i use the bottle cage mounts on the stock riser (just got my swift this summer). i have the cage mounted facing towards me for clearance of the stem/bar. using a regular water bottle, it does seem a bit loose compared to a traditional downtube water bottle cage. i think there is some truth in that the nearly vertical orientation may cause the bottle to pop out more easily.

Do you find that you hit the bottle when you stand out of your saddle?

Have you looked at any other cages that might hold the bottle more snugly, given the orientation?

well, i only ride my swift for commuting to/from work, so not a whole lot of out of saddle mashing or climbing. i don't feel like the bottle is in the way, but i do become more mindful of its presence. haven't tried other cages but i'm sure the newer cage designs will grip it better- i just threw on some old school generic alloy cage. i should point out that i cannot use the taller 24/28oz bottles because they will hit the stem. but a regular 21oz or smaller fits perfectly.

Well, I finally got a cage and added it to the inside of the riser (via braze-ons) -- after all this concern, it totally doesn't bug me at all (even when I'm standing on the pedals) -- the only time I really notice it is when I'm standing on the ground, over the bike. (though I am using a smallish bottle)

I really enjoy this bike.

Wow, your Swift page was partly what lead me to get one. Good luck with all!

Swift single speed gearing? folding pedals?
 

I'm going to add a freewheel to the flipflop Surly hub on my Swixie, so my g/f can ride it.
She won't like a fixie! I'll reinstall the rear brake when running the freewheel.

It has the standard Xootr 52T front chain ring.

I'm running a 14T rear cog right now, to give some speed on the flats. It's not so great for climbing tho. It looks like the easiest way to go is a 16T freewheel. This seems OK as my g/f is not going to want to scorch much. But unsure so...

I wanted to ask whether anyone else had set their Swift/Xootr up as a single speed and what gearing they had, liked or disliked?

Also, thinking about buying folding pedals, or maybe the MKS EZY pedals... any comments?

Thanks
Ivan in SF

At one time I considered them but be forewarned, they use a proprietary SPD-like cleat. I'd need an extra set for my sandals, and couldn't find any apart from the ones included with the pedals.

That is, if he was asking about the MM-Cube -- there are many other kinds of MKS EZY (as well as MKS EZY 'Superior') pedals. I'd much rather have quick-release pedals than folding pedals, but that's me.

New Zootr Swift owner
 

I took delivery on a new Swift on Nov. 13th. I am very pleased with my Swift and looking forward to riding many miles while using it on extended vacations with our motorhome. Except for the small wheels, it rides pretty much like the Gary Fisher Advance I am used to riding.

For some of your seasoned Swift owners, if you where I and had just bought a new Swift, what would be the first mods you would make? Big Apple tires? Seat? **********?

Thanks
Terry

My first three mods on a stock Swift would be B17 saddle, KoolStop salmon brake pads, and more comfortable handlebars.

mod #1: Brooks B17 saddle. The stock saddle may be OK for you, but a short ride is not a good indicator. Be in the saddle for an hour or so before making a decision. A plush saddle tends the be comfy initially but gets very numbing over time.

The rest (tyres etc) is really a function of what you want to do with the bike. General purpose riding, Big Apples are superb. Don't put more than say 40-60psi in them or you will negate their advantage. For snappy road riding, Continental Grand Prix. The stock tyres are actually not bad - I think they are a sort of unsung hero. At 50-60psi they grip very well and offer a soft enough ride.

Thanks for the suggestions. At this point I need to check the psi in the tires. I have a hunch its over 60psi.

Jur, I have enjoyed your "cycling photo essays". I'm about blind from looking at photos and reading. Very very enjoyable. You and your wife have discovered something you both love and will keep your marriage and yourselves in shape. Good for you. My wife and I have been married over 41 years and we will be riding our regular 5 miles tonight. I'll be on my new Swift.

Thanks again!
Terry

I think I would love to have some handlebars that come back to me, sort of like a cruiser. I've ordered a new handlebar for my Gary Fisher. Getting away from the flat bar I have to reach for.
Thanks
Terry

The Dimension Trekking Bar works great for me, but it's discontinued and hard to find. It's the same one pictured in Xootr Swift's for-sale post on this page.

fwiw, I got the Brooks Flyer rather than the B17, and I've been rather happy to have that extra give the springs provide.

I think for right now I will just keep it stock for awhile. Today I did order a tail light and headlight and folding pedals. I'll only use the folding pedals while storing it in the basement of my motorhome while travelling. I'm thinking of buying fenders. Swift advertises the weight at less than a lb.

The nice guy at Swift who wrote my order gave me a kickstand for free. Only thing is the predrilled hole is too small for the screw that came with it. I've emailed Swift to made sure its ok to drill the hole a little larger, don't want to void the warranty.

