Nerd Alert! Rare Structure SCW1 Prototype Bike for Sale

This caught our eye in the Singletrack Classifieds. I mean, why wouldn’t it? With echoes of the old Whyte PRST1 but a stack of new tech, it’s a bike nerd’s treat. We figured before it finds its way to a new owner, we ought to find out a bit more about this Structure SCW1 Prototype. Get yourself over to the Classifieds sharpish if you want to snap it up for yourself!

In the listing, the owner, Simon, says:

Opportunity to own a really unique bike – probably the only one in the UK. This is a final pre-production prototype of the SCW1 – identical to the production bikes but with a clear coat lacquer rather than paint. There are a few minor knocks from storage but it’s barely ever been ridden (evident from the build kit).

Size is G2 “medium” – 460mm Reach

The build kit is super high spec

SRAM XX1 drivetrain
We Are One Union wheelset on DT240s
One Up 180 seat post and lever
Race Face stem and carbon bar.

Retail price of this spec is £8650 (plus shipping, VAT and import duty). Frame/fork/shocks – £4400

Looking for £3000 complete, £1250 frame/fork/shocks

Get in touch for more history, info or to haggle.

We had questions! Luckily, Simon was up for answering them, so here you go….

How did he come to own this unusual bike?

“The basics are that Structure started their marketing push through 2019. At that stage they had the prototypes and a handful of ‘production’ frames made. They were taking pre-orders for the initial batch of sixty frames which were supposed to be delivered in April 2020

“I was going to be the UK ambassador and was gearing up at the start of 2020, and registered a ltd company at the start of March with some of that first batch (including a bike in my size) coming to the UK…… but then Covid hit.

“By the time that first production run finally made it to Canada 18 months later, at end of 2021, the bike market was a very different place. My understanding is their plans for an expanded range of bikes are still on hold and the founder is focussing on use of the patented suspension tech in ATV vehicles.“

Why aren’t you keeping it? And what’s it like to ride?

“I’ve had this bike in store since 2020. I can ride it but it’s too small for me (it has a reach of 460, I ride 500+) so while I’ve got a feel for how it handles it feels too cramped for me to really enjoy it. The front suspension is stunningly smooth – it sucks up roots and trail chatter like nothing else I’ve ridden. When the suspension compresses the head angle gets slacker so it’s super stable but without the disadvantages a slack head angle normally gives for slower speed handling. Combined with the anti-dive gives an impressive level of control on steeps and switchbacks.“

And just how rare is this bike?

“How many worldwide? Production batch 60…maybe another 10 or so prototypes and the first batch of demo bikes they had built.“

Thanks to Simon for talking us through this bike – let us (and him!) know if you’re tempted to buy it!

It’s not just bike treasure like this that’s for sale on Singletrack Classifieds – there’s currently retro game gear, #vanlife accessories (and vans), watches, even a guitar. Most types of listings are free, so if you’ve got something you’ve been meaning to sell, it would be worth a look.

Singletrack Classifieds

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.