Ask the experts

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Originally Posted by BFD

I am currently riding a stumpjumper expert
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/st...=320323-199757
I was wondering if this bike would be as capable and any improvement on performance?
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...73118467297749
they do not make this model yeti anymore maybe a good reason.
I am a decent intermediate rider like to ride everything but wheels stay on the ground. The 6lbs lighter appeals to me although I don't know if that makes a difference.

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IMO not as capable. That Yeti was considered an XC bike before the term Down Country came into existence. 120/100mm is light duty bike, with a steep 67.8 headtube angle on the Yeti vs a slacker 65 on your stumpy. That will be the biggest feel difference.
Trail riding, XC uphill performance (light weight), rougher down XC trails, but don't expect to smash rock gardens and rougher root sections as easily as your previous Stumpy.
But the specs and condition of that bike are very good looking.

I'm going to echo the "not as capable".

I have a SB115 which is the exact same frameset but longer stroke on the shock and built with a burlier fork (130mm Fox 34).

IMHO, I'd definitely prefer the SB115 over that Stumpy, but I wouldn't view it as much of an upgrade. I find it to feel very capable despite the shorter rear travel and steeper head tube. Good climber, stays composed on descents, not harsh like a true XC race bike...it makes a good "small bike" in my 2-bike quiver and its capable enough that I kinda wish my "big bike" was a step bigger.

You could make the SB100 into an SB115 by removing travel spacers in the shock and swapping out the fork...but that price feels too high for a bike that is 2 generations removed from the current SB120. And putting on bigger fork will cost more money and add more weight.
Could be a good wife bike though if she's just looking for something light to ride mellow trails/paths--but only if you can talk them down from $3k. I'd like something like that for my wife...where she'd like the support of some rear suspension, but not the weight of a budget FS bike.

Maybe instead take the money and buy yourself a nice wheelset for stumpy and play around with tires? Get some ~1700g carbon wheels and some good tires and you'll probably feel like you're riding a whole new bike.
Is the Reserve 30 SL wheelset included in any of those recent Reserve wheel discounts that have been floating around?
https://reservewheels.com/products/r...mountain-wheel

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Originally Posted by singlesline

Maybe instead take the money and buy yourself a nice wheelset for stumpy and play around with tires? Get some ~1700g carbon wheels and some good tires and you'll probably feel like you're riding a whole new bike.
Is the Reserve 30 SL wheelset included in any of those recent Reserve wheel discounts that have been floating around?
https://reservewheels.com/products/r...mountain-wheel

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Yeah, my Blur is similar to your SB120 with 120 and 115 rear. It can ride down anything my Bronson does, but not nearly as comfortable. It does depend what and where he likes to ride. The SB may be more than what he needs. But with that said, I'd echo your statement about getting an upgraded wheelset. That's probably one of the best and most significant upgrades you can make to a bike. Doing that to the Stumpy would be a nice upgrade and you'd have a solid ride for a variety of trail types.

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Originally Posted by BFD

thanks for the advice. I have not rode enough different bikes to understand geometry or travel. The stumpjumper does seem to do the job. 2 hrs away I may go over and ride it just to feel the difference. Maybe the girlfriend gets a new bike. seems like it would be a good bike for riding smooth trails through the pines.

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Agree with everyone else. No question the Stumpy’s a great all around bike. That Yeti will be more limited. Prolly still get down OK but I don’t think anyone short of XC racers would like a steeper head tube angle, including your GF, won’t be confidence inspiring on the descent.

I think I’m going to build ( or buy complete) a newish Hightower ( twenty one - twenty three) Anyone that has one and wants to trade for a Tallboy let me know…. But anyways.

I usually like running Magura MT Seven and they have an awesome sale on now but I’ve been curious about the Hayes Dominions. What’s been everyone’s experiences between the two?


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Seems like it would be somewhat difficult to build a bike vs buying a complete one today. The deals are too good. Even if you replaced some specific components like brakes you'd still might end up ahead buying complete.

