sounds like not much better than my stem mounted backpack. (added one more photo to my original post with my luggage mounted, half way through page 77 of this thread). i might switch from my current mount to this one which mounts with less angular momentum, per your advice. not for a few months at least.

I think that's a purchase well worth the price if you're mounting it on the riser. You can reposition your existing one on the seatpost to give you extra mounting options.

I've had 25 pounds on the front rack in the past. It was manageable, but definitely not comfortable. Having a front rack that can be attached to the frame, cantilevered off the main beam, over the front wheel, would be awesome.

Hi all, I have a question for anybody who has mounted fenders on their Xootr/Swift, many thanks in advance if you have any advice...

I've been looking at the mounting instructions for the Planet Bike fenders offered on the Xootr site:

http://www.xootr.com/fender-mounting-instructions.html

In the second picture, you can see that the front fender attaches via an elbow bracket and bolt, which seems reasonable enough.

But if you then look at the last picture, it seems the rear fender doesn't attach to the frame via a similar bit of hardware, but rather it just uses a tie, is that correct? Is the hole on the frame not bored to the proper axis?

Thanks kindly, just want to make sure I have this right...

fwiw, the main reason I want fenders is the seatpost and two quick-releases get fairly gritty, which then makes it a bit of a hassle to fold/unfold, as I don't want to grind that grit in -- is there some other "simple" solution that keeps that area clean without fenders? Thanks kindly...

Hi Swifters, I'm still investigating cargo-carrying options. I'd really like a versatile and fold-friendly solution if possible--for example, one that does not lock me into using a specific company's bag--which is why a rack, particularly a front-mounted one, seems appealing. I had a chance to inspect a Dahon Traveller Front Rack up close and, while it's beautifully engineered for a Dahon front fork, it unfortunately won't work on a Swift. So it's back to the drawing board.

Paths to investigate:
(1) A local BF member has offered to show me his cross-rack in action
(2) I recall that a local friend mounted a standard rear rack on his Swift--he drilled out part of the "arms" that attach the rack to the stays to accommodate the seat post

As for front racks, the contenders at this point are:
a) Gnashbar front rack, which has the virtue of being cheap
b) Nitto M-12, which is the expensive, high-end version of the Gnashbar rack (looks lovely and like it will last)
c) Nitto Mini Front Rack--this seems the most attractive and robust of the three racks, because it clamps to the fork blades (with p-clips) rather than the brakes (or does that not matter?). It says that the supplied clamps will work on blades around an inch in circumference. The Swift blades have a much larger circumference, but surely appropriately sized p-clips can be found at a hardware store without too much trouble, right?

What do you all think? What would you choose?

I have a fantasy that with a small front rack, I can bungee on some small, random objects, or attach a small bag, or temporarily attach a medium Wald basket for times that I want more carrying capacity. If there were a front rack that would work on a Swift capable of carrying front panniers, I'd love to hear about it.

If he is changing from this:
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7...kaulseatpo.jpg

to this:
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4...kaulcaddyh.jpg

in the front. Then this:
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7...kaulseatpo.jpg

won't fit the seatpost because the maximum clamp size is 32mm.

The Xootr has a 34mm seatpost no?

I haven't been through the thread recently (have in the past). But has anyone mentioned or tried the Freeload rack from New Zealand?

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/3...oradventur.jpg

Well, havm66z, that is a very interesting concept! I wonder if the Freeload Rack could be mounted on the rear and not be in the way when folded--i.e., clear the retractable seatpost? It might be nice to have the Freeload Rack on the back and a Nitto Mini on the front.

Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Am I right that a front rack attaching at the V-brake studs will not support as much weight as a front rack attaching to the fork blades via p-clips?

Dear havm66z,

Thank you for quoting VeloFred.com. There are three clamp sizes available 28 mm, 32 mm and 36mm. Oversized 36 mm is not supplied with an adapter, however it is available separately at Velofred.com

http://www.velofred.com/product_info...roducts_id=327


http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=163638

A standard rack will fit the Swift OK. Just be sure to attach the "arms" to the lower Q/R or via 'P' clips to the rear triangle, otherwise the bike will not fold. The Rixen/Kaul Caddy fits the stem riser and can be used for 'bar bags, baskets or ruchsacs. The seat post bracket will fit the Swift's 34mm post using the lager clamps. Make sure you place the bracket high up the seat post if you still wish to use the post to hold the folded bike together.

Paul Braithwait, you are a genius! I cannot thank you enough.

I scavenged a Dahon Traveller Rear Rack from my other folder and mounted it on my Swift (using p-clamps to the rear triangle). It works beautifully--no problems with either folding or unfolding. It looks handsome on the bicycle and it is extremely practical, opening up a whole new world of transport and touring possibilities. The only disadvantage is that the rack adds length to the rear, so the fold isn't quite as compact, but the fold is still "good enough" for my purposes.

I am thrilled. I think this is the most robust and practical cargo-carrying solution, and I love that I have saved time and over $100 by not having to buy an expensive Japanese or New Zealand rack. It feels like a very Judy Garland moment--"there's no place like home" for finding solutions to your bicycle problems!

