dmpocket

It's been too long since I've owned a mountain bike and looking for direction as I get back into it. The extent of my riding will be exclusively on trails, probably not very technical rides. I've done a lot of research but admittedly still have a ways to go. However I have narrowed it down and decided to go Santa Cruz, 3 options. Again, for someone that's not an expert, doesn't clearly know the differences, or has a preference on one build vs another, what option would you recommend:

• 2019 Santa Cruz 5010 CC X01+ (About $4K)
• 2019 Santa Cruz Bronson CS (About $4K)
  • (Nextie wheels/Chris King hubs upgrade)
• 2021 Santa Cruz Tallboy CR (About $5K)

Thanks for the education and feedback, much appreciated!

-David

sarhog

Based on the choices and your requirements, the Tallboy is the best bet. Full disclosure, I just sold a Tallboy to buy a 5010, so there’s that. In my case, I sold a 3rd gen Tallboy, for a 4th gen 5010.

1xGuy

I would agree that based on the riding you say you will be doing, that the Tallboy is the better choice. Also would add that it has 29" wheels while the 5010 and Bronson of that vintage are both 27.5" wheeled bikes.

DMC707

Go for the newer TallBoy

29'ers won the war -- there is already talk of the 27.5 fading into obscurity

Cdmccorm

I have the ‘19 Bronson and adore it. I’ve ridden the tallboy, nomad, Hightower and the 5010.
I really prefer the 27.5 wheel size and it’s ability to feel underfoot. Nothing wrong with the 29ers, but I like the more active and nimble ride feel of a 27.5.
The way trails are being built these days, and the push for machine built- wider, faster slalom-like tracks lends itself to the 29 platform. To each their own, have to just ride and find out.

whatshubdoc

Where are you riding and what/how do you aspire to ride? The geometry and travel are meant to suit those intentions.

The choices offered are the 3 most popular and debated options in the Santa Cruz lineup. I owned a Tallboy (2015, 100mm travel) and thought I liked it, and came to discover that I wanted something with more travel. Then I bought a bike with 115mm travel, and modded it to run 130mm travel. I currently own a 130mm 27.5 and a 145mm 29er, and each has traits that I appreciate.

Bandrada

Why Santa Cruz? I think the 5010 is a pretty good build. If you aren't gonna go to bike parks and you are looking at a pure downcountry rig, I don't think you could go wrong.

doubravsky 

My riding style sounds like yours- and I purchased a Tallboy this year and absolutely love it.

tungsten

No.

DMC707

Its happening . Its been discussed about here in other threads too. I'm guessing 27.5 will linger on but largely with bigger travel enduro and DH bikes , although quite a few of those are going 29" now too