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Old 06-30-11, 01:04 PM
  #2751  
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I wasn't sure where to post this & thought I might as well put it here (where my relationship with the Swift began)...

I am no longer the proud owner of a Swift. I sold it today to a nice fellow that seems to have good plans for it. It's served me well, and I will miss it.

On the other hand, I now have some more dosh to spend tinkering with my ancient Brompton, and other such nonsense

The funny thing is, now that I've essentially traded a Swift for a Brompton, I feel like my bike is somehow a bit more -- ordinary. 'Round here, when I'm out on the Brompton, I get a lot of "Is that a Brompton?". When I was on on the Swift, I got a lot more of "What kind of bike is that ?", even from other people riding folding bikes.

Anyway, I look forward to keeping up with the monster thread and seeing what you all get up to with your Swifts!
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Old 06-30-11, 01:07 PM
  #2752  
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I wasn't sure where to post this & thought I might as well put it here (where my relationship with the Swift began)...

I am no longer the proud owner of a Swift. I sold it today to a nice fellow that seems to have good plans for it. It served me well, and I will miss it.

On the other hand, I now have some more dosh to spend tinkering with my ancient Brompton, and other such nonsense.

The funny thing is, now that I've essentially traded a Swift for a Brompton, I feel like my bike is somehow a bit more -- ordinary. 'Round here, when I'm out on the Brompton, I get a lot of "Is that a Brompton?". When I was on on the Swift, I got a lot more of "What kind of bike is that ?", even from other people riding folding bikes.

Anyway, I look forward to keeping up with the monster thread and seeing what you all get up to with your Swifts!
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Old 06-30-11, 05:06 PM
  #2753  
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And I'm the happy recipient.

Thank you very much Ben

Really looking forward to building it up and getting out there on it.

Just need a pair of V-brake bosses for the frame, or I'll have to go fixed and I'm not quite ready for that!
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Old 06-30-11, 11:02 PM
  #2754  
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after five different mechanics and three bike shops, I finally found someone who could fix the shifting on my 9-speed Capreo setup. took some filing down of the jockey-wheel cage and a nut attached to the b-screw (the Xootr guys admitted the derailleur hanger is a bit stubby and easy to miss with a b-screw).

only problem now is that the chain skips sometimes on the small cog, probably due to wear. I may go pick up another Capreo cassette and see if that fixes the problem.

also thinking of a Brooks B17 Imperial instead of the foamy wonder that comes with the Swift...
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Old 07-01-11, 02:16 AM
  #2755  
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Originally Posted by mtalinm

also thinking of a Brooks B17 Imperial instead of the foamy wonder that comes with the Swift...
I've never understood their choice of using that saddle... I wonder how many Swift owners keep theirs.
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Old 07-01-11, 08:22 PM
  #2756  
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Originally Posted by bendembroski
I've never understood their choice of using that saddle... I wonder how many Swift owners keep theirs.
truth be told I have no beef with the stock saddle. I don't get chafing with or without bike shorts, which is a nice feature as sometimes I have to ride places during the day at work and don't want to do the changeroo. it looks a bit dorky/puffy but maybe I should not fix it if it ain't broke
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Old 07-02-11, 02:18 AM
  #2757  
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Originally Posted by mtalinm
truth be told I have no beef with the stock saddle. I don't get chafing with or without bike shorts, which is a nice feature as sometimes I have to ride places during the day at work and don't want to do the changeroo. it looks a bit dorky/puffy but maybe I should not fix it if it ain't broke
Just goes to show that with saddles there really is no right or wrong answer. That same saddle was a torture device for me after a couple of miles.
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Old 07-03-11, 06:45 PM
  #2758  
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I post to provide information on some minor sizing issues I had with Swift folders.

I bought two stock folders from xootr, a large for me and a medium for my wife. I am 6'1", and my wife is 5'9" and we ordered the bikes based on the sizing recommendations on the website.

We both felt a little cramped riding the bikes. They just seemed too small, so I gave my bike to my wife (the large), and I ordered the taller riser and longest stem from xootr. I now ride what was my wife's bike with these new parts.

