Well i've done it. Purchased a used Xootr Swift. Should be here Friday.

One question...i will need to add front mech to extend the gearing. I've looked at the adapter from Xootr US but also i noticed that Shimano now do a top pull road mech, the CX70 (in 34.9mm)...

I assume that with a clamp on cable stop this would work in the same way. Any thoughts ?

I'm looking to keep the 8 speed Sram for now (to keep cost reasonable) and change the gripshift for X7 triggers..(Not a fan of gripshift..)

Other option is convert to 9 speed but the costs start to ramp up....

Also for anybody looking to use standard bottom pull mechs...i found this company who make an adapter for use as top pull...used mainly for the cyclo-cross bikes. http://www.speen.de/speen____SportsE.../products.html