I supose some people think its cool to buy a bunch of parts and bolt them togetehr but i would rather buy a bike already built and if it isnt done the way I want it i don't buy it , YMMV

I’ve built a couple of bikes over the years and I do enjoy the process. I have a lot of parts leftover which is mainly why I’m leaning this way.

But yes there are some great deals to be had out there for bikes.


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Originally Posted by Sandbox

I’ve built a couple of bikes over the years and I do enjoy the process. I have a lot of parts leftover which is mainly why I’m leaning this way.

But yes there are some great deals to be had out there for bikes.


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Yeah, I built one myself and had my shop build my replacement Bronson frame. I enjoy it too. My Bronson had everything I wanted...except the shock because it was during the COVID supply chain shitshow. But I just got that changed over now.

" I have a lot of parts leftover which is mainly why I’m leaning this way. "

I am pretty sure you ^^ end up with a lot of leftover parts some of which may fit your next build which works great if you are a shop bro cuz its a great palce to flog parts to th end losers you talk to

but more likely you you gota wank around buying/ selling/ shipping/ storing parts if you build your own bikes from scratch, which is cheaper I am not sure

IME " Buying off the rack " like a cheap suit I don't accumulate a lot of leftover parts just worn out parts, I DO still buy consumables for the coming season like the drive train I needed/ replaced last season, for this coming season I got tires/ brake pads/ chains/ seat post rebuild kit

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Originally Posted by Sandbox

I think I’m going to build ( or buy complete) a newish Hightower ( twenty one - twenty three)

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I think the Hightower 2 ran through 2021 model year and HT3 came out in 2022?
I don’t know if shock stroke and size changed from HT2 to HT3, but the link and suspension curve changed. So just keep in mind the subtle differences. My understanding of the HT2 is that the Cascade Components link was a pretty big deal for that frame. I’m not positive at all on this, but when the HT3 reviews first came out, it certainly made it sound as if Santa Cruz adopted some of the CC link’s characteristics into the HT3 link?

I’ve only ever ridden the HT3 (and HT1).

The HT4 came out at the start of this winter, which could bring down the price of new old stock complete bikes more than used bikes … The HT4 moved the downtube shock mount into the downtube (I’m not sure but I would assume this change prevents items placed in the glovebox from slipping all the way to the bottom bracket) and tweaked the suspension a bit, adding 5mm of rear travel.

I’ve long been a Santa Cruz fan … I still have my 9 year old B1, wife has a B4. That said when it comes to riding characteristics, I spent time on the HT3 and Smuggler (3? whatever the current model is) and where the HT3 is more comfortable and feels like driving an Audi, the Smuggler feels more like a Lotus that is optimized for absolutely tearing up corners and blasting off of every small lip. It’s more tiring to ride than the HT3 because the riding position is a little different and you have to put a bit more into the bike, but I think my next bike will likely be a long-stroked Smuggler. I know on paper the Sentinel is a little more comparable to the HT, though the Sentinel never really felt quite as well rounded for me as the HT did … I found the Sentinel that I demoed to have more front wheel wander and worse climbing traction than the HT3. Minute differences so suspension tuning could make a difference there. Santa Cruz also doesn’t come with the frame alignment baggage of Transition …

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Originally Posted by XXX-er

" I have a lot of parts leftover which is mainly why I’m leaning this way. "

I am pretty sure you ^^ end up with a lot of leftover parts some of which may fit your next build which works great if you are a shop bro cuz its a great palce to flog parts to th end losers you talk to

but more likely you you gota wank around buying/ selling/ shipping/ storing parts if you build your own bikes from scratch, which is cheaper I am not sure

IME " Buying off the rack " like a cheap suit I don't accumulate a lot of leftover parts just worn out parts, I DO still buy consumables for the coming season like the drive train I needed/ replaced last season, for this coming season I got tires/ brake pads/ chains/ seat post rebuild kit

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Yes, it does lead to a lot of wheeling and dealing and all that crap there is no doubt. I’ve found a Hightower I like with some parts I don’t. I’m thinking I’ll maybe grab it and just swap what I don’t, brakes are included in that.


