I use bolts and nylock nuts for stem and seatpost since I never fold it.

I've been away from here for a long time and reading this I first learned that Swift is now defunct. Oh my, but my single speed is still going strong...and I once worked on Nevins Street in Brooklyn, but that was long ago...and I also went to college nearby too, even longer ago.

I never fold mine either, and I put those locks on up front, and I think I should do it for the seatpost too. I forgot where I got them and what size they are. Do you remember what yours are?...but maybe I even have some spares in my big disordered bike parts box...

Sorry, I don't recall. We have a vendor here that specializes in bolts and fasteners and I have replaced most of my bike bolts with hard steel black Allen heasd bolts. Don't seem to rust more than regular bolts and they haven't rounded off either. I just tried bolts until I found one that fit through the holes and got a length just long emough so there wasn't much left outside the nut.

Thanks, 12boy, but I found two extras in my bike box right away. They are 2" long and 3/16" wide and the ones i presently have on my Swift work perfectly. If anyone needs more exact measurements i can give it to you, providing i can find my micrometer.

Anyone know a of a carbon fork option for a Swift folder with 20” 406 size wheels?

I have seen a carbon fork specified on some short wheel base recumbents ..

,,, those have a 20" wheel under your knees...

but they won't have a really tall steerer, quite the opposite ..


....

Some questions on the pivot bolt.

1. Is the diameter 10mm?
2. How long is the pivot bolt?
3. What are the thread specs?
4. Can someone post a photo of the pivot bolt?
5. When the bike is unfolded and in use, what type of load does the pivot bolt bear?

Thanks

N + 1 Strikes Again.
 

Well, it sat on Craigslist for 19 days without a buyer... so I bought it :love: https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...47b38c1a86.jpg
Pretty much stock, aluminum frame, 132.5 OLD.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...813eed2f24.jpg

Although it came with a Selle Royal SLR Gel Flow saddle.

Xootr Swift Pivot Bolt
 

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...64a6be454.jpeg

My metric Screw Chek’r says the threads are M6 x 1.0
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4495f53f9.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...69e42174b.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c1f000741.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...414cba489.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f5deecc6b.jpeg

I used a 3/32” punch to drift out the bolt, as it’s a tight fit (as it should be).

I just have to say that, although I've never ridden one, I think the Swift has more "pleasing" proportions than most 20" folders--probably because the top tube is straight and nearly level and sits relatively high off the ground--which is part of the reason that it doesn't fold down very small, I guess. I almost bought a used one for myself recently--same model with the rear derailleur--but made the mistake of letting the ad sit too long thinking the seller would lower the price. Oh well, Congratulations! I like that color, too.

My Version of the Swift
 

Getting this Swift on the road has been a 6 mo odyssey but i'll spare you most of the gruesome details. The bike in the pics below began as a late version Xootr which is different, IMHO, from most folders in 3 important ways: (A) Peter got the geometry right. Unlike many poorly designed folders with insufficient trail the handling is neutral, confidence inspiring and yet still agile. (B) and it's affordable as a result of Peter's business decision and lack of "Prime Time" popularity. And, finally, (C) it's really heavy. The frame, fork, riser tube and seat tube is just a hair under 10 lbs!


When I got it (used) the complete bike weighted 25lbs. I managed to shed 4 of those lbs so it currently weights just under 21lbs. One of the way I did this was by having a CroMoly fork made for me that's lighter than the 2+ lb fork that came on the bike. And the curved riser / stem is also custom & ti. Seatpost is 31.8 rather than the stock 34mm (which saved almost 9 oz). This is a bike that i'm going to keep in my micro RV to use on trips so it seemed to be a perfect candidate to try out my 1st 1 x 11 drive train. And so far I love it! 11-42 cassette w/ a 52T chainring give me plenty of range for recreational riding. The tires are Tioga PowerBlock S-Spec OS-20 20X1.60 (451 x 41) which, so far, only measure 38mm and are only 260g! Highly recommended. Here's the pics:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...673197b59b.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...66ec5fe121.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8ec5a5a2bf.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...78b7652949.jpg

It's always nice when a project sees the road for the first time. Looks nice! Andy

Wow, looks very nice indeed! Interesting color - anodizing or paint?

