Was just going over my Dmr Switchback a few days ago and found a big crack running under the toptube about 10cm back from the headtube...

So basically im looking for a replacement and thought I would see the consensus on here.
Im running a fairly solid build with a 130mm van at the front with dt swiss 5.1's, a dual ring + guide set up and 70mm stem + 710 bars.
The easiest choice would be to simply replace it with an 18" Trailstar, but as this is my only mountain bike it needs to be rideable all day without me cramping up. Im about 6.1" for reference.

Any suggestions?

18" trailstar (there's a new one on TM at the moment), maybe a Transition Trans-am?

i went from (18 and 20 inch) Switchbacks to a (size L(19)) Cotic Soul. definite improvement. i've never looked back. (still ride the 20 inch switchback singlespeed too tho). i too am 6'1"

but for the money, the Ragley Blue Pigs are sweeeeet, cheap as chips via CRC
or On-One 456 would be a good bet too - there's a source for them in Aussie.

or a trailstar as mentioned above...

pushbikerider wrote:18" trailstar (there's a new one on TM at the moment), maybe a Transition Trans-am?

I vaguely remember seeing that you had a Trailstar, do you think the 18" would be long enough? And i've considered the trans-am but I dont think I justify one new. If someone had a Large second hand one they were wanting to sell however...

but. bluepig, 456 and trailstar are all 18 inch. i found the difference between the 18 and 20 inch switchbacks was marked, with the 20 inch feeling like a farm gate on general trail duties (its fine for size as a rigid SS), whereas the 19 inch soul is just perfection. comfy ride too.

How about a 20" Decade Virsa, i've sent you a pm

swtchbckr wrote:but. bluepig, 456 and trailstar are all 18 inch. i found the difference between the 18 and 20 inch switchbacks was marked, with the 20 inch feeling like a farm gate on general trail duties (its fine for size as a rigid SS), whereas the 19 inch soul is just perfection. comfy ride too.

Im not going to disagree when you say the Switchback is a bit big for some trails, I guess im just worried that im going to feel cramped on an 18" frame. And the soul looks gorgeous but I really struggle to justify spending $1000 on a hardtail.

Bob_Jones wrote:

pushbikerider wrote:18" trailstar (there's a new one on TM at the moment), maybe a Transition Trans-am?

I vaguely remember seeing that you had a Trailstar, do you think the 18" would be long enough? And i've considered the trans-am but I dont think I justify one new. If someone had a Large second hand one they were wanting to sell however...

I've had both 16" and 18" Trailstars, I'm about 6'1" as well, but didn't enjoy the bigger bike for some reason (I had quite a long A-C 130mm fork on there though, which could have been the cause) that said I love little bikes, hence why my 16" trailstar is my XC SS, so I wouldn't take my opinion to seriously, but I didn't think it was that long (in fact as I recall of the geo charts there isn't much in the TT length of the 16" and 18" trailstar)

I'm about 6'2" and I found the 18" Trailstar a bit small for my liking.

The frame is gathering dust in the shed at the moment if anyone is interested.

Cove Handjob
Cotic Soul
Dialled Prince albert
Ragley Blue Pig
On one Inbred
Orange P7


Probably in that order not long been through the same process

I ended up on a Rock Lobster Tig 853 for old skool xc geometry steel goodness (from Merlin Cycles), If money was no object I'd have a Cotic Soda in the shed...

northernmonkey wrote: If money was no object I'd have a Cotic Soda in the shed...

Got and love a Soul.

I'd have a Ti bike, but it wouldn't be a Soda - read a couple of different reviews that said they are a bit noodley.

Another one to look for is a Sanderson Breath. Can get them off CRC. Have quite long top tubes, but I really like the riding position. Mine is being run with a Pike 454 at about 120. Also have a look at the Charge Duster, which a while ago you could get from bicycle.co.nz for quite cheap.

Analog wrote:Another one to look for is a Sanderson Breath. Can get them off CRC. Have quite long top tubes, but I really like the riding position. Mine is being run with a Pike 454 at about 120. Also have a look at the Charge Duster, which a while ago you could get from bicycle.co.nz for quite cheap.

There is a new large Charge Duster frame at Revolution Bicycles in Wellington.

Bob_Jones wrote:Im not going to disagree when you say the Switchback is a bit big for some trails, I guess im just worried that im going to feel cramped on an 18" frame. And the soul looks gorgeous but I really struggle to justify spending $1000 on a hardtail.

unless you want a pure whippet wagon I wouldn't worry - diff between an 18" and 20" blue pig is only 0.5" of ett (23.5" vs 24") and given I'm riding a med shred with a 50mm stem for trail duties (I'm 6' and normally ride a 19" xc hardtail with a 100-120mm stem - using a 20" roadrat as a ss) I think you're underestimating how big a range is viable.

main issue for me in picking a frame is seat tube length - a lot of really compact bikes can leave me unable to get the seat to correct pedalling height even with a 400mm post

Blue Pig blue pig blue pig! I am of course biased and if money were no object a Cotic bFe would be lovely but seeing as it seems to be for you the Pig is awesome. Just re-fell in love with mine at Craigieburn yesterday after not having ridden it for a little while. It's so surefooted down steep stuff with the slack head tube and it never really feels cramped (18" and I'm 6'1" too) - that's with a 50mm stem. Down the fast (REALLY fast) forest bits I never had to slow down despite big roots, off camber turns and droppy bits - that steep seat tube keeps the seat out of your way and the steering is so neutral. I'm sure the same could be said of most of the bikes listed but the Pig ticks all the boxes (especially the new one with ISCG, fat head tube etc) and is bargain priced.