The spec changed. The alu frame seat tube diameter was made larger and the gauge of the seat-stay and chain-stay was increased [per phone conversation with Peter Reich last month].

My Xootr (2008) seat-tube has Ø 34.0 stamped on it. I also confirmed that by measuring it with calipers prior to purchasing the 33.9mm Thudbuster ST (which I can recommend).

Getting the correct seatpost diameter is critical for the structural integrity of the Xootr Swift aluminum frame. You don't want any play there, as a little wiggle over time can cause metal fatigue. Moreover, the stresses would be translated to the seat-stay where there happens to be a large weld; welding reduces the strength of 6061-T6 aluminum by 40% in the heat-affected-zone (aka HAZ) in the immediate vicinity of the weld.

Regards
T

P.S. BTW, the Xootr website (like other bike websites) says somewhere (IIRC) that the company reserves the right to change the spec without notice. At least I seem to recall reading that standard lingo on something associated with Xootr.

Am I the only one with a 2008 Xootr Swift who can barely get the quick-releases tightened enough to eliminate wiggle in the seatpost? It often won't go away until I hurt my hands cranking those things down.

What Ø is stamped on your seatpost?

Part of that area is obscured by dirty abrasion, but there's a 34.0 in there.

I keep the QR clamps tight -- considerably tighter than the folks who do the Xootr folding demos on the web-- and have to use a fair amount of hand strength to open them again, though there's no pain when closing them if I manage to get the heel of my hand flat and not on an edge. I've even lightly lubricated the Thudbuster post with Phil Grease.

Regards
T

Yeah, I keep them that tight too. If I don't, the rear half of the bicycle wiggles a little when I put a little upward pressure under the saddle. Yours too?

After seeing that picture of the fractured seat-stay on the prior iteration of the aluminum frame, I haven't done any experimenting to see how loose I can keep the seatpost (in order to speed up the folding) but have always kept the seat-QRs very tight. The bike rides stiffly with no discernible wiggle. If it weren't for people in town always hollering to me "Is that one of those folding bikes?" I could even manage to forget it was one.

Regards
T

I have dealt with the company over issues I had with play in the seat post when the clamps were tightened and they were very helpful in finding me a seat post that was closer to 34mm than the one I received originally. I suggest contacting someone and voicing your concerns. I'm 6'3" and was lucky enough to have access to a pair of digital calipers at work.

Interesting, thanks. I may have it back to the shop tomorrow for other things. (The SRAM Dual Drive clickbox won't come off the axle, for one.) I'll bring that up.

I just received my Swift today, and although my plan was to go for the posthaste, when I placed the order Steve at the factory sold me on the crossrack, so that is what I have. Now I just need to figure out how to get all my work stuff in some sort of a bag. When I went to the bikeshop today, they had a very limited selection of panniers, none that were big enough. I'm going to do some more research on that and use a backpack for the short term.
The bike looks great out of the box, as clean as it will probably ever be!

In putting my new swift together tonight the one thing that surprised me was how much force was required on the seatpost QR's to pass the "seatpost shouldn't twist with just one QR tightened" test that they suggest in the manual. I really had to crank these things, well beyond what I thought they were suggesting.

I haven't actually taken it for a ride yet, will do that tomorrow and see if I get any wiggle!

Bill

Yup.

When I sent back my defective Swift to Peter Reich I mentioned this and he said that he will try to find a nice tight fitting seatpost for the replacement bike, so there seems to be some variabilty there.

David at B-fold also told me that if much dirt gets in there, it can abrade things so they don't fit quite as tightly.

I will be installing FSA Pro Track Carbon cranks (old style) on my aluminum Swift. I will be using a Shimano 9 speed cluster. What width bottom bracket spindle (ISIS) should I use for proper chain alignment? (108/113/118)

Sorry. Should have been more specific. That would be the track crankset.

Greetings,
I ordered a xootr swift via the net based on all the positive reviews and comments I've read. Was originally considering a less expensive Dahon but think this bike will serve me better. My primary use will be rails-to-trails paths and travel. Some upgrades I will be considering soon are a longer stem, narrower seat (as a road biker I don't think the standard seat will do), and handle bar extensions. Appreciate your opinions on Ergon grips vs. Cane Creek vs. other.
Looking forward to receiving my new bike.

After 6 months of daily use on my 2008 Swift I find the biggest problem is the seat post fasteners. There are a few observations here:

1. the clasps supplied are not up to much - I had one snap in my hand when I was trying to get a tight fit. Once all the blood had been sorted out I contacted Xootr and they quickly sent me a better set. These seem to give a tighter & firmer fit so far.
2. I think there is a simple design fault in the bike. The slots are facing back where they pick up crud from the road... I think it would be fairly simple for Xootr to reverse this and have the slot pointing forwards

Anyway, I remain a happy customer, now that I have some great butterfly bars (from Nashbar) on the bike.

Jonathan

Setup the bike last night. SPD's on then out for a quick spin on test track #4. Wow! This bike hauls, it's stable, and fun to ride. Impressive.....better than the Dahon's I test rode including the Pro TT. Can't wait for the next ride. A few upgrades in the future, new saddle, stem, and cyclocomputer. Spent several months researching a folder. Very happy I did this.
Thanks for the info on this forum.
See ya on the road.

Welcome to the fold.

I have some components I'd be willing to move including Ergons and a Dual drive set-up. PM me if interested.

I realize the Market Place is the proper venue, but I really wasn't planning to actively market any parts. This was just off the cuff, so to speak.

Did my first official commute on my new Swift today. I was able to find a large pannier which fits my small briefcase inside, with room for lunch and all the other stuff. It also converts to a backpack. I have about an inch or two of clearance over the rear fender with the crossrack mounted near the top of the seatpost (I'm 5' 10"). I have it extending about an inch over the top of the seat, but it doesn't seem to cause me any problems. The pack is a "Voyager Commuter Lite", and in the fine print it says it was imported by Cycles Lambert Inc. (www.cycleslambert.com). It comes with a removable waterproof vinyl inside liner and rain cover and padded laptop case. Cost $90 Cdn. If anybody wants to see the setup I can post some pics next week.
Bill

Here's some pictures of my Swift, which I've actually had for a few months now. I used to have a Dahon Jack, but that got jacked (ha ha) from the trunk of my car, and, lacking money for a new folder, I put out the word on my blog that I wanted to be a sponsored bicycle commuter (i.e., I wanted free stuff). Well, Xootr answered the call and sent me a free Swift, which I've been riding, modifying, and blogging about for a little while now. Now I have some fun pictures of me riding in business casual attire, and of the front basket I rigged up using Xootr's Crossrack. Here they are:


Sure, I look awkward and goofy, but it's really one of the most comfortable rides I've ever had, and this shot was taken in the midst of an 18-mile afterwork jaunt.


Here's the basket set-up, using the base of the Crossrack, an old seatpost, two hose clamps, and a deep Wald basket.

This is the set-up I use for my 60-mile, multi-modal commute, which includes 30 miles of driving and 30 miles that get divvied up between commuter rail and biking, depending on how much time I have.

Welcome, new brother!

Those of you having trouble with the seatclamps - anyone tried lubing the QR itself?

I'm looking to upgrade the Q/Rs on the seat post and steering post but am having trouble locating some good quality skewers. Any suggestions?