Hi,

I have finally decided to get myself a Swift and being a wool-sweater and leather saddle kinda guy I would normally opt for the steel version. I am going to build it up as a fixie and got concerned when I read that someone comparing the alu vs steel versions said that the alu version had noticeable stiffer handlebar extension. Swift is known to be plenty stiff and no problems with standing up and wrestling your way uphill but I am not sure if all these reviews are regarding the alu version which seems much more common than the steel version. Any opinion on this matter? Is there a big difference (apart from weight but I think I can live with that)?

Thanks.

There isn't a lot of difference in stiffness between the steel and aluminum Swifts in my experience. They are both very stiff, certainly stiffer than a steel typical full-size rigid frame in the rear triangle. As to the handlebar riser, the new aluminum riser is more versatile than the simple steel tube/quill stem riser on my steel Swift, but it is a very early model, so may not be the same as more recent steel frame versions.

Xootr now has a Swift model that is a singlespeed. You will have to get hold of them. It is black and costs $699.