Swobo came to life in 1992 selling clothing thanks to Tim Parr. Since its inception, the brand has changed ownership a couple times, passing through the hands of Santa Cruz in 2001, and in late 2011 landing with Fort Collins Bicycle Co. For the 2012 and 2013 model years, not much changed, but new designs were being worked on. With those new designs complete, and manufacturing well under way, Swobo is dropping their 2014 lineup now.
Swobo is sticking with the lifestyles brand image. They are keeping around what works, and adding in some new rides that should be a big hit. Staying are the Fillmore, Novak, Sanchez, and Folsom. New for 2014 are the Accomplice and the Mutineer. The Accomplice is a steel single speed urban assault rig, and the Mutineer is a 27.5” full rigid aluminum trail bike.
Roll past the break for a full breakdown of the new 2014 Swobo rides, plus details on the Swobo Road show that kicks off today.
The Accomplice:
This one is billed as “your partner in crime.” The geometry is the same as the super popular Sanchez, but with a bomber oriented build. The downtube gets a gusset for durability, and the frame was spread to accommodate 45mm tires.
The build list includes a double butted chromoly frame and fork, 120mm spaced rear triangle, medium reach brakes, 41t chainring, and it’s rolling on 32h alex rims laced to high flange sealed bearing hubs wrapped with 42c Kenda Euro Trek reflective sidewall tires. The full cockpit is Swobo branded parts. The size range includes Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. Color options are Signal Green or Matte Black. MSRP is set at $799.
The Mutineer:
In a departure from city bikes, Swobo is dropping a 27.5” single speed specific mountain bike. This 6061 aluminum frame is paired with a cool looking segmented fork. The geometry is suspension corrected for an 80mm travel fork should you choose to make the upgrade. The frame is also belt drive compatible. This bike has fun written all over it.
The build kit is rounded out by a BMX 3-piece crank with a 34t chainring, a 16t freewheel, Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes, and 32h Alex rims laced to sealed bearing Novatech hubs wrapped in 27.5” x 2.2” Kenda Honey Badger tires. The cockpit is full Swobo parts, and the size range is Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large. The frame only comes in matte black, and MSRP is $999.
The Swobo Road Show:
The Swobo evangelists, El Jefe and Murph, are spreading the word across the land in their newly wrapped van complete with beer tap and keg. They will be hitting up Swobo dealers starting in Lincoln, NE and ending in Kansas City, MO. Each stop will be accompanied by beer and pizza for sharing. Make sure to stop by and check out the 2014 lineup in person. Keep an eye out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the hashtag #SWOBOroadSHOW as well.
- Wednesday, Jan 15 – Lincoln, NE – Monkey Wrench Cycles
- Thursday, Jan 16, – Chicago, IL – Bike Lane
- Saturday, Jan 18 – Columbus, OH – Paradise Garage
- Monday, Jan 20 – Washington, DC – Bicycle Space
- Tuesday, Jan 21 – Greensboro, NC – Revolution Cycles
- Wednesday, Jan 22 – Columbia, SC – Cock and Bull
- Saturday, Jan 25 – Kansas City, MO – River Market Cyclery
*Dates and locations are subject to change.
