Swift folders
#251
SERENITY NOW!!!
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
Why are you going SS? I thought there was a lot of hills where you lived?
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#252
All ur bike r belong Enki
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 jyossarian
Why are you going SS? I thought there was a lot of hills where you lived?
1.) I like the simplicity. No thinking about shifting. No grip shift to clutter my handlebar. No derailleur hanging off the frame. One less cable to deal with. Only one cog to clean.
2.) The chain is now higher up from the ground than previously with the derailleur, keeping it away from road crud; cleaner and thus easier to maintain.
3.) Hazards of commuting on the train - I had my derailleur knocked-in a few times, bending the derailleur hanger and throwing my shifting all out of whack.
4.) The drivetrain is oh-so-smooth and quiet. I'll never go back to a multi-geared clucker.
There are no huge hills in my immediate commute route that out-of-the-saddle cranking can't manage. I'll just need to detour the really big climbs, or think about getting maybe a 16T cog for those rare occasions.
Love your sig, btw.
#253
Folding bike junkie!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 755
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
James- most of your reasons for going SS could apply to the internal hubs as well. That is why I ditched the derailleur is for most of those reasons. The Nexus is incredibly quiet and it doesn't clunk, no false engagements, it shifts smoothly, etc. I especially like the fact that no derailleur to get knocked out of alignment OR collect all the crap from the road. I wish I didn't have any hills to deal with too!
#254
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by Wavshrdr
I wish I didn't have any hills to deal with too!
A friend of mine that I used to ride with at uni - he actually loved the UPhills more than the downhills. But that's another story!
#255
All ur bike r belong Enki
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
Time to fire-up the Swift thread...
I got compliments on my Swift from 2 BikeFriday owners on the train in the past week.
One guy especially liked my single-speed drivetrain conversion, and another guy (just this morning) was impressed with the frame. He wanted to compare the flex between my frame and his BF, so I let him do the infamous "flex test" on my Swift by pressing down on a pedal in the 6 o'clock position and observing how much the bottom bracket area flexes in response. While some have debated over the validity of this test and what it actually means, let's just say that he remaked that my Swift is "beefier" than his BF, and that he's going to check-out a Swift at the Xootr website.
So there you have it. BikeFriday owners everywhere agree: Swift has the beef.
I got compliments on my Swift from 2 BikeFriday owners on the train in the past week.
One guy especially liked my single-speed drivetrain conversion, and another guy (just this morning) was impressed with the frame. He wanted to compare the flex between my frame and his BF, so I let him do the infamous "flex test" on my Swift by pressing down on a pedal in the 6 o'clock position and observing how much the bottom bracket area flexes in response. While some have debated over the validity of this test and what it actually means, let's just say that he remaked that my Swift is "beefier" than his BF, and that he's going to check-out a Swift at the Xootr website.
So there you have it. BikeFriday owners everywhere agree: Swift has the beef.
#256
always rides with luggage
Quick! What's the headset size on my Swift? It's bigger than 32mm and I think it's English. It's loose and it's bothering me...
Thanks!
Thanks!
__________________
--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
--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
#257
SERENITY NOW!!!
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
James, I too am enjoying the benefits of a simple, smooth, quiet drivetrain. However, it's on my new fixed gear bike. The Swift will have to wait a few months to see if I have a job to pay for it or not. If I survive the coming rounds of layoffs, then I'll be treating myself to a new Swift. And I'll probably go w/ the internal hub to have gears for the upcoming organized rides like the 5BBT and NYC Century. I do like the idea of a SS and it's definitely in the back of my mind for keeping the bike light and simple.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#258
All ur bike r belong Enki
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 jyossarian
James, I too am enjoying the benefits of a simple, smooth, quiet drivetrain. However, it's on my new fixed gear bike. The Swift will have to wait a few months to see if I have a job to pay for it or not. If I survive the coming rounds of layoffs, then I'll be treating myself to a new Swift. And I'll probably go w/ the internal hub to have gears for the upcoming organized rides like the 5BBT and NYC Century. I do like the idea of a SS and it's definitely in the back of my mind for keeping the bike light and simple.
#259
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 15
Bikes: 2006 Swift folder, 2000 Giant TCR Once, 1990 Bianchi Osprey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I want to thank everybody in the folder bike/swift forums. After my beloved 1982 Trek was stolen last summer, I have been without a commuter bike. The idea of a folder was intriguing to me since I have little space to store a bike at home and work. The opportunity to keep a bike in a closet or the back of my hatchback is irresistable. Since I have owned a recumbent I am not unaccustomed to odd looks now and then from fellow cyclists, so I decided to gather information on folders.
