Switchback Steel

On an MTB, the speed score centers on rolling efficiency when you're pedaling, especially on easier terrain. Versus the most speed-focused options, this build is shaped by typical trail-width tires, wheel momentum that helps it carry speed between pedal strokes, and a solid drivetrain that supports efficient riding.

On steep roads, it comes in at 7.6/10. Within Mountain bikes, it lands above average. The easiest gear is very spin-friendly on hills. Your easiest gear lands around 17.8 gear inches. On the ‘easier low gear’ scale, it sits around ~52% versus similar bikes. “Gear inches” sounds nerdy, but it’s just a quick way to describe how easy your lowest gear is to turn uphill. Lower usually means easier. Good for keeping cadence steady on climbs without overcooking it. Different builds can shift the feel a bit, and some manufacturer specs aren’t always publicly listed, so consider this a helpful direction.

Suspension rating is 6/10 — “Confident trail control”. It’s the kind of setup that stays more composed through repeated small-to-medium hits. You get suspension movement at the front, while the rear stays firm and direct. Suspension travel is the amount of movement available over bumps — here it’s about 120 mm up front. More travel usually means more room to absorb bigger hits. Expect steadier tracking on rougher sections without feeling like a long-travel downhill setup.

Sporty fit - you'll lean forward more and feel ready to push the pace. That's driven by handlebar height is roughly 68 mm lower than the saddle (moderate drop), and how far you'll be stretched forward is about 629 mm (very long). Expect a lean angle around 32 degrees. Estimated spacers: ~14 mm.

In Mountain / Trail, Why this fit flexibility rating: The cockpit is modular (separate stem and handlebar), so it is easier to adjust or swap fit parts, and A more service-friendly routing setup makes changes easier. That is why we tag it Moderately Adjustable. Put simply, it describes how practical it is to reconfigure your position later.

This scores 6.5/10 for comfort, so it feels comfortable out on the road. That’s the reason it lands as Race-Stiff. The posture is forward, attacking (posture 7/10, torso ~32°), which loads the front wheel, which feels great for control but a bit more direct through the bars.

Overall, this feels reasonably priced. The value score is 1–10. Higher means better value for money; lower means the price is high for what you get. Uses MSRP as a baseline; real-world prices can be lower (discounts can change the value). Based on the spec estimate, it’s about 11% above the typical level for similar builds. Among comparable bikes, it sits around the middle on price (cheaper than about 51% of listings). To anchor it: price €3.160 versus an estimated €2.850 for a similar build. Put simply: you’re paying roughly what similar bikes tend to cost.

This bike is best for smoother trails where speed and efficiency matter. It has about 120 mm of suspension travel (how much it absorbs bumps), which suits smoother trails. Even though it’s tagged Trail, the setup fits Flow Trails better.