I was in the same dilemma but with the smaller cnoc14.

I ended up going with cnoc14 purely for re-sale value (as having tried to buy one on eBay/FB it was crazy just how much they’re going for).

It arrived yesterday and I’m pretty happy with how it looks and the quality of build.

If I’m looking at 16″, I’d definitely be thinking about cnoc16, early rider and Hoy bikes.

My daughter’s have the bigger geared frog bikes and this is where they’re very impressive IMO.

My Switchback is 29lb and that’s with a decent/light set of components.

It’s a good few lb heavier than my previous ti frame but I wouldn’t say its been a hindrance.

That said, if I could afford a ti switchback I would buy one!

^^^ lol

Seriously the best bike I’ve owned. Combination of light weight, compliant and extremely capable of landing 4ft drops…all with 120 forks.

Try either 120 or 130 forks with 26″ and a works components angleset for ultimate fun IMO

Mindmap – not on a ti, but the steel version. I’m very tempted by the new blue switchback with better tyre clearance

My 2010 Crush was the most god awful thing I’d ever ridden. The MK3 Soul I eventually got was simply the best bike I ever owned, but only ever really felt right with 120 forks. Swapped that for a ti Stanton slackline to run bigger forks…which I broke.

Now on a Stanton switchback, and although not as ‘springy’ as the Soul, its still very comfortable, has brilliant geometry, really stable at speed and feels pretty bomb proof.

Weight wise, my med comes in at 29lb, but it doesn’t ride like it.

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/13509715/

Had to upload it to my PB photo pages

Its sporting pikes and a monarch rc3 with blue pedals…£400?! Lol

Used to live in Newtonhill and often cycled around Durris mast and all the cheeky trails locals from Stoney had built.

Ideally I’d look for it to be built there.

Nicolai argon
PB’s Pyro’s Swarf

Yes, I did send them an email, and yes I did inspect it, but you can only see the ding from an acute angle and under certain light. I’m not in the habit of wiping a frame down with IPA when it first arrives, but will be now.

Was only passing on a friendly note of caution.

Bike is fully invisiframed now and most of the scratches aren’t that visible thankfully.

Guess I’m just a bit pissed as I sold my raw switchback being completely honest as to the condition of it for the same price…and it was in a better condition.

Check out this…I love this thing and currently saving for one.

http://www.sturdycycles.co.uk/latest/steves-signature-hard-tail-mtb

Invisiframe +1…or in my case +3 (on all my bikes)

Prestige bikes?

Hopefully the horseflies won’t be in full force yet. They’re real bastards around there.

Some of the roads getting to the parking spot near the church are really narrow too.

Just received a Dyfi email.

Didn’t do it last year and no fitness this year. 30 mile jaunt happening this Sunday to at least do a little prep.

Used to use nanos but got pains in my feet as they were too flat. Moved to vaults and they have been so much comfier due to the concaved shape. I do fancy trying those new gamut podiums tho!

Bonus! FRIENDS25 worked, 10% cash back with Quidco…and hadn’t realised I had £10 uncollected in my Quidco account. Works out at £54

Just wish they’d painted it in the Cotic yellow

Ordered size 10 as per my Adidas Boost running shoes and they’re a bit bigger than anticipated. Wish I’d ordered 9.5 and 10 now as you can’t exchange, only refund. :(

Slants are height adjustable in increments of 10mm and some of the 26″ versions are 27.5″ compatible (or at least my kashima-esque coated ones were)

I’ve been out paced on many a rugby pitch and mountain bike by ‘fat blokes’…it boils down to fitness and not weight.

I buy what I like and within a budget I can reasonably afford. If folks don’t like it…then f##k off

^^^ lol

Nice one Jim! Been rocking a pair of AM40s for 3 years and about time I treated myself. Well spotted :)

Watched Turbo kid yesterday. Its no BMX bandits that’s for sure!

There are no words…

Prefer Guides RC over Shimano SLX/XT as I find them a bit less ‘grabby’. I don’t however like the shape of the blade compared to Shimano’s which maybe something to think about too.

No idea I’m afraid…just seemed like a bargain compared to other seller prices

Never had any issues with a track pump to be honest. There’s a certain preparation and way to do it and it works for me every time. Only ever struggled with Conti tyres, but they’re really bloody porous.

No issues here running arc 27 rear and 30 front on DT Swiss 240s with revolution spokes. 1643g

Plenty stiff and durable on my do it all HT.

No idea about size but heard of 6 footers riding it but more for fun than longer xc. I’d wait for the newer one.

Rear fits 2.3 depending claimed v actual size. I run 2.3 minion dhr2 2.3. New mk2 should accomodate even bigger.

I think the splines are

Think the 1501s have 240 internals but are even lighter due to the machining process or something. I was going to get the older style 1501s but they only came in 28 spoke and 23″ (ish) internal width. Went with 240hubs, rev spokes and 27.5 easton arc rims. 1643g for the pair and very very nice. There’s a Polish eBay bike shop that sells good priced DT hubs

On the Stanton Facebook page

Oddly there are 2 different size TT for the 16.5 and 18 I think.

New switchback steel should only be a few weeks away. They’re just refining the colours and decals

Join the FB page and you’ll see them

As above had a 26″ mk3 Soul, 26″ ti slackline and now 27.5″ switchback. Loved the Soul for all round riding at 120mm. The slackline was running 160mm and a scream. The switchback kind of sits in the middle for me, great all day machine…but really composed going down. The short stays make it really fun like the slackline.

Soul doesn’t do 142×12 which is a pity, but is Reynolds 853 so weighs less and has various sizes. Switchback is heavier, rear tyre clearance is an issue for some (not me, don’t need more than 2.35 rear). New switchback mk2 has a new yolk to sort this and more sizes.

Cotic do demo days so try before you buy?

+1 for cotic. Try and get a demo day.

Customer service is great and the frames they make are very good in my experience. My old Soul mk3 was one of the best bikes I ever owned

I have an American Classic that you can have for £5 plus postage?

Capra…at the longer end of the spectrum (and longer end of wait time too!)