rich91724

I'm in the market for a used bike. It's my first major upgrade and I'm somewhat of a noob so i don't know a lot. I've narrowed it down to two bikes:

2017 sb5.5 Turq
Fork: Rockshox Pike 160mm travel.
Shock: Fox Float X Factory (Kashima)
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
Brakes: Shimano XT
Dropper: OneUp 170mm with PNW Loam Lever
Saddle: WTB Volt
Cranks: E-Thirteen TRSR carbon (175mm I think)
Pedals: Race Face Chesters
Handlebar: 800mm carbon "Race Face Next"
Grips: ODI Ruffian lock-ons
Front Wheel: Roval (29mm internal width) non-boost spacing (100mm)
Front Tire: Maxxis Assegai 2.50WT
Rear Wheel: Bontrager Line Comp 30 (29mm internal width) with upgrade 6 pawl (108 POE) hub with boost spacing (148mm)
Rear Tire: Maxxis DHRII 2.40WT

2018 Hightower LT CC
Eagle XX1 shifter and derailer,
X01 cranks with 30t Eagle chainring.
Aluminum Roval Traverse wheels are brand new along with NX 12sp cassette.
Easton carbon bars and 50mm Easton stem.
Fox Factory 36 fork with Push ACS3 system
Fox Factory DPX2 rear shock.
Guide Ultimate brakes and ceramic bearing bottom bracket

Yeti is $3100 and the SC is $3600. What are your thoughts on which to get. It's really close so i'm torn. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

DMC707

Tough choice, but i like Yeti in general a bit more. Currently riding an sb95 myself - but previously rode a SC Superlight and still have an old Heckler in the garage as a backup bike

although i like Yeti, neither one of your choices are perfect due to the builds

dont like the mismatched wheelset though for $3100

Santa Cruz has a better fork but worse brakes and a budget wheelset choice as well.

rich91724

Thanks for your feedback. What’s your thoughts on the price for the yeti? Is it fair or should I look for something else?

Kapusta

Those are both top notch frames with mostly excellent builds.

With 2-3 year old high end MTBs like these, the value has a lot to do with condition, which could very wildly.

DMC707

Its a fair but not great price if the bike is in otherwise great shape- but then again, there may not be any screaming deals out there now as we still have the remnants of Covid pricing going on

- mismatched wheels on a high end bike would drive me nuts though and i would have to change them out asap

noodle soup

I was thinking the same thing. Both are decent bikes, but will need some upgrades.

rich91724

Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful. If I were to go with the SC, what upgrades would you recommend.

DMC707

The aluminum wheels and NX cassette are a curious choice on an otherwise high endy build - making me think the owner likely moved the carbon wheelset over to his next bike -

You could definitely just ride it until something breaks without worrying about it-- but i personally would swap the brakes out for Shimano XT's - or even Zee's or Saints on a big bike like that.

noodle soup

+1

the NX cassette is 11-50t, so the wheelset probably isn't 10-52t compatible. I agree with the XT brakes as an upgrade. Merlin has them for a great price.

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano...et-179622.html

rich91724

You guys are awesome. Thanks again for the suggestions and giving advice to a noob. Have a great weekend.

gsa103

Both bikes look like someone swapped the nice wheels to their new bike. I'm partial to Yeti, but honestly get the one that speaks to you (color whatever). Both are excellent bikes. I like Shimano XT brakes, they're very reliable. I upgraded my older Yeti 575, and they've been great.