[Closed] Santa Cruz - Are they really that good?

Any of you SC-enjoyers had a Yeti SB-66 beforehand? That’s what I’ve got now and it’s a bit knackered, I’m trying to decide if I spend the time and money getting it back in condition or just give up and join the bigger wheels bandwagon. The SB-6 isn’t quite doing it for me as a replacement.

Not sure if I’d want a Nomad or a Bronson if I did go Santa Cruz next, I do have friends with both but they’re a: older versions and b: either too big or too small for me. Eventually I’ll do some demos but meanwhile would like to hear anecdotes.

Actually that’s another thing that slightly puts me off SC, their design seems to change quite frequently which makes the shiny new bikes feel extra-old after a relatively short time if that makes sense? I wonder if this latest linkage style will stick around for a bit.

ooo... me.... i went from an sb66c to a 5010cc.... and i felt like a massive step up....

the reality is i don't need 160mm of travel for 99% of the time. In fact, i've ridden everywhere (on the 5010) i did on the sb66c, and never once felt under biked and have pretty much broken all PBs of any worth i'd set on the yeti...

i have drunk the kool-aid as they say

I'm the opposite, the Bronson with 160mm up front pedals so bloody well, I don't see the point of dropping to a shorter travel bike!

(Carbon) horses for courses! 🙂

on Bronson since 21014 - 5010 curios. But Bronsons so good do I just get another?

Thanks @robgclarkson - hadn't really seriously considered dropping 'down' a level in travel. I think I've one more big bike in me before I retire to the 'officially an XC mincer' status, even if it is mostly self-deception by now. (this is all tongue-in-cheek, I promise, I know it's plenty capable especially with a skilful rider). In somewhat more seriousness, I do plan to go do some uplift days and Alps trips on this one so while the majority of my riding will doubtless be nothing to faze a 5010 I'd still like the capability for more to be there.