Folding Bikes - Xootr Swift Derailleur Question

I am in the process of putting drop bars on my Swift and waiting on some parts to come in. I read in the super long swift thread that somebody was not able to get the Sram derailleur to index with Shimano 8 speed bar end shifters . Has anybody else had this problem ? My swift has the Sram sx4 rd. If I need a new derailleur does anybody have a recommendation that works well with the swift

Thanks

I'm not familiar with the post on the Swift thread you're referring to, but I know the SRAM SX4 derailleur that came stock on my Xootr Swift has a 1:1 actuation ratio. Shimano drivetrains commonly use a 2:1 ratio. Different ratios between shifter and derailleur would cause the indexing to be off.

Jtek Shiftmate (http://jtekengineering.com/shiftmate.htm) maybe? I'm using it now to mate my SRAM Rival to Capreo Hub.

Email them directly, they're pretty good about getting back w/ compatibility and what one you'd need to buy (if it's compatible)

It would prob. be just as cheap to ebay a sora 8 speed RD. I have one lying around if you're interested (PM me).

Would any shimano 8 speed Derailleur work? I think I might have a long cage 8 speed deore somewhere in my basement. Maybe I will give that a go.

Thanks for the info

Yes. That's my experience and the word of the late Sheldon Brown http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/derailers-rear.html

I tried my Deore long cage and the cage is really really long on those 20 inch tires.
The only problem is when I am in the small cog the derailleur ( the cage around the top pully) bottoms out against the frame I also tried a Sora 8 speed short cage and it does the same. The Sram SX-4 when lined up on the small cog did not do this bit it also does not have a cage around the top pully. The limiters are set correctly and the bike shifts perfect. Did anybody else have this problem ?

I will try to posts some pics tomorrow if anybody is interested. I need to pick up some more brake housing the one I have is just a tad short and makes taking the bars off a pain.

I tried my Deore long cage and the cage is really really long on those 20 inch tires.
The only problem is when I am in the small cog the derailleur ( the cage around the top pully) bottoms out against the frame I also tried a Sora 8 speed short cage and it does the same. The Sram SX-4 when lined up on the small cog did not do this bit it also does not have a cage around the top pully. The limiters are set correctly and the bike shifts perfect. Did anybody else have this problem ?

I will try to posts some pics tomorrow if anybody is interested. I need to pick up some more brake housing the one I have is just a tad short and makes taking the bars off a pain.
With a single or even double chainring you only need a short/medium cage derailer.

Mine also bottoms out, I haven't looked in great detail as to why it happens, but I think hnger design is part of it. I think if you can do it, shortening the chain might have an effect, just don't make it too short.

Yes. By all means you should be using a short/medium cage derailleur if possible. No need to get that chain any closer to the ground than necessary.

Well finally all done. I went with the Deore long cage for my derailleur the Sora short cage just did not shift as smooth as the Deore .The Trexlertown Swap meet is coming up next month so maybe I can find a better derailleur but I am going to keep it in this configuration until then
My main use of the folder is to keep in my office to so I can ride at lunch to get myself back into the cycling shape I was a few years ago. I originally was going to go with a stock BF Pocket Rocket but I liked the look of the swift frame better and I had most of the parts to put the drop bars on lying around. In retrospect I should have went with the Pocket Rocket for pure convenience. Converting the swift was a little more work then I expected but it did turn out nice and rides pretty good for a folder so far I need to put some more miles on it to really judge it .