Spotted: Stanton's Titanium & Carbon Switch9er FS Enduro Bike from Ard Rock 2021

Aug 8, 2021
by Tristan Tinn  
We spotted this shiny new bike from UK bicycle manufacturer Stanton. Many will know Stanton for their well renowned rowdy hardtail frames. This one really steps up the game and the travel - a glistening Ti Carbon version of their Switch9er FS. Dan Stanton has been hard at work developing this one!

Ti Carbon Goodness

Raised decals and EXT plushness

Ceracoat Decal Detail

The all new carbon rear end which is also available to retrofit to the steel and alloy models

Internal Routing



Banana Bar up to the seatstay

The 'egg' which houses the lower link and BB





The carbon rear end breaks away from the previous design of split rear triangles

Ti Anodising practice

Also on show was the Ti Switchpath the new gravel bike in the line up




Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Spotted Enduro Bikes Stanton Bikes Stanton Switch9er Ard Rock


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144 Comments

  • 69 6
 OMG! I have never liked the look of any Stanton bike I’ve previously seen and now they come along with two absolutely sexual frames that I totes would have!

Doesn’t the EXT shock add class to any frame it’s on hey? That’s a real possible Christmas upgrade for my list.
  • 82 3
 Shame it's bolted to the bottle cage mount.
  • 10 11
 @watchtower: bottle mount under the top tube
  • 15 79
flag donald-trump (Aug 8, 2021 at 6:45) (Below Threshold)
 review tommorow
  • 22 7
 @donald-trump: ah Donald. I didn’t know you were a biker. I had you down for more of a golfer. How about invest some of that money into MTB resorts in the future?
  • 22 5
 @jaame: He’s broke, except for that “stop the steal” money he did absolutely nothing with.
  • 14 4
 @jaame: Donald Trump rides an ebike, ask drunk cyclist.....
  • 4 0
 Just purchased an EXT Storia V3 for my frame up Deviate Highlander build. Beautiful piece of equipment that I hear performs incredibly well
  • 4 27
flag makripper (Aug 8, 2021 at 8:36) (Below Threshold)
 @jaame sure but their name screams Walmart. Extreme Shox = ext. Are they Italian?
  • 15 5
 Dammit I come here for bikes not politics
  • 23 25
 @jaame: Trump MTB resort? I wouldn't stay in a Trump hotel, I don't think you'd ever catch me going to a Donald Trump resort. Not to mention I would feel sorry for anyone (trailbuilders) who helped develop it (probably not paid) and the staff (particularly if you were a woman).
  • 1 0
 Yep, what a stunner.
  • 2 1
 @rburroughs4: I saw a couple of guys with them at my local last year. They are marvels of engineering slash art. I thought at the time how my “top of the range” Float x2 Factory looked like a crappy plastic toy in comparison.
  • 3 4
 @trillot: don’t let hate win.
  • 5 2
 @jaame: don't let facts obscure opinion...
  • 8 0
 @watchtower: Yes, it's dual purpose. For enduro days, keep bolted to bottle holder. On XC days, remove rear shock and install water bottle cage for hardtail fun!
  • 2 9
flag tarik28 (Aug 8, 2021 at 13:30) (Below Threshold)
 Shut up lol softie@trillot:
  • 7 0
 is there not a sheering effect or stress put on those bolts because the force is being side loaded on them from the travel direction of the shock compression? or is it negligible forces? i ain't not no engineer man, but seems weird to be pushing upward towards those 2 bolts like that continuously when the mount platform is parallel to the tube surface instead of into it perpendicular to distribute forces thru that whole piece.
  • 4 0
 @Sweatypants: probably a mix of shear and tension. I don’t think there is anything particularly wrong with shear forces if they did their homework on what the bolt cross section should be.
  • 2 0
 @kylar: Would be interesting to see if the force is really minimal and mostly all absorbed by the shock/spring itself unless you were on a way too soft spring and were continuously hitting bottom-out or something. I wonder what the stress force analysis looks like in a simulator.
  • 4 0
 I wish we had more of these types of bikes in the US.
  • 2 0
 @Sweatypants: It seems more likely that there's 3 bolts. Much stronger.
  • 1 0
 @Sweatypants: take a look at your bike,lots of things bolted on,using m5 bolts,no problems,right?
  • 2 0
 "You have never liked the look of any Stanton bike you’ve previously seen?!!!"

