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Howdy!
I am 5'10" and considering a Stanton Switchback (Gen 3) for my next build, what caught my eye was the combo of super short stays, slack HTA, and moderately higher BB. Looking for a fun 27.5 to mess around in the woods with.
I have both pipedream HT's at the moment, which are 29" and fairly long and slack. Moxie and Sirius in Long, they have 470 and 465 reach and a low 420 seat tube which I like. The reach on the 18" lines up with what I am used to but the 16.5 has the same seat tube and effective top tube that I am used to, but the reach is less. I have had a hard time finding a whole lot on teh switchback regarding sizing for those in that "in-between" range.
Given the goal of the build I am inclined to size down, but wanted to get some experienced views on it if anyone out there has one. Will 17 mm in reach really be that noticeable to where I may wish I had sized up?
I will likely ride it mullet some and also primarily single speed my bikes so I keep the seat slammed and spend a lot of time standing up. But I'm not against gears and will likely run gears on the bike at some point.
While I'm at it any other frame suggestions?
Cheers!
I am 5' 10" and had a 2nd Gen Switchback (and Slackline) in 18". Personally I'd be more interested in the reach figure - I'm on a large BTR Ranger now with 460mm reach and wouldn't want it any smaller (from memory my old Switchback had 445mm reach but don't take that as Gospel..)
Seat tube length is about 30mm difference between the two Stanton sizes, personally I'd rather have a better fitting frame in terms of reach than available seat drop - especially if you're already on 465/470 reach frames - but of course hinges on what you're riding.
You could look at Dawley frames as an alternative, I don't have one but follow on Insta and the frames look great with custom options available. Very reasonably priced also, I think.
Giving this even more though, what I’d do is sell both your Pipedream frames and invest everything into a 29” Ranger!
I've got a Gen 3 18" Switchback.
I'm 6ft 1in and have got relatively short legs and a longer torso. I found it great, it has a nice low stand over, but was probably a little too short in reach for me, but I only really noticed that on long fast rough descents - it was great through the corners.
My wife rode it plenty as well as it had the kids ride shotgun seat on and she found the stand over and reach fine (she's 5ft 7in). The seat tube is really low and can fit a 200mm dropper in easily.
I'm actually going to be selling the frame so drop me a PM if interested.
Thanks you all! I think you may have convinced me that the 16.5 maybe too small after-all. I run single speed a lot so since I am standing a lot I guess reach is really actually more important and I am used to 465-470 already. Although I am realizing that those pipedream numbers are reach at sag, so static is actually a little less I suppose.
I think I may have found a good deal on a used Chromag Stylus though, here in the US. That was the other frame I had been considering so I am back to leaning that way just due to availability. Also the Chromags have a M/L size that takes care of my in between sizes issue. Any thoughts on that bike vs a switchback? It will be a little heavier, but 1lb can't be that big a deal. I figure I could sell the moxie and keep the Sirius and I've still have a rowdy bigger travel bike as well as the sirius which is a killer short travel single speed 29"
Had not heard of Dawley bikes, those look pretty sweet! You all know all the good stuff, hehehe. I wouldn't go for a 29 Ranger on this build as the whole idea is to try a playful 27.5... But I appreciate the idea, I didn't know what a range was actually, it does look pretty boss. Super short chainstays. Reminds me a bit of the Sirius with the super slack and low travel. Def costs a pretty penny!
droplinked, I may hit you up to learn more about your frame, but I am guessing shipping will be high across the pond.
Cheers!