I also put some bar ends on the bikes. After these changes, the bikes are a pleasure to ride. We really enjoy them.

Steve from xootr was great to work with. He promptly sent me the new riser and stem.

If someone out there is planning on buying one of these bikes from the website, I would definitely err on the side of buying a size larger than the recommendations. Otherwise, the whole process was very smooth, and I am pleased with the new folding bikes.

That's all.
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Old 07-03-11, 10:42 PM
  #2759  
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I bet this is somewhere in the 111 pages, but what exactly are the differences between the various Xootr sizes--are the frames the same size and the only differences are with the riser/stem?

Originally Posted by Willy Gee
I post to provide information on some minor sizing issues I had with Swift folders.

I bought two stock folders from xootr, a large for me and a medium for my wife. I am 6'1", and my wife is 5'9" and we ordered the bikes based on the sizing recommendations on the website.

We both felt a little cramped riding the bikes. They just seemed too small, so I gave my bike to my wife (the large), and I ordered the taller riser and longest stem from xootr. I now ride what was my wife's bike with these new parts.

I also put some bar ends on the bikes. After these changes, the bikes are a pleasure to ride. We really enjoy them.

Steve from xootr was great to work with. He promptly sent me the new riser and stem.

If someone out there is planning on buying one of these bikes from the website, I would definitely err on the side of buying a size larger than the recommendations. Otherwise, the whole process was very smooth, and I am pleased with the new folding bikes.

That's all.
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Old 07-04-11, 03:24 AM
  #2760  
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Originally Posted by rcnute
I bet this is somewhere in the 111 pages, but what exactly are the differences between the various Xootr sizes--are the frames the same size and the only differences are with the riser/stem?
Riser, stem and seatpost.

https://www.xootr.com/swift-folding-bike-sizing.html
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Old 07-04-11, 08:18 PM
  #2761  
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Ergon grips and shifter??

I'm loving my Xootr! I ride it all the time.

I'm thinking about putting some Ergon grips on the bike (see here: https://www.ergon-bike.com/). I really like them—their look and how they feel—but I was wondering: how do the grips interact with the shifter? How does that work?

Here's a Xootr with Ergon shifters: https://www.xootr.com/gallery_swift-f...Customizations

Thanks in advance.

So far, the only modification I've made to my bike is adding Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires.
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Old 07-05-11, 06:41 PM
  #2762  
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Originally Posted by wellslake
I'm loving my Xootr! I ride it all the time.

I'm thinking about putting some Ergon grips on the bike (see here: https://www.ergon-bike.com/). I really like them—their look and how they feel—but I was wondering: how do the grips interact with the shifter? How does that work?

Here's a Xootr with Ergon shifters: https://www.xootr.com/gallery_swift-f...Customizations

Thanks in advance.

So far, the only modification I've made to my bike is adding Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires.
there are several sizes of Ergons. they make one set where the right-hand shifter is short, so it fits next to the grip shifter. I can't remember the model number but they are available all over. I had them on my Swift before I switched to drop bars, and they were fabulous
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Old 07-08-11, 02:23 PM
  #2763  
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Here's a component question. What are the correct shifters to use if I want to convert my Swift to a flat bar road bike set up? I have Ultegra 9sp derailers ft & rr, a compact double crank set, and I need to get the front derailer mount from Xootr. I have brifters too, but don't want to do a drop bar, so what are my options for trigger shifters? In my searches, I have come up with shimano Sl-R440's and thats about it. Will these R440's work with my 9sp set up? I assume the rear drop outs will accomodate the 9spd cog set, is that a bad assumption?
Any help will be appreciated.
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Old 07-08-11, 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by big boy phil
Here's a component question. What are the correct shifters to use if I want to convert my Swift to a flat bar road bike set up? I have Ultegra 9sp derailers ft & rr, a compact double crank set, and I need to get the front derailer mount from Xootr. I have brifters too, but don't want to do a drop bar, so what are my options for trigger shifters? In my searches, I have come up with shimano Sl-R440's and thats about it. Will these R440's work with my 9sp set up? I assume the rear drop outs will accomodate the 9spd cog set, is that a bad assumption?
Any help will be appreciated.
I got a set of sun race friction thumb shifters for under $20 currently. There great! For the cost it worth trying them. Before that, i was using xt trigger shifters/ ultergra medium cage. I personally had trouble with the 9 sp index shifters keeping all the gears working.
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Old 07-08-11, 11:39 PM
  #2765  
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You can use any Shimano flat bar shifters such as XT with the derailers, I do that as they are compatible. I am not sure what the current 'dropout" width in the rear is, but I use 130mm road hubs with my 135mm Swift. I use a 1.5mm spcer wasger each side and just torque the rest. Bascally you can do anything you want. Just the compact crank set may be a bit low geared.
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Old 07-11-11, 04:28 PM
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Hi every one! iv been working my way through this massive thread for a little while now
I have only got to page 16 and am now the proud owner of a brand new single speed black swift!
I just wanted to say a big thanks for every ones opinions, advice and tips.
to anyone in the u.k trying to find a u.k supplier, I got in touch with a guy that sells xootr scooters and he managed to get me mine really quick with no hassle and was very helpfull (I don't no if Im aloud to put down his web site on here?)

