I have now tried it once on my ten mile round commute to work and this bike is simply fantastic. Living in Cambridge and it being so flat I find I am quickly reaching 19-20 mph on the flats so have started to look at gearing. I thought a slightly higher top gear might be nice. The big apples already raise the stock top gear from 92" to 95" having an effective circumference of 512mm, which takes them nearer to a slick 24" wheel rather than 20" one!
Looking at my calculator we therefore have the following for an 11T sprocket
Main 52T = 95", 54" = 98" and 56T = 102"
Again owning Bromptons I thought why not try a Brompton 54T chain ring
This is a simple swap though I am going to need a longer chain to get into bottom gear. Note the Brompton pedal
I may even try the Brompton folding pedal on the other side to help neaten up the fold. With this larger main ring things get more comfortable at higher speeds. The Brompton ring is nice in that it has a chain guard that sits better against the ring than the stock one and prevents the chain coming off. It is also lighter than the stock chain set, though some complain more flexy. I may try a 56T on the stock spider but would also need to get a larger chain guard, which I see is available on ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2908411615...84.m1438.l2649
Already a converted Brompton fan, I have to say that I am loving the Swift Xootr which is just such a great/comfortable bike to ride. IMHO the big apples transform it and make it one of if not THE most comfortable small wheeled bikes for the money to ride. I own a Mouton TSR which is silky smooth to ride, but they are at least twice the price and you would never leave one locked up anywhere
Regards
Jerry
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