Gravity Attack Bikes
#78
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Floriduh
Bikes: 2011 Neuvation FC100, 2013 Mercier Kilo TT Pro, 1984 Peugeot SV-L
It looks like they changed the geometry a little (most notably the top tube is slightly more sloped and the head tube is taller. Other than that and the new forks and emblem it's just about identical to the 2011 Attack model.
#79
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I'm considering getting this as my first ss bike. The only problem is, my friends all advice me to look elsewhere because of the aluminum frame. I'm told that in the same price range as the Gravity, I can get a more sturdy frame that can also be more reliable. How much of that is true?
#81
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I'm considering getting this as my first ss bike. The only problem is, my friends all advice me to look elsewhere because of the aluminum frame. I'm told that in the same price range as the Gravity, I can get a more sturdy frame that can also be more reliable. How much of that is true?
Pros:
Light weight, carbon fork dampens vibrations, comfortable riding position
Cons:
Cheaply made. The braze ons stick out of the frame with spacing in between, like they were just glued on.
The paint chips very easily.
Also the bike makes some weird noise, I think something to do with the crank.
Also, the bike only comes with the top rack mounts, not the bottom. I've NEVER seen this before. So technically it's not made for a rear rack, although for some reason they stuck the cheap rear 'top' mounts on it.
I think I would have rather gotten my own parts on ebay and just built a bike myself for around the same price. I'm also checking out https://www.statebicycle.com for their bikes.
Good luck, but honestly I would get a different bike if I were you.
Last edited by BikeLover33; 07-14-11 at 05:27 PM.
#83
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
So I took my Gravity Swift2 to a shop yesterday to take out the bottom bracket. Why? Because when I took off the chain guard, I noticed that the chain ring bolts were not greased at all. So I figured nothing on the bike was greased when put together. Well, I was right. It took a whole lot of tools and man power to take that bottom bracket out and it was dry as a dessert. Not to mention there were metal shavings and paint chips inside.
I realize now how Bikesdirect offers such low prices. It's because the people paid to put these together do it in less than a minute, and don't put the bikes together how they should be.
If you get a bike from there, PLEASE take it apart and rebuild it the right way or you'll have a lot of trouble down the road.
I realize now how Bikesdirect offers such low prices. It's because the people paid to put these together do it in less than a minute, and don't put the bikes together how they should be.
If you get a bike from there, PLEASE take it apart and rebuild it the right way or you'll have a lot of trouble down the road.
#84
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
So I took my Gravity Swift2 to a shop yesterday to take out the bottom bracket. Why? Because when I took off the chain guard, I noticed that the chain ring bolts were not greased at all. So I figured nothing on the bike was greased when put together. Well, I was right. It took a whole lot of tools and man power to take that bottom bracket out and it was dry as a dessert. Not to mention there were metal shavings and paint chips inside.
I realize now how Bikesdirect offers such low prices. It's because the people paid to put these together do it in less than a minute, and don't put the bikes together how they should be.
If you get a bike from there, PLEASE take it apart and rebuild it the right way or you'll have a lot of trouble down the road.
I realize now how Bikesdirect offers such low prices. It's because the people paid to put these together do it in less than a minute, and don't put the bikes together how they should be.
If you get a bike from there, PLEASE take it apart and rebuild it the right way or you'll have a lot of trouble down the road.
Also whoever was contemplating not getting it because of it being aluminum, read up on the difference between steel and aluminum and decide for yourself.
I've done a little to the bike, ill post pics when i have time.
Last edited by jibberishballr; 07-21-11 at 03:02 PM. Reason: more words
#85
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
I just received a Gravity Swift today. It was a discounted scuffed up one from Bike Island so I couldn't pass it up for the discounted price even though it was the 61cm. After looking at the geometry I thought there was a chance it would fit so I pulled the trigger.
I opened it up and its already has scuffs on it, but the packaging was somewhat poor. I think the paint is actually pretty decent all things considered. I threw it together and went out of a ride. It actually felt pretty good as far as fit goes. Its fun to have a bike out of the box with the handlebars higher than the seat. Anyway soon I noticed some popping sounds and it felt like it was coming from the bottom bracket. I made sure everything else was tight and then took off the crank arms and attempted to take out the bottom bracket. I was only able to get one side (cups or whatever they are called) off and the other was stuck pretty good so I greased the other side I had gotten out put everything back together and at least for now the popping sounds and feel is gone. Hopefully it stays gone.
Overall my impressions are the bike is pretty decent and I do think it rides a bit harsh, but I need to compare it to some of my other bikes back to back to be sure I really had fun on this bike and its one of my favorite singlespeeds I have ridden since I like the way it fits. Its not really a pretty bike, but I like the olive green more than I expected and I don't hate the look of the bike because of the color. Overall this bike makes me want to give singlespeeds another try. A few months ago I had a Windsor Clockwork and I didn't like the fit, but it rode alot more smooth.
