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SWIFT folder wheelbase
On of the reasons that I bought a swift was the wheelbase. It has the wheelbase of a full size bike which provides adde stability. The fact that it does not fold in half via a hinge in the center was another reason. This has been stated previously as enhancing stability.
Don't ride it frequently but it is stable on roads and trails.
Originally Posted by Dahon.Steve
(Post 853490)
I test rode the Swift folder in New York City. It's a nice bike and rode well. The frame is stiffer than my Dahon Speed 8 and it can make for a rougher ride. On the plus side, since the frame doesn't split in two like Dahon, it doesn't feel a flexy. It's actually better for the heavier rider. I think a suspension seat post or a Brooks saddle would be in order. I told Peter Reich that he should buy some of Dahon's technology in making the package fold smaller. It's not an attractive fold and the fast fold is just not good enough and could be made better.
Peter's a nice guy and if I had an additional $800.00 under the couch, I would buy his bike. However, at that price, I think the Dahon Speed Pro gives you more value. I think the lowest end Bike Friday would match Peter's bike and would probably look nicer. (Sorry Peter) |
On of the reasons that I bought a swift was the wheelbase. It has the wheelbase of a full size bike which provides adde stability. The fact that it does not fold in half via a hinge in the center was another reason. This has been stated previously as enhancing stability.
Don't ride it frequently but it is stable on roads and trails. |
Originally Posted by ecl4
(Post 22461669)
On of the reasons that I bought a swift was the wheelbase. It has the wheelbase of a full size bike which provides adde stability. The fact that it does not fold in half via a hinge in the center was another reason. This has been stated previously as enhancing stability.
Don't ride it frequently but it is stable on roads and trails. |
Originally Posted by Jipe
(Post 22461702)
As discussed in the Origami Swift thread, the Swift has a shorter wheelbase than other well known folding bikes like the Brompton, Birdy and Bike Friday.
My Swift has the same wheelbase as my road bike. |
This is what was posted in the Origami Swift Thread.
40.5" is very short for a road bike. And the Wheelbase of both the Brompton and Birdy is bigger.
Originally Posted by seat_boy
(Post 22437150)
This is an older picture of my Swift's setup, but you can see the wheelbase difference between the two, it's all in the front center:
- Swift wheelbase: 40.5" - Bike Friday wheelbase: 42.5" (for my 60cm frame) https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...02494ed189.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...09be7b61e2.jpg |
Originally Posted by Jipe
(Post 22462185)
This is what was posted in the Origami Swift Thread.
40.5" is very short for a road bike. And the Wheelbase of both the Brompton and Birdy is bigger. Meh. So what? The Bike Friday has a slightly even loooonger wheelbase. My Swift still has the same wheelbase as my road bike, which is already quite long enough. I don't feel that my Swift would benefit from being any longer than it already is. |
Originally Posted by Jipe
(Post 22462185)
This is what was posted in the Origami Swift Thread.
40.5" is very short for a road bike. And the Wheelbase of both the Brompton and Birdy is bigger. Meh. So what? The Bike Friday has a slightly even loooonger wheelbase. My Swift still has the same wheelbase measured axel to axel as my road bike, which is already quite long enough. I don't feel that my Swift would benefit from being any longer than it already is. And btw, 40.5" (985mm) is about bang on average for a road racing bike wheelbase, not "very short" as you say. |
My Soma Saga touring bike is 40.5 in. Besides, shorter wheel bases have advanteges too.
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The pictures above are my bikes. I do find the BF rides noticeably better than the Swift. The short front center of the Swift always gives me the slight feeling that I'm about to go over the bars. It's a bit nervous in comparison to the BF.
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Originally Posted by joey buzzard
(Post 22462307)
Meh. So what? The Bike Friday has a slightly even loooonger wheelbase. My Swift still has the same wheelbase measured axel to axel as my road bike, which is already quite long enough. I don't feel that my Swift would benefit from being any longer than it already is.
