Traipse past the spots in the Big City where the bike messengers congregate, and one truth is evident: These folks work very hard at making their bikes look waaaay obscure. Most of the frames are wrapped stem-to-stern in what appears to be electrical tape, thereby hiding any indication of make or model -- and only a headtube badge or something similarly unique gives anything away. Why do they do it? When we're in a good mood, we think it's because they're taking the burkha approach: Hiding the details that might make their bikes too mouthwatering to a thief. When we're in a lousy mood, though (and the Big City life makes us feel that way all-too-often), we suspect we know the real reason: A number of the bikes at said spots of congregation are likely of dubious origin. (We still remember the time we saw inked up, thugged up messenger in midtown Manhattan tooling along on a priceless Lemond TVT carbon with a full Mavic gruppo -- moonpie cranks even! -- with Hed 3 sewups no less…) The burkha approach here is doubtlessly intended to prevent an ass-whooping from someone suddenly and bitterly absent their steed. Messenger bikes have other earmarks, yes. Buckled downtubes from frontal impacts is a typical battle scar. And a locking chain of murderous medieval proportion is an accessory so vital that it seems inseparable from the bike itself. But nothing at all is so common as the need for obscurity -- the full bike black-out taken to heart when the Swobo Otis was designed. Just how blacked-out is the Otis? It's easier to list the few things that aren't black: The chain, the spokes, and the front disc brake rotor. Think of the Swobo Otis as a souped-up version of the Folsom. For starters, the geometry is a smidge different: It'll put your body one step further away from the surfer-friendly recliner position of an Electra Townie, and one step closer to an edgy singlespeed you might think about racing on. No, you'd never actually race on an Otis, but in comparison to the Folsom you're a bit less laid back. The 7005 aluminum frame of the Otis has the same unflappable-as-a-garbage truck design as the Folsom, but it has bosses for water bottles, rear racks, and fenders. In our minds, the Folsom is a fun bike -- ideal for lo-fi commuting, errand-running, and general goofing off. The Swobo Otis is no different, except that with a bit of effort, you could transform it into an all-conditions serious commuter. And while the SRAM rear coaster brake allows you slow down hands-free, the Avid BB5 mechanical disc front brake ensures that when you've really gotta get from go-to-stop lickety-split, you can get it done. Another plus for the Otis as a full-on commuter is its SRAM i-Motion 3-speed internal rear hub. You don't have the hassle of derailleurs, but you get the variety of gears you need for climbing. The Swobo decal on the top tube doesn't give too much away. From a distance (or in the crack-dazed blur through which most bike thieves view the world), it looks like little more than an indie rock bumper sticker. In this and other nuanced ways, Swobo's fetish for detail is evident. The tastefully logoed headset top cap, handlebar end caps, stem, seat clamp, grips, seatpost and saddle (complete with bottle opener) all whisper (but don't overwhelm with) Swobo. The Swobo Otis comes in three sizes: A 16" model suited for riders 5'1"-5'5", an 18" model for riders 5'6"-5'10", and an 20" model for riders 5"11-6'3". In August, they'll release two new sizes -- a 16.5" step-through design, and a big 'ol 22" size for folks over 6'3". Adjust the fit by jacking the saddle up or down, and shoving it forward or back. Rotate the 30mm Swobo riser handlebars closer or further away to dial in the bar reach. Please note this item will require a small amount of assembly on arrival. Otis Price: $699.00
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configure/buy Otis
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