Leonardo

I think I succeded in benting it back, thanks. I can't see anymore the problem by eye, I just feel a slight difference touching it. I'll give it a try as soon as I replace my gears. But I'm still interested in getting a couple of hangers as soon as I have the opportunity.

Leonardo

Is there anything specific to this bike I should pay attention to in installing a SRAM Dualdrive? I have to buy it online and install it by myself.

I've found both the 7sp (12-32) and the 8sp (11-32) - is the latter worth the expense?

Sorry if this matter has been treated before: this thread is wonderful but it's not easy to find everything!

BruceMetras

The 7 speed carrier is shorter, so you are limited to a 7 speed cassette, or making an 8 out of a 9 (that's actually slick, I did that to my Birdy).. otherwise, the 8spd version will allow 8/9/10 clusters.. Dual drives really work well on small wheel bikes.. my current dual drive bike.. Moulton TSR-27

Leonardo

What a gorgeous bicycle BruceMetras! Is it a special version of the TSR or did you polish the frame? And I didn't know that the DualDrive was ok with bar end shifters. Really a beauty.

So your advise is to prefer the 8sp - no advantages of the 7 sp if not spending a little less money, correct?

No problems with the horizontal slots or the 132.5mm space of the Xootr dropouts?

BruceMetras

Thanks, I stripped it and had it nickel plated .. I'm assuming what you are looking at is a Sachs (pull chain) or a SRAM (click box).. you might like the pull chain because it is a little neater where the cable enters, but the clickbox works fine and I've yet to whack it hard enough to wreck it using it on various bikes.. one other difference between the Sachs and the Sram, default is high gear on the Sachs and low gear on the Sram (something to know just in case a cable breaks).. I'm using a Sturmey 3 spd bar end shifter for the hub and an indexed Dura-Ace for the cassette.. if I still had my Swift, I'd be running SRAM dual drive and bar end shifters.. the TSR is 132mm so it should work on the Swift.

Leonardo

Sachs. That's the reason why I was puzzled. I thought they were the same and was investigating about the good comments re the 3x7... Anyway, I didn't find any old Sachs on sale, but only some 7spd DualDrive (with clickbox). I'll buy the 8spd then. Thank you.

GlowBoy

I've had the SRAM DualDrive hub, and it works very well. I believe it may be more efficient than other internal gear hubs because it uses an oil bath rather than grease. I used mine for about 6 years (with a single cog, as a 3-speed rather than 3x8 or 3x9) for winter commuting, since at the time it was the only available disc-compatible IGH other than the Rohloff. The clickbox is really easy to deal with, and I found that it would work with any standard 3-speed shifter. The clickbox is fragile and inexpensive, however, so I recommend buying an extra.

I don't think that you should have any difficulties using one on a Swift, except that because the IGH tends to exert torque on the dropouts, over time its axle can work itself backward/forward a couple of mm from where you bolted it. You can end up with the wheel somewhat misaligned, or the cassette misaligned relative to the derailer adjustment. Mounting the wheel in the forward end of the dropouts will avoid this problem, but may put the cassette too far forward relative to the derailer. If you don't get good shifting with the wheel all the way forward, you may need to install a BMX-style chain tensioner (as I did) to put the axle where you want it and keep it from migrating.

Leonardo

Thanks GlowBoy. The BMX-style chain tensioner is a very good piece of advice.

NeoY2k

Hahem...
For shipping overseas, and for a simple derailer hanger, just ask Peter Reich. I think he'll send it to you through a basic USPS letter, which is IMHO adequate for a small flat piece!

BruceMetras

You'll also get anti-rotation washers with the hub (or you should).. you can mount them facing forward in the dropout .. butted to the front, that will also keep the wheel from creeping forward and give you about 15mm of axle setback ..

GlowBoy

The DualDrive anti-rotation washers will only add a couple mm of axle setback if installed facing forward.

Leonardo

I've ordered the 8 spd today (from Germany), I think I'll get it next week.

In the instruction manual I read something about the "retaining washers... serrations must bear against the dropout. – Version for horizontal dropouts (2): the lug must engage in the dropout slot". When I get the kit I'll ask your advice again.

