I like 451's a lot!! .. I have three sets of wheels that I swap between two Reach bikes.. the only 'knock' on them that I can think of is tire choices.. not much out there.. 1 1/8 or 1 3/8.. I've got Stelvios, Primo Comets and some Kendas.. wheels aren't a problem.. if your concern is commuting, you might want to go with a higher spoke count.. I'm running 20 spoke rims on my Reach and haven't had any issues yet.. I will probably install 451's on my TSR at some point..

Thanks again for the helpful info guys.

Just want to be sure here, but will the 451's fit onto the Swift w/no alterations to the fork or frame? From what I've read, the brakes will have to be changed out to fit the 451's, correct?

Wonder if the 451's are equally as interchangeable with a Swift.

I've contacted the shop were I ordered my 406's to see if they can get the 451's too, but I might be stuck w/what I've already ordered...

Still curious to know how the 451's fit with a Swift though. :D

Domo arigato!
K.

From what I understand, the frameset should need no alterations if you use skinny tires (like the stelvios). But, as you;ve mentioned, you'll need different brakes. The canti studs are too low on the frame/fork to work with the taller 451 rims, so people mount road-style caliper brakes. Unfortunately, this effectively stops you from switching wheels easily since caliper brakes can't reach the 406 wheels.

The only way around this that I see would be to run hub brakes, but that's pretty involved (and not super easy to switch around, either).

Thanks for that alpa! I think what you're describing is the same set up as the attached pic. :thumb: (confirmations still welcome! :p )
I was already planning on changing out my brakes, so going with calipers would be no prob.
Only thing, as mentioned, I've already got 406's on the way.....:( And the shops fine-print on refunds/exchanges doesn't look promising. . . . If I had known, I'd have gone 451..kinda jumped the gun..
Still waiting on word back from them if they can get the 451's, if so, I'm going to try for an 'exchange/upgrade'.
Or, possibly put the 406's up for sale, NIB... (anyone interested?....) Pics are: http://item.rakuten.co.jp/giro/mbw_aclassfolexw/

Yes for 451 wheels you need calipers - but very long reach ones. Last time I looked there was only one caliper on the market with the right reach - the Tektro R456 I think they are called (but look back in this thread to confirm).

Oh, and there is plenty of clearance for 451 wheels. I have mudguards on mine too.
Without mudguards, you can actually fit a 22" wheels in a swift, making them UCI legal, and swifts have been used with 22" wheels for track racing.

Here's the latest incarnation of my Swift;

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...n/DSCN4052.jpg

I have just fitted a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and am very impressed with the ride they give and the puncture resistance they offer. I have had to remove the mudguards as the extra width of the Schwalbes made clearances a bit on the tight side and having a full mudguard at the back made removing the rear wheel more of a chore than it should have been. I am on the lookout for some clip on (mountain bike style) mudguards that will not look out of place with 20" wheels.

I have replaced a mini pump with a standard frame fitting model which fits nicely behind the seat tube. It is held in place by three velcro straps. The bottom two straps (around the frame member) are enough to hold the pump but I have used a third strap (around the seat tube itself) just to stop the pump handle rattling.

The "cockpit" now sports Specialized Body Geometry hand grips with Ski type bar ends (bought from SJS Cycles Ebay site for £2.) The computer incorporates a thermometer and altemeter! On the front end the Rixen Kall 'bar bag is held in place by a Rixen Kall "Caddy" bracket which bolts directly onto the stem riser - keeping the bag close to the bike. I have also replaced my toeclips and straps with mini toeclips that do not require straps. I found that when wearing shoes with deep tread soles using clips and straps was not easy. I am even thinking of trying normal flat pedals. I have tried all sorts of SPD pedals and shoes and they all hurt my feet.

All I need now is some time and good weather to ride!!

Rickybails,
Thanks once again for your VERY helpful bits of information. Since I've never even seen a Swift other than web-pics, all I have to go by is info I've found on the net, and the helpful tips/advice here on the forum. I'll be sure to pay forward my findings & experiences with my project here in this thread.
Thanks again! :)

Paul, that incarnation of a Swift you've built up looks like a real touring machine! :thumb:

Rgds to all,
K.

Whew! Found it! - pg 50 of this thread.:)
Feel'n just a bit cross-eyed after all that skimm'n..:twitchy:
- thanks again! : )

The Swift arrived! Headed to the LBS for stage one of its 'extreme makeover':D

Will post a pic or two!

Rgds,
K.

First stage of the Swift build has been complete! :D
I took it out for a quick night ride, on my commute route, and was THOROUGHLY impressed! :thumb:
I'm sure its due to the hard, thin, Durano's, but I was doing MUCH more coasting than compared to my MuP8 equipped with Marathon Racers. Another factor was my upper body position being MUCH farther forward/lower, than the upright/comfort positioned Mu. There was a head-wind, but the more road-oriented positioned made the head-wind ride alot faster and bearable.

As for the gearing, I'm still waiting a 55t outer ring, and will need it!
With the 12/27 cass. on it now, I top out alot faster than my Mu with 11/32.

