Swift folders
#1026
always rides with luggage
Originally Posted by james_swift
Oh man, that really sucks...so the big question is, do you plan on getting another Swift?
But in the 1700ish miles I spent on the Swift, it was awesome. (Allow me to eulogize for a moment.) It came with a dent in the frame, so they sent me another frame. I got to reassemble it myself. I really appreciated the acceleration and handling. It was a lot of fun, and if I don't get another one, I will be a little sad.
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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
#1027
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Originally Posted by bigbenaugust
There's the rub. I am trying to see if my homeowners' insurance will pay for it. Then, maybe. My wife even brought up buying a Moulton while we're in England this summer (She knows I have a thing for them, and no, you can't have her.). But with the mountain bike still here, and a new SS/commuter bike under construction (started in January, waiting for wheels), there isn't a need for more than two bikes, so maybe not. We'll see what the insurance co. says.
But in the 1700ish miles I spent on the Swift, it was awesome. (Allow me to eulogize for a moment.) It came with a dent in the frame, so they sent me another frame. I got to reassemble it myself. I really appreciated the acceleration and handling. It was a lot of fun, and if I don't get another one, I will be a little sad.
But in the 1700ish miles I spent on the Swift, it was awesome. (Allow me to eulogize for a moment.) It came with a dent in the frame, so they sent me another frame. I got to reassemble it myself. I really appreciated the acceleration and handling. It was a lot of fun, and if I don't get another one, I will be a little sad.
#1028
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Originally Posted by hulagun
do you have an opinion on:
- 32 vs 36 spokes on a 406mm wheel?
- small vs large flange hubs on a 406?
- deeper "aero" rims mated with a large flange hub?
- the IRO fixie hubs?
- 32 vs 36 spokes on a 406mm wheel?
- small vs large flange hubs on a 406?
- deeper "aero" rims mated with a large flange hub?
- the IRO fixie hubs?
-32 spokes are plenty--the smaller wheel is much stronger than a comparably built 700C. I would have like to build mine with 28/24 spokes, but that makes component selection much more difficult, and expensive.
-Personally, I don't think large flange hubs or deep rims look right on small wheels--unbalanced, I guess. Offhand, I can't think of any aero rims in that size, either. One key issue in selecting rims is tire width. If you want to try some fat tires, you probably shouldn't go with a narrow rim, and vice versa. If price is an issue, I got Sun CR18s through my LBS for $23 each. They're perfect for my needs--a touring extrusion that's medium width, strong, eyeletted, and not too heavy.
-I run the IRO small flanges on my fixed Swift, and the large flange Formula's (which are the same as IRO's) on my 700c fixed. They're great hubs. Bearings should be easy and cheap to replace. While cheap, I don't see these hubs as a compromise. I also like that you can get a q/r front with a nutted rear, at least in the small flange. I take my front wheel off when putting the bike in the small trunk of my wife's car.
-Finally, I got a good price on custom cut spokes from J. Gaerlan at www.gaerlan.com, a good place to turn to for folder parts if your LBS can't set you up.
Jack
#1029
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Originally Posted by JackJ
-32 spokes are plenty--the smaller wheel is much stronger than a comparably built 700C. I would have like to build mine with 28/24 spokes, but that makes component selection much more difficult, and expensive.
I was initially very concerned that they would instantly be trashed on the craters of San Francisco, err what passes for roads around here. Especially because on the 'bent I'm lower down and seem to see the potholes later, and also because I can't stand and "offload" the wheels like I can on my Swift.
So far, I've put about 400 miles on the 'bent and the wheels are still true. Phew! But I'm still slightly concerned about such a low spoke count. As Jack says though, smaller wheels are stronger..
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Originally Posted by yangmusa
My recumbent came with 20-spoke front and 28-spoke rear 406/559 SpeedMax wheels, with blade spokes and deep-V rims.
See https://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=567
Jack
#1031
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Originally Posted by JackJ
I hadn't noticed these before, but there is indeed a Velocity Deep V MTB that comes in a 406 size. A big plus, from my perspective, is that it's 5mm wider than the typical road Deep V. That looks like a great rim for a Swift running relatively wide tires, esp. if you like the aero profile. Black only, though.
