Accessorizing Xootr Swift
 

Hey all, got my new Swift today, and I've been enjoying it. I had it on the road 10 minutes after the box arrived. It's a nice ride, fast and stable.

I was a bit nervous about a folder as I'm 6'1" and ~250 lbs which is heavier than recommended for many of these bikes. While I didn't see any official max rider weight on the Xootr site, I did see a post somewhere that suggested the mfg. upper limit is 275 lbs. Based on that, and on comments and observations on the frame geometry, I went for it, and so far it's all good.

The bike feels extremely solid with no noticeable flex or signs of stress. I feel no less confident then I do driving my Gary Fisher Paragon MTB. The only new experience is the steering feel with the smaller tires, and I'm still getting used to taking turns at high speed.

I want to start accessorizing, so I'd appreciate any pointers to the following which other Swift owners have found to work with the bike;

1) A soft bag to carry the bike in the car trunk, and in a pinch to carry it on transportation, etc.
2) A rear rack

I will also pick up a Cateye bike computer and I saw a couple of references to a Minoura mount for water bottle and pump which I'll seek out online.

For future reference, anyone have any luck fitting this bike into a 29' Samsonite hard case?

Also, for future reference, anyone have any actual experience extending the gear range for touring? 'm hoping to get back into touring and thus extending the low range is going to be a project at some point. I've seen discussions about putting a Schlumpf Mountain Drive or Speed Drive on one of these bikes but I'm not sure I've seen any data points from anyone who has actually tried it. Also I've seen people talk about double chainrings (manually switched) or going to a 9 speed cartridge for a wider range, or even converting from the stock derailleur to a SRAM dual-drive or even to a 14-speed Rohloff hub. All interesting options and I'm hoping someone might have some recommendations from experience on a good balance between functionality and complexity/reliability.

Thanks much!

-Inten ost