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I'm in the market for a new steel xc/trail hardtail and am looking for people's thoughts on the three frames I'm interested in.
- Curtis AM Explorer 29er
- Swarf Spline 29
- Stanton Sherpa Gen 3 UK edition
I've always lusted after a Curtis as I think they are beautiful too look at. Same goes for a Swarf (but I'd need to tweak the geo a bit as I'm a lanky bugger). The Stanton Sherpa suits all my geometry needs and the fit looks like it would be spot on. Also buying the Sherpa would mean I would have more money for the wheel build.
What do you guys and girls think? Does anyone own either of these frames and can give me some real world feedback?
Have you thought about a btr ranger?
@boxwithawindow the BTR is too slack for my needs. I am looking for a head angle around 67 degrees. Also must be able to take a full triangle frame bag. Thanks anyway.
In that case definitely the curtis.
Personally, if you've always lusted after a Curtis I'd go with that. After all, if you get one of the other frames you'll still be lusting after a Curtis....
Curtis, obviously.
BTR Chaser?
I have a Swarf Contour for 2years now(that was based on the Spline), not directly relevant but what I can speak of is the level of service you get from Adrian, hes a top bloke and makes great bikes.
Hes still knocking out custom hardtails if you follow him on Instagram, so adding bottle bosses, mounts etc wont be an issue. Not sure about lead times as he may be busy with his 155 enduro frame....email him.
I've also had a Stanton gen2 , off the shelf Taiwanese 853 frame..before they brought everything in house. I had a good experience, and lovely frames but I've heard of long(and inaccurate) delays even before Covid.
Spa Cycles Elan. Available either as frame or bike.
Go with the Curtis. I’m pretty sure I read on their website that custom geo is free. And they’re both beautiful and amazing. I’m still lusting after one. Just need more money.
They look so much more beautiful that the BTR bikes.
I have a Taiwanese sherpa v3. It's awesome but part of that is that it is great while being more or less affordable! I'm not sure how much more great the extra cash would get you.
But if you have a Curtis itch and can afford it......
If you can afford it I’d get the Curtis. I was on the verge of getting one with some custom tweeks but ultimately it was just a bit too spendy and Marino finally started working on a frame for me. Was going to get it with their candy blue colour paint which looks amazing.
'bout a 5 month wait for a curtis apparently.... but as mentioned, front end geo customisation is a no-cost option, and they look great in the flesh...
Wasn't it Harold Wilson said 5mo is a long time in front geo design?
I think Curtis are hoping to speed up lead times with a new machine they’re getting / have just got. All been totally manual crafting before but it should help with some of the pipe cutting / bending I believe. Still all handcrafted though in terms of brazing etc.
Having owned 2 Curtis’ I am bout to buy my 3rd
Workmanship and cs says it all really!
Thanks for all the responses. Curtis it is.
Just but the deposit down for a Curtis XC9 full custom geo. So stoked and looking forward to Feb 2021.
I think I’m in love.
@joebristol thanks for all your input. Saw that on fb today, an absolute beauty.
That Curtis looks good with clean lines.
I would have suggested an Indy Fab.
Thunderbolts on That? Death on a Stick!
Seriously, i am far too drunk to make out that they are thunderburts- so are they?
If so, that is seriously just made me cry for a lovely Curtis going to waste!
@mutepoint When you're so drink you can't read the big THUNDER BURT on the sidewalls I have to ask, how the hell did you type that?
I learnt I.T. To type
Shand bahookie? I've got one of their road bikes and it's very nice.