@ NeoY2k - Thank you. At the moment I'm in touch with Xootr. They're kindly checking with the post office if they can send me the small piece in a cheaper way. Hope so.

mtalinm

a mechanic once told me there is no such thing as a "standard" derailleur hanger. they are all frame-specific. the only "standard" part is the 5mm bolt on which you attach the derailleur. h

GlowBoy

Don't worry, the installation of the washers should be fairly obvious once they're in front of you.

Leonardo

The fine people at Xootr solved the problem! They're sending me the hanger using plain mail at 20$ for shipping

In practice Jur's suggestion:

idc

On 406 tires for the Swift

I have both Duranos 406x1.1 and Marathon Racers 406x1.5.

My rear Durano did not last even 600mi before a double sidewall blowout! But the front one is fine. So in the rear I've switched to a Marathon Racer and it seems ok so far. Any advice/suggestions on what to run?

I'm mostly commuting and doing occasional group rides. I'm 140lbs.

mtalinm

thanks this is sooooooooo helpful. I have stubby legs but somehow ended up with 175 cranks on my swift. the fitter looked at me sideways and said I should be using 170 cranks, and so he set up the bike with my saddle low. I went home and swapped the cranks back to the standard 170s but was unsure how much to adjust my saddle. I had raised it a couple of cms, but it sounds like just half a cm would be better (175 - 170). and it sounds like I should slide it forward half a centimeter as well - will do.

again, tremendously useful.

GlowBoy

Got the Swift back on the road a couple weeks ago. Now equipped with drum brakes front & rear, and they work great. Rear hub is cassette, front is a dynamo.

I'll need to DIY up a more powerful front for winter, but for now I'm using a 4-LED MR16 bulb that I got off dealextreme for 8 bucks. Runs just fine off AC, and kicks out enough to light up dry pavement decently. Full brightness by 5-7mph. The geeky looking shroud on the top of the headlight gives the beam a top cutoff and helps keep from blinding pedestrians as I get close to them.

GlowBoy

Got the Swift back on the road a couple weeks ago. Now equipped with drum brakes front & rear, and they work great. Rear hub is cassette, front is a dynamo. Also converted to STI (stayed with 8-speed and got the Shimano ST-R500 for $125) while I was at it.

I'll need to DIY up a more powerful front for winter, but for now I'm using a 4-LED MR16 bulb that I got off dealextreme for 8 bucks. Runs just fine off AC, and kicks out enough to light up dry pavement decently. Full brightness by 5-7mph. The geeky looking shroud on the top of the headlight gives the beam a top cutoff and helps keep from blinding pedestrians as I get close to them.

Leonardo

Hi there. Did anybody try the Dahon CarryOn Bag for the Swift? Does she fit inside? In Italy we need a bag or at least a cover for the folder on most trains and I'm looking for something light and easy.

mtalinm

nice! my drum-brake-equipped Swift is silver as well. they do seem a tad heavy but otherwise do the job

Dynocoaster 

New color for the Swift
https://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle.html

Dynocoaster 

New color for the Swift
https://www.xootr.com/folding-bicycle.html

nish2575

I used to have the bike friday bag that is similar. it fit fine. after a while, i stopped carrying it because very few bus drivers would ever ask me to cover my bike and it wasted a lot of volume in my bags. but recently bus companies have been giving me a tiny bit of a harder time and i aso wanted to get on megabus, so i bought the stow bag. i still have yet to use it, but think it will be very handy when i do need it. the bike fits fine and it has a tiny bit of padding which makes it almost uncertain as to whether it is a bike when handling in it.

i still think the dream setup is someway to strap the front wheel to one's backpack (covered). and then bag up the rest of the bike. i found a wheel cover but i haven't gotten anywhere on researching a decent backpack that wouldn't look ridiculous with a wheel strapped to it. i also don't know if, in the end, i will be too lazy to regularly take off the front wheel.

i just hate that feeling of having larger luggage than everyone else in line for a bus and the small chance that you might have to deal with a bus driver fussing. i also don't like sticking out wiht my luggage too much.

nish2575

i switched to the duranos a few months ago, from racers. i think i can feel a difference. i didn't get a flat on the racers with 1200 miles and running. commuter, i ride pretty nice roads. lately i have been riding rougher roads with more glass shards noticable on occasion, so we'll see how the durano's fare.