Hi Jur!

Neither actually. It's powder coat and the color is "transparent copper" - shiny aluminum base coat with a translucent color coat that gives it an anodized effect.

And the riser / stem is from Titan (long story which i'll tell you by email)

Tom

Very nice work....where did that fork come from and what kind of shim or seat post set up do you have?

Nice bike, and a beautiful colour!

The fork (i 1/8" threadless steerer) was built for me by Andy Stewart who can be found on the Framebuilding forum and who chimed in with post #3856 above. Highly recommended.

The stock 34mm Xootr / Swift seatpost weighs just under 1.5 lbs! (I think Mel Gibson used one in the main battle scene of Braveheart) I found this on eBay and two of these 31.8 to 34 adapters and saved over 1/2 lb. PM me for install details if you need to.

My preferred fold is to remove the front wheel, then attach the wheel to the track dropout for the rear wheel. then remove the handlebars and hang them on the frame. makes it compact and sturdy to lay on the front fork, the second wheel will help it stand up. The best part is you can now roll the bike, by holding the seat upright and rolling the bike on its front wheel. I would post a pic but I don't have 10 posts.

Wow! What an interesting Swift build. I'd love to know more of "the gruesome details" behind it. What inspired you? I'm especially interested in your modifications to the rear drop-outs. As I always run a rear derailleur, my one and only minor quibble with my beloved Swift is I'd prefer different drop-outs. I can put up with horizontal ones, but I dislike having to re-adjust the brakes every time I remove the rear wheel.

Anyway, nice job!

Thank you so much for the comprehensive response.
Delayed response due to computer issues.

May I trouble you for 3 further measurements?

1. What is the internal diameter of the recess/aperture into which the pivot bolt fits? See attached figure for clarification.
2. What is the internal depth of this recess from the surface/top of the recess to where it meets the top tube?
3. What is the distance from the surface/top of one recess to the surface/top of the other recess? This is the distance between the two yellow arrows.

Please ask for clarifications if my request is not clear.

Xootr Swift Pivot Hole Inside Diameter
 

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...eb3d766d9.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7b0cf35ee.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6df2d5406.jpeg
As you can see, a Craftsman 10mm thin wall socket barely fits into the recess. Even my Wera 10mm wicket is too wide.

Another Measurement
 

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...487cf90a5.jpeg

Outside distance varies due to slanted faces.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1f01c94cc.jpeg

This measurement at approximately the middle of the slanted faces..
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7c493ca63.jpeg

4mm alone key side, showing the M5 Pitlock Pit Stopper. This deters someone from splitting your frame into to halves (separate review coming).
The distance between the two recesses varies as their outer edges are slanted. The distance between the two’s bottom to bottom can be derived from the bolt dimensions I posted above.

Have a SWIFT and really like the ride. Wheelbase is same as a std hybrid and rides like one.

I completely agree. I just got one a few weeks ago and couldn’t believe how solid it felt, just like a standard bike.

Noob questions here, and sorry if this is a double post. My first went poof.

Are all Xootr Swift frames identical, and Xootr achieved S,M,L frames simply by offering various post and stems?

What are the obvious areas to look in a AL frame for fatigue, potential failure? Or is this risk minimal?

Yes, the different sizes were just a reflection of the stems and seat posts. But not all Xootr Swift frames were identical - they changed the design at some point, making it heavier and more durable. I believe the original aluminum frame had issues around where the seat stays meet the seat tube. If you're looking at an older frame, you should definitely check that area carefully. I haven't heard of the later design having issues, but, of course, caveat emptor.