”The original aim of the Switchback was to design the most playful natured and confidence inspiring aggressive frame that we possibly could.”
This statement has become the design ethos that underpins the whole of the Stanton Switch frame range, with our newest offering to the market being the Switchback FS 27.5″.
The Switchback FS is our 27.5” wheeled frame, with kinematics designed to reflect the positive ride characteristics evolved from our award winning Switchback 631 and Ti hard tail frames.
Burst acceleration, stoically stable descending, agility in the corners and eye watering pace, the Switchback FS 27.5” has all these characteristics in abundance. It is as happy being thrashed down bike park black runs as it is racing the Mega Avalanche.
Our progressively designed suspension allows for a bottomless feel, while the dual link pivot system aids small bump control by allowing rearward movement as the back wheel travels through the start of the suspension arc.
This model is our 160mm Enduro/Park offering.
Dave Watkins –
I absolutely adore my Switchback FS 160. It is pretty much exactly what I want from a frame/bike. It’s fast (faster than I’ll ever be) climbs well (better than me) descends well. A week in Whistler on a bike that wasn’t dialled in for me proves this (It’s a long story but my first ride on the bike was at Whistler Bike Park due to work commitments). I love the custom geo, long and slack with loads of stand over (I need this for my own confidence). The bike is a massive crowd puller. Lots of people ask about it. (Maybe not for the shy). With the components on it, is surprisingly light too, about 14.5kg built up. Customer service was good despite my reasonably long wait. The bike now lives in the Middle East with me and is equally at home on YAS Circuit doing some road miles to keep he legs moving of the mountains of Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah. I would thoroughly recommend Stanton and the the SwitchFS series.
Mike Haprer –
So I’m a year into Switchback FS160 ownership and it would seem appropriate to write a bit about my experiences so far.
Firstly ‘WOW’ and secondly ‘WOW’. I have been blown away by this bike. A week after I got it I took it to NZ for a 5 week road trip. From day one I was amazed at how capable a bike this was (that was once I’d finished fielding questions from other riders, liftie’s and almost anyone else who saw it). The first time I pointed it downhill the level of control was mind-blowing. The numbers gave an indication that this would be the case, but it was still a surprise on that first trail and it just kept getting better the more I rode. I was coming from a Mk1 Bronson CC and was initially woried that I would notice the increased weight when climbing. I was so wrong. The traction on offer was phenomenal and the steep seat angle was a revelation. The front end just stuck to the trail no matter how steep it got.
Five weeks away gave a good indication of how good the bike was, but I really started to appreciate it when I got back to more familiar trails. I played about with the suspension settings (Dan was brilliant at responding to questions and offering advice). The bike just got better and better. The more I pushed it the more it encouraged me to up the pace. The composure down any trial is amazing and its not just me who notices. Friends on similar travel bikes comment that they can’t believe how smoothly it soaks up the bumps. Riding alongside they are being beaten up whilst I’m on a magic carpet ride.
The bike is a great allrounder. I’ve had no issues with taking it on 2 hour local blasts, shuttle days or full days in the mountains. I would echo the comments above about this not being a bike for the shy. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve heard “nice bike mate” or had to stop for 10 minutes and talk about it with a stranger.
I’ve tried to rack my brains for anything that I would improve but I’m at a loss. The attention to detail, customer service and quality are top notch. I would (and do at every opportunity) recommend this and other Stanton’s to anyone.