Originally Posted by velocidactyl

I'm thinking about selling my 700c "all purpose road bike", moving to nyc and building a swift to replace my conventional bike. I've been learning about the Swift but still have some uncertainties.

Question. Somewhere I read that the combination of a large 58/60t chainring and external bearings BB might cause the chain to hit the seat stay? I was imagining installing a 105 drivetrain including Shimano 5700 cranks with maybe a 44t and 58t. I've seen a swift on these forums with an external style BB and conventional size chainrings but not with external cups and large rings.

Thoughts on wheels, not really a question... I also haven't been able to find 451mm wheels that equate to the 700c wheels on my bike. My 700c wheels are remarkably inexpensive, have 32 spokes, double eyelets, forged shimano hubs and brass nipples. They're not overbuilt or underbuilt, not too light or too heavy. The thing is, the less expensive wheels and rims in 451mm seem intended for BMX and way overbuilt/extra heavy for "Swifting" along on pavement. But I can lace a wheel so I was thinking about lacing up Sun CR18 rims, 32 spokes, shimano hubs, and maybe alloy nipples although, I haven't seen any 451mm wheels like this on Swifts.

I think all my other questions are about owning a Swift in NYC but I digress.