See https://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=567
Jack
See https://www.velocityusa.com/default.asp?contentID=567
Jack
#1032
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Originally Posted by james_swift
I have a Surly 130mm flip-flop hub laced to a 32H AeroHeat V rim with 14ga Dt spokes. Light and super-strong. It's 24mm wide so it accommodates a 20x1.50 and wider tire nicely.
That photo was taken at Pier 14 off Howard Street!
I'm leaning heavily towards a Surly hubset, and the Sun CR-18 rims, I like the polished alloy look. My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
Last edited by hulagun; 03-19-07 at 10:41 AM.
#1033
SERENITY NOW!!!
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Originally Posted by hulagun
- the IRO fixie hubs?
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#1034
I like chrome.
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Originally Posted by hulagun
James-
That photo was taken at Pier 14 off Howard Street!
I'm leaning heavily towards a Surly hubset, and the Sun CR-18 rims, I like the polished alloy look. My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
That photo was taken at Pier 14 off Howard Street!
I'm leaning heavily towards a Surly hubset, and the Sun CR-18 rims, I like the polished alloy look. My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
I think wavshrdr runs sun cr-18 rim with schwalbe big apple 2.0 inch tires with great results.
#1035
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Originally Posted by hulagun
My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
I'm not sure what tire is too wide for the CR18, but I wouldn't worry about 1.75s. If you were sure you wanted to run Big Apples, especially the wider ones, it might be a little different.
Jack
#1036
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Originally Posted by JackJ
15g spokes are smaller diameter than 14g, the most common gauge. In one sense, they're less strong, since there's less material, but they should be slightly more elastic, which may make them more fatigue resistant. Double butted 14/15 spokes are generally accepted as less prone to breakage than straight 14s. I'm really not sure how straight 15s compare, but don't worry, they're plenty strong in this application.
#1037
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Originally Posted by hulagun
James-
That photo was taken at Pier 14 off Howard Street!
I'm leaning heavily towards a Surly hubset, and the Sun CR-18 rims, I like the polished alloy look. My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
That photo was taken at Pier 14 off Howard Street!
I'm leaning heavily towards a Surly hubset, and the Sun CR-18 rims, I like the polished alloy look. My reading says that 15g spokes are stronger, but are they overkill? Also the CR-18's are supposedly "midwidth" rims at 22mm. I don't see myself running anything fatter than a 1.50 tire but if I ever want to try a 1.75, am I gonna regret it?
I got the Surly hub because it takes a standard axle (easily replaceable with a longer axle if need be, or even a hollow axle should I decide to go with a QR), comes in a road 130mm width (only takes 2 x1mm spacers cannibalized off of the stock Swift cassette freehub), and because I think Surly is a great company that does great and innovative products. The bearings are buttery smooth, but require a bit of attention every now and then. Just make sure you have a a 15mm and 17mm cone wrench on hand to make occasional fine adjustments. The Surly cog is a bit noisy, so I might get a EAI or Dura Ace to replace it when the time comes.
#1038
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Originally Posted by james_swift
Yup, that's the pier. I live near the first tower of the Bay Bridge.
Just a typical day riding a Swift in The City, I guess.
oh yeah I promised a photo...
#1039
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Originally Posted by hulagun
So I rode my Swift to work today (for the first time ever). My route took me past Pier 14 and the Bay Bridge. My thighs and lungs burned for an hour after I arrived. Later I rode it to lunch (where I ate a ton... cycling sure makes ya hungry!) On the way home I almost ran smack into another guy riding a silver Xootr Swift. We exchanged greetings and as we both pedaled along I asked him if he was on the Bike Forums here... he said not often but he read about the Swifts here which is why he bought his. Wow! He turned off towards the Ferry Building and I continued on. Fifteen minutes later I was nearing home and braked for a random pedestrian. He turned, looked at my Swift and as I pedaled past, he said "Wow, cool bike!".