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yeah I really can't think of any spare parts i own that are of any worth to sell used

my buddy the part time bartender/ teacher/ trail builder/ basement mechanic tells me the SC product are nice to work on and we gota alot of SC up here

So I wonder does sticking with the SC product makes it easier TO swap parts to the next build is a good question ?

The Bullit is my first SC and I'm a Fanboi

I noted shop bro was buying and selling all brands of high-end bikes for his personel rides which he would trade away often after only half a season ( its only 7 months up here ) and the bike he ended up with the most was an SC and the bike he quit shop bro-ing with was an SC

or maybe the SC rep gave him the best deals

I’ve had [emoji638] SC and I’ve really liked them. They fit me well and have been durable and I find they ride well for where I ride most. I do think there are not a lot of bad bikes out there anymore.


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Originally Posted by SchralphMacchio

I think the Hightower 2 ran through 2021 model year and HT3 came out in 2022?
I don’t know if shock stroke and size changed from HT2 to HT3, but the link and suspension curve changed. So just keep in mind the subtle differences. My understanding of the HT2 is that the Cascade Components link was a pretty big deal for that frame. I’m not positive at all on this, but when the HT3 reviews first came out, it certainly made it sound as if Santa Cruz adopted some of the CC link’s characteristics into the HT3 link?

I’ve only ever ridden the HT3 (and HT1).

The HT4 came out at the start of this winter, which could bring down the price of new old stock complete bikes more than used bikes … The HT4 moved the downtube shock mount into the downtube (I’m not sure but I would assume this change prevents items placed in the glovebox from slipping all the way to the bottom bracket) and tweaked the suspension a bit, adding 5mm of rear travel.

I’ve long been a Santa Cruz fan … I still have my 9 year old B1, wife has a B4. That said when it comes to riding characteristics, I spent time on the HT3 and Smuggler (3? whatever the current model is) and where the HT3 is more comfortable and feels like driving an Audi, the Smuggler feels more like a Lotus that is optimized for absolutely tearing up corners and blasting off of every small lip. It’s more tiring to ride than the HT3 because the riding position is a little different and you have to put a bit more into the bike, but I think my next bike will likely be a long-stroked Smuggler. I know on paper the Sentinel is a little more comparable to the HT, though the Sentinel never really felt quite as well rounded for me as the HT did … I found the Sentinel that I demoed to have more front wheel wander and worse climbing traction than the HT3. Minute differences so suspension tuning could make a difference there. Santa Cruz also doesn’t come with the frame alignment baggage of Transition …

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That is some great insight, appreciate the write up.


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Kid at the shop said he's not as big of a fan of the new Bronson 5 vs Bronson 4. I haven't looked at the difference, but he said it's geared more for flying down dh and not quite at playful.

So I do wonder how much the other bikes have changed also. I have a HT 1 and haven't ridden a newer version, but I'd like to.

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Originally Posted by Sandbox

I usually like running Magura MT Seven and they have an awesome sale on now but I’ve been curious about the Hayes Dominions. What’s been everyone’s experiences between the two?


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The short version: I'd take the maguras for shorter, less demanding downhills (better modulation), I'd take the Hayes for longer, steeper downhills (more power, less fade). I like the maguras, but I'm transitioning all bikes in my garage to Hayes.

Both are great brakes. Maguras (with the HC3 lever) are more adjustable, definitely have better modulation, and mineral oil is a little more pleasant to work with. Their bleed procedure is more annoying and the plastic lever requires some non-ham-handedness when bleeding.

Hayes have a super light lever pull and a fantastic, firm bite point. The power comes on quick, and is stronger than the maguras (but the maguras still make respectable power). Hayes can feel on-offy, especially at lower speeds. I've never had the Hayes noticeably fade on me, whereas the maguras have definitely faded on long (3k+ feet) sustained steep descents. Hayes have some nifty little features (dual bleed ports on calipers, horizontal position set screws on caliper mounting bolts). Hayes are DOT fluid, which doesn't bother me but is apparently a huge turn off to some.



