Folding Bikes - Xootr Swift vs Downtube Mini

These both seem like great bikes.

I've been eying both of them for a while, and I have a hard time deciding what to buy.

My main purpose would be to explore the SF Bay Area, ride really fast, and have the option to take the bus when a flat happens or I'm pooped out.

Gah! What are your thoughts?

The Mini folds smaller and is great for commuting or stowing in a crowded or smaller car boot. For it's 16" wheels it has a great ride.

The Swift doesn't fold as small and I can't comment on whether its folded size would be allowed on buses. I've ridden Downtubes but never a Swift. However I've never read a bad word on these forums and all attest to its excellent ride. Rides like a large wheeled bike and handles with the agility of a folding one,

It's a showdown between fold size Vs Ride here. Best at both the Mini probably. But you need to check if the Swift is acceptable on buses in your region, if it is it becomes the main contender.

How tall are you? How experienced are you? Do you ride a road bike? :P

SOme more info would aid in making a recommendation. :) If you're tall & heavy, the Swift is better.

My 2c: The Swift is seriously one of the fastest, best riding folders money can buy. My Mini is fun but the Swift is about 15% faster. The Mini folds small but the Swift has a very small folded footprint - smaller than the Mini.

The 2 bikes cannot be directly compared. I just did a 400km in 24h ride with my Swift and it rides absolutely beautifully. I would not dream of doing it on my Mini.

As a fast, quality, very upgradable bike, the Swift is unbeatable. But the Mini is scads of fun.

I would favour the swift.

Dont' get me wrong, the Mini is very nice (especially with the capreo this year).

But the swift seems faster, more common parts, smaller footprint, and more comfort...

How tall are you? How experienced are you? Do you ride a road bike? :P

SOme more info would aid in making a recommendation. :) If you're tall & heavy, the Swift is better.

My 2c: The Swift is seriously one of the fastest, best riding folders money can buy. My Mini is fun but the Swift is about 15% faster. The Mini folds small but the Swift has a very small folded footprint - smaller than the Mini.

The 2 bikes cannot be directly compared. I just did a 400km in 24h ride with my Swift and it rides absolutely beautifully. I would not dream of doing it on my Mini.

As a fast, quality, very upgradable bike, the Swift is unbeatable. But the Mini is scads of fun.

I'm 5'8, and about 165-175 lb (I get lighter when I get fat). I prefer road bikes over mountain bikes.

I guess that I'll be saving up for the Swift.
-matt

I really like my Swift, and I'm hard to please. How do you get lighter when you get fat?

Likely less muscle when he is "fat".

Yup.

I look exactly the same, but I get noticeably lighter. Which sucks for me.

I just did a 400km in 24h ride with my Swift ...

Holy crap!

You are an inspiration to us all!

Speedo

These both seem like great bikes.

I've been eying both of them for a while, and I have a hard time deciding what to buy.

My main purpose would be to explore the SF Bay Area, ride really fast, and have the option to take the bus when a flat happens or I'm pooped out.

Gah! What are your thoughts?

Since you don't plan on folding often the Swift seems perfect.