Just a typical day riding a Swift in The City, I guess.
oh yeah I promised a photo...
Just a typical day riding a Swift in The City, I guess.
oh yeah I promised a photo...
It really is a small world when you're on a Swift.
#1040
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Originally Posted by james_swift
I think I've met that guy. He's on a Silver fixie Swift (custom built by Peter)
I'm sure I'll see Swifts all over the place now!
#1041
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I sent an email to Peter asking him about how to care for the seatpost on the Swift. Here's what he said:
The important thing is to wipe down the post if it gets dirty from road
spray, and then reapply the Boeshield or light oil (3-in-1 oil is my
standby), and give it a wipe whenever it starts looking dirty.
Cleanliness over greasiness, just a light coat of oil, and clean out
the bores with grease and a rag (multiple greased seatpost insertions
to pull any dirt and grit up out of the seat tubes, and then wiping
everything down -do several repetitions if it's really been neglected).
spray, and then reapply the Boeshield or light oil (3-in-1 oil is my
standby), and give it a wipe whenever it starts looking dirty.
Cleanliness over greasiness, just a light coat of oil, and clean out
the bores with grease and a rag (multiple greased seatpost insertions
to pull any dirt and grit up out of the seat tubes, and then wiping
everything down -do several repetitions if it's really been neglected).
#1042
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Recommendations on a tire pump?
I needed a tire pump and wanted one that would fit in my courier bag.
Bought a Crank Bros Mini "Power Pump Pro" with built in gauge... got a blister from it. It's nicely made but just too dang small. It took several hundred pumps to get my Kenda Kwests up to 70 lbs.
If REI will exchange it, I'm looking at a Topeak Morpho G Road pump.
But I thought I'd ask here in case anyone had found the ultimate tire pump solution.
Bought a Crank Bros Mini "Power Pump Pro" with built in gauge... got a blister from it. It's nicely made but just too dang small. It took several hundred pumps to get my Kenda Kwests up to 70 lbs.
If REI will exchange it, I'm looking at a Topeak Morpho G Road pump.
But I thought I'd ask here in case anyone had found the ultimate tire pump solution.
#1043
Journey-man
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Originally Posted by hulagun
... I thought I'd ask here in case anyone had found the ultimate tire pump solution.
#1044
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Originally Posted by MillCreek
Up here in the Seattle area, I rarely see anyone on a folder.
On this forum and others, I have heard people speak highly of both Swift and Dahons. Perhaps for my use, the Dahon is a better 'out of the box' solution, although so many people think that the Swift rides better. And that means a lot to me.
On this forum and others, I have heard people speak highly of both Swift and Dahons. Perhaps for my use, the Dahon is a better 'out of the box' solution, although so many people think that the Swift rides better. And that means a lot to me.
I got a dualdrive and it's proven perfect for the 10%+ climbs on my communte. Downgrade I've gotten up to 34mph, but with the seat so high and the small wheels it feels like I've been shot out of a cannon. On the more level trails I can easily maintain the 14-18mph "speed limit". If I only rode the trails I would've opted for an 8-speed hub as the derailleur seems particularly exposed to damage.
I haven't seen ANY other folders being ridden around the Seattle area in the 7 years I've been here, though there is a store in Fremont that sells them.
#1045
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Originally Posted by flea
Hey MillCreek, somehow I missed your post. I live in Redmond and have both an older 3-speed U-frame folder that I'll take out when I'm with the kids and a custom Swift I got from Peter 2 weeks ago. The Swift is a lot of fun and I've been using it to commute and for riding the Sammamish Slough/Burke Gillman trails on Saturdays and Sundays. Did about 35 miles this weekend and it was very comfortable, even with a brand new Brooks saddle. If you can get down to Bothell some Saturday or Sunday morning I'd be happy to show it to you.
I got a dualdrive and it's proven perfect for the 10%+ climbs on my communte. Downgrade I've gotten up to 34mph, but with the seat so high and the small wheels it feels like I've been shot out of a cannon. On the more level trails I can easily maintain the 14-18mph "speed limit". If I only rode the trails I would've opted for an 8-speed hub as the derailleur seems particularly exposed to damage.