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There are few joys that compare to hand picking every single component to be put on your new bike. Everything being exactly what you want, in the color scheme you want.
Granted, for transparency, I happen to have a side business doing just that; high end frame-up builds.

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Originally Posted by toast2266

The short version: I'd take the maguras for shorter, less demanding downhills (better modulation), I'd take the Hayes for longer, steeper downhills (more power, less fade). I like the maguras, but I'm transitioning all bikes in my garage to Hayes.

Both are great brakes. Maguras (with the HC3 lever) are more adjustable, definitely have better modulation, and mineral oil is a little more pleasant to work with. Their bleed procedure is more annoying and the plastic lever requires some non-ham-handedness when bleeding.

Hayes have a super light lever pull and a fantastic, firm bite point. The power comes on quick, and is stronger than the maguras (but the maguras still make respectable power). Hayes can feel on-offy, especially at lower speeds. I've never had the Hayes noticeably fade on me, whereas the maguras have definitely faded on long (3k+ feet) sustained steep descents. Hayes have some nifty little features (dual bleed ports on calipers, horizontal position set screws on caliper mounting bolts). Hayes are DOT fluid, which doesn't bother me but is apparently a huge turn off to some.



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Good info, thanks for that. I really do like the magura’s but I’ve always found them difficult to bleed and yes that fucking plastic bar clamp I’ve snapped more than a few.

Bob leisure has a decent deal on the A4’s as well but Magura has an extra 20% off


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Roxtar

There are few joys that compare to hand picking every single component to be put on your new bike. Everything being exactly what you want, in the color scheme you want.
Granted, for transparency, I happen to have a side business doing just that; high end frame-up builds.

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YMMV as they say, maybe cuz i carried a toolkit for too long,

so customers would ask what do you like about this job and the answer was always " I'm leaving in 10 minutes, you gotta stay "

its not like my buddy creating something out of wood or my buddy who makes work boots completely from scratch its just bolting stuff together and i'd rather Santa Cruz did that and presented me with a product I wana buy usually for cheaper

If you read about the Maguras, the main issues you hear about are:
- dragging pads
- fragile lever bodies

I had MT7s for about 4 months and experienced both those issues. The brakes feel amazing when working well, but I gave up on them and breaking a lever body in a relatively inconsequential crash.

I could not resolve the dragging pads. There is very little pad retraction, which makes them sensitive to rotor trueness and piston imbalance.

The pads are also very expensive.

stumbled into this deal and being tempted...
https://www.fanatikbike.com/products...39520986267694
sj evo frame for 500 in s6 seems solid
think this could be built up on the cheaper side and be a better deal than used market?
been casually looking for something to replace my 09 sx trail and get back into the mtb scene but dont have a lot of disposable $$$ at the moment, i know how to wrench and dont mind finding used deals but my boxes of spare parts are all 26in/non boost/1x10 so not a lot of cross compatibility and would need to buy most parts

lots of deals out there, i dont mind waiting for the right one, but is this one to not let slip by?

^^^ that's a solid deal if the size is right.

Building it up with new, on sale parts, I bet you could come in somewhere between $2000 - $2500. Less if you can find a screaming deal on the big ticket items (mainly wheels).

That said, you can get a pretty decent used bike for $2500 these days. It'd likely have nicer parts than what you'd end up with building that thing yourself.

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same thoughts ive been having, size seems good as im 6'3'', i do have a 27.5 ex471 rim sitting in the garage could lace up for a mullet build but likely cheaper to buy a built set
im picky but not a parts princess, metal wheels, fork i can tune at home, decent brakes, any drivetrain will do these days
any used bike would likely get some $$ thrown at it as well so building from scratch always appeals but all the little shit adds up
will see how i feel after a few more beers this evening haha

I think that’s a solid deal for that frame. Could piece it together fairly inexpensive if you wanted


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