Here is TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR’s long-fancied Stanton Switch9er FS Ti
Your Name
Dave Marshall (TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsSTR)
Bike brand and model
Stanton Switch9er FS Ti
Why this bike?
I’ve not posted a selfie in the box suggested as folk have seen my mush more than enough on the forum. That said, my bike also will be no stranger to regular posters or lurkers – I tend to go quite hard on posting pics.
I digress. I’d always fancied a Stanton as long as I’ve been aware of them, they just have that something about them. They are also based in my home town of Matlock.
Being a big advocate of ebikes, I guess they cater for most of my riding these days. When I got my first ebike, I sold my enduro’ish full susser, as it wasn’t getting used – it was just too similar, but without the assistance. Having always had a hardtail in my collection, when I wanted to get some purely leg powered miles in they seem like the perfect antithesis to a big bouncy ebike. I’d fancied a Ti Switch9er HT for some time, but every time I saw the FS I was drawn to that too like a moth to a flame. When the time came that I was in a position to put a nice build together, I’d settled on the FS – I have a perfectly decent Ragley to cover the HT duties anyway. The FS was far enough away from the monster truck ebikes with it’s stunning skinny tubes, a bit less travel and reasonably light weight that I was sure it would be a bike that would make me want to ride it and the decision was made. There was nothing else in the picture
I spoke to Dan (Stanton) a couple of times and was due to go up to the workshop and try one for size when the last one sold. I deliberated over whether to go for a Switchback instead as a mullet, but it was the 9’er I really wanted. It wasn’t long though before I found this one for sale as a frame and shock and here we are. I’d have liked to have got some atmospheric pics in the sun dappled woodlands of the Derbyshire Dales, but here we are in the eleventh week of a wet and miserable January, so my back yard will have to do.
There may well still be a Ti hardtail in the shed at some point though. Will it be a Stanton? Maybe if the Gen V Switch9er materialises in Ti form. My eyes are on a Radical Chilli Dog though as things stand – watch this space.
Fork
RS Lyrik Ultimate 3.1
Shock
Ohlins TTX M2
Suspension Set-up
No idea – I tend to set and forget, with maybe the odd tweak occasionally
Wheels
Hunt Proven Trail H Core
Tyres
Hutchinson Griffus
Brakes
Shimano XTR
Drivetrain
Shimano XTR mech and shifter, XTR cassette, 5 Dev alu cranks with titanium ring, KMC gold chain
Cockpit components
Title ST1 stem, Gusset MJ signature bars, PNW Loam grips
Seatpost
PNW Loam 2 silver post with Loam lever in green to match the forks
Saddle
DMR Oi Oi camo
Accessories
Superstar Components Ti seat clamp, Nukeproof Sam Hill DH pedals, One Up guide and bash
Size and Weight
Large. 15kg approx
Additional Comments
As previously mentioned, I bought the frame and shock second hand, with the full intention of doing my own build to my own personal spec. It’s turned out pretty much how I envisaged it and I’ve got to say I’m really pleased with the finished look. It took a few failed purchases with components that didn’t quite sit right and had to be changed before I was totally happy though. I may still change the Ohlins shock for an EXT Storia.
I initially set it up as full 29’er as intended, but it felt a bit tall. It’s no secret that these have a high BB. The bike seemed to climb brilliantly and attack singletrack with aplomb, but the verdict has remained undecided on tech and descending, albeit only a few rides in. With that in mind, I’ve switched out the rear to a 27.5 as pictured to give it a try (maybe I should have gone for the Switchback?), but haven’t ridden it in this set up as yet, other than round the block. In fact, I haven’t really tested the bike to its fullest in any set up, it’s being saved for decent weather while my Ragley hardtail covers winter duties.
Show us yours!
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