Apologies if this turns into a long and rambling post...
I've always lusted after a Stanton Switch9er since I test rode one at Leigh Woods at least 4 years ago.
I've built bikes before but I've been out of the MTB game a while, and my last builds were 26" and I had plenty of donor parts (last MTB was a Cotic BFE 26").
I realise if I go down this route pretty much everything frame, forks, wheels, drivetrain is going to have to be sourced new or 2nd hand. I think the only things that might move across from my previous bikes are brakes and maybe a dropper post. This isn't going to be a cheap way of getting my dream bike.
That said, me and Freester JR aged 13 have had a pretty shit 18 months, the money is in the bank, and he is MTB mad at the moment so it's a nice way of spending some quality father son time.
Also with the demise of CRC/Wiggle who are the go to online retailers? Yes I will also try and support my LBS.
Anyway, talk me out of a new bike build. Or encourage me to splash the cash!
It’s a buyers’ market right now!
Do it. They're a great frame.
I own one of their original Slacklines and it's a great bike, but I wouldn't buy another one.
For me it's become a bit 'love the product, hate the company'. I keep an eye on the Stanton Owners group on Facebook and there are quite often posts about frames arriving in customers hands which never should have passed QC. There was one posted in the last week which looked like the welding had been done by a blind man. The group is incredibly fanboi, everyone immediately chipping in with "Dan will sort you out". No idea if that happens as the posts are always deleted. I wish my money had gone to Cotic instead, and that's where I'd look next time.
For balance here I've had both Stanton and Cotic (Taiwanese frames). Customer service from both was first class. The ride quality excellent with both. The finish of the Stanton was a cut above though due to the in house paint job.
I follow both companies FB pages and do see the problems that come up and that does include Dan responding to issues (just as Cy does I'm sure).
Hmm… Isn’t that post actually from 2 years ago and for a reason I can’t follow it’s been ‘revived’ by somebody randomly posting about where 853 vs 4130 frames are made? It’s all pretty easy to see the narrative in the comments.
In response to the OP’s comments. From my own research I think it’s likely 140mm forks, a decent set of wheels, 2.4ish tyres (maybe bigger) and Deore group set. And a dropper. Lots of information on the Stanton website including videos, and they are great by email in my experience.
I have a Sherpa in red 4130. I love it. Friends regularly ask to borrow it.
I suppose I’m a fanboi.
Well no-one talked me out of it and I pressed the button on a frame and forks today.
I think the one thing I'm really struggling with is the drive train. 1x12 is the way to go right?
The NX Eagle drivetrain is on Merlin and bordering on reasonable. Should I be looking at anything else?
I'm definitely going to do a ti build at some point, maybe
I recently went with XT/SLX (specifically on the cassette range using microspline) on my Ragley build and it works great