Folding Bikes - New Custom Swift Folder

I just got a new Swift folder, made by the inventor Peter Reich, Design Mobility in NY. I looked at all the folders before going with this option, I am very pleased, it suits me perfectly. Here is what I got for about $1,000--

Custom sizing, Shimano 105's; Capreo cassette, custom Velocity wheels. The bike is a 9 speed, single front sprocket, and the gearing is about as good as on my carbon road bike. Riding this bike is a blast, it is fast, fun and stable, and you don't know you are on a folder. I got the bike for when I live on a boat, but I will be using it a lot more than that.

Bottom line--for the cost, and the customization, I ended up with a rock solid, high level componentry, extremely well made bike. A comparable Bike Friday would have been in the $2500 range, and it doesn't fold as easily. You can reach Peter at swiftfolders@earthlink.net. Also, the bike is light weight, under 20 lbs, steel frame, extremely well made, bullet proof design.

Congratulations on your new bike. Sounds like a really good deal. PICTURES PLEASE!!

Good choice good deal. Steel or alum?

+1 pics!

Sweet. I own a Xootr swift stripped down to single speed for some single track: great bike. Seems Peter is also involved on the technical side of Xootr sales as my technical questions were forwarded to him.

I like your BF comment. This was supposed to be the year I finally buy a BF, but learned about the Swift and got one instead. I figure it's a strong bike. The two pivot points seem no different than what I see on suspension tail mountain bikes, so it's probably strong. Anecdotes and hearsay is all I have, but I did take the Swift around a 20km single track route with roots and rocks (Fanshawe Park in London Ontario) and did it in 90 minutes.. cyclo-cross carrying the bike up some parts (since SS) :).

A comparable Bike Friday would have been in the $2500 range, and it doesn't fold as easily.
Careful there, partner. Rule #1 of the Folding subforum is that you ought to have direct experience with a bike before making such sweeping statements, esp. when you don't define "fold as easily." 14R spells out rule #2.

Glad you like your Swift.

Also, the bike is light weight, under 20 lbs, steel frame, extremely well made, bullet proof design.

Sounds like a fantastic bike! Is it the new-design steel frame that's supposed to fit more easily into a suitcase?

Jonathan

What is custom about it other than the components?

Under 20 pounds fully equiped? This would be a huge breakthrough for a steel folder. Strange that Peter didn't mention that when I corrosponded with him recently about a Swift frameset.

I have to say your post smells a bit. You register, gush, then apparently disappear. Someone could get the wrong idea even if your post is genuine. Myself, I'd have a hard time supporting someone who resorted to undercover marketing, I hates it with a passion.

Pete, say it ain't so!

I would find it hard to believe that Peter Reich would resort to anything like this. But I agree that the post smells fishy.

-G

It is steel, with aluminum seat post.

Will get the pics in a bit, I promise.

No, I don't think the design is new, it is the same original design. However, I think the new Swifts are aluminum frames, with no choice of components or sizing. My bike (and my wife's) is steel frame, custom components, custom wheels, custom handlebars.

Hi there--Peter has no idea I posted these--I will get you some pics of these bikes soon, the weight was sans pedals/saddles.