One of the first areas that we considered was the bottom bracket.

Expect to leave the abstract idea that “you’ll be faster on a full sus” behind you, as the new Switchback will have you leaving your full-sus in the garage!The Switchback Gen 3 has our custom designed swopouts, giving you the ability to run 12×142, standard QR or single speed. If you think there's no place in your arsenal for a hardtail then you need to ride this one. These aspects eliminate bottom bracket waver and stiffen up the drive.Detail of the black anodized top shock mount, this angulation of the shock dissipates forces along the length of the down tube.The iridescent black lava finish works well with Kashima and a simple white decal.The original award winning Slackline 853 frame, that hit the public eye in the 'Dirt 100' 2012, and the newly produced Switchback FS, a 27.5” dual-link Trail/Bike Park ripper available in 140mm and 160mm travel.A built up second-gen Switchback hardtail head to head with the Switchback FS.As all of these first 100 are custom we used the Belt Notcher, made up of a corse belt and rollers to the diameters of the tubes.

One of the first areas that we considered was the bottom bracket. However, sizing a bike is a very personal thing and many factors should be taken into consideration.For instance, if you’re around 5’10″ and you’re used to larger bikes, the 18″ might suit you better than the 1″6.5.If you’re a bit taller, around 6′2″, with a riding style that’s nimble, playful and aggressive, and you’re looking to do no more than short trail-centre loops or smash DH runs in the woods, the 18″ should suit you better than the 19.5″.Subscribe to be notified about new products, exclusive offers, demo days and more. It is a clean process, producing very little waste.Cable routing is aligned using a metal rod before being brazed onto the top tube.The end product: raw top tubes now with bottle bosses and cable routing.A line of union jack darts awaits the next set of frame manifests in the pig pen (welding bay).Jord prepares the upper linkage axle mounts for tack welding in the jig.Gav gets started tack welding once the components have been positioned in the jig.Tack welding is a means of positioning all the components, allowing the frame to be removed from the jig. A look at the production of their newly released UK manufactured Switch9erFS and SwitchFS frames Dan critiques his first ever frame with painter Si (left) and proudly presents the first production Slackline 853 (right)The first ever 26" Slackline 853 production frame (red) which broke the brand into Dirt 100.Off cuts from frame production, the Reynolds tubing is cut so it sits flush with the other components in the jig. The original aim of the Switchback was to design the most playful natured and confidence inspiring aggressive frame that we possibly could. I'd be more than happy to spend a day shuttling DH runs on it, likewise going for a mammoth XC ride, or even just having a bit of fun down at the local dirt jumps. The Switch9er FS is a 29er, 140mm rear travel and 160mm front travel Trail Slayer.The aim of the Switch9er FS was to design and manufacture in house the most well engineered playful natured, confidence inspiring, aggressive 29er full-suspension frame.

This gives Gav better access to any tight spots otherwise inaccessible in the jig.Owner Dan Stanton keeps a keen eye on the production of his masterpiecesThe seat tube - top tube junction is welded before the top linkage mount can be positioned.The frame is placed back in the jig to tack weld the top shock linkage in situ. For a suspension unit the ideals are: stiffness to maintain geometry and power transfer, and lightness to reduce unsprung weight. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Unsprung weight is the weight of any parts that support the wheel to the main frame before the shock.In the real world a light suspension unit give these benefits.

Switch9er Ti The Switch9er Ti is the new elite ninja of the range!

Frame has the odd paint chip, and cable rub which i have tried to … Price: N/A. See that crank bolt sticking out?

We have a bit of form for this: Also taking inspiration from our Sherpa 29er that was quoted as a 29” that has the agility of a 26” wheeled trail slayer.

More compliance, more small bump absorption, quicker rebound and places far less load on the shock damping internals, so it can run less damping, reducing heat and improving shock consistency over a long run down the mountain. Shame, as otherwise they're great cranks.

The 415mm chain stay length plus the bottom bracket height, head angle and reach measurement gives you an amazingly responsive and agile ride.The geometry of the Switchback Gen 3 has been optimised to help the rider feel confident on difficult, technical Enduro style terrain, while giving the ideal riding position to express your style and flare on the trail.