Pace RC529 vs Stanton Switch9er

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone got any experience with either of these frames or recommendations for any other steel hardtails?
I’m looking for something with a 140mm travel as I’ve already got the forks.

A Sherpa could also be an option if I drop the forks by 10mm.

Also any views on 853 vs 631?

Cheers

J

Not helpful, but I ride a stif squatch and think it’s an absolute hoot

I’ve been riding my RC529 for about 4?yrs. it’s my winter bike but it does everything I want and comes out fairly often in the summer. Handles very well, peddles really nicely. I really like it. But of course just my view.

I have a 853 Pace and it’s a lovely thing to ride. Finish is excellent as well.

I was in a similar situation a few weeks back. Can’t remember how I got to this conclusion, especially as it was the most expensive, but dropped my 140mm forks down to 130mm and went for a Mason Raw, bloody love it!

Well I’ve just bought a pace RC529 but it’s not built yet! Seems very nicely made, and really versatile what with the slidey dropouts and rack mounts.

Mine is the previous version, the newer one is a bit more progressive in terms of angles so it’s a bit more gnar and a bit less xc than what I’ve got.

I really like the look of the rc429 if you’re after more of an xc / bike packing bike, but still progressive geometry. Shame that one does not have the sliding dropouts though.

Pipedream Sirius also looks great for something similar to the RC429 and well priced too. I’m not sure the very low seat tube is a good idea in larger sizes, though, which being tall put me off.

Edit: sorry missed the bit about 140 forks. Rc429 and Pipedream Sirius might not be what you want. But personally I’d decide what sort of bike you want first then maybe looking at swapping the fork out or changing it’s travel to suit. Hardails aren’t all made equal.

For the burlier end, Cotic BFe? Pipedream Moxie?

My 529 is the best bike I have ever owned , I have owned , Scalpel, ti Van Nic, Orange 5, Epic, Scott’s,etc etc just brilliant bit of kit. Never had a bad ride.

After seriously considering both of these, alongside a Bird Forge and Pipedream Moxie, I eventually went with the Moxie and am very glad I did. I really love it. To my mind, there’s just something about the Moxie frame which surpasses the sum of it’s written specs.

That said, I’ve still never actually ridden the ones I didn’t buy and I consistently hear good things. So I’m not sure you can go far wrong.

Cheers for everyone’s views. Something to think about over the next few days.

How easy is it to extend the forks? Might be worth doing so to widen the frame choices?

Pipedream make some great frames. Really wish I’d kept my Sirius 631. Worth a look.

I’ve had a current 529 since Feb and like it so far. I sized down to a medium as I didn’t want mega long reach. Geo feels good. Cable routing a bit annoying but I prefer internal. Paint is very nice. Rear end is quite stiff but my previous hardtail was a signal ti which felt significantly more forgiving. But a big volume rear tyre takes a bit of the sting out. I’d recommend it. Not tried the Stanton but I’d probably go for the pace as theres more sizes to choose from and you get a steeper seattube angle.

I’ve got a Moxie with 140mm forks. Its flipping brilliant! Can really do it all. Not light though if that’s important to you

Had a switch9er and now I’ve got a Sherpa gen 4. Both great bikes. Stanton have a 20% off Black Friday Sale on their gen3 switch9er in stock frames if that swings you at all.

I’ve been contemplating a similar thing ! My 5.5 yr old modified Marin nail trail 7 is looking a bit sad and tired especially around the seat stays ( paint has cracked which is where the previous one fractured) so I’m considering building a sturdier steel build .

I also have a 140mm fork laying around so would like to build around that . Been looking at a P7 , the Switch9er , Pace rc529 so far .  Need something with a bit of compliance as it’ll be for all round xc / trail suites

A bit late to the party but I built an “Asia made” 4130 Switch9er at the beginning of the summer. 150mm travel fork.

I’ve ridden South Wales trail centres, BPW, Haldon, Puddletown Forest, Wind Hill. It’s just super comfy and super capable. Loves the steep stuff and climbs well too.

Obvs I haven’t ridden the Pace to compare. But I’m super happy with my Switch9er.