Description
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 in full Todd style.
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. For this frame, we left it entirely up to his sensibilities.
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.
[SPEC]
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Head Tube | 1-1/8" - 1/1/4" Tapered |
| Compatible Head Parts | EC34/EC37 (*Note that this is different from regular oversized head parts) |
| Brake mount | Disc brake |
| BB | BSA/JIS, 73mm threaded |
| Front end | 110mm x 12mm / Boost |
| Rear end | 148mm x 12mm / Boost |
| Chainring | Assuming 32T / 52mm Boost chainline |
| Seat Post | 30.9mm / Stealth dropper post routing |
| Tire Clearance | 29x2.6" |
| Accessories | Single + geared swinger dropouts, DKG seat clamp, front and rear thru-axles |
| Suitable for height range | 175-180cm approx. |
[GEOMETRY]
| Head Tube Angle | 68.0° Head Tube Angle |
| Seat Tube Angle | Seat Tube Angle |
| Top Tube Length Effective (C-C) | 625mm |
| Chain Stay Length | 435-455mm |
| BB Drop | 80mm |
| Fork Length | Fork Length 440mm |
| Fork Rake | 52mm |
| Reach | 453mm |
| Stack | 612mm |
- We ship within 1-2 business days after receiving your order (payment). (Basically, orders placed before 12:00 p.m. are shipped the same day.)
- Messenger delivery is available within Nagoya City only.
- We ship every day from Monday to Sunday, except on temporary holidays.
- Available delivery areas: All over Japan and the world.
- Please note that delivery may be delayed due to credit card processing status. If you would like to specify the delivery date and time, please fill in your request in the additional information in the shopping cart.
- The product will be shipped from Circles.
- Please contact the shipping company in case of damage or loss during shipping.
Regarding the delivery of complete bikes
- Please note that a separate shipping fee of 9,900 yen (tax included) will be charged for shipping complete bikes. (However, an additional fee will be charged for delivery to Okinawa and remote islands.)
- After receiving your order, we will do a final check and ship complete bikes, but it may take 1-2 weeks. Please understand.
- We will send the bike with some parts removed for packing. We strongly recommend that you have your bicycle assembled at your nearest bicycle store.
- We will inform you of the delivery date and other details by e-mail.
- We apologize for any sales discrepancies at the store.
Regarding the delivery of frame sets
- Nationwide flat-rate shipping: 5,500 yen (tax included) (However, an additional fee will be charged for delivery to Okinawa and remote islands.)
- We will inform you of the delivery date and other details by e-mail.
- We will provide the pre-treatment of facing and tapping for the frame sets purchased at our store as a service. We will inform you separately after purchase.
- We can also install a headset and BB for a fee, so please feel free to contact us.