Originally Posted by
Paul Braithwait
I'm not sure you can compare a 20" folder to a large wheel touring bike. The Xootr Swift was designed as a bike that was good to ride but just happened to fold for convenience. I have a Bianchi road bike with full Campagnolo group set and wheels and it is certainly faster on the road than the Swift. I use the Bianchi to keep fit and the Xootr for leisure rides. They both excel at their given duties but are very different and great to own.
Sorry, if I wasn't clear. I was only comparing ride comfort of my Swift with an unsuspended road bike. It is now comparably comfortable over distance, whereas before it was definitely inferior. It will always be slower (except maybe going uphill), and it will always handle differently, as will any 406-wheeled-bike compared to a 622.