Swift folders
#1126
SWS: Small Wheel Syndrome
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Palo Alto
Posts: 728
Bikes: Bike Friday Pocket Rocket/PedalForce RS2/Specialized Rock Hopper Xtracycle/Periscope Hammerhead
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am using it on my bike. Yes, you have to go to the limits, then tighten it as much as possible. I am not using it for the top loading aspect, more as a simple way to add my metro bag. I do like it as it allows me to shed 3 lbs. for the weekend rides.
#1127
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Carlisle, in England's Lake District, just a few miles south of the border with Scotland.
Posts: 323
Bikes: A Bianchi C2C road bike, a steel framed touring bike and a Xootr Swift folder which has made the rest redundant!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by kb5ql
I am using it on my bike. Yes, you have to go to the limits, then tighten it as much as possible. I am not using it for the top loading aspect, more as a simple way to add my metro bag. I do like it as it allows me to shed 3 lbs. for the weekend rides.
#1128
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: san francisco
Posts: 52
Bikes: '35 Cycleplane, '87 Stumpjumper, '05 Xootr Swift
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by james_swift
My Surly fixed hub is 130mm. On my silver Swift with 132.5mm rear spacing, I put 1x1mm spacer on each side of the hub axle. On my blue Swift with 135mm rear spacing, I put 2x1mm spacers on each side of the axle. The advantage of a solid axle is you have that extra room to play with spacers. So long as you have equal spacers on each side of the axle, the chainline will go relatively unchanged. An extra 1mm spacer on the non-drive side will push the chainline .5mm outwards, and vice-versa.
Just wondering.
#1129
Señor Mambo
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fremont, CA
Posts: 1,406
Bikes: TST roadie, Cannondale CAAD 3, Surly Karate Stokemonkey Leap, Tern Cargo Node, Helix Alfine; 36er and 29er Triton Unicycles; a couple Bike Fridays; one Brompton; RadPower Radburro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times
in
12 Posts
Chain alignment on fixies can be out of line by as much as 3mm and not affect the ride. Rule of thumb, though, is always to get them as close to centered as possible (for efficiency, etc.). Centered chainlines are also more aesthetically pleasing, esp. if you post pics.
#1130
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 365
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
hey wavshrdr, i've been reading this forum and what a beautiful bike man. it is jaw dropping. i really want to mimic your tire and seat set up.
two questions: are you running the BA's on full pressure? also, how do you connect the telescopic seatpost to a thudbuster?
again, beauty of a bike.
two questions: are you running the BA's on full pressure? also, how do you connect the telescopic seatpost to a thudbuster?
again, beauty of a bike.
#1131
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just finished a 10 day tour around Southern Japan on my Swift. I bought the Swift specifically for this trip, which was to include riding one way to Kumamoto and then returning by bus to Miyazaki where I live. In total I spent 8 days riding of which 3 days were really only half days, less than 3 1/2 hours riding time.
The bike did very well with the biggest problem I had being the chain coming off the chainring several times each day. A few days before the ride began I changed the chainset to a Campy ten speed and I think the bevels on the chainring contributed to the problem. This didn’t happen with the Tru Vativ chainset I borrowed off my Dahon when I originally built the bike.
In all I did 420 miles with 17,000’ of climbing the longest day was the last one, 115 miles. My gf met me for a few days in Kumamoto and when it was time to leave I folded the Swift up and put it on the bus so that we could go to the airport together. After seeing her off I rode for a few hours until finding a place to camp. I was having so much fun I decided to ride home instead of take the bus. But at least I did get to take advantage of the fold once on the trip and justify buying it.
I carried 25 pounds of camping gear, clothes and tools most of it was carried in a daypack strapped to a rear rack. About 8 pounds were carried in a handlebar bag. The bike handled pretty well in spite of the weight. I did notice some twitchiness because of the heavy handlebar bag and next time I’ll do something to get the weight lower on the front. This was my first loaded tour or any kind of tour for that matter and the Swift helped to make it a great trip.
The bike did very well with the biggest problem I had being the chain coming off the chainring several times each day. A few days before the ride began I changed the chainset to a Campy ten speed and I think the bevels on the chainring contributed to the problem. This didn’t happen with the Tru Vativ chainset I borrowed off my Dahon when I originally built the bike.
