Was just about to hit the button on a green switchback for pre-order, when I realised it won’t be the same green that was previously released and will be the ‘Sherpa’ green.

Looked at the Sherpa page and the green looks good, but then realised the Sherpa is £500 for Reynolds 853 but the switchback is £550 for Reynolds 631 and no longer has the interesting finish.

Seems a bit odd paying more for something that seems a bit less (material wise…not ride quality)?

Even more bizarre when I now compare it to the Slackline which started out as 831 and is now 631 and is only £385?

When you look at the description for the switchback it even mentions using the same tubeset as the slackline. Looks like you are paying 165 quid extra for the privilege of the tubes being welded together to take 27.5. The price of progress I suppose?

The original Slackline in 853 was around the £500 odd mark.

I’d say it doesn’t really matter because the Switchback is ace. I bloody love mine. If you don’t think it’s good value / got a nice enough finish…don’t buy it?

I find it more odd that the site doesn’t make it too clear what wheel size each frame is using

Not saying it isn’t a good bike or the finish isn’t good, just trying to get my head around the economics of the differing prices on the frames.

The Sherpa must have needed loads of R&D as it was their first 29er and I can understand the slackline being less because of the 631 and the R&D already done on the 831.

But the switchback is supposed to be based on the slackline so I would have thought some R&D came from that, plus its 631.

If the Sherpa was £700 and the switchback £550 I could get it.

Switchback also has interchangeable dropouts which I guess would add a bit to the cost.

Jonny5 – true enough, hadn’t picked up on that

I have the green sherpa it is really nice and looks even better with black components to contrast it, great frames with great finish but if you have a query expect a long wait for an answer, I have sent two to Dan several weeks ago via the site and Facebook and still no reply.

Same as fudge, love the green of the sherpa (and agree looks good offset with black components), here’s mine …

Nick

Defo still buying one…just found the differing prices a bit bewildering, but then I don’t own or run a successful business!

Demand for 27.5″ bikes is bigger than 26″, hence higher price.

Nice one Nick; best hardtail I’ve seen for a while.