The biggest impression this bike has made on me so far, other than quality, is that its nimble, sturdy, smooth and fast. The more I ride it the more I like it. The only other folder I have owned to compare it to is the Miami Citizens. I often wondered in the past if the more expensive folders were really worth the money. The Miami at $198 & the Swift at $670. I just couldn't imagine there being that much a difference, after all they are just bicycles. Well I am here to report there is a difference, a vast difference. You have to ride one to have this knowledge. Now of course my mind is wondering "what about one of those Bike Fridays, Dahons, etc., at $1,000 and up?"
This is not good.

I tried these 'bars for a while. They were cheap and gave a very comfortable ride but they put too much of my weight over the rear wheel. Climbing hills and pulling back on the 'bars caused the front wheel to lift. It's a shame because they were very nice on the flat; problem is, where I live we don't do flat!! The upright riding position also made progress slow because of air resistance. I'm no flat out rider but the extra effort needed to pedal the bike was noticable.

Bontrager Satellite Plus Trekking Bars

http://media.bontrager.com/images/pr...06bo263881.jpg

Speaking of that mythical Dimension Trekking bar...I just found and ordered the Bontrager version...silver too, Noteon...color me excited!

Wow--cool! Now I'm the envious one.

From the computer screen @ my LBS there's only 3 silver ones left on the earth...there's still time, Noteon...

Seems like Bontrager isn't going to be making these anymore either.

I got me some mods in my future...pics to follow...

I just started a new business, and my black ones (though clearly entirely unsatisfactory in oh, so many ways) are unfortunately functional. So until the economy's done bonking... can't justify it.

Send pics!

Congrats on the new biz. I have some experience with the 'just started' part...in fact it always seems like we're just starting...

Perseverance and blinders. Onward.

I just got the call, I'm off to the LBS.

Anyone know where I can order the right sized tail light for my Swift? I want it to fit the over sized seat post on the Swift that came stock. Ironically, I ordered one from Swift under accessories, but after I got it in I discovered the clamp doesn't fit the seat post, to small. It came with a smaller clamp to fit somewhere else but it fits no where. Weirdest thing I ever seen. Why sould Swift sell this as ann accessory and it doesn't fit not way no how. I'm keeping it because it did fit another bike I needed a new one on.

Any help here? I need one bad.

Thanks
Terry

Terry,
I think the blinkie they sell is intended to mount to the seatstay. That's where I put mine before I got a rack. If you have a rack (a standard one, not a crossrack), you'll also probably find that the rack has a standard taillight bracket for which you can buy a matching light.

i do find it annoying that i cannot fit my rear blinkie to the seatpost. my pbsf will fit on the stays but both my stays mounts are on my two roadies and the stays on the swift is a bit low.

Most of the Topeak tail lights will fit on an oversized seatpost.

I would have posted a pic but I give up trying to figure out how to do so. I want my old Bike Forums back!:twitchy:

Here's a link.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Lights/RedLiteUFO

[QUOTE=owenfinn;10065865]Most of the Topeak tail lights will fit on an oversized seatpost.

I would have posted a pic but I give up trying to figure out how to do so. I want my old Bike Forums back!:twitchy:

Here's a link.


Thanks for the link. I took a look at it and I like it. Do you really think it will fit the seatpost of the Swift?

I found a tail light I could use. Ordered from bikeisland.com. Knog Beetle -rear- red LED LTO620 - LTO627 $17.95.
It will fit. If I like it I'll order the matching headlights.

E=owenfinn;10065865]Most of the Topeak tail lights will fit on an oversized seatpost.

I would have posted a pic but I give up trying to figure out how to do so. I want my old Bike Forums back!:twitchy:

Here's a link.

http://www.topeak.com/products/Lights/RedLiteUFO[/QUOTE]

Yes definitely - just stretch the silicone bands. My Curve SL seatpost is the same diameter. If you want, you can see how I attached my Topeak light if you click on my flickr photos below. I now put the tail light on the small frame section below the seatpost clamp. This way I don't have to remove the light everytime I fold.

Anyway, the knog stuff is cool - glad you found something.

My best mods were:
1. Schwalbe Stelvio tires with Kevlar. I ride smooth paved bike paths in nyc and the bike just accelerates better with these.
2. Racing saddle with a width that matched my "seat bones". See Sheldon Brown.
3. Bike computer with cadence counter. Because I like numbers. This is the one I got: Topeak Comp 140.
4. Small seat bag for tools etc.
5. Good cable + lock + u-lock. I live in nyc and this is essential. I also take my seat post with me when I lock it up.
6. Reelight blinkers. They use led bulbs & spoke magnets. No batteries. They are always on.