cartesian

Hey all,

I wonder if anyone has any experience with the Swobo Scofflaw. I'm interested in the rear drops, which allow a switch between geared and single speed, as well as the cyclocross frame and geometry. I'm starting to see a few different systems for switching between geared and SS (All-City Space Horse, Salsa Fargo). But I'm interested in a more aggressive/nimble geometry than the touring style geo on a bike like the Fargo.

Just looking for ideas at this point. Thanks for any input.

ps. I prefer steel.

Andy_K 

I'm not sure I've ever even seen a Swobo in person, but there's a lot to like about that Scofflaw. The geometry looks great for CX -- traditional CX angles and a decently tall head tube. The tire clearance looks great for a bike with that kind of geometry. I didn't see mention of belt-drive compatibility, but that would have been icing on the cake.

As for similar bikes, there are, as you say, a lot of ways to make a bike a singlespeed these days. Anything with an PF30 interface can use an eccentric bottom bracket. I went that route with my Jake the Snake and I'm very happy with the results. It's aluminum and doesn't have quite the tire clearance of the Scofflaw, but it's a great bike.

The Soma Wolverine uses the same sliding dropouts as the Scofflaw and does have belt drive compatibility, but the geometry is more in the adventure range (except the oddly short head tube).

There's always the Surly Cross Check/Straggler. They have great tire clearance and traditional CX angles, but I always felt like I was fighting with the fit on my Cross Check because of the short head tube.

The Raleigh Furley is another option. It uses a PF30 eccentric bottom bracket, but it's steel. The geometry is very similar to the Scofflaw. The stock components are extremely meh (and as a result it's a bit heavy), but it's correspondingly cheap.

Finally, if you consider small/independent builders the choices are nearly limitless. The Traitor Crusade is an example.

cartesian

Great reply. Thanks. The fit is always a concern. I'm 5'6 and prefer a frame with good stand over that doesn't stretch me out too much, although the latter can usually be dialed in with the stem.

However, I'm not sure how the PF30/eccentric bottom bracket affects the ability to switch up between geared and SS. Does this have to do with the chain line?

Andy_K 

No, it puts the crank spindle off-center in the bottom bracket shell so that you can adjust chain tension by rotating the bottom bracket. Then when you have it where you want it, you tighten it down and it stays there. It's pretty nifty.

cartesian

Ah, yes, I see. Newfangled!

semi555

I do not think you will find many people with first hand experience about the Scofflaw yet. I had my LBS pre-order one in Jan and it has not arrived. It was due in February, but the LBS warned me that bike manufacturer are notorious for being 2 to 3 weeks later than the stated ship dates. Then the West Coast port strike slowed everything down. The last my LBS heard was it was supposed to be delivered on Fri Mar 27. But I am still waiting. While the port strike is out of their hands the LBS has been less than impressed with the communication from Swobo about the delays. I am having the Scofflaw changed from a SS to a 1x10 set up with a Sram X9 type 2 rear derailleur and Sram Brifters.

lawler808

Now it's May 20th and the company is not responding to emails. If the bikes are actually on a boat sitting offshore, they will be rusted out by the time the unload! I think something else might be brewing on this, summer will be over at this pace.

Andy_K 

The Swobo web site claims they're sold out. That doesn't sound like avoiding the bummer life to me.

lawler808

July 29th, still no bikes. Have not heard about any port issues in months. Sad

semi555

Over a month ago I messaged the company via the website and directly to the president (he replied to an earlier email). The LBS I am going with also called and emailed Swobo. Neither of us got any response. I gave up and ordered a different bike.

Regarding the port issues, though it may not be in the media much anymore, I do remember delays of 6 months were expected. So maybe September is when they will arrive. However, this doesn't excuse Swobo of not communicating with LBS and customers asking for updates.

fietsbob

So much of the Bike Manufacturing is done by contract manufacturing with Taiwan's Manufacturers .

They Order a Batch number of products , when they sell thru those there may not be another Batch made for this season,
It happens in late summer often . Importer warehouse has none to distribute to retailers ..

2016 batch may be getting made .. shop early for better luck ..

BTW, the Eccentric BB is common to Most tandems , it tensions the Connecting chain between the 2 cranks .
lots of other builders Can build a frame around that BB shell .

NormanF

Keep in mind people go on vacation in August.

You may have to wait until they get back to hear from them.