I opened it up and its already has scuffs on it, but the packaging was somewhat poor. I think the paint is actually pretty decent all things considered. I threw it together and went out of a ride. It actually felt pretty good as far as fit goes. Its fun to have a bike out of the box with the handlebars higher than the seat. Anyway soon I noticed some popping sounds and it felt like it was coming from the bottom bracket. I made sure everything else was tight and then took off the crank arms and attempted to take out the bottom bracket. I was only able to get one side (cups or whatever they are called) off and the other was stuck pretty good so I greased the other side I had gotten out put everything back together and at least for now the popping sounds and feel is gone. Hopefully it stays gone.
Overall my impressions are the bike is pretty decent and I do think it rides a bit harsh, but I need to compare it to some of my other bikes back to back to be sure I really had fun on this bike and its one of my favorite singlespeeds I have ridden since I like the way it fits. Its not really a pretty bike, but I like the olive green more than I expected and I don't hate the look of the bike because of the color. Overall this bike makes me want to give singlespeeds another try. A few months ago I had a Windsor Clockwork and I didn't like the fit, but it rode alot more smooth.
#86
The clockwork rode more smooth? I just got this bike couple weeks ago, Mine pedals super smooth i was quite pleased with it. I hit a big @ss pot hole yesterday and thought i broke my wrists lol. I agree its a very rigid frame and can be a bit harsh, but im 21 years old and i think my body can handle it.
The only other track bike I can compare it to is my Friends Bianchi Pista, as its the only other fixed gear i have ridden.




The Pista is much older and its previous owner really didn't like fixed gear so he sold it , i don't think he took great care of it because it seems to have a bent chainring or something causing a fair amount of resistance, Frame wise obviously the Bianchi steel is pretty comfy, so its gonna win that one. In weight this bike is pretty light i cant tell the difference between the Swift2 and the Pista. Im not going to go into a super detailed review but if anyone has any questions i will try to help..
Bottom line is i love the bike, I would buy it again.
Parts i am changing.
Pedals, got some nice All-City pedals clips and double straps, should be here Friday.
New bullhorn bars and leather wraps. (the wraps on the bike are caca)
Origin 8 leather saddle. (purely for style points)
The only other track bike I can compare it to is my Friends Bianchi Pista, as its the only other fixed gear i have ridden.




The Pista is much older and its previous owner really didn't like fixed gear so he sold it , i don't think he took great care of it because it seems to have a bent chainring or something causing a fair amount of resistance, Frame wise obviously the Bianchi steel is pretty comfy, so its gonna win that one. In weight this bike is pretty light i cant tell the difference between the Swift2 and the Pista. Im not going to go into a super detailed review but if anyone has any questions i will try to help..
Bottom line is i love the bike, I would buy it again.
Parts i am changing.
Pedals, got some nice All-City pedals clips and double straps, should be here Friday.
New bullhorn bars and leather wraps. (the wraps on the bike are caca)
Origin 8 leather saddle. (purely for style points)
#87
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
I am glad you are enjoying your Swift. IMO the Swift rides harsh, but everything else is just fine. I normally don't care about how harsh something is, but its noticeably more imo than anything I have ridden for a while. I am sure some better tires would help if that was a priority. Its really hard to complain about this bike since I paid less than what Walmart wants for their offering right now and this bike is clearly significantly better. I like it alot more than I expected so we will see how long it sticks around. I always end up with too many bikes.
#88
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Ok, so I changed what I didn't like about my Swift and now it's a decent bike.
I switched out the handlebars, levers, saddle, pedals and wheel set and added a water bottle cage. This size is a 52cm and I'm 5'4. The smaller sizes of this bike look much better.
I switched out the handlebars, levers, saddle, pedals and wheel set and added a water bottle cage. This size is a 52cm and I'm 5'4. The smaller sizes of this bike look much better.
Last edited by BikeLover33; 08-22-11 at 11:16 AM.
#89
This bike is cat approved
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
Bikes: To many to list...
My annoying sound came back to I broke open the other side of the bottom bracket and greased that. It was still there, but at least it wouldn't get stuck. It turns out it was actually the pedals I had on it. I took it on some riding downtown and to the store today and confirmed it was rough riding, but thats really the only complaint I have for the bike. I would keep it if I didn't have so many bikes in the stable and money is a bit tight with a job change so I am going to move it one to another owner. If I want something like this I'll order one of the Dawes SST steel bikes later.
#90
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
i just got one and been riding it 2 weeks to work.. one thing i hate about it and is almost making me want to get rid of it is the pedals are TOO LOW, they hit the ground very easily when turning i almost fell off this morning the back tire came off the ground.. anybody got any ideas to avoid this? this is my first fixed gear bike. other than that i love it. its a 49cm btw.