It's probably because you looked at them without seeing Wink
  • 2 0
 @watchtower: I have an idea, shock mount bottle cage. I will see myself out.
  • 1 0
 @lenniDK: not really. Brake calipers. Handlebar clamp on stem. Shock mounts are welded plate or pieces of cnc aluminum. Rear dropout is supported by metal wall 2/3rds of the way around. Pedals are beefier.
  • 3 0
 @Sweatypants: Agreed, I am an engineer and I'd rather see the bracket welded instead of bolted. While the weld itself may slightly modify the behavior of the downtube, I think any rider would be hard pressed to actually notice. Plus, their welds are so beautiful and the bracket could be slimmed down to reduce some of the visual mass. Other than that, if I had the money I'd give it to them immediately! I currently ride a Switch9er 631 UK hardtail and absolutely love it!
  • 1 0
 @Upundu: Initial Trump comments were jokes clearly but as the dude or chick below you rants on, they clearly reveal their TDD: Trump derangement disorder. Move on world. You have your demented uncle in as a note card reading puppet replacement and a laughing hyena as his backup. Are you happy now??? Isn’t everything just great!
  • 1 0
 Call Litespped folks and demand reactivation . @blackthorne:
  • 47 2
 Wow, one of the sexiest bikes I've seen on PB recently. Jaw dropping.
  • 3 1
 Only a true goddess can leave its worshippers thirsty.
  • 19 1
 Should be tagged NSFW.
  • 7 2
 This should be labeled "Not safe for work". Pure sex!
  • 2 0
 Have to agree. That is one good looking rig. Well done boys!!
  • 4 0
 @vapidoscar: New Suspension Frame Wawawowee?
  • 3 1
 Holy crap a near perfect looking bike that isn’t a showpiece or $15,000 limited edition. Best of metal + carbon tech.
  • 29 3
 Titanium and carbon combination is just perfect.
  • 22 0
 Is that a Shimano SM-BH90 hose on the rear Hope brake?
  • 3 0
 Sure does look like it. Hope parts are hard to find every where I guess.
  • 1 0
 Looks like just the hose itself. The end fitting does not look Shimano with the wrench flats. The BH90 hose ends are crimped.
  • 1 0
 I haven't seen that cut of the rotor. Maybe it's vintage? Not the current round cut, not the last saw cut, not the gothic. Kinda cool.
  • 3 0
 @oldschool43:

I think it’s a Clark’s floating rotor. I’ve got two pairs for my bikes. Look almost identical to the one pictured.

Look nice in person and only £12.50 ea vs Hopes ££££
  • 1 0
 At the MTB-news forum some people converted their Hope brakes to mineral oil- maybe they did the same?
  • 17 1
 How much does it weigh? So I know what to answer to the perfect bike weight poll...
  • 16 1
 It's going to be difficult telling my wife I've found someone else. I love lamp, and I love bike.
  • 2 0
 Kids love log!
  • 12 1
 Sexy machine right there, hopefully that top shock mount is much stronger than it looks.
  • 4 16
flag m1dg3t (Aug 8, 2021 at 4:11) (Below Threshold)
 We all know most of these will be garage queens/wall hangers...

That shock mount looks really suspect.
  • 4 0
 Top shock mount got a bit of grief with rocking on the frame mounts last December on the Stanton FB page, Stanton said it was nothing to worry about if anything did happen the warranty would cover it