For the next stage of the build, the Swift will be fitted with Tektro R556 calipers, ordered today, and 451 rims, which are due in Mar/Apr. Oh, the stem riser height will be trimmed also. ;)

Current list of upgrades are:
Handle bar: Profile design, Aero Wing TT
Brake Levers: Tektro TT
Shifters: Shimano TT levers mounted on Paul's Thumbies

Saddle: SDG Ti-Fly C

Front crank & ring: Currently stock, while waiting on FSA carbon crank 'Team issue', which will be fit with 55/44t rings.(should arrive in about a week, & I'll post an update)

Rear cassette: Durace 12-27
Rear Derailer: Shimano 105 blk
Front Derailer: Shimano 105
Front Derailer mount: From Xootr, listed on Swift accessories
* to my relief, the Xootr FD mount has a built-in pulley that solves the issue of bottom-pull FD's! The pulley converts the pull to in a small, very effective package! - ingenious! (see pic!) GREAT work Xootr!:thumb:

Tires/rims: Schwalbe, Durano Kevlar 406's
stock Xootr Swift rims (451's due soon!)
* Plan was to use the Kinetic Rims on from the Mu, but mid-way through rim transfer, we noticed the Dahon Kinetic front rim hub has been "Dahonized"....:mad: Its not standard road-hub width, so the Kinetics didn't make it onto the Swift.

Stem riser: Stock Airnimal riser, with shim.*the stock Swift riser is steel, and DOES NOT do the bike justice! The Airnimal stem is alluminum & MUCH lighter!
Pedals: MKS EZY, with PowerStraps added later.

Here are some pics of the Swift in build, and a quick phone-pic fresh outta the shop! :love:

Hey Kaito that looks to be one lightweight fast (swift!) bike. My Xootr is built up for casual leisure rides and will be somewhat heavier than yours. I have just fitted Power Grips to my pedals and after a very short trial am well impressed. I shall post some pics when I get the chance to take some. Enjoy the ride!

Mine looks like a tank in comparison. Nice job.

Kaito: Well done! You'll need an 11T cassette, I think.

Where did you get hold of the Airnimal stem riser? Do you know what its mass is?

I got some from a French shop, from "SKS Kids" I think they are. But they work well, except the back one I added a flap to extend the length. I also made a cylindrical fitting for the back one to clip on.

[edit]these

Or here

Here is the 451 R556 Mod I did when I had the Swift...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...&postcount=115

Nice set up & thanks for sharing! :thumb:

Why's your Swift a "had"?

Just curious as to why you don't have it anymore..:o

I just got mine, and am really enjoying it! :D

Thanks! :)
I think you're right about the 11t..! I can't pedal the bike more than 40-42kms/hr, and with the MuP8, I was closer to 50..

Once it arrives, I'm hoping the bigger 55t in the front will give me my speed back. What do you think? If not, will I be able to add just a 11t cog onto my current cassette? If I have to, I will. I'm really set on getting the bike set up like I prefer! It has a TON of potential, & I feel like I'm really tapping into it! :D

I got the stem with the bike, from the good folks over at Calhoun Cycles.
With a shim, sorry - but don't know how thick, the Airnimal stem just barely fit snug enough. The mech. at the LBS had to apply some kinda liquid that he said had some particles/bead, to get it to clamp down and stay snug. The stem/bar doesn't detach since it lost the quick release in the process, but I rarely take off or fold a bar, so no issue for me.

I didn't get a weight on the Airnimal stem riser, but I would dare say that its prob half the weight of the steel Xootr one. Sorry, since its fairly permanent, I can't unbolt & weigh it right now..

Set up the wireless Cateye today, and fit a water bottle clamp/cage onto the seat post. : )

I'll update another pic once the FSA crankset's installed. :)

That's bad-ass!

Thanks for the compliments guys!

No matter what shape or form, the Swift IS one kick A55 bike!

Now I'm REALLY look'n forward to the next club ride!
; )

Question on 451 wheel's spoke count for 215 lbs rider
 

I'd like to convert my Swift over to 451 sized wheels, but wasn't sure what spoke count I'd be safe with. I'm a tad over 6' 4" and weigh about 215 lbs. I was thinking of a 28 spoke count for the front, but not sure if I should go 32 or 36 spoke count for the back. I already have a set of Tektro long reach calipers, I just need to build up the wheels. Thanks in advance.

Why exactly is it worth the trouble and expense to switch from 406 to 451?

Everyone probably has their own reason, but I think it might be the same reason why people change from xxxgram parts to xxxgram parts? :o

Every little counts I suppose & since the 451's have less rolling resistance, I see'm great for keeping a fast pace, at a long stretch, all with less effort than 406's. Thats what I'm hoping for at least! :innocent:

:D

But if bigger wheels are more efficient...how about making a wheel like with a 700 cm or 27 or 28 inch diameter? Hey, there's an idea!

451mm wheels need smaller chain rings (as compared to 406mm) to reach "big wheel" equivalent gear inches