Bike for frequent airline travel?
11-08-16, 03:32 AM
#26
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I've seen many Asian BIRDY owners modifying into dropbar.
Here's a photo of the BIRDY Mk2, but it will probably take more time to pack it into suitcases.
Same like you, my job also requires to travel a lot. Personally I've traveled with my BIRDY to Thailand, Japan, China, U.S, Germany, and Korea and I would highly recommend BIRDY because it can handle almost any terrains (not extreme terrains of course) without compromising too much speed.
Here's a photo of the BIRDY Mk2, but it will probably take more time to pack it into suitcases.
Same like you, my job also requires to travel a lot. Personally I've traveled with my BIRDY to Thailand, Japan, China, U.S, Germany, and Korea and I would highly recommend BIRDY because it can handle almost any terrains (not extreme terrains of course) without compromising too much speed.
11-08-16, 06:10 AM
#28
Jedi Master
Thread Starter
Subscribed. I have a lot of catching up to do.
I normally prefer steel frames, but I'm not sure this one is worth the nearly 2x premium.
Large seems like the right one for me. I'm 5'10" and not looking for an upright riding position so I don't really need the longer seatpost or riser on the larger sizes. I'll probably put a different stem on it no matter what.
I'm leaning towards the 8 speed. Since I'll need new wheels for a FG setup anyway, I will be able to set it up either way.
I'm sure it would work. It doesn't seem to come as close to my requirements as the Swift.
Honestly, if it had been $599 when I was looking (it was $300 more) I would have lived with the step over height, lol. I think that is a fantastic deal. No proprietary parts so start saving your money - some of the folks here have done some incredible stuff with the basic frame. If I won the lottery, I'd be tempted to get the steel Swift for around town and a Pakit alfine for traveling. I don't think you can possibly go wrong for $600.
I am mainly a mountain biker so my Swift was a change. I put a nice ergonomic set of bar ends, light, dual duty clipless, my favorite seat on it and it fits just right. I'm 6'3" 195 pounds. I got the XXL size and I would recommend it. The main difference is with the xxl you get the longest seat post---you can cut it down if you want--- and a longer stem.
I am going to a Thomson Stem ( I have decided on the size to try) shortly. Titanium seatpost is on the list. I thought the bars were too narrow when I got it however with bar ends they are perfect.
The Kenda Kwest 65 psi tires roll pretty well. I am going to be doing some touring in SE Asia and Europe in the next year and for now the Kwest tires will be fine. I am buying a folding tire for a spare.
I really like the basic 8 speed also, 52-11 high gear works fine for me.
Packing the single speed would be even simpler.
The 8 speed frame has the same dropouts as the single speed.
The Kenda Kwest 65 psi tires roll pretty well. I am going to be doing some touring in SE Asia and Europe in the next year and for now the Kwest tires will be fine. I am buying a folding tire for a spare.
I really like the basic 8 speed also, 52-11 high gear works fine for me.
Packing the single speed would be even simpler.
The 8 speed frame has the same dropouts as the single speed.
11-08-16, 09:43 AM
#30
Senior Member
If you are going to use this for years, spend the extra money and get a BF Pocket Rocket. Also to correct a previous poster, the pocket rocket does not come with split bars. One needs to know a few things to pack it efficiently, and if you get one make sure you ask. (BTW, I bought mine from BF as a "barely used" and saved some money.)
11-08-16, 10:07 AM
#31
Jedi Master
Thread Starter
If you are going to use this for years, spend the extra money and get a BF Pocket Rocket. Also to correct a previous poster, the pocket rocket does not come with split bars. One needs to know a few things to pack it efficiently, and if you get one make sure you ask. (BTW, I bought mine from BF as a "barely used" and saved some money.)
11-08-16, 10:19 AM
#32
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While I'm a huge BF fan, I think the Swift will serve you well for a long time. And at $599, if you don't get 15-20 years out of it, who cares? You can always buy a Bike Friday later on if you decide you want something with lots of gears for traveling and keep your Swift fixie as well. That ticks all the boxes - you get a fixie and a steel frame folding road bike =). I like how I spend your money, lol. Post back when you get your Swift and let us know how much you like it.
11-08-16, 10:44 AM
#33
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How about get a P Bar Brompton? I know it's not a drop but having the convenience of just folding the Brompton and putting it into a suitcase without disassembly seems to be really nice.
11-08-16, 01:19 PM
#34
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For a hard workout platform the Swift works great for me 6'3" 190-5. The easy modifications to make this bike a fixie are certainly a plus.
I see the Brompton as an excellent quick fold city commuter. I don't see it as a base to workout on.
I have not owned one yet.
Kinda like someone said the Swift is a regular bike with small wheels that you can pack up.
The Brompton is a folding bike you can take on mass transit..
I see the Brompton as an excellent quick fold city commuter. I don't see it as a base to workout on.
I have not owned one yet.
Kinda like someone said the Swift is a regular bike with small wheels that you can pack up.
The Brompton is a folding bike you can take on mass transit..
11-08-16, 02:57 PM
#35
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I see the Brompton as an excellent quick fold city commuter. I don't see it as a base to workout on. I have not owned one yet. Kinda like someone said the Swift is a regular bike with small wheels that you can pack up. The Brompton is a folding bike you can take on mass transit..
At this point, my record is 100miles/150k in a day. But I was kinda tired.
The best $€1,500 I spent.
11-08-16, 06:35 PM
#36
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Assuming the Brompton IS decent for a workout bike, the Swift is still at least $1000 cheaper. For that extra thousand bucks, I would want the Brompton to buy me dinner =).
11-09-16, 09:27 AM
#38
Jedi Master
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I think I'm going with the single speed so I can get the black frame. My wife will be so excited that I'm getting another bike!
11-09-16, 11:35 AM
#39
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I agree, I like the black frame the best. I have the silver frame and a Blue frame. They all look good.
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
11-09-16, 12:42 PM
#40
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I agree, I like the black frame the best. I have the silver frame and a Blue frame. They all look good.
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
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11-09-16, 03:50 PM
#41
Jedi Master
Thread Starter
I agree, I like the black frame the best. I have the silver frame and a Blue frame. They all look good.
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
I would order a derailleur hanger at the same time as you order the bike in case you change your mind with the bike later.
Some of us Older guys are not up for single speeds...
11-10-16, 12:18 AM
#42
Senior Member
You could take a look at the Burke range once they become available.
The 20" folds and fits into a standard luggage pretty handily.
Burke Folding Bikes ? Seattle Cycles
The 20" folds and fits into a standard luggage pretty handily.
Burke Folding Bikes ? Seattle Cycles
11-10-16, 06:28 AM
#43
Jedi Master
Thread Starter
I'm going to look into a custom. After doing some rough specs on what I want, I realized that I will likely swap out every single part on the bike. I'd like to go with calipers and 451's and going custom will allow me to get the canti-posts removed.
