DMR Switchback - Comments?

[Fidsey]

Thinking about getting the DMR Switchback frame, have gone from a good frame budget ($850+) to around $600 or less, and the fact I can get one of these frame for about $450 new, it looks like the option to go for.

Anyone own one?
Comments on how they go would be appreciated, especially on fairly technical-ish XC trails (Manly Dam, Arcadia, Killingworth, Lost Frog, etc.).

[chie]

I looked at getting one about a year ago. What stopped me was they have a tendency to crack near the gusset on downtube and since I'm fairly big, roughly 110kg with gear, on I thought I'd look elsewhere.
Someone on here had an orange one that cracked. Have a search.
<edit> I think it was Rik's frame that cracked, they may have fixed the problem or they might not market it so much as all mountain as they did when it was first released a few years ago rather as a more relaxed xc bike.
I think if your lightish and don't break a lot of gear it might be alright.

[Cruz]

Around 100kg and owned one for a year fitted with a Vanila 125. Raced 6 and 12 hour on it as well. Sweet handling bike and a great trail bike. Not to be used for drops, hucks or street though, DMR have other frames for that. Sold it to a mate who needed a bike really quickly otherwise I waould still have it. For that kind of money it is a great buy.

[Rik]

I bent mine from nose diving a rock drop. It was a bit dissapointing as I'd expected the bike to take that sort of hit, but at the same time I understand it was a bad impact (front wheel dug in to wet sand) and things like that do happen... I was chasing down a mate on a Banshee Scream, am 90kg kitted up and definately not a gentle rider, so that fills in the gaps with that story.
That said, put it this way: if you don't buy it for $450 then let me know where it is as I'd love to get another one! ;) They're great bikes for the cash, with a decent 4-5" fork and the right parts fitted it'll do great as an all-round rig. They have essentially the same gemoetry as a Trailstar, but a touch longer (5mm on the stays and 10mm on the TT for the 16") so you can ride everything from jumps and DH through to all day trail enduro rides with fun and confident handling. I'd reccomend keeping in mind that it is still a trail-orientated bike and pushing the limits will result in carnage, but being realistic about a frames intentions and limits is a crucial part of any purchase decision.

[Fidsey]

That said, put it this way: if you don't buy it for $450 then let me know where it is as I'd love to get another one! ;)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?modelID=2121

Check it out.

[miko]

I've had mine for about a year now, and absolutely love it. I've built mine as a trail bike with Van RLC's on the front, SRAM etc. It handles DH well enough, does the odd XC race, and is awesome for trail riding. I got it on special for $430, and couldn't be happier! I do the odd drop, and a bit of dirt jumping on it as well. It's probably not the lightest option out there, but for the money it does a hell of a lot, and I think it should last a while.

Very happy with mine.

[DW-1]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?modelID=2121

Check it out.

I can do better. $425. get your local dealer to call us. (they're on special at the mo')

Elvis.

[Cruz]

I can do better. $425. get your local dealer to call us. (they're on special at the mo')

Elvis.

Any idea how long for DW 1?

[Rik]

Woah damn, and I was willing to pay for one at "retail" price! (*ahem*)

Elvis, could you inform us of colour availability in the 16" size?

[DW-1]

Woah damn, and I was willing to pay for one at "retail" price! (*ahem*)

Elvis, could you inform us of colour availability in the 16" size?

16" - Cream and army green
18" - Cream, army green, black and silver
20" - black.

There are only ones and twos left of each.

Elvis.

[miko]

Damn, do you think having a spare frame is excessive? ;)