In all I did 420 miles with 17,000’ of climbing the longest day was the last one, 115 miles. My gf met me for a few days in Kumamoto and when it was time to leave I folded the Swift up and put it on the bus so that we could go to the airport together. After seeing her off I rode for a few hours until finding a place to camp. I was having so much fun I decided to ride home instead of take the bus. But at least I did get to take advantage of the fold once on the trip and justify buying it.
I carried 25 pounds of camping gear, clothes and tools most of it was carried in a daypack strapped to a rear rack. About 8 pounds were carried in a handlebar bag. The bike handled pretty well in spite of the weight. I did notice some twitchiness because of the heavy handlebar bag and next time I’ll do something to get the weight lower on the front. This was my first loaded tour or any kind of tour for that matter and the Swift helped to make it a great trip.
#1132
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by nihonric
I carried 25 pounds of camping gear, clothes and tools most of it was carried in a daypack strapped to a rear rack. About 8 pounds were carried in a handlebar bag. The bike handled pretty well in spite of the weight. I did notice some twitchiness because of the heavy handlebar bag and next time I’ll do something to get the weight lower on the front. This was my first loaded tour or any kind of tour for that matter and the Swift helped to make it a great trip.
I'm really interested because I'd like to set up my Xootr Swift to carry cargo rather put it in a messenger bag on my back.
What sort of rear rack did you use? Was it anchored to the seat post, the seat post clamp, the seat stays?
In any case, congratulations on your tour!
Thanks,
Jonathan
#1133
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The rack I used was this one <https://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20094.html> from Rivendell made by Nitto. It bolted on with very little bending/modifying. I attached my rear fender to it with zip ties and it all worked fine. At first I mounted the rack as low as possible thinking lower center of gravity was better but later I bent the horizontal rods upward which raised the rack and left a space between the fender and rack. In this space I attached my tent with a strap leaving more room in the daypack.
I rode the bike today after putting a different chainset on it and couldn't get the chain to come off even though I was trying. The problem was the Campy chainset.
I rode the bike today after putting a different chainset on it and couldn't get the chain to come off even though I was trying. The problem was the Campy chainset.
#1135
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Anyone got any news on the new steel Swifts? I emailed Peter but haven't heard back and it's spring so...
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#1136
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
By "chainset" I mean the chainring and crank arms. I installed and old Sugino with 52 teeth and the chain hasn't come off since using it. I wish I had it for the trip because I cringed every time I changed gears.
#1137
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by JonathanG
I'm really interested because I'd like to set up my Xootr Swift to carry cargo rather put it in a messenger bag on my back.
Some pics & text about my front rack set up here: https://yangmusa.blogspot.com/ A bit further down, you'll see that sadly the gorgeous Nitto front rack doesn't fit.. But the Nashbar one was a steal, on sale at $10 and still going strong after a year of abuse.
Magnus
#1138
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Providence, RI
Posts: 68
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks yangmusa,
I really like that set up and would like to try it for my commute. How stable are packages bungied to the front rack? Do you think it would work for soft packages, like a dry bag filled with clothes and lunch?
I realize the cost of an experiment -- the rack is still $9.99 at Nashbar -- isn't too high, but any advice would be appreciated!
Jonathan
I really like that set up and would like to try it for my commute. How stable are packages bungied to the front rack? Do you think it would work for soft packages, like a dry bag filled with clothes and lunch?
I realize the cost of an experiment -- the rack is still $9.99 at Nashbar -- isn't too high, but any advice would be appreciated!
Jonathan
#1140
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 564
Bikes: Brompton H6, Schwinn Mirada, Cruzbike Sofrider. Used to own: ICE B1, 2 F-frame Moultons, Koga Myata Elevation 5000 mtb, Challenge Hurricane, Riese & Mueller Birdy Silver, Actionbent Tidalwave 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by JonathanG
I really like that set up and would like to try it for my commute. How stable are packages bungied to the front rack? Do you think it would work for soft packages, like a dry bag filled with clothes and lunch?
