TI BREAKER

Stanton Bikes’ new full-sussers blend titanium and carbon, delivering 140-160mm travel in both wheel sizes

Stanton Bikes might be best known for its progressive hardtails, but in recent years the brand has added full-suspension models to the range, too. The Switch9er (140mm, 29in wheels) and Switchback FS (140mm or 160mm, 27.5in wheels) use a Reynolds steel front end matched with an aluminium swingarm. But now they are joined by two new bikes that show what Stanton is really capable of when reaching for the very top drawer of the materials cabinet.

Utilising a titanium front end and a carbon swingarm, Stanton says the new Switch9er FS Ti and Switchback FS Ti represent the culmination of a decade’s worth of experience designing and building bikes.

On looks alone the two models impress – clean lines, that classic titanium tube lustre and an understated glossy carbon weave makes for two bikes that are easy on the eye, especially as specced here. Stanton’s main man, Dan Stanton, says that choosing titanium and carbon hasn’t been done to boost the boutique factor, but because he believes these are the optimal materials for the job.