www.facebook.com/groups/838207686227935/posts/3525484780833532 need to be in group to see it
  • 3 0
 Cotic uses a similar design and it seems to be fine
  • 5 1
 @m1dg3t: I don't get the shock mount either, why not weld up a proper mount? That for sure will cause problems down the road. Must have been let's get it out the door for Ard Rock for the advertising. Welds are amazing!!
  • 2 4
 @helldriven1: it's the same mount they use in their current steel FS frame. Dan talks about it in one of their videos on their YouTube channel for the original FS - it's all about better load distribution in the downtube.
  • 5 2
 @Davec85: that sounds like a ‘load’ of ol shite to me. Get the welder out like any other bike Dan !
  • 1 0
 @crazy9: I was referring to placement of the mount, rather than the fact that it's bolted rather than welded.
  • 2 1
 The Kavenz VHP 16 is also bolted to the frame, I guess the shock takes most of the load, so except on hard bottom out, it should not move. And if they got their maths right it should withstand the bottom out as well.
  • 2 0
 @HeManHunter: its the same cad file i borrowed from the cotic rocket when i did some fudge work for that stanton lol it even has the same 3 bolt holes i bet
  • 2 0
 Could this also be a way to adjust the suspension - perhaps put a longer or shorter shock on it by changing the mount? Obviously you'd need to check rear clearance on the tyre, but it may be a way to mullet the bike easily or something?
  • 1 0
 @slimboyjim: your asking the wrong bloke i got out of the shiitty bike world and went back to the equally shiity defence world (which however pays much much much much better) theres a photo that showed different mounts for different types of the rocket frames and geometry or wheel size so it could be possible to do so i remeber there being different mounts for different things but its literally 10 years ago www.flickr.com/photos/151761966@N05/32249869904/in/album-72157678864365141 dig round in there theres som interesting stuff
  • 13 1
 When you spend so much in your bike you don't have for changing tires...
  • 1 0
 Or no money left for tires after buying a Ti/ Carbon frame with Storia shock
  • 7 0
 That front triangle of Ti.... Them welds..... Bike porn on a Sunday morning? Sure, thanks.
  • 3 0
 Agreed. The welds are sick! First thing that caught my eye. Very well done machine
  • 5 1
 PB: Here's a beautiful new version of a bike that uses lighter (but more expensive) materials for the frame construction

Reader: Awesome, can't wait to read about the weight they've dropped to justify potentially dropping coin on the version with lighter materials. This will surely be featured in the article, being the main reason for the new frame materials being used