And btw, 40.5" (985mm) is about bang on average for a road racing bike wheelbase, not "very short" as you say. |
Btw, has anyone tried crazy bars on their Xootr Swift?
I'm thinking of putting some on mine. |
Originally Posted by scrambeagle
(Post 22297644)
I’ve emailed Xootr to ask about replacement hangers
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Is there a good rear rack for Swift Folders?
Mine has one on the front but I'd also like one on the back. It offers an odd engineering conundrum since traditional rack setups won't work if you want the bike to fold, and the odd size of the seatpost means you average seatpost rack won't fit (Though I have a carbon fiber one so I don't want to put a rack on it to begin with). In looking at other rack options I found the Thule Pack and Pedal rack which ratchets onto the forks on the rear of the frame, bypassing both of the issues I'm seeing. Anyone with experience with that particular rack on a Swift or another option? |
Rear Rack…
https://vincita.cc/products/c029-v-r...atpost-carrier
that’s a copy of the rear seatpost mounted rack that Zootr used to sell before discontinuing the Swift… Not a lot of help since you have a carbon seatpost. I was considering a Tern Rapid Transit Rack for my Swift at one time and did a mock up by matching the tire sizes on two photos… here’s what that looks like with the bike folded. I imagine any rack made for a 20 inch folding bike would work similarly well but also prevent the seatpost from going all the way down when folded… https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...be34fd3416.jpg
Originally Posted by extecher
(Post 22476750)
Is there a good rear rack for Swift Folders?
Mine has one on the front but I'd also like one on the back. It offers an odd engineering conundrum since traditional rack setups won't work if you want the bike to fold, and the odd size of the seatpost means you average seatpost rack won't fit (Though I have a carbon fiber one so I don't want to put a rack on it to begin with). In looking at other rack options I found the Thule Pack and Pedal rack which ratchets onto the forks on the rear of the frame, bypassing both of the issues I'm seeing. Anyone with experience with that particular rack on a Swift or another option? |
Originally Posted by PebbledChin
(Post 22475361)
Did you receive a reply scrambeagle about spare hangers from Xootr ? If they have them, how much were they? My hanger received the vice, hammer, and file treatment, in that order, to make it flat again, and I'm not proud of it.
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Originally Posted by iamdougsbike
(Post 22483418)
that’s a copy of the rear seatpost mounted rack that Zootr used to sell before discontinuing the Swift… Not a lot of help since you have a carbon seatpost.
I was considering a Tern Rapid Transit Rack for my Swift at one time and did a mock up by matching the tire sizes on two photos… here’s what that looks like with the bike folded. I imagine any rack made for a 20 inch folding bike would work similarly well but also prevent the seatpost from going all the way down when folded… |
The part that is near the rear brake in the mock up is an adjustable piece, it's only in that spot on the mashup because the bike used to get the rack and tire sizing correct was a Tern that had mounting points specifically for this rack.
Normally when mounting racks to a bike not specifically designed for the rack you are mounting you'll need to adjust those parts to work on the frame, the struts can be bent and adjusted to work. Sometimes you need to attach them to p-clips or a special seatpost collar if no mounting points are available on a given bike. On the Swift I had planned on using p-clips to add mounting points at or near that location. https://i.imgur.com/ecuyOT8.png https://i.imgur.com/7ql0kg9.png
Originally Posted by extecher
(Post 22484662)
That's quite interesting. I'm guessing some drilling would be necessary to attach it to the back frame because looking closer you might not be able to attach it to the brake assembly. I use mine folded to fit in the back of the wagon so putting the seatpost in the folded position isn't a high priority for me. I've been kitting out a road bike, so my wife might not approve.
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New Silver Xootr Swift Frameset $450
I’m selling a brand new, never built Silver Xootr Swift Frameset. I received the Frameset as a warranty replacement and never got around to building it up. it has been hanging in my garage for the last three years or so.