I haven't seen ANY other folders being ridden around the Seattle area in the 7 years I've been here, though there is a store in Fremont that sells them.
I got a dualdrive and it's proven perfect for the 10%+ climbs on my communte. Downgrade I've gotten up to 34mph, but with the seat so high and the small wheels it feels like I've been shot out of a cannon. On the more level trails I can easily maintain the 14-18mph "speed limit". If I only rode the trails I would've opted for an 8-speed hub as the derailleur seems particularly exposed to damage.
I haven't seen ANY other folders being ridden around the Seattle area in the 7 years I've been here, though there is a store in Fremont that sells them.
And yes, the Electric Bikes Store down in Fremont stocks more folders than anyone else in the Seattle area. They routinely have a few Dahon models, and a Birdy, Reach, KHS folder and Giant Halfway. I actually ran into Eric, the owner, at the recent bike expo, and he said that the Giant Halfway is proving pretty popular in his store right now.
When I get my Dahon, I will send you a PM, and perhaps we can meet up at Marymoor or Bothell Landing to look at each other's bikes.
#1046
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Millcreek,
I will look forward to your post reviewing your new Mu. Especially how robust that lighting dynamo system is. I ended up buying the Downtube IXNS, but my heart is in the Swift. I will be test riding the steel version in Eugene in two weeks. I just wish there were more options for us to test ride these bikes before investing
the money. It does help that there are several forum members that have bought several bikes and have
been great in posting their experiences.
Lyndon
Millcreek IN Salt Lake City
I will look forward to your post reviewing your new Mu. Especially how robust that lighting dynamo system is. I ended up buying the Downtube IXNS, but my heart is in the Swift. I will be test riding the steel version in Eugene in two weeks. I just wish there were more options for us to test ride these bikes before investing
the money. It does help that there are several forum members that have bought several bikes and have
been great in posting their experiences.
Lyndon
Millcreek IN Salt Lake City
#1047
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Yeah, it's kind of funny how we gravitate to one model or another. I actually got excited by the Bromptons I saw last summer in London, found this forum, and then fell for the Swift, sight-unseen. Read as much as I could on all the makes and still wanted a Swift. James is definitely to blame there. I'm happy at this point and hope longterm I made the right decision over the others.
#1048
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Originally Posted by MillCreek
When I get my Dahon, I will send you a PM, and perhaps we can meet up at Marymoor or Bothell Landing to look at each other's bikes.
#1049
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I'm here to pump you up!!!!
Originally Posted by hulagun
I needed a tire pump and wanted one that would fit in my courier bag.
Bought a Crank Bros Mini "Power Pump Pro" with built in gauge... got a blister from it. It's nicely made but just too dang small. It took several hundred pumps to get my Kenda Kwests up to 70 lbs.
If REI will exchange it, I'm looking at a Topeak Morpho G Road pump.
But I thought I'd ask here in case anyone had found the ultimate tire pump solution.
Bought a Crank Bros Mini "Power Pump Pro" with built in gauge... got a blister from it. It's nicely made but just too dang small. It took several hundred pumps to get my Kenda Kwests up to 70 lbs.
If REI will exchange it, I'm looking at a Topeak Morpho G Road pump.
But I thought I'd ask here in case anyone had found the ultimate tire pump solution.
I'm here to pump you up!!!
Stop being such a girlyman and carry a full sized Zefal or Topeak frame pump. Nothing pumps as well, other than a floor pump or one that runs on electricity. You can also use one to wack dogs should that be neccessary. A tiny pump is almost as useless as no pump! And.......don't start whining about how much extra weight you'll be carrying! Don't eat that extra cookie and stop drinking so many mochas!
#1050
Raleigh20 PugFixie, Merc
Prolly old news but I just stumbled on this rather lovely Track-legal Swift over at bikecult, whilst researching for my upcoming Twenty Wiki pages.
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