Switchcraft Cycles: simple but not ordinary

by 3

Switchcraft Cycles is Jakub Junek. Hailing from the Czech Republic and specialising in steel machines with really short back ends. 390mm chainstays anyone? #lovesbackwheel

NB: Czech with English subtitles

Jakub sent us in a few pics of his latest creations and we thought you ‘d like to see them. That’s it really. Who doesn’t love one-off bike creations?

The pics that landed in our inbox were of three bikes: Switchcraft’s second single pivot with 420mm chainstays, a dirt jumper with 29in wheels and super short 390mm chainstays, and finally a more or less ‘ordinary’ flat bar gravel bike.

Watch the video above (turn on the English subtitles) to hear how Jakub got started in framebuilding.

Switchcraft Cycles single pivot
29in dirtjumper
Flat bar gravelleur

Jakub: “I started without any background or experience. I had a vision of a bike that would resemble a BMX but with 29” wheels. Then I started to learn what I need to know to make bikes. I got a job as a welder to properly learn welding. Then step by step my builds got better.

“Before I decided to go with a single pivot I was looking for the simplest and most durable way to make a suspension.

“I took almost a half a year of drawing a frame, then two more months to build it. Since I like to jump a lot, I used the strongest tubing I could find.

“For the pivot I machined a BMX bottom bracket so it could fit massive 41mm bearings and 24mm axle from hardened steel.

“To keep the bike agile I used a yoke to fit the wheel closer to the BB. Final dimension is 420mm which is not bad for a 29er.

“Every bike I’ve built is different. I like them simple but not ordinary.”

Switchcraft Cycles on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Switchcraft Cycles (@switchcraftcycles)

While you’re here…

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/wed-like-our-instagram-account-back-please/
https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/18-bikes-no-9-is-the-most-uk-of-hardtails/

Singletrack Weekly Word

Sports Newsletter of the Year finalist at the Publisher Newsletter Awards 2024. Find out why our newsletter is different and give it a go.

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

More posts from Ben

Home Forums Switchcraft Cycles: simple but not ordinary

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)
  • Switchcraft Cycles: simple but not ordinary
  • matt_outandabout
    Full Member

    That green/gold paint on the hybrid though. 👌

    devash
    Free Member

    Bike porn. Let me find my credit card…..

    nickc
    Full Member

    All 3 of those looks pretty cool

Viewing 3 posts - 1 through 3 (of 3 total)

The topic ‘Switchcraft Cycles: simple but not ordinary’ is closed to new replies.