So, Swobo (a totally cool company I respect) unveiled their new bike line today. The two city bikes look pretty cool and respectable-like for what they are, but I'm not sure where they were going with the Sanchez. The CroMo frame leaves a lot to be desired, IMO, even with the cool galvanized finish. They mention they want their bikes to be customized by the users, but then why not follow the Surly model, focusing on quality steel frames, the result being each one built totally different.

Also, the site talks a lot about how they're going after the "real world" cyclist who doesn't wear lycra. Tim Parr (Swobo guy) has mentioned that the majority of sales will be online. I'm thinking if you attract new people that are just getting into bikes, this is exactly the wrong way to do it. The customers need to touch them and see them. I'm all for "alternative distribution" but I wouldn't focus on the internet.

In short: $600. Typical component spec for this price range, maybe even less so. They could at least throw in a freewheel and a front brake.

https://www.swobo.com/collection.aspx

that just looks like those bikes from that bmx company, they named them after beers and such.

didja see that they're selling formula or some similar sealed bearing hubs for $120/set, and they come in fix/free and 28 hole only? wtf?-

and the $30 saddle they sell looks like some asshatchet $10 jobby

The Otis looks interesting, but these bikes are too expensive for what they are.

I love Swobo everything since its first inception - even though I cannot afford most of it.

Aren't these sky's bikes? The cost is probably proportionate to the purchasing power of Swobo (as opposed to bianchi). They look solid. There are worse ways you could spend 600.

They're not formulas... maybe noavtecs without the cutouts.
But at first glance I i could have sworn they were quandos. Initial impression = YuCk

As for the bike as a whole, not bad. I like the frame finish. and what's wrong with simple CroMo? It's the same thing that's makes up all your pistas/flites/merciers/IROs//fujis/Hours.
and I definetly like the paul-style track end adjusters.

bottle opener saddle. ŋque?

I think the finish is awesome. I also think it's crappy of them to sell this bike w/o a front brake.

All I can think when i look at these bikes is cheap. I want to like them, but between the seats, the welds and the brakeless Sanchez, I just can't.

From their "safety manual":

Because a fixed gear bike has no brakes... -

and what's with all the velodrome talk? Like anyone buys a flatbar bike for the track. I'm not saying don't sell it - but the lawyer-speak comes off as pretty hypocritical.

they should have called it the "dirty sanchez"...dang it i shoulda thought of that earlier..

I was reading about this in a magazine last week, I think it was Velo News. The one good thing it has going for it is a bottle opener under the seat!

Between the lack of brakes and the alcohol dispensory unit, this bike is gonna hurt some fools.

aside from the color, dropouts, and straight blade fork, it looks like a bianchi pista to me. same cranks, probably the same hubs too.

I dig it. I don't think I'd be willing to shell out $600 for one, but it looks pretty sharp.

I'm waiting for a bike from Rapha to come out, that'd be the bees knees.

o ****

I loves me some Rapha. My goal for summer: Sell truck and spend every penny of the proceeds on Rapha. Not really, but that sh*t is spendy.

yes! overpriced based on paint and LOGO!!!! hurry up - your trustfunds might outlive you...

admit it, you lust over those easton track bars too... ^_^

not in the least.

bar tape over the integrated 'grip surface' is an odd thing to do.

Wow, you fools are harsh. I am having a love affair checking out this bike. I don't think it looks cheap at all. That frame isn't "pretty" in the traditional sense, but I think its ugliness is beautiful and that it is just begging to take a beating which is the whole point of their bike line. It's not some NJS wannabe.

$600 seems like a perfect amount to price this at, though a lot of that largely depends on the wheels. It's more than a Mark V, but less than an Angus and everyone loves those bikes. Swobo clothes are pretty solid, in my book, and I have similar expectations for the quality of their bicycles. That being said, I really want the Sanchez but I wouldn't put money down until I can take one for a spin around the block. But the same goes for pretty much any bike.

Another huge thing to point out is that Sky Yaeger, the former VP and product manager from Bianchi USA for the past 17 years, designed these bikes. (link). She designed, among other things, the Bianchi Milano and San Jose which leads me to believe she knows what she's doing.

if it ain't wool, i wont be buying it from swobo...

Oh boy! Santa Cruz lifestyle bikes with the logo of a clothing vendor!