Hi all -- I wanted to get your advice on whether I should refurb my current Swift or sell it and get another one. My 13 year old Xootr Swift is designed for urban riding, with an 8 speed Shimano hub, Big Apple Tires and thick rims. Though the frame is fine, the bike is, at this point, well worn. Is it possible to retrofit my old bike with a derailer, or are there parts that are no longer available?

Because of space, I need it to be better for 25-60 mile rides, with thinner tires that I can fix a flat on the road. (I personally can'd do that on a hub gear, and certainly not quickly.) I also wouldn't mind greater gear range. It would be substituting for my thin tired aluminum road bike that has Shimano 105 components. I value gear range, speed, and a big cockpit.

Long-story short-- I'm deciding whether to sell my current bike and buy a new Origami Swift or retrofit my current bike with a derailer. I could get the full Origami bike or just the frame. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!