Swift folders
#1676
Senior Member
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.
Last edited by timo888; 09-01-08 at 10:00 AM.
#1677
Drops small screws
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.
#1678
Senior Member
#1679
Drops small screws
Part of that area is obscured by dirty abrasion, but there's a 34.0 in there.
#1680
Senior Member
Regards
T
#1681
Drops small screws
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?
#1682
Senior Member
Regards
T
#1683
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
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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.
#1684
Drops small screws
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.
#1685
all season cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 15
Bikes: Xootr Swift, old Pro-flex 550
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racks, con't
I also had the Posthaste and didn't like it. The Axiom fits the Swift very well without modification. If you do attach the bottom, you're right that you can't fold it. I found that lubricating the seatpost quick releases w/WD-40 allows me to tighten them enough without effort to eliminate the 'wiggle' with stuff in pannier bags. I put Boeshield T9 on the seatpost to ease taking it on and off.
My folding method is to take the seatpost out, velcro strap the folded bike together, then put the seatpost in backwards, so the rack straddles the frame. Weird looking but it works.
My fantasy is that someone comes up with a thing to screw into the rear eyelets that will allow the rack to rest on it but not be attached to it. Does anyone have any ideas?
My folding method is to take the seatpost out, velcro strap the folded bike together, then put the seatpost in backwards, so the rack straddles the frame. Weird looking but it works.
My fantasy is that someone comes up with a thing to screw into the rear eyelets that will allow the rack to rest on it but not be attached to it. Does anyone have any ideas?
The bike looks great out of the box, as clean as it will probably ever be!
#1686
all season cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 15
Bikes: Xootr Swift, old Pro-flex 550
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QR's
I haven't actually taken it for a ride yet, will do that tomorrow and see if I get any wiggle!
Bill
#1687
Drops small screws
Yup.
#1688
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 862
Bikes: Swift folder, single speed
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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.
#1689
Drops small screws
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.
#1690
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Bottom Bracket Width
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)
#1692
Diesel Power
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 54
Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite 2003, Merckx Majestic
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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.
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.
#1693
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Mine also... design fault?
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
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
#1694
Diesel Power
Join Date: May 2004
Location: CT
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maiden voyage
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.
Thanks for the info on this forum.
See ya on the road.
#1695
Journey-man
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Juneau, Alaska
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Bikes: Custom S&S coupled cross bike and a custom S&S coupled 29er single speed
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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.
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.
#1696
all season cyclist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 15
Bikes: Xootr Swift, old Pro-flex 550
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Found a great Pannier for the Crossrack
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
Bill
#1697
Rebel Thousandaire
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Hartford, CT
Posts: 733
Bikes: Public D8, Yuba Mundo (cargo), Novara Buzz (1-speed, soon to be 2-speed w/ a kickback hub), Xootr 1-speed folder
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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.
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.
#1698
Drops small screws
Welcome, new brother!
#1700
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Carlisle, in England's Lake District, just a few miles south of the border with Scotland.
Posts: 323
Bikes: A Bianchi C2C road bike, a steel framed touring bike and a Xootr Swift folder which has made the rest redundant!
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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?