....just wanted to tell you that my Otis killed it yesterday. I went down to ride the 116 miles around Lake Okeechobee to scout out the condition of the course for the LOST118 run. Half of the trip was on gravel/marl/shake your f'ing teeth out of your head trail. The other half was on baby-butt smooth asphalt. The Otis may have been the perfect compromise. I can't say that I recommend it for trail action...but it was tough and never faltered on the rough bits. I did spin out at 16 mph or so on the fast end when I was finally riding on asphalt, down wind. On the asphalt sections into the wind I was crushing the dreams of my mountain bike riding friends due to the great compromise geometry and the light weight of the Otis. And, on a personal note, the stock saddle is a peach. I'd ride that thing for 100 miles more. Thank you.

Posted by: Sue | January 26, 2010 11:22 am

Fantastic bike!!!! I have had the chance to ride it and the experience was simply amazing!!! My friend was equally excited and wanted to know whether any humana plans for insurance are available in this regard.

Posted by: Mariathomas | January 11, 2010 2:24 am

love the bike. Down spec'd tires (Kenda 1.5") and tubes (marked "THIN") were a disappointment especially after getting a flat on the rear. Pain to change so I changed the tire and tube as well. You need a 15mm for the axle, an 8mm for the chain adjuster, a 10mm for the brake, and a two pair of locking pliers --the way I did it anyway-- to disconnect the hub to get the wheel off. Not what I normally carry on the commute. Pretty stiff ride but if you're an optimist you say "responsive". Love the overall simplicity of the bike and hub. I would say an 8 out of 10 with the only down points due to the relative cost, the cheap tires. Get lots of comments about the look of the bike with usually two thumbs up.

Posted by: Chris Gubera | November 16, 2009 9:24 am

It's not often that you see a 41 year old middle manager smile, but these days I've been grinning like I'm goign steady with the prettiest cheerleader in school. Why? Otis. Commuting is fun again, stress free and just right. For such a stealth bike, it gets more lookers than my carbon fiber fancy-smancy bike for 20% the price of entry. My only concern is the truly epic suffering I will have if I ever flat the rear tire. Removing a rear-wheel with an internal geared hub and coaster brake is going to be a bi-yatch in the cold darkness of a Midwestern winter commute. Time to buy some "quick fill and seal" stuff. Might also try some studded tires once the snow starts to fly.

Posted by: Hemanth | November 04, 2009 5:43 pm

just got the otis delivered fresh and clean by UPS. was going to have a couple beers while putting it together, but the Otis was so easy to assemble i hadn't finished the first beer. the hardest part was unpacking the bike. dig the grips, platform pedals and gas station air hose ready inner tubes/tires. i got the step-through version so both my wife (5'5") and i (5'10") could ride the bike (at different times of course). with a raise or lowering of the seat it comfortably (not perfectly) fits each of us.

Posted by: Matt | August 26, 2009 9:22 am

Best Urban Commuter bike ever!!! I got the Otis because I wanted a tough low maintenance yet fun bike that could survive the harsh conditions of Chicago. I was so sick of having to tune my mountain bike so much. If you hate the fact that your bike never seems to stay in tune but still want a couple gears this bike is for you. This bike is definitely keeping me young: Whether throwin some wicked skids with the coaster brake or the fact that the paint job reminds me of the A-team van.......its the epitome of fun.

Posted by: Kittles | July 09, 2009 9:50 pm

I have been searching for a new bike for a few years and cannot seem to find a company that makes what I'm looking for: 3-speed, coaster break, step-through ALUMINUM frame. Yesterday I was introduced to the Otis with the step-through frame and thought I'd found a fit. I love the simple design and inconspicuous matte black color. The front disc brake, well, that's just beautiful and the subtle shopping cart decal made me smile every time I found one. The aluminum frame means I can carry it up my 4-story walk up. Finally, the price is affordable. But the 16.5 frame "for smaller riders" is much too small for my regular 5'7" size. I see that you offer a larger fame in the other style, but I often wear skirts when I ride. Regardless, I prefer a step-through frame. I was disappointed to find you only offer such a small frame in what I deemed to otherwise be a perfect "girl" bike. I have not yet purchased a new bike and am still on the lookout for one. Any plans to produce a larger Otis step-through?

Posted by: Jill | March 26, 2009 8:46 am

Just got my Otis that I ordered on-line and I can't believe the difference compared to the dump truck I've been peddling to and from work for the last year, I have energy to burn it's been such an easy ride, I'm extactic! Delivery from Santa Cruz to Calgary in less than a week...very impressed!!!

Posted by: Gord | March 20, 2009 11:58 am

I bought this bike for my wife shortly after i bought a Sanchez. She loves the simplicity of the internal 3 speed, and the comfort of the geometry. We added a basket to it for Sunday sessions at Golden Gate Park. Her only complaint is no kickstand! Heh.

Posted by: Allan | February 26, 2009 2:59 pm

I have bike commuted to work for years. First on a Specialized, then a Trek and since a few months ago, my Swobo Otis. It's got a very solid feel. Very simple and it's the ONLY bike that folks have stopped and complimented. Even people who don't bike will tell me it's a 'real looker.' I ride 8 miles each way and once Itook off the stock 36 and put a 44t chainring up front, it was a breeze to ride. The low end is less but I can still throw a mean wheelie after a track stand at the stop light. Good stuff.

