FULL REVIEW
Xootr Swift Folding Bike
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Reviewed by Larry Richardson
December 2009
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Copyright 2009 Larry Richardson
When I first shopped for a bicycle, I wanted maximum flexibility.  That meant I needed a bike that rode well on the street that I could take anywhere at a moment's notice without a complicated rack system.  A folding bike seemed like the perfect solution.

The first folder I bought was a Dahon Broadwalk.  I'd seen a lot of mariners riding them around town, and they looked satisfied.  The bike really does fold up tiny, which is perfect for stowing on a boat.  But the ride is horrible.  The distance between the seat and the handlebars, which can't be adjusted for height, forced me to reach out unnaturally.  And the little tires didn't steer that well.

I went back to the Web and researched other folding bike options.  The Xootr Swift was a standout on paper and in fact.  When mine arrived, I was expecting another "clown bike."  But when I pulled it out of the box and completed minor assembly, I instantly recognized that it's more a regular bike that happens to fold than the other folders out there. 

The Xootr Swift, with its single rail design, is a real piece of head-turning art.   Not only that, it rides like a regular bike.  The solid frame, 20" wheels and fully adjustable seat and handlebars allow it to be customed to meet your unique dimensions.  The eight-speed mechanism shifts smoothly between gears.

I enjoy riding this bike around town.  When I need to take it on a trip, all I have to do is flip a few thumb levers and lift the seat and it's ready to be stowed.  At 24 lbs, it's very easy to lift it in and out of a car.

The Xootr Swift, however, isn't for all riders.  It's truly a street bike.  If you want to offroad, mountain bike or road race, this bike is not for you.  It's not designed for the rigor of rough riding and it's not the fastest bike on the planet -- though some enthusiasts say it can hold its own against racers.

The only complaint I have is that Xootr sells the Swift without a kickstand (you have to purchase one separately) -- and without fenders (another option).  Too many times I've had trouble finding a place to lean the bike.  And hitting a puddle guarantees I'll have a wet stripe up my rear and back by the time I reach my destination.

The Xootr Swift delivers a great, solid ride and maximum transportability without making me look like a clown. 
The Xootr Swift has an eye- catching design that is unique among folding bikes.  Its solid frame, 20 inch wheels and quality components deliver a fantastic ride. 
Flip a couple of thumb levers and lift the seat and the back wheel folds inward, making the 24 lb bike much easier to transport.  The front wheel and handlebars can also be removed for an even more compact package.
The quality components include a handle shift that moves the chain smoothly through eight speeds.
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