UPDATE 2 JAN 2024

I’ve now moved most of the parts onto a different frame, so currently the Contour is being sold as a frameset. Looking at around £950ono (with shock, Superstar slackset/Silver Hope headset, BB, Hope Seatclamp). If anyone does want the full bike, I’d be prepared to put it back to the original spec. Or, potentially a slightly cheaper/slightly lower spec’d build (XT 1×10, Deore Chainset, Brand new RS Revelation 150mm)

Reluctant sale of my Swarf Contour FS bike.

I’m the second owner, and built this up just under 2 years ago. This has really been my first FS bike (dabbled with a 26er Prophet briefly), and it’s been great.

Selling either as full bike, or as frameset/rolling chassis.

Geometry:

https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/swarf-contour-29er-fs-2018/

Reviews:

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/uk-made-full-suspension-group-test-swarf-contour-review/

Swarf Contour Review – is steel still real?

The positives:

This is a rare bike, and something of a timeless classic. Although it ‘only’ has 115mm rear travel, it feels more, and paired with a 150mm fork and a 1.5° slackset, its a pretty capable trail bike. In my view (and admittedly limited experience), the steel frame gives it a quite damped, plush ride. It’s also bloody lovely to look at, and gets a lot of favourable comments on the trail.

The less-positive

The DS chainstay developed a crack at the start of this year. Sent it back to Adrian at Swarf who re-welded it and reinforced it (did the NDS chainstay too), and the frame was fully re-sprayed. I’d be confident of no further issues with the frame, but obviously there’s no warranty cover (Adrian has wound up Swarf) … not that you’d usually get a warranty on a 5 year old bike anyway. And being steel, it is easily repairable if ever needed in the future.

Full build:

– Swarf Contour, Medium. Bearings all replaced in March 2023 when the repaired frame was built back up.

– RS Monarch RT3 Debonair. Seals service in March this year by TFTuned. Advisory that there were scratches on the air shaft, but it seems to run fine, without air or oil loss.

– RS Pike 150mm Debonair Forks, 2021. Full TF Tuned Service in March 2023. Runs very sweet.

– Superstar 1.5° slackset. With the forks at 150mm, it slackens the HA from around 66 to around 64.5°. I also have the original Hope headset it you wanted that instead.

– Hunt Trail Wide 29er wheels, set up tubeless. 2.5 Minion DHF Maxxgripp (F) / 2.4 Maxxis Dissector (R). Decent life in both tyres. Rear wheel had a rim ding, and recently noticed cracks around 2 nipple holes, I’ve just been sent a new warranty replacement from Hunt, and that will be set up before sale to replace the damaged wheel.

– Shimano XT 2-pot brakes, 180mm rotors F&R.

– Sminano 11sp XT shifter/SLX rear mech, Sunrace 11/46 Cassette – plenty of life left.

– Shimano SLX crankset, 170mm

– 175mm KS Lev dropper, Hope seatclamp

– Renthal bars, 780mm, DMR Stem

– DMR Deathgrips

– Fabric Scoop saddle

I’ve no real idea what to price this at. Aware that money is tight for people, and also that there are some stonking bargains on new bikes … but also think that the bike/frame is pretty rare/unique, and that might count for something? Am open to sensible offers on either the full bike, or frameset/rolling chassis.

Ideally, I’d rather collection in person, or willing to travel up to an hour or so from Leeds.

Any questions, fire away.