BLACKCAT BICYCLES Swami Frame Set / Terra Cotta / Size : Medium

BLACKCAT's Todd-inspired interpretation of new-school full-rigid MTB

Two years have passed since the first MADE 2023. That legendary first time when we were surprised that Todd from BLACKCAT BICYCLES would have a booth at MADE. Of course we were delighted to see him again after such a long time, but we are finally able to show you the frames that we had asked him for.

The frame we requested was a fully rigid MTB named "Swami", a production model that Todd has been focusing on for the past few years (although of course each frame is completely hand-made by Todd).

It is not a return to the geometry of 90's cross country mountain biking, nor is it an attempt to push the limits of geometry, but rather a bike that follows Todd's idea of new cool geometry that allows for comfortable riding in as many different terrain conditions as possible. The Swami is a bike that follows Todd's new cool geometry that allows for comfortable riding in as many different terrains as possible, without attempting to push the limits of geometry.

The S size is a 27.5" wheel design and the M size is a 29" wheel design, both with a solid 2.6" tire clearance.

The original Unicrown fork and its beautiful round top, along with the sexy S-bend stays on the rear bag that allow for the best ride Todd envisioned, while still providing tire clearance, are all woven into the bike with Todd's character in full bloom.

Head Tube : Original Lugs + Fillet Finish

The filleted headtube with original lugs not only looks beautiful, of course, but also serves a strong function while maintaining steering precision and flexibility of the connecting top and down tubes, as well as the frame as a whole, for unparalleled comfort. It also provides unparalleled riding comfort.

In addition, the M size uses an upper one EC34 / lower one EC37 headset, and the fork column is tapered from 1-1/8" to 1-1/4", which helps to maintain lightness and strength. (The S size is straight 1-1/8″ because the head tube is short enough to ensure sufficient strength.)

Swinger Dropout / Swinger Dropout

Designed by Todd in 2005, this mechanism is the best and only way to adjust chain tension, and has since been copied by many mass-production brands.

Of course, this construction also allows for single-speed operation, and a dropout with derailleur hanger is included for single geared operation if you prefer.

S-bend seatstay

This S-bend seatstay is so aggressive and sexy that you might be worried about clearance when mounting a wheel with a tire on it.

This stay, which provides a comfortable ride while satisfying the tire clearance requirement, is a traditional art of Black Cat, which Todd has been carefully creating one by one with his bender set-up.

Original Paint

As a rare frame builder who also paints his own frames, no two bikes he creates are ever the same. We left everything to his sensibilities for this frame as well.

With the above details and this beautiful and distinctive paint job, it is no longer surprising that the frames he creates are works of art. But this work of art is not just something to look at or to satisfy your desire to own it, it is also a great fun-tool as soon as you start pedaling it.

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