Importing custom Xootr Swift Folder cycle into the UK

March 31, 2008 5:14 AM

I'm planning on importing a Xootr Swift from the USA to the UK. I'd like a few custom components. Anyone have any experience of how best to do this, and what parts will work best?

I'll be contacting both Xootr and Peter Reich, the guy who builds the Swift Folder, directly, but I'd be very interested in thoughts from anyone in the UK who has a Swift. Especially if you've customised it. I'm also trawling various bike forums out there on the webs.

So some sub-questions in here, hope this doesn't bend the rules too much :-O

First, has anyone imported a Swift Folder to the UK? Pertinent details: how did you go about doing this; did it all go according to plan; did you have to return it; etc. Any stories welcome.

Second, how should I customise the bike? This is the complicated part. Should I buy just a frame and fit the parts myself? This would all be new to me, but I'm happy to buy a book or two and slog away. Should I ask Peter/Xootr to fit the parts? I'd like to save money here, so fitting parts myself would seem the best way -- but I don't want to end up with items that don't fit the frame, or work with its folding mechanism. I am trawling cycle forums for modded Swift's but most seem to deal with fixed-gear mods, which I'm not interested in.

For details freaks and cycle geeks, I'm thinking of Rei Ergotech handlebars; possibly some sort of seat-stem shock absorber; possibly folding pedals; hub gears (these are low maintenance, right?). Oh and I'd like the gear shift lever mounted on the left handlebar, not right. Any tips for parts that play well with a Xootr Swift Folder much appreciated.

My main goal is to get a hawt folding ride for London, UK, and spending minimal cash for maximum end-result.

Many thanks, Swift-ites.

posted by ajp to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (2 answers total)

I can't help much with the importing question, but I decided to order a custom Swift from Peter a few years ago instead of attempting to put one together myself. He was great to work with and I feel as though his prices for the components/labor were more than fair. I kept the mods pretty simple -- the black Swift alu frame with a shorter seat post to accommodate my height, a Shimano 8-speed internal hub and shifter to keep things low maintenace, a rear rack, Apex fenders, and some wheels built with stronger rims and spokes to deal with DC-area commuting. After taking a bike repair class at my LBS, I later swapped out the cabling, stock saddle, handlebars, and grips.

I'm sure you've checked out the huge Swift folder thread at bikeforums, where a few people would probably recommend the Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post (can be purchased on xootr.com) or the Butt Buddy for suspension. There are som UK-based Swift owners on BF, so hopefully you get more guidance about shipping, etc.
posted by cosmodc at 7:58 AM on March 31, 2008

You might have difficulty bringing one in for less than the UK importer sells them. If you're shipping a package that's a complete bike, the import duties are high.

The Swift looks fairly customizable without getting into weird parts, unlike my Brompton. The wrong type of brake pads stops that beastie folding ...
posted by scruss at 9:31 AM on March 31, 2008