something more like a hybrid.

Regardless, I can't wait to tell my long-time cycling friend that after too many years, I finally plunked down my li'l plastic card for a decent set o' wheels. He'll probably look out at the car, see no bike rack, and expect me to whip out a picture of the new cycle. I'm so gonna love popping that silver beauty out of the trunk and locking that seat-post into place!

Oh yeah, that, and when I go to EMS or the LBS, I now have an actual reason to buy bike accessories.

BTW, did I say that I liked the bike?
Purr is offline  
Old 10-24-05, 09:27 AM
  #104  
jyossarian
SERENITY NOW!!!
 
jyossarian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738

Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Post pics Purr!
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR



We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
jyossarian is offline  
Old 10-24-05, 08:25 PM
  #105  
Purr
Kitten
 
Purr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Metro NY
Posts: 30

Bikes: A no-name 10-speed tank, but man, that Xootr Swift in the window sure looks sweet...no, wait...someone just hung a "SOLD" sign on it...that's cuz I bought it!!!

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Okay...lemme get some nice ones, first.

I'm gonna warn you that I haven't tricked it out like james_swift did with his. So far, just some Sensas lights, an IncrediBell, and some hand-me-down toe clips from my BF. But it's still new, yet.

Purr
Purr is offline  
Old 10-24-05, 08:37 PM
  #106  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Purr
Okay...lemme get some nice ones, first.

I'm gonna warn you that I haven't tricked it out like james_swift did with his.
Purr
Doesn't matter...let's just load this forum full of Swift pics to spread the sensation.
james_swift is offline  
Old 10-27-05, 06:07 PM
  #107  
Purr
Kitten
 
Purr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Metro NY
Posts: 30

Bikes: A no-name 10-speed tank, but man, that Xootr Swift in the window sure looks sweet...no, wait...someone just hung a "SOLD" sign on it...that's cuz I bought it!!!

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Okay, I know I've promised pictures...I haven't forgotten...we're just having some problems fitting in some photographing time around the biking time (by the time we're back from the ride, the light's gone).

However...

I biked to work for the first time today!

It's around 5 mi. each direction, if I leave from the BF's place. I figured it might be my last chance before the clocks change. I'm a rather new cyclist and though I have lights and enjoy riding on quiet streets in the dark, I'm still hesitant about taking on rush-hour traffic that way. I need to gain some more confidence and savvy for that.

The way in was uphill and upwind, so I felt a bit shagged and sleepy all day (of course, the eyes snapping open a full 3.5 hours before the alarm clock didn't help either ). I got lots of compliments on the Swift, though. Although I thought my legs would ache a bit, that seemed to come more from my back and shoulders. That's not the bike's fault, as I'm pretty out of shape (but daily jaunts should help that).

The ride home was mostly downhill and downwind, so it was much more pleasant. I actually touched 7th gear on a downhill on a service road. S-w-e-e-e-e-e-e-t. I could almost keep up with the BF on his Cannondale who just touched 29 mph (a personal best for him).

So here I am at home, tired...a little ache-y...but happy.

Purr
Purr is offline  
Old 10-28-05, 11:40 AM
  #108  
Dave Hickey
Senior Member
 
Dave Hickey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
all this nice talk about Swift convinced me to order a frame/fork, seatpost and stem riser from Peter. I just placed the order today. Peter is making some modifications to accept 451 wheels and road brake calipers so it will take about 3 weeks....I'm going to build this up into a single speed bike...I'll post some work in progress photos once the frame arrives...

Big kudos to both Steve at Xootr and Peter at Swift. They were both extremely accommodating.

Last edited by Dave Hickey; 10-28-05 at 06:25 PM.
Dave Hickey is offline  
Old 10-28-05, 02:50 PM
  #109  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Dave Hickey
all this nice stalk about Swift convinced me to order a frame/fork, seatpost and stem riser from Peter. I just placed the order today. Peter is making some modifications to accept 451 wheels and road brake calipers so it will take about 3 weeks....I'm going to build this up into a single speed bike...I'll post some work in progress photos once the frame arrives...

Big kudos to both Steve at Xootr and Peter at Swift. They were both extremely accommodating.
Oooh, yeah...definitely post pics!
james_swift is offline  
Old 10-28-05, 04:02 PM
  #110  
BruceMetras
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Dave Hickey
all this nice stalk about Swift convinced me to order a frame/fork, seatpost and stem riser from Peter. I just placed the order today. Peter is making some modifications to accept 451 wheels and road brake calipers so it will take about 3 weeks....I'm going to build this up into a single speed bike...I'll post some work in progress photos once the frame arrives...

Big kudos to both Steve at Xootr and Peter at Swift. They were both extremely accommodating.

Nice, Dave!!....I'm sure it'll be sweet... I agree with you about Steve and Peter...they're both tops!...and after a few months of riding it, I'm still in the ether with my Swift...super bike!!

Bruce
BruceMetras is offline  
Old 10-28-05, 06:29 PM
  #111  
austex
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 177
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
What specific mods, please? What reach calipers? Will bottom bracket be ~1" higher with 451s?
austex is offline  
Old 10-28-05, 08:47 PM
  #112  
Dave Hickey
Senior Member
 
Dave Hickey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 206
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I'm having the canti bosses taken off the frame and fork. Peter also said he has to do some very slight grinding of the fork to accept the 451 wheel...The fork is cro-mo and he's done the same thing on his bike. He'll then have the frame repainted black. The frame and fork are already drilled for road brakes.

