Originally Posted by Bacciagalupe
OK, I'm a little curious about something. It sounds like a Swift will handle a little more like a road bike than most folders, and may be a little faster as well. Can anyone explain the mechanical reasons why a Swift will ride faster and handle differently than, say, a typical Dahon, and quantify any speed increases?
By the way, it looks like there's a celebration of the Swift's 10th Anniversary as part of NYC's Bike Month....
1.) The Swift's geometry is identical to that of a hybrid bike.
http://xootr.com/xootr/swift/frame.shtml
-I actually test-rode a GT hybrid last week, and aside from the huge wheels and sluggish steering, the ride was identical to my Swift when it was stock.
2.) The frame is designed to be rigid and light. The trussfold system is simple and efficient. It uses a single pivot joint and the seatpost to lock it all into place. Unlike the sandwich fold of a Dahon, there are no joints in the Swift's frame to flex. And also unlike the stempost of the Dahon, the stempost of the Swift is steel pipe extension of the steerer tube, clamped-down securely with a quick-release upon which you can throw-on any standard 1 1/8" threadless stem. The Dahon / Downtube stemposts utilize a joint-n-latch system with a sliding internal post, which again, introduces a huge point of flex. Flex absorbs power that could otherwise be put into forward motion. I also own a Dahon, and when I do ride it, I have to completely alter the road-bike riding style I'm accustomed to on my Swift. This means no out-of-the saddle uphill sprints in high gear, no racing the red light at intersections. I think that quantifies the speed increase you're inquiring about.
3.) Fit: you can't get fast on a bike with an upright riding position. Because the Swift accomodates any standard 1 1/8" threadless stem, you can go as stretched and as low as you want. If you want to get serious, consider drop bars or TT-bars. My Swift is awesome with drop bars. I'll never go back to flat bars.
4.) Weight: in stock form, the Swift is 22lb. Compare that with a Dahon or Downtube (better not). Lose the heavy tires, tubes, reflectors, saddle and pedals (typically the first parts to be upgraded on any bike), and you can easily bring it down to 20lb or even less.