Pics!

My brother just got the xootr swift about three weeks ago and he is constantly on it. Now he is seriously considering getting a internal hub installed simply because the deraiuler has gotten out of out of wack. But it's quite expensive to get it converted to internally hub, you need to get a new wheel, plus the hub. He has already been quoted 400 to for everything.

As a result, been thinking of getting one built buy peter or human power directly which comes with the internal hub already installed for around $950 which is MUCH cheaper than what my brother has to do. He's actually considering selling his and just buying another new one. Anyway I have a few questions for everyone.

1. Aluminum versus steel version?

2. Painted or powder coated?

3. How long is the wait from ordering to getting one?

4. For the human powered one, how much knowledge do you need to have in order to build the bike once you get it?

5. Which would you get?

Thanks everyone.

Hi Noteon, pics will come, I promise, but after Monday. I don't actually have the p-clamps so this morning I just attached the lower part of the rack and taped the arms in place to test the folding. Monday I'll be at my not-so-LBS (bfold), where they'll properly install the rack, put on the taller stem riser, and fix a gearing problem--then I'll take pictures.

velofred and thor both rock for carrying goods most usa suppliers dont' bother to carry.

yeah i already have the oversized clamp (i believe the 36). had used it on a brompton seatpost originally. but i won't use the klickfix on teh seatpost, i'll stick with crossrack. klickfix has severe weight limitations.

also, on the notes for racks, dont' forget the pletscher quickfix racks from thor. you unscrew a quick release and then you could put down seatpost. of course, not having to detach a rear rack such as has been demonstrated with the dahon traveler would probably be more convenient...but maybe for those times when you need smaller folding size, the pletscher detaching might come in handy

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...raithwaite.jpg

OK, this may scare the horses a bit but it is always nice to find somewhere you feel at home!

My name is Braithwaite, you may note from my forum entry that the final 'e' is missing. This is because my name is one letter too long to fit the forum registration! The village of Braithwaite is set in the English Lake District and is about 35 miles from my home. It is surrounded by steep hills (or fells as we call them) and is a short walk from the tourist town of Keswick (Kez-ik). The lakes of Bassenthwaite and Derwent Water are nearby.

If you look closely, my Swift is in the picture!

Great place to live and some stunning cycling routes. As good as anywhere in the world on a nice day!

Bike looks great!

Fancy that - a whole town welcoming you personally!

Your Swift with the drops looks like the business. I just put some bullhorns on mine but so far am not terribly satisfied.

You can buy a new wheel with hub already installed. It is cheaper having your LBS store rebuild the wheel. Price is dependent on the hub choice mainly but here is one link http://www.utahtrikes.com/PRODINFO-S...Wheel_Kit.html

I would choose steel over aluminum and powder coated over regular paint.

i like the alfine 8 on peter's model. been riding it for a month now

I bought a Nitto M12, but couldn't make it fit on my Swift.

I ended up with the Nashbar cheapo front rack - but it worked out fine. I carried a 20 lb turkey on there! I also used it with front panniers all the time - the only adaptation you need to do is make some way to anchor the bottom of your panniers. I got 2 stainless steel hook from my local hardware store and drilled them out to fit on the fork braze-ons. Then I replaced the hooks on my pannier bungees with keyrings - then attach keyring on fork hook, and upper pannier mounts on rack - secure, and strong.

Magnus, thanks for your input on the rack issue. If I decide I need to supplement with a Nashbar front rack, you have spelled out what needs to be done!

Do you miss your Swift?

This is indeed correct. The fenders sold by Xootr have some of the existing hardware removed, and you're suppose to attach the rear fender to the chainstay bridge using a ziptie. I don't know why that is, but so far I have not had any issues with this set up.

Sometimes... It was a great bike in many ways. If I had discovered Schwalbe Big Apple tires sooner, and Xootr had brought out their front dérailleur mount, then I might well have kept it. I liked how the ride was really close to that of a full size bike, and I could stand up and hammer. It also fit me better than my Birdy, because I'm having a hard time finding a longer stem for it.

On the other hand, my Birdy is a great touring bike - superbly comfortable for long distances, clever racks front & rear that add minimal weight and fold with the bike. Smaller fold than the Swift, and it actually stands on its own when folded.

As it is, I see no reason to replace the Birdy. But if it got stolen, or broke, then the Swift would certainly be on my short list!

Swift pics!
 

As promised, here is my Swift with the following additions:

(1) XL riser
(2) Water bottle cage
(3) VP 117-A folding pedals
(4) Kickstand
(5) Dahon Traveller Rear Rack
(6) Schwalbe Marathon Racer tires

Attachment 164316 Attachment 164317 Attachment 164318

As you can see, the rear rack does not interfere in any way with the fold, although it does add to the length of the folded package. The only imperfection in this arrangement is that the rear rack is tilted slightly towards the rear, but as long as items on it are strapped down, I don't think this is going to cause any problems. At least it didn't tonight, when I had a bag strapped to the top (with a cargo net) on my ride home.