PB ... lol
  • 4 1
 Ok, now thats cool. I just could not bring myself to like the steel models, just too heavy. Steel road bikes can be designed very light and their ride quality is unsurpassed. Just never made sense to me to make a full suspension mtb from steel anymore.
  • 7 0
 One Miiiillion Dollars
  • 4 0
 That is a very sweet bike! I just don‘t understand the internal cable routing in the rear triangle, it seems to be pretty useless for this short distance.
  • 4 0
 That Ti fork on the gravel bike is insane. The tube shaping is so wild I thought it was carbon at first, but the welded rack mounts gave it way. Realy cool.
  • 2 0
 I was looking at it thinking it must be carbon painted titanium colour. I was wondering if that colour is easy to do. A carbon bike that colour would be unreal... but you're right. I wonder how they formed the crown area and how it's made in general.
  • 2 0
 Looks beautiful, I live just round the corner from their factory/shop and they gave me a look round when I was interested in a switchback. Really nice guys. Itll definitely be an expensive bike but itll be a very special one too.
  • 5 2
 The british taste gets better! This is the first no-nonsense titan enduro which get me going......and fits my to shoulder-titanparts.
  • 1 0
 I saw a steel one in Whistler Bikepark yesterday. I thought this guy must be English but no, Canadian and he bought it a while ago. It looked alright but I noticed the enormous head tube and this new one has the same. I think a shorter integrated headtube would make those stantons look good.
  • 3 0
 As an happy owner of steel version I should close the browser now and move on. But here I am, staring at the pictures, thinking what I can sell to upgrade. Damn you, Stanton.
  • 1 0
 Weight? Love ti but it's hard to do correct on a fs. Also how you distro it. Coil will help but may feel frontloaded. Will be interesting on overall weight (no too concerned, not into that) but balance will be critical. Too much front with a fork and it becomes a dh sleigh but not great in the air/nimble...
  • 2 0
 Unreal. Stunning bike. The bend at the rear caliper looks a bit extreme, hose already looks a wee bit crimped.
fresh dhr next time?
  • 2 0
 Lovely. Not sure about the carbon , part of me likes it, bit weird choice I suppose. I will be ordering one when I get my million pound paycheck. Tomorrow. Morning .
  • 1 0
 I'm no carbon fan,but low unsprung mass is good..
  • 5 5
 Marketing: ‘we need something to REALLY make this frame stand out.”
Engineer: “let’s mount the rear shock to the bottle cage mount. I mean, who needs a bottle cage on an enduro machine anyway?!?”
  • 3 3
 The top tube has a bottle mount beneath it
  • 3 2
 @tris400d: i thing he’s making a joke…
  • 2 0
 This could turn into love but at the moment it is pure lust. Hotdamn that is sexy AF!
  • 1 0
 I have the steel switchback. Best hardtail I've ever owned by miles. Looks like I'll be getting the squish too cuz this is badass.
  • 2 0
 Awesome looking bike... fersher
  • 1 0
 After seeing what they charge for their steel hard tails I wouldn't be surprised if this is well north of $12k
  • 3 0
 Um, the build PARTS alone are prpobably close to $8K...so, duh
  • 2 0
 Stanton went full dentist years ago..
  • 1 0
 I only have one kidney left to sell - this bike is not for me
  • 3 0
 looks proper sex that
  • 3 1
 Best looking bike ever for real.
  • 1 0
 The gravel frame has really nice lines, and the carbon fork painted to match the Ti frame... That's pretty hot.
  • 1 0
 Just started riding a Litespeed Nolichucky, their Ti trail bike. It’s amazing!! But man should I have waited for this one?
  • 1 0
 This frame with the straight seat tube is a great candidate for that German built in dropper post.
  • 2 0
 WOW this is sex on 2 wheels! Beautiful bike!
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike tricking us into looking at gravel frames.. or is that just taking things to the next level?
  • 1 0
 I have no great interest in Titanium, but this is a seriously good looking bike.
  • 1 0
 Looks like the rear triangle on my Antidote Carbonjack... Can I buy this thing?
  • 1 0
 You know Ti frames usually don't do it for me, but that FS rig is impressive. So what's it cost, $12,000?
  • 1 0
 Like most porn, I found the extreme close-ups to be a bit excessive. Zoom out a bit so I can see what's going on!
  • 2 3
 i can only imagine how beautiful a raw full alloy version with that tubing. but i guess there is no market for beautiful design aluminium bikes.
  • 8 2
 You wouldn't be able to use tubes like that if it was Aluminium.
  • 3 0
 @Davec85: the v2 Spitfire has close to that size tubing.
  • 6 5
 This thing is peak dentist
  • 1 0
 Stanton looks boss....itll collect some mud around the main pivot....
  • 1 0
 That is a beautiful bike…
  • 2 0
 Awesome!
  • 1 0
 OMG I need some TP for my bunghole
  • 1 0
 Where do i send my money?
  • 2 0
 PornBike!!
  • 2 0
 Pure sex.
  • 1 0
 looks cool but if its not high pivot im not interested lol
  • 2 0
 Eat your heart out moots
  • 1 0
 I saw this on Saturday, very nice bike.
  • 1 0
 I have the EXT Storia and ERA and omg i just love them.
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't want to get it dirty!
  • 1 0
 Shimano mineral oil bh90 hose with hope dot brakes?
  • 1 0
 Is it a Ti fork on the gravel or a just a painted carbon fork?
  • 2 0
 Boner alert!
  • 1 0
 Gravel bike with a nice number of zits is a welcome sight!
  • 1 0
 Forks offset is rather noticeable
  • 1 0
 I think this is what they call "f*ck you money"
  • 1 0
 I think I'll just zip tie the brake hose. Beautiful bike!
  • 1 0
 Their Gen3 Sherpa Ti 29er Hardtail is a dreamboat.
  • 3 2
 TAKE MY MONEY!!!
  • 3 2
 They'll take all your money plus your credit. Don't you worry. You will get exactly what you wished for.
  • 1 0
 "number one stunner..."
  • 1 0
 Rear hub spacing?
  • 1 0
 How much does it cost?
  • 1 0
 Full Chub. Lordy
  • 1 0
 Whats the EXT fork?
  • 1 0
 Take my kidney
  • 1 0
 DAMN
  • 1 0
 Beautiful bike!
  • 2 2
 "Spotted"
Ban yourself !
  • 1 4
 love the way they have expensive parts ever where but have cheap ass discs lol
  • 2 5
 Why the carbon back end?
  • 2 3
 Resistance to lateral flex I believe, same reason the original Switch FS frames had compliant steel front ends with an alloy rear.
  • 7 1
 To try and get it to weigh less than a small planet (9.8lbs)
  • 13 0
 Just to piss you off I think
  • 3 1
 @dirtyburger: As good a reason as any!
  • 1 0
 @MattP76: Easier than weeing in yer shoes.
  • 1 0
 @watchmen: poor pluto
  • 2 0
 @donpinpon29: more like uranus.
  • 2 0
 @donpinpon29: not a planet
  • 1 0
 Lighter. Unsprung mass weight affects the suspension performance, the lighter it is the easier it is to move out of the way of an obstacle.
  • 3 0
 I'm waiting for the carbon front end upgrade option.

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