I've been looking a rims and wheels tonight. I think I'm going with 36 hole I.R.O high flange hubs laced to Sun 36 hole black/silver rims with 14 g yellow spokes..The I.R.O. hubs are very cool and look like the old Campy sheriff star hubs..

I'm a cancer survivor and this is going to be my LiveStrong bike. The basic bike will be black with yellow LiveStrong and Lance Armstrong Foundation logs. I'm also going with a yellow Selle San Marco Regal saddle and yellow bar tape....Dura Ace brakes and Dura Ace track cranks...

I'll spend way too much on this project but it is something I've always wanted to do...
Dave Hickey is offline  
Old 11-01-05, 09:41 AM
  #113  
cosmodc
Fledgling
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Rome, Italy via DC
Posts: 55

Bikes: Swift Folder, Brompton

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I just wanted to come out of Lurkdom to thank you guys for this thread (and a lot more people for this forum), as I have just ordered my semi-customized Swift from Peter at Design Mobility.

Now I will be reduced to checking my e-mail constantly for that all-important UPS tracking number.
cosmodc is offline  
Old 11-01-05, 01:51 PM
  #114  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Always good to hear of new Swift owners. Welcome to the fold.
james_swift is offline  
Old 11-01-05, 02:23 PM
  #115  
bigbenaugust 
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
All puns intended.

I should have a blue one in a box on my doorstep tonight.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 11-01-05, 06:23 PM
  #116  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by bigbenaugust
All puns intended.

I should have a blue one in a box on my doorstep tonight.
Please post pics.
james_swift is offline  
Old 11-01-05, 10:34 PM
  #117  
bigbenaugust 
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
All I have so far are pics of the dent in the frame. I survived a layoff today (#4, baby!!!), so I felt pretty invincible until I got home and opened the box and found that the top tube was dented. So depressing! There doesn't appear to be any box or packing material damage, but there it is.

If this boils down into one of those "shipper v. carrier v. recipient" rows you hear about, I'm just going to buy an automotive dent repair kit and try and fix it myself.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 12:19 AM
  #118  
bigbenaugust 
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Here are the pictures of the damage. I sent one of them to Xootr.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 07:16 AM
  #119  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by bigbenaugust
Here are the pictures of the damage. I sent one of them to Xootr.
Wow, that really, really sucks. I would call the carrier ASAP and file a claim. I'm sure Xootr sent the package insured. The guys at Xootr have always been very helpful and friendly, so I'm sure they'll take care of it.
james_swift is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 09:26 AM
  #120  
bigbenaugust 
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Actually, the guy from Xootr says that the top tube came to them covered in cardboard, so they most likely never saw the part naked before shipping it. What fabulous customer service, they might send me another top tube. AND I'll get to reassemble the bike all by myself!
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 09:49 AM
  #121  
JonathanG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks to all for all the information on this thread.
I'm really interested in getting a Xootr Swift, and have noticed that the rear dropout faces to the rear. I understand that this is good if you want to set the bike up as a fixed gear or a single speed, but with a derailleur does it make it hard to remove/install the rear wheel?
Jonathan
JonathanG is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 01:49 PM
  #122  
james_swift
All ur bike r belong Enki
 
james_swift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Fransicko
Posts: 816
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by JonathanG
Thanks to all for all the information on this thread.
I'm really interested in getting a Xootr Swift, and have noticed that the rear dropout faces to the rear. I understand that this is good if you want to set the bike up as a fixed gear or a single speed, but with a derailleur does it make it hard to remove/install the rear wheel?
Jonathan
It's not as convenient as vertical dropouts, but not much more difficult to remove, either. What I do is shift the chain to the highest cog, then hang the chain on the dropout itself. This gives me enough clearance to slide the back wheel out.
james_swift is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 02:09 PM
  #123  
bigbenaugust 
always rides with luggage
 
bigbenaugust's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: KIGX
Posts: 2,109

Bikes: 2007 Trek SU100, 2009 Fantom CX, 2012 Fantom Cross Uno, Bakfiets

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Liked 20 Times in 17 Posts
Actually, they're going to overnight me a new top tube and credit me $50 because it has a paint chip. So... maybe this weekend I will be able to reassemble it and give it a ride.
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
bigbenaugust is offline  
Old 11-02-05, 02:19 PM
  #124  
jyossarian
SERENITY NOW!!!
 
jyossarian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738

Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
That's an expensive chip. Bike's get chipped as soon as you drop them or put chain lock them to something. At least their customer service is responding quickly. That's good to hear.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR



We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
jyossarian is offline  
Old 11-05-05, 09:09 AM
  #125  
MOKO
Unregistered Boozer
 
MOKO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NYC/Philly
Posts: 12

Bikes: Surly 1X1,Bianchi Diss,Klein Attitude Race,Kona,Olmo,Swift (steel),Schwinn,Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by cosmodc
I just wanted to come out of Lurkdom to thank you guys for this thread (and a lot more people for this forum), as I have just ordered my semi-customized Swift from Peter at Design Mobility.

Now I will be reduced to checking my e-mail constantly for that all-important UPS tracking number.

DITTO..you guys helped alot..MAHALO..Black 7 speed Steel Swift for me.... I already want to get a second SS Swift...with a BIG RING.

Be Safe
MOKO is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.