#92
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
#94
Have been riding my Swift 2 for about a month now and love it. Definitely looking to change to 165mm cranks though, pedal strike is sometimes an issue. I don't ride super fast, so it's not scary dangerous, but alarming nonetheless.
Also, weighed the bike when I first put it together and it weighed in around 18.5lbs. I've added Weinmann DP18's, bullhorns, and a Bontrager saddle, so I'm sure it's heavier now but it's still light enough to carry up and down the stairs with no problem.
Also, weighed the bike when I first put it together and it weighed in around 18.5lbs. I've added Weinmann DP18's, bullhorns, and a Bontrager saddle, so I'm sure it's heavier now but it's still light enough to carry up and down the stairs with no problem.
#96
There was nothing wrong with the wheels that came on it, just didn't care for the look. They were pretty light though, and I'm swapping wheels again in the next week for a set that's lighter and nicer than the DP18's.
Scrod sells a couple cranksets that would be suitable for this bike; the Omniums, and the S300's. I'll probably be picking up one of these over the winter.
Scrod sells a couple cranksets that would be suitable for this bike; the Omniums, and the S300's. I'll probably be picking up one of these over the winter.
#97
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I just bought a Gravity Swift2 in black. I'm building a commuter for a friend (she's 5'4"). I didnt trust the geometry numbers on the site, sloping top tubes require a different measurement technique from horizontal top tube bikes and it didnt seem like the Gravity site was following that protocol. Also, people in the forums were posting they wish they had bought the next size down so I was doubly skeptical. So I bought the 49cm instead of the 52cm and I am so glad I did. Here are the real numbers: Standover=29.375" (at midpoint of top tube), 28.25" (at lowest point near seat post collar), 30.5" (right before head tube). All measurements were taken with fully inflated tires (25c). There is no way that this bike fits someone 5'1" like advertised. my wife is 5'2" and she can straddle the bike but just barely (no, she doesnt have shorter than average legs). The top tube length=19.75" (actual, center-center), virtual top tube length=20.25" (horizontal, center of seat post to center of head tube). The Bikesdirect site also doesnt list crank arm lengths for the different frame sizes. On most track and single speed bikes out there, the smallest size bikes will have a 165mm crank length, this one is a 170mm. The stem length is about 65mm. I have a digital fishing scale and the bike weighs in at 21lbs, 0 ounces. Not a lightweight, but light enough. This did not surprise me since I have built and owned maybe 30 single speeds and the bulk of those claims of sub 20 pound bikes are usually wishful thinking ("it's 2 pounds lighter since I put on a tri saddle and bullhorns") or creative advertising (*weight listed is for a 45cm frame size, without pedals). A single speed bike usually has to be into 4 digits price point to break that 20 pound barrier, especially for the large frame sizes. But I digress. I was hoping that posting some real world numbers would help future buyers. So far I think the bike is a bargain for a decent commuter/errand bike, and of course it looks great. In a week I am going to swap out the bars, brake levers, gearing and pedals, take it for a test ride and then post some pix and more feedback.
#99
I have read Infinite Jest and watched goats pick their mates and I swear to all things holy it was less of a ADHD-inducing circle jerk than this.
Also, I have to ask, why buy a $200 bike and say that you only made "minor upgrades" to it which include a wheelset that is equal to or more than the value of the bike you purchased, a crank that is worth more than the bike, hell a seat that is worth half the value of the bike.
On that note, I'mma go down and buy me a Dodge K-body Aries and put a $4,500 set of gold deuce-deuces on lowpro, wide-stance tires, do a minor engine swap to a 442 Buick, take the rear end off and replace it with a posi-traction from a Dodge Challenger (1971) and then replace all the interior with carbon racing seats with five point harnesses. It might drive a little better.
Also, I have to ask, why buy a $200 bike and say that you only made "minor upgrades" to it which include a wheelset that is equal to or more than the value of the bike you purchased, a crank that is worth more than the bike, hell a seat that is worth half the value of the bike.
On that note, I'mma go down and buy me a Dodge K-body Aries and put a $4,500 set of gold deuce-deuces on lowpro, wide-stance tires, do a minor engine swap to a 442 Buick, take the rear end off and replace it with a posi-traction from a Dodge Challenger (1971) and then replace all the interior with carbon racing seats with five point harnesses. It might drive a little better.
#100
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Also, I have to ask, why buy a $200 bike and say that you only made "minor upgrades" to it which include a wheelset that is equal to or more than the value of the bike you purchased, a crank that is worth more than the bike, hell a seat that is worth half the value of the bike.
And the Dodge K car is FWD, so there wouldn't be a rear end to take off in the first place.