I don't always use the panniers in the pictures. I've often bungeed large & small loads on the front, and found it works fine. For smaller/soft loads, I usually just use a bungee front to back. For bigger loads I generally add a strap going left to right also. Too bad I didn't have my camera with me when I had a 20 lb turkey on the front for big family thanksgiving! (Mind you, for loads that heavy it has a noticeable effect on the handling. I wouldn't say dangerous, but a little heavier & slower).
If you look closely at the picture taken from the side, you'll see that I've mounted a bottle cage on the front of the stem. This doubles as a very convenient hook for my laptop case - it rests on the rack and the handle goes over the bottle cage. I secure it with a bungee, but it would probably stay on without.
cheers, Magnus
#1141
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Carlisle, in England's Lake District, just a few miles south of the border with Scotland.
Posts: 323
Bikes: A Bianchi C2C road bike, a steel framed touring bike and a Xootr Swift folder which has made the rest redundant!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
For U.K. readers; if you can track down the May edition of "Cycling World" magazine you will find my Xootr Swift on the front cover with an article about the bike inside. It may add to the the number of "Swifters" over here!
#1142
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Is it the wheel, or perhaps the frame hinge points? The latter would also have this effect when folded, but otherwise would be fine.
#1143
Live to ride
Join Date: May 2004
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 188
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jur
Is it the wheel, or perhaps the frame hinge points? The latter would also have this effect when folded, but otherwise would be fine.
#1144
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: san francisco
Posts: 52
Bikes: '35 Cycleplane, '87 Stumpjumper, '05 Xootr Swift
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Spotted a stylish gal riding a blue Xootr today at the Ferry Building in SF. Went by too quick to get a good look and see if it had any mods. She was dodging thru the crowd of pedestrians in what *I thought* was a pedestrian only area.
Must have been in a hurry to get to Slanted Door for lunch... or maybe she stole the bike.
I'm off the bike for a couple weeks while I get my knee checked out. Apparently I have a mild Baker's Cyst. And before anyone blames the bike, my leg was a bit sore before I got the new Swift.... however I am wondering if the Power Straps on my Swift contributed. I really tend to twist my legs to lock my feet in.
Not hijacking the thread, I'm just excited to see another Xootr in my neighborhood.
Must have been in a hurry to get to Slanted Door for lunch... or maybe she stole the bike.
I'm off the bike for a couple weeks while I get my knee checked out. Apparently I have a mild Baker's Cyst. And before anyone blames the bike, my leg was a bit sore before I got the new Swift.... however I am wondering if the Power Straps on my Swift contributed. I really tend to twist my legs to lock my feet in.
Not hijacking the thread, I'm just excited to see another Xootr in my neighborhood.
#1145
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by nihonric
The rack I used was this one <https://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/20094.html> from Rivendell made by Nitto. It bolted on with very little bending/modifying.
Thanks
#1146
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I attached the upper rack mounts to the lower seat tube quick release. It was very simple and I haven't had any problems. I'll try to post some photos in the future.
#1147
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Boston Area
Posts: 1,998
Bikes: Univega Gran Turismo, Guerciotti, Bridgestone MB2, Bike Friday New World Tourist, Serotta Ti
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by hulagun
Spotted a stylish gal riding a blue Xootr today at the Ferry Building in SF. Went by too quick to get a good look and see if it had any mods.
You gotta love Bike Forums.
#1148
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Vermont
Posts: 747
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Originally Posted by hulagun
Spotted a stylish gal riding a blue Xootr today at the Ferry Building in SF. Went by too quick to get a good look and see if it had any mods.
#1149
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 45
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by nihonric
I attached the upper rack mounts to the lower seat tube quick release. It was very simple and I haven't had any problems. I'll try to post some photos in the future.
#1150
Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, the stock QR worked. Here's a photo
https://www.pbase.com/li_cha/image/78909918
I put a rack on the front as well.
https://www.pbase.com/li_cha/image/78910482
It took some bending to get it to work and I had to make a new straddle cable for the front brake because the one that came with the brake was too short. It takes more force on the lever now but it's not too terrible.
https://www.pbase.com/li_cha/image/78909918
I put a rack on the front as well.
https://www.pbase.com/li_cha/image/78910482
It took some bending to get it to work and I had to make a new straddle cable for the front brake because the one that came with the brake was too short. It takes more force on the lever now but it's not too terrible.
Last edited by nihonric; 05-16-07 at 09:39 PM.