Asking $450, buyer pays actual shipping cost from Philadelphia PA. Local Pickup in the Greater Philadelphia area can be arranged. What’s included (Everything is new, never used):
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...607c6df9f0.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5807a1ca7e.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8080a65534.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1d36f2afb6.jpg |
Originally Posted by joey buzzard
(Post 22453169)
Interesting. Do you have a link?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125324992...0AAOSw3dZih6fl |
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b0ca7bafc7.jpg
Green Swift FolderMy recently completed Swift Folder project! This is a converted Xootr Swift, powdercoated here in Louisville with a new old stock decal set from Peter Reich. Weighs about 21-22 pounds, even with the generator hub/light combo. Dura ace rear hub / rear derailleur SON edelux front dynamo hub B&M Lumotec IQ Fly Senso Plus Light XTR ti rear cassette 11-30 Velo Orange 110 BCD Crank/chainring 44 Tioga X Spec Sigma tires / Velocity Rims Modified Volae Recumbent Stem Riser LitePro 33.9 seatpost LitePro brakes and levers Other goodies I can't remember. Rides great, took it on vacation in Costa Rica last winter (in a suitcase) rode the Pacific side beaches with it. Super riding bike. David Dillard Louisville |
Originally Posted by daviddillard
(Post 22914720)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b0ca7bafc7.jpg
Green Swift FolderMy recently completed Swift Folder project! This is a converted Xootr Swift, powdercoated here in Louisville with a new old stock decal set from Peter Reich. Weighs about 21-22 pounds, even with the generator hub/light combo. Dura ace rear hub / rear derailleur SON edelux front dynamo hub B&M Lumotec IQ Fly Senso Plus Light XTR ti rear cassette 11-30 Velo Orange 110 BCD Crank/chainring 44 Tioga X Spec Sigma tires / Velocity Rims Modified Volae Recumbent Stem Riser LitePro 33.9 seatpost LitePro brakes and levers Other goodies I can't remember. Rides great, took it on vacation in Costa Rica last winter (in a suitcase) rode the Pacific side beaches with it. Super riding bike. David Dillard Louisville What size (dimensions) suitcase? |
That was a suitcase I got with a Bike Friday, Samsonite F'Lite is the name, I think. I can check when I get back home. I took the whole bike apart, including the fork (I installed a headset with cartridge bearings to make this a bit easier). Probably more work than a Bike Friday, but not all that bad. Alex Wetmore has a good writeup about BF / SF alex wetmore's bicycle pages (phred.org)
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Old thread but can laffin_boy elaborate on where you got the custom stem post and fork? Jur had a recumbent one that they don't seem to have any more. I love the look but cannot source one.
I need some rise for my Xootr. I have the standard riser stem medium with a riser bar but it is not enough. I will try a generic stem extender from Amazon but hoping for a more elegant solution. Can anyone else chime in What are the specs of the stem post - inner diameter 1 1/8" threadless on the frame side? How far up does it have to be before tapering? Outer diameter 1 1/8" on the handle bar side? Does anyone know if I can stick a star nut in the top and it will still be structurally safe? If so I can maybe use a velo orange cigne stem but it requires the star nut... Any other makers of folders - Dahon etc that use a stem post that is similiar so I can try to buy one of those as a substitute? Any custom makers of stem posts? Help!!! Just can't get comfortable |
Originally Posted by daviddillard
(Post 22914720)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b0ca7bafc7.jpg
Green Swift FolderMy recently completed Swift Folder project! This is a converted Xootr Swift, powdercoated here in Louisville with a new old stock decal set from Peter Reich. Weighs about 21-22 pounds, even with the generator hub/light combo. Dura ace rear hub / rear derailleur SON edelux front dynamo hub B&M Lumotec IQ Fly Senso Plus Light XTR ti rear cassette 11-30 Velo Orange 110 BCD Crank/chainring 44 Tioga X Spec Sigma tires / Velocity Rims Modified Volae Recumbent Stem Riser LitePro 33.9 seatpost LitePro brakes and levers Other goodies I can't remember. Rides great, took it on vacation in Costa Rica last winter (in a suitcase) rode the Pacific side beaches with it. Super riding bike. David Dillard Louisville |
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