[Closed] Bird zero or Stanton switchback?

Birds are longer, lower and lighter, Stantons have slacker seat angles, Switchback slacker head angle too - and presumably a bit more compliance.

Cotic BFe

If seeing a bird zero TR in the flesh is any use I'm just the other side of Queensbury.

Looked at the BFe but through axle frames are out of stock. I like the idea of steel though which is why the switchback is tempting.

Just been through the same thing myself! Requirements being something that takes a 150mm fork, threaded BB, 142x12 and steel. Got a Switchback arriving tomorrow...

BFe was close, but went for the slightly slacker Switchback.

Edit: On-One DeeDar looks alright if you want a cheaper option. Seat tube was a bit longer than I'd like though.

Can't fault my zero, light, comfortable and confidence inspiring.

Had my Zero AM almost a year - wrote a review a few months back:

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/bird-zero-am-review-warning-bicycle-content

Slight hijack; I'm contemplating another hardtail build (prob 29) and like the look of the Sherpa but it isn't boost. I don't *need* boost but is buying a 142 axled bike buying something that's out of date?

Jruk, for a boost 29er the pp Shan gt looks gorgeous.

Just out of interest, why no downtube cables? Shame to not get a frame you love because of that.

I'm in a similar quandary at the moment.
Thanks for pointing out the under-the-downtube cables on the Pace. That would make it a non-starter for me too.
@newrobdob - they just get smashed to f*** by flying rocks.

Yes but they also protect your frame from them.

@Tom - the Shan GT is def on the list, I just wish it was British (and ideally made by Bird).

@chiefgrooveguru, thanks for the review. Thanks for the review, that sounds like everything I need. Like the stealth black too. My sweeps are white though so not sure if the black frame is the way to go.

@newrobdob, see Ecky-Thump. He's 100% right. The routing on the Stanton looks a bit tight around the headtube too. The Bird is getting a lead in this race!

@dallas95, I'm also leaning towards the Bird AM. Shame there's none due in stock in my size (XL) until March 🙁
My shortlist isn't constrained to UK though, so I'm down to:
- Zero AM
- Orange P7
- Last Fastforward (29-er)
- Liteville H3 (but you can't get one for love nor money)

or Stanton Slackline MK2 ? I'm loving mine,been a blast to ride up and down.Great rear mud clearance as it was designed to take plus tyres,lighter than switchback,longer chainstays,steeper seat angle.Great all rounder,the only thing I wish was different on mine is maybe boost forks to get better mud clearance up front with bigger winter tyres I'm running.

The P7 is something I hadn't spotted. Ticks all the boxes too. Does anyone know the frame weight?

Seat tube brace on the Dee Dar is hrd to look at, it really does ruin an otherwise lovely looking bike.

Shan GT is gorgeous but it's too short, too steep and too-slack in the seat for my liking

[img] ?m=14630596367[/img]

How about the Stif Morf? It's getting fantastic reviews

Had my next gen Switchback for a couple of months now and can say I'm still loving it. I've got a SC 5010 which hasn't had much use since I got the SB. Climbs well and descends amazingly well for a HT. So confidence inspiring.
[IMG] [/IMG]

Jruk - Check with Dan at Stanton, I think he has recently announced something about Sherpa drops outs that will be Boost? I can't remember much about it, but check with him.

A Happy Sherpa owner.

Boost drop outs for New Gen frames due early in the new year (according to Stanton on FB).

A boost Sherpa you say... I wonder if they'll add ~35mm to the reach as well. Mmmmm....

Prefer steel so Switchback for me out of those two

**UPDATE**

The decision was made and this arrived today.

[img][url= https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/283/32117119005_3b2a2837fe_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/283/32117119005_3b2a2837fe_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/QW5Cx8 ]IMG_1828[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

So which one did I choose ............

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[img][url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/732/31275958184_2e75d3293c_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/732/31275958184_2e75d3293c_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/PDKsJm ]IMG_1829[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

The Bird Zero

A couple of errands to run and then back for the build.

[img][url= https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/591/32117125945_19509d3168_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://c2.staticflickr.com/1/591/32117125945_19509d3168_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/QW5EAM ]IMG_1831[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Welcome to the flock 🙂

Think you chose well. Keep us updated with progress, love a good build thread!

[img] [/img]

I'm stalled on the build. The headset I had in my parts bin is the wrong type so I've had to order one. Everything else is good to go though. So not as much progress today as I'd hoped for.

[img][url= https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/357/32121083755_c04e1f867f_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/1/357/32121083755_c04e1f867f_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/QWqX7T ]IMG_1833[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

The rest of todays parts are lying on the floor waiting to be fitted.

[img][url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/514/31972801962_8a60f1d666_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/514/31972801962_8a60f1d666_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/QHjY7f ]IMG_1834[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

Looking good but here's a tip: you also need wheels 😉

jruk - Member
Looking good but here's a tip: you also need wheels

Good spot, they're in the garage. Wide lightnings. There's a chain, gear shifter and some grips too. 🙂

And beers? Can't build a bike without some beers 8)

Is that the Am or Tr version?

Think thats the AM in that colour.... love my TR, not riddennthe full susser since I took delivery.

jruk - Member
And beers? Can't build a bike without some beers

I'll pick some up in the morning before my headset arrives. 😀

coomber - Member
Is that the Am or Tr version?

It is the AM in a size medium.

Dallas95 how tall are you? I'm looking at one of these but torn between a medium and large. I'm 5'11" and a bit....

I'm 5'9" so I think you would need the large.

My mate is 5'9" and ended up on a medium Zero AM. The friendly bloke at Bird said he could come back and try the Large. He seemed really happy with the medium though . I had a go on it and it felt a bit too long for me compared with my Switchback (MK1) with 45mm stem. The seat angle looked a lot steeper on the Zero compared with my Switchback as well as being longer and lower.

I'm a fraction under 6' and a large is spot on. Best bike I have ever owned and ridden. Great choice! Be sure to join the Bird Mtb owners group on Facebook.

I just bought a bird zero am in medium I'm 5'11 and it fits me and is an awesome ride there are some pics on my instagram deswaterhouse I ride around Yorkshire also

The headset arrived so able to finish the build. Everything ready for test rides on Sunday. Looking forward to that bit! 😀

[img][url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/605/32000420202_5fe0a3ddcd_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/605/32000420202_5fe0a3ddcd_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/QKLw3N ]IMG_1838[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/136285034@N02/ ]Paul Harrison[/url], on Flickr[/img]

That looks well nice

Looks great