Pacific Reach vs Xootr Swift

[jayfromqns]

I'm considering a folder. I'm in NYC and stopped by NYCewheels this afternoon. The had a Xootr Swift and a Pacific Reach on the floor. They also stock Bromptons, Dahons, Stridas as well. I test rode the Swift and the Pacific Reach. Both outstanding bikes. The Swift is one fast ride, super stiff frame, and somewhat light. The Reach, with it's full suspension ate up any potholes. id prefer the gripshift over the trigger shifters on the Reach. The Swift did feel a bit more stable and a bit more agile. Swift is $700 and the Reach is $999. I am slightly leaning towards the Swift. Any thoughts on these bikes?

[mulleady]

For the money the Swift all the way..................You will also get better local support on the Swift.

Slightly better and $200 cheaper. imagine the accessories you could get and still have change for a night out! Surely the decision is made?

[BruceMetras]

I'm considering a folder. I'm in NYC and stopped by NYCewheels this afternoon. The had a Xootr Swift and a Pacific Reach on the floor. They also stock Bromptons, Dahons, Stridas as well. I test rode the Swift and the Pacific Reach. Both outstanding bikes. The Swift is one fast ride, super stiff frame, and somewhat light. The Reach, with it's full suspension ate up any potholes. id prefer the gripshift over the trigger shifters on the Reach. The Swift did feel a bit more stable and a bit more agile. Swift is $700 and the Reach is $999. I am slightly leaning towards the Swift. Any thoughts on these bikes?

I'd probably go road test them again with a keen eye towards the types of roads I'd be on the majority of the time.. the Reach is an outstanding bike (I've got the road model) and the suspension makes a huge difference on typical rough city streets.. if folding is a concern, you need to remove the front wheel of the Reach in order to fold the rear under.. the Reach also runs on larger 451mm wheels (compared to the relatively standard 406mm wheels on the Swift) which will limit you to few tire choices.. on the other hand, the larger diameter wheels should add an element of stability.. the Swift's fold is a bit awkward, but you don't have to remove the front wheel to get it folded.... I'm running Schwalbe Big Apples on my Swift to get it to approach the comfort of my Stelvio clad Reach.. both are great bikes .. the Swift has fewer moving parts, so a simpler design, with the potential for less maintenance... there was also a report on forum that the Swift is being advertised at $599 on a selected site.. that's a $400 difference.. so that could sway some also.. another contender to throw in your mix would be the full suspension 8spd Classic Birdy, but prices have risen substantially in the US so you might have to hunt for a NOS unit or a nice pre-owned...

[Pine Cone]

Which model Reach?

The Reach and the Swift are both good bikes. You won't go wrong with either one.

Parts spec is generally better on my Reach Offroad/Trail vs. the standard Swift. The Offroad has a triple chainring so way more gear choices stock. I like the full suspension a lot. I think the wheels on the Reach are better - better rims and better hubs. Have you ridden much with trigger shifters? I think they tend to shift better and are easier to change cables on.

I've almost bought a Swift twice now, but this time around I got the Reach and really like it, but it depends on what you like. The Swift is a great value and a great bike, I just like my Reach better.

[jayfromqns]

I was thinking how simple the Swift is while test riding. How is the Reach suspension wise, is it fairly easy to maintain? I'm also considering going to Peter Reich directly and test ride a steel frame version.

Btw, I found this online:
Calhoun Cycles in Minneapolis is selling a Swift for $599 plus $35 shipping. Sounds tempting, very tempting. Here's the link:
http://www.calhouncycle.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=139&idproduct=1119

I'll keep you posted.

[werewolf]

Who sells Reach, besides the NYC store?

Any info on rider weight limit for the Reach? I don't see any info about that on their website or the reviews.

[Pine Cone]

Who sells Reach, besides the NYC store?

Any info on rider weight limit for the Reach? I don't see any info about that on their website or the reviews.

Don't know about your area, but there are a few places in Washington to get them including Black Dog Bicycles http://blackdogbicycles.com/thereachfoldingbike.html and Elliott Bay Cycles in Seattle.

Don't know what the design spec is, but my riding weight with commute bag, etc is probably about 250 pounds and I have never bottomed out the suspension on either the front or rear. It is a very solid feeling bike.

[jwlunt]

I put a Thudbuster on my Swift at point of purchase. This is makes a heap of difference, doesn't add much weight and does not compromise folding. Personally I find the fold of the Swift amazingly simple (it really is 10 seconds) but wish the handlebars had a "Dahon-like" fold rather than complete removal.

I took my Swift out for a burn on Sunday - it's like lightening with high pressure tires. Absolutely ideal for road use. I've not riden a Reach so I can't comment, but I have tried a Birdy, a Tikit and a Dahon Speed 8. The Swift eclipses all for sheer rideability... but they all beat the Swift for folding. I guess it depends what is most important to you.

J.

[jur]

As usual I find it hard to compare these bikes.

From a pure frame quality point of view, the bikes are essentially equal.

For fold compactness, the Swift wins out.

For gearing range, the prize goes to the Reach (I am assuming you are looking at a Reach with front derailer, you didn't mention which model?)

For handling of continuous rough roads, the Reach wins.

For speed, they are about equal.

I'd say the Reach is the higher quality bike. But the Swift has compensations - lower price, and of course upgradable (the Reach is not necessary to upgrade).

I like the simpler lines of the Swift.

The Swift has versatile rear dropout/track ends, allowing you to implement derailers/ single speed/ fixie/hub gears with no modification or chain tensioner.

[jayfromqns]

The two dealers in NYC that carry Swifts are NYCewheels (www.nycewheels.com/) and Bfold. (www.bfold.com) If your out on Long Island, Brands Cycles carries them as well. (www.brandscycle.com)

While at NYCewheels, I lifted both the Reach and the Swift, the Reach seemed almost as light as the Swift.

[jayfromqns]

I'd consider putting a nexus red band internal hub on a Swift, maybe carbon fiber bars. The stock derailleur seemed fine.