spudman1

I am just blown away by your bike. I have subscribed to this thread in case of group buy with your ideas for improvement.

porschetoyz

Jur,

TTT.
Any feedback on the Ti Swift now you have had it for a while. Undoubtedly riding the wheels off of it :-)
Is a run of Ti Swift frames still a (viable) possibility?

jur

The Ti Swift is a dream to ride. Geometry-wise, it's an improvement over the aluminium version. On my ally Swift, I can't ride hands off the bars, or maybe concentrating very hard at speed, it may be possible, just. With the Ti Swift, I can actually pull on my wind jacket.

I am in conversation with Peter Reich at the moment. It's slow going because at first I was overseas for 2 weeks, and Peter takes a while to respond as well. Currently his thinking is to ask for 5 seatposts for the ally Swift, 34mm OD, delivered.

I have a quote standing at $1600 per Ti Swift, delivered. Includes frame, fork, seatpost, curved integrated stem riser. The seatposts for Peter are included in that amount. That quote is for 5 frame sets.

12boy

Would we buy these from Peter or from you? How to order? Thanks, 12boy.

porschetoyz

Jur,

Thanks for the update.

I will order a frame set when we are able to (... well, maybe be two).
I am hoping the frame sets ordered would include the mods you mentioned in this thread.
I want to run an IGH, 406 wheels and mechanical disc brakes ...

Will frames be ready for Christmas? :-)

jur

The mods will definitely be included if this goes ahead.

It is very tricky to get the seat tubes' alignment right. My frame was botched and it is hard to remove or insert the seatpost. If you are looking for a quick fold you may be disappointed.

It would be best for frames to be shipped directly to Peter and be on-shipped by him, because the shipping from China is costly.. However, the frames should be checked for integrity ; Peter would need to agree to this. I would try as much as possible to ensure alignment before shipping, by means of photos and even videos.

jur

At this stage it would be good to get a list going, to get the quote closer to final.

There are some other nice extras that might be considered, such as matching Ti headsets and Ti chain wheels. Also, geometry needs to go into the mix, as the curved integrated stem obviously does not allow any adjustments.

cyclostam

The bike is wonderful! Great job! I love the custom -BF like- titanium stem and seatpost. Only a small detail spoils the otherwise elegant look; the small square plate where the seat stays bolts. A small transverse cylinder, cut out to fit between the double top tube it would be nicer IMHO.

Anyway, please post some daylight photos!

kraftwerk 

Hi Jur,

I am still interested in a Ti-Swift. I am in Brooklyn and could be a liaison if you need someone to visit Peter R. in person. I met him years ago.
Funny story...

jur

So we have 2 possibly 3 frames:

Porchetoys: 1 possibly 2
Kraftwerk: 1

I thought there was more interest early on. I'm sure they will sell just 2 frames but the volume discount will be lots smaller.

DoubleDiamonDog

Cuanto cuesta?

jur

See post #128 . ☺

spudman1

Interest, yes. Ability, no. I got a used BF pocket rocket and that shoots my folder budget. I still wanted to stay on this thread to see how things progress. It's a special bike, no doubt.

jur

So far my bike has 2 problems.

1. I can't get the 2 clamps to keep proper tension on the headset. It works loose quickly. I am thinking of adding a friction increaser powder like silica powder between the clamps and the steerer.
2. The seatpost walks out. Yep, out. I am thinking of adding a very small amount of Boeshield on the surface of the seatpost.

rjdennis

I would take a frame

jur

So we have 3 possibly 4 frames:

Porchetoys: 1 possibly 2
Kraftwerk: 1
Rjdennis 1

Almost there...

towndock

jur, you've created a modern functional folding bicycle that manages to somehow have the beauty of a classic road bike. That is just an amazing build.

I've been lurking on this thread (and the miles long general swift folder thread), taking it all in. I'm very interested in the Ti frame.

I do have some concerns. The first version or versions of any product often have some challenges. Although the core design is tried and true, you in effect braved the prototype. You've been candid about a problem or two. Are you confident that in this next run the hinge and other issues will be corrected? Are you ordering one of these next batch too?

Thank you for sharing your work, efforts, photos, etc.

tcs

I've seen a fair amount of talk about permissions, licenses, royalties, 'rip offs', etc. on this thread. The Swift design has been on the market for 18 years now. At this point, exactly what legal intellectual property rights/protections are still valid?

towndock

I don't know the legal answer, but it makes sense you would want both the cooperation and knowledge of the original designer of the Swift on an endeavor like this.

tcs

Fair enough, but design services is a completely different issue than intellectual property rights.

dynaryder

It's quite possible that none of that matters in this case. From what I'm seeing,these ti frames aren't being marketed as genuine Shift,but are designed to be replacement parts. If that's the case,there are actually laws that allow you to make replacements for things. Google 'softail frame' and you'll find all kinds of companies that make them,despite the fact that 'Softail' is owned by Harley,because they are intended as replacement items.

tcs

Which would surely be a violation of copyright or trademark.

Declaring something to be a 'replacement part' doesn't let one violate patent rights. But I don't know if the Swift was ever covered by a design or utility patent, or if it was what the filing date might have been.

towndock

I'm new here, so perhaps I shouldn't have strong opinions yet. But I agree with the statement above of jur who started this thread and Ti frame mission. It's Peter Reich's design, and that should be honored (honoured for you members of the proper commonwealth).

tcs

Do you send the Thomson family trust a little money when you buy new tires and tubes?

kraftwerk 

Volume discount is the way to go here. Perhaps a bike shop that exclusively sells folders could be interested to order a couple of these.
Although, can we be assured that the problems Jur is discovering will be eradicated in the next batch?
Will the company stand by, to fix, or at least comment on Jur's frame. Can it be repaired?
( I am running a beer-can shim on my seat-post's from time to time, it works the charm.)

Could the frame be ordered w/o forks? Not only to save money, but I like my nice carbon forks. 451 all the way for me but how possible would 405 be for those who want that wheel-size?
Then the factory built curved stem would not necessarily be needed, ( also a savings ) and my one issue with the design.