Hey all, first time poster, first post. I've been lurkin' a bit so here goes...
Looking to move into my first real bike. I ride 90% XC in the Mt. Diablo foothills here in the bay area but am starting to make excursions to places like the Confluence Trail in Auburn, Tamarancho in Marin and FLume Trail SLT etc etc
With a budget of around 1800 bucks soup to nuts, I started out looking at the TREK 6700. I was mostly concerned about the component set of any new bike wanting at least X9 or XT level components and FOX front fork and was only able to get that level of component in a hard tail.
Then I started looking at the SANTA CRUZ Superlight. For a bit less than 2k, I can get the Superlight RXC and be pretty dialed as far as my xc goes. I do quite a bit of climbing but when I descend, my heavier hardtail and overall aggressive style has me way out in front of my group of regulars who all ride light weight XC bikes. However, they are always waiting for me at the summit...
I wanted to get some solid feedback regarding a single pivot XC bike like the Superlight vs hardtail. Honestly, I just cant afford to step up to 2k plus on this bike. I hope to ride it for at least 5-7 years with upkeep.
Also, I noticed that the SANTA CRUZ retains its value pretty well and I can get a LT BLUR used on Craigslist but that article in MTB ACTION regarding the short life span of shocks/forks gave me concern. however, if I buy my bike new with FOX 32's on the front, I dont plan on replacing that fork for at least 3 years unlees I blow it out which is highly doubtfull.
Does anyone agree that a SANTA CRUZ Superlight should be able to take me over and down most of the trails I encounter as long as Im not totally mobbing down the hill balls out?
Thanks for your advice!
Looking to move into my first real bike. I ride 90% XC in the Mt. Diablo foothills here in the bay area but am starting to make excursions to places like the Confluence Trail in Auburn, Tamarancho in Marin and FLume Trail SLT etc etc
With a budget of around 1800 bucks soup to nuts, I started out looking at the TREK 6700. I was mostly concerned about the component set of any new bike wanting at least X9 or XT level components and FOX front fork and was only able to get that level of component in a hard tail.
Then I started looking at the SANTA CRUZ Superlight. For a bit less than 2k, I can get the Superlight RXC and be pretty dialed as far as my xc goes. I do quite a bit of climbing but when I descend, my heavier hardtail and overall aggressive style has me way out in front of my group of regulars who all ride light weight XC bikes. However, they are always waiting for me at the summit...
I wanted to get some solid feedback regarding a single pivot XC bike like the Superlight vs hardtail. Honestly, I just cant afford to step up to 2k plus on this bike. I hope to ride it for at least 5-7 years with upkeep.
Also, I noticed that the SANTA CRUZ retains its value pretty well and I can get a LT BLUR used on Craigslist but that article in MTB ACTION regarding the short life span of shocks/forks gave me concern. however, if I buy my bike new with FOX 32's on the front, I dont plan on replacing that fork for at least 3 years unlees I blow it out which is highly doubtfull.
Does anyone agree that a SANTA CRUZ Superlight should be able to take me over and down most of the trails I encounter as long as Im not totally mobbing down the hill balls out?
Thanks for your advice!