This website has been invaluable to me. I test rode a Dahon Vitesse and Giant Halfway at local shops here in Chicago (both are nice machines), but decided, after doing much reading of the folder discussions, that the Swift filled the bill for me. I called Peter Reich last week and ordered one in black, which I should receive at the beginning of April. I'm as excited as a kid waiting for his birthday to come.
So I have joined the fold...thanks again, and keep offering this great info.
This website has been invaluable to me. I test rode a Dahon Vitesse and Giant Halfway at local shops here in Chicago (both are nice machines), but decided, after doing much reading of the folder discussions, that the Swift filled the bill for me. I called Peter Reich last week and ordered one in black, which I should receive at the beginning of April. I'm as excited as a kid waiting for his birthday to come.
So I have joined the fold...thanks again, and keep offering this great info.
#260
Folding bike junkie!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 755
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
@scotharr - Welcome into the fold! I hope you enjoy your Swift as much as I've enjoyed mine. It is far and away my absolute favorite folder and probably my favorite bike as well.
What specs did you decide on? Internal hub or derailleur? Inquiring minds want to know. Enjoy it when you finally get it.
What specs did you decide on? Internal hub or derailleur? Inquiring minds want to know. Enjoy it when you finally get it.
#261
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 15
Bikes: 2006 Swift folder, 2000 Giant TCR Once, 1990 Bianchi Osprey
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I chose the derailleur over the hub and swapped out the gripshift for a thumb/finger shifter (or whatever they're called...you get the idea). I also bought a Brooks saddle on ebay which I am eager to try out.
#262
SERENITY NOW!!!
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
Originally Posted by james_swift
Cool...are you on fixed-gear-gallery? Velospace? Put up some pics!
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#263
Folding bike junkie!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 755
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Which derailleur setup, SRAM? What Brooks? I have a Brooks Pro on mine in Honey. Took a while to break in but it is pretty nice now. I bought a couple others to try as well.
#264
All ur bike r belong Enki
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
Have a look at this new Swift review
#267
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 43
Bikes: Vintage Fuji Del Rey, Torelli Countach, Mondonico Diamond, All-City Mr. Pink, Mikkelsen Custom Road Bike, Surly Ogre, Dahon Helios, Marin Muirwoods
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
nice...
#268
Folding bike junkie!
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 755
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by james_swift
#270
Señor Mambo
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fremont, CA
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: TST roadie, Cannondale CAAD 3, Surly Karate Stokemonkey Leap, Tern Cargo Node, Helix Alfine; 36er and 29er Triton Unicycles; a couple Bike Fridays; one Brompton; RadPower Radburro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
12 Posts
Nice deep drops, James.
Trying to race us dudes on Bike Fridays? (You know that's your next bike.)
Trying to race us dudes on Bike Fridays? (You know that's your next bike.)
#273
Señor Mambo
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fremont, CA
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: TST roadie, Cannondale CAAD 3, Surly Karate Stokemonkey Leap, Tern Cargo Node, Helix Alfine; 36er and 29er Triton Unicycles; a couple Bike Fridays; one Brompton; RadPower Radburro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
12 Posts
Originally Posted by Crankypants
I bet that you BF riders secretly really wish that you had a Swift!
Originally Posted by Crankypants
I bet that you BF riders secretly really wish that you had a Swift!
If I wanted one, I'd already have one.
#274
All ur bike r belong Enki
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
The drops really make a difference riding in headwinds. I was able to hold 17.5mph in a moderate headwind this morning, whereas with straight bars, I'd have to drop to 15mph and below. When you can't downshift, it's essential to have a way to get out of the wind.
I don't think I'll own a BF anytime soon, as I've blown too much cash on mods for my Swift.
I don't think I'll own a BF anytime soon, as I've blown too much cash on mods for my Swift.
#275
Señor Mambo
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fremont, CA
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: TST roadie, Cannondale CAAD 3, Surly Karate Stokemonkey Leap, Tern Cargo Node, Helix Alfine; 36er and 29er Triton Unicycles; a couple Bike Fridays; one Brompton; RadPower Radburro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
12 Posts
Don't have to tell me twice about headwinds.
Crazy steep angle.
Crazy steep angle.