Originally Posted by flea
I'm wondering about the Swift and if the standard Xootr gearing will be low enough for my climbs. I know some of the SF people have tested theirs in the city, but still would like any input on the bike's ability in doing regular steady climbs that are fairly steep in my experience.
I have a custom Swift with a Sturmey-Archer hub. I have a gear range of 31" - 96", vs. the stock Xootr gearing of 36" - 91". I think even 31" is too high for extended climbing on the hills here in SF. I can make it up a block of 18 degrees, but not much further and probably no steeper.
I'd agree with Maunakea that you could manage with double front chainrings (though I am uncertain how easy it is with the (new) aluminium frame). Your best bet might be getting Peter to build you a rear wheel with the SRAM DualDrive (which I was VERY close to chosing myself..)
Magnus