As its going to take me weeks to get through this 111 page! Thread, so I don't no if it's been discussed about but has anyone tried using a sturmey archer s2c Hub on there swift or on any bike.
I was thinking of getting rid of all cables and any other clutter to make a really clean uncluttered swift with the s2c gears and back pedal brake. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance
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Old 07-11-11, 05:11 PM
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Yep you will have no problems with that setup. You might want to use tug-nuts to prevent the axle slipping forwards on the right side.
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Old 07-11-11, 05:14 PM
  #2768  
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Welcome! Nice to know there is a fellow Swifter here in the UK. There is no problem about putting web site links on the forum (good wholesome ones only) and it will be useful to know who imports the Swift into the UK these days. Enjoy your riding - and reading!
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Old 07-12-11, 12:38 AM
  #2769  
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There are a few Swifters here in the UK & I'm sure they would welcome a link for a dealer that might be willing to order in parts and bikes.

Welcome to the fold!
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Old 07-12-11, 01:38 AM
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Originally Posted by ginojames
to anyone in the u.k trying to find a u.k supplier, I got in touch with a guy that sells xootr scooters and he managed to get me mine really quick with no hassle and was very helpfull (I don't no if Im aloud to put down his web site on here?)
Hello (from another UK-based swifter) - please do tell us about the supplier (is it scoot UK?). Just this morning I got an email from a friend asking "what folding bike should I get" as his Kansi has just been recalled (the frames are failing). He's buying through cyclescheme so needs to buy through a proper dealer - therefore I can't recommend the Swift to him as I don't know of any dealers any more. Someone one my train just got themselves a swift off ebay in fantastic condition.

s2c sounds like a great idea - I'd do that myself if I was just commuting on it and not training. There's a lot to be said for simplification and getting rid of cables.
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Old 07-12-11, 03:28 AM
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Brilliant! I think i will get a s2c ordered up and give it a go

its www.scootuk.com that I got it from, Andy from scootuk was really helpful
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Old 07-12-11, 08:14 AM
  #2772  
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related to s2c, i wanted to try s3x with cabling only to main tube, and a shifter on the maintube. but i need 186% range at least, the s3x is something like 160% range

also, you might want to look at moulton tsr2 for any inspiration on how to do your mod
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Old 07-12-11, 11:23 AM
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Oops it's www.skootuk.com, my mistake!
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Old 07-12-11, 03:46 PM
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The sx3 looks like a great hub, should go well on the swift!

Just checked out that moulton tsr2 and read a lot of reviews on the s2c hub that's on it, thanks nish2575
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Old 07-15-11, 06:41 AM
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Ok all ordered up after a lot of uming and talking to my local bike shop about fitting the hub

The main thing I was worrying about was the axel length on the s2c as it 162mm, so it would only leave 7mm either side to get a lock nut on, the guy at the shop insured me it will be ok.....

I will post some pics when I'm finished
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