Posted by: Greaseball Towgoof | February 13, 2009 4:39 pm

If you don’t like commuting on the Otis, you should probably find another way to get to work. Or a new job, because going somewhere you hate is the only thing that’ll make riding it drag. The 26” wheels make for quick maneuvering in traffic, and I think have saved my life a couple times. Love the geek chic looks; the three-speed hub fits all; the coaster brake sates my inner child; the disc brake is sure. And the bottle opener? As practical as it is entertaining. Upside: I can't wait to ride to work every morning. Downside: I can’t wait to ride home from work every evening.

Posted by: Joe | January 28, 2009 10:28 am

Have had my Otis for about a year now and love it. Super cool bike for riding with girlfriend, errands, etc. Picked over a cannondale capo after much thought. Nice details in the grips, stem, seat and handlbar. Tuff as nails. I pull my dogs (Jaeger & Panzer)in a converted Burley trailer.

Posted by: Erich Wagner | January 17, 2009 11:50 am

Just got my New Otis for Xmas. BANGIN! Stiff and fun to ride. Great commuter bike. Gets it done.

Posted by: Kevin | January 04, 2009 9:50 am

I live in Indonesia, and I just bought this bike. The reasons for me to buy swabo is light, simple and unique. Although there are plenty other brand that is sold, I prefer Swabo because there just a few user. Not like other brand (G___T, K__A, etc.) Not mention when I was on the street people always turned their head to see my bike.

Posted by: Anton Nugroho Ajie | December 29, 2008 12:10 am

I rode my friends commuter bike around San Francisco on a recent sunny Saturday and had so much fun that I decided to start hunting for an urban commuter bike. I went to 3 or 4 shops in SF and couldn't find what I wanted but came to the conclusion that the perfect bike for me would be a 3 speed bike that would enable me to go up and down steep hills and have slick tires that were bigger than a skinny tire but not as fat as a mountain bike tire. After giving up and deciding that I would just build this "dream bike" myself, I discovered the Swobo Otis. Then, I discovered that Swobo is right here in Sausalito where I live. Crazy. Right under my nose.

Posted by: Sean | October 19, 2008 5:07 pm

I got my Otis at UpGrade Cycle Works in Chicago after my old bike was stolen. The Otis is the perfect vehicle to overcome post-bike theft grief and sadness because it's so damn cool looking and f'ing fun to ride. Who knew a three speed could be this fun? SWOBO knows! Plus the combo of rear coaster brake and front disc has the joy of powerslides and the certainly of quick emergency stops.

Posted by: Landerson | October 05, 2008 10:38 am

Super happy with Otis. Love the look and the ride is awesome. The seat does give your chode a workout on the long rides but I already got over it. The customer service was fantastic when I purchased it. Already picking out my next Swobo!

Posted by: Sean | September 25, 2008 -2:32 am

just recieved my new otis via ups.frickin SICK.no need for gasoline ANYMORE!best bike your money can buy.can someone suggest an awesome lock that will seriosly injure any would be thief? mabey I,ll just tie my akita up to it.live lovin.

Posted by: Linus | September 24, 2008 12:12 am

Pros: 1) Great commuter bike after adding a kick stand, water bottle and trunk rack. 2) I took a 26 mile ride on a bike trail and enjoyed the simplicity of the bike in general - love the coaster brakes and hub shifter. 3) Others had many comments when they looked at this bike (good and bad). Most think it is a rare combination of equipment that should last years of use with few tune-ups. Cons: 1) I had problems with the reflectors falling off of the pedals - ended up gluing them on with silicone caulk. 2) The seat gets a little uncomfortable after 26 miles. 3) The black paint scratches off the aluminum frame easily on a long trip on a car rack. Keep a touch-up can of matte black auto paint handy to keep this bike looking new.

Posted by: Fred | September 24, 2008 10:57 am

Have had the Otis ride since Xmas (present from the girlfriend). Man am I lucky. Saw it first when I was at a race back in Wisconsin. Love the all black simple look. Nice for the commute, or just to cruise downtown. Its a must have.

Posted by: Dave G. | September 24, 2008 3:01 am

The Otis has been great for cruising up to the shops and general posing. Heaps of people ask me about the brand, where I got it, etc. Lots of compliments on the look. When I commute 17km on sealed bike paths it is still heaps of fun but probably the three speed and 26" isn't so well suited. The disc brake and coaster work really well. I love locking up the coaster brake at the lights and skidding into the intersection! Seat and general set up is very comfortable. Only negative is that the Sram i-motion hub isn't silent like I was hoping. However, all up I am very happy with the Otis.

Posted by: Daniel | September 23, 2008 2:30 pm

The Otis is fun bike to ride. I've had one for over 6 months and use it for commuting. My commute is 7 miles one-way. I'd prefer a 27" wheel instead of the 26" for the distance but I can live with it. Part of the ride is on dirt paths which I don't hesitate riding on with this bike. I'm used to riding a traditional road bike and glad the Otis doesn't sit you up too much. I put paniers on it and it's become my go-to bike for putzing around the neighborhood.

Posted by: Tom | September 23, 2008 1:31 pm

I have had the Otis for a few months and I love the bike. Looks awesome and is fun to ride. It's my new around the town ride. Best Buy

Posted by: Robert | September 23, 2008 11:43 am

The Otis is a great bike; it's tough as nails and with the matte black finish, looks really slick. The 3-speed hub has a nice gear ratio. The whole bike is just awesomely simple and exactly what I wanted for hammering through the city.

Posted by: Chris | September 23, 2008 8:43 am

Love the bike...love the color...& love the simplicity!!! The perfect companion when assaulting urban streets & three gears are all you need for a good time.

Posted by: Victor Cosme | September 23, 2008 -1:44 am

I love this bike! It takes hills like a champ and when you fall off it remains unscathed!

Posted by: Suzie Thomas | September 22, 2008 5:42 pm