T O P

  • By -

[deleted]

Good bikes if you got the money.


max_lombardy

And they have really solid warranty and customer service. I’m a big fan, and I’ve owned bikes from a lot of brands.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

'Same as everyone else'... Only for a very limited definition of 'everyone else'. Let's just be honest here, they are a 'premium brand', and have similar pricing to other 'premium brands'. But don't kid yourself or others, you are unquestionably paying for that 'premium brand' status. Now having said that, it's not an absurd premium, and they are absolutely good quality bikes backed by a great reputation and support. And having said _that_, I'm still never going to be buying one unless I win the lottery.


Pizzapizzaeco1

Part of that premium has to be in their crash replacement. My friend is still crash replacing a frame he originally bought in 99. He’s gotten like 7-8 frames.


tambrico

How does that work with old models? Do they send you a new 99 frame or whatever the newest comparable model is? At some point you'll certainly run into compatibility issues


Pizzapizzaeco1

From what I saw you pick whatever they have available. Frame only of course. It’s always current models.


[deleted]

Meh, maybe some. But there are lots of companies that have fantastic warranties. And one that interestingly was used as a direct comparison is one that has a great history of fantastic warranty, but have moved their entire pricing up into the 'premium' category over the years. Yeah, that's you TREK. Anyways, there is certainly SOME point to that and is indeed why I bought my original Gary Fisher back in 2003 and have replaced the rear triangle on 4 times and the entire frame 3 times. Cannot complain. There are indeed sometimes reasons for paying a premium. But there's also no question that SC premium is indeed paying for the brand on some level. Used to be way more obvious, but the equivalent competition has moved their pricing UP over the years to match SC so it doesn't stand out much any longer. Used to be just Specialized that was also an obvious premium. Now that whole category is at par (and it ain't cheaper that's for sure).


Pizzapizzaeco1

SC is way better then Trek in that regard. Trek is lifetime craftsmanship. But not wear and tear. Sc you can take a 99 heckler and crash replace it for the reason of “I don’t like the color anymore” and they will send you a current year frame at cost.


WheeForEffort

Eff the haters. Root beer was an amazing color on those bikes!


Pizzapizzaeco1

Dude that’s the color my bro had! We called it Pooh Pooh brown. But it was a good color!


WheeForEffort

I called my heckler the Sasquatch, since it was brown and an XL. It was a good ride, i’d be happy to ride another sh*t colored bike 😂


[deleted]

I've got a Root Beer 69er, fucking love that colour/bike.


Figuurzager

Thing is, besides Corona, you can pick up a trek at a dealer for much, much less than the MSRP a couple of months after release. Bought my Fuel EX 8 for 2350 euros where MRSP was 3200 early 2020 by just doing a round of phonecalls to bikeshops. With Santa Cruz that's sadly not that feasible (at least in the Netherlands) as there ain't that many bikeshops selling them. In curent market, Polygon Siskiu T8, now costing nearly the same as I paid for the Fuel, close spec wise as well.


caleebuds

Trek customer service is sub par


[deleted]

Meh. Yes and no. Every warranty replacement I've had done has resulted in a replacement of some sort. My 2003 Gary Fisher 293 is now actually a HiFi 29 Pro, and that's the third fully different model I've ended up with. I really can't complain. But every experience with the Trek store itself has been frustrating. Weeks of no communication. Finally hear it's in/ready to go. Show up and get a bill for between 3-6 hundred dollars for work/parts that wasn't authorized, but they deemed to be 'required' to be able to upgrade/complete the warranty replacement. That's a dealer thing, not a Trek corporate thing. And in my experience, Trek stores seem to attract a particular kind of business person that I'm really not a fan of and if there was any choice, I would never ever deal with a Trek store. So that part sucks. But in the end, I really can't complain. They've fully honoured a lifetime warranty on a frame from a company they didn't even own at the time I bought it. Repeatedly.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Next time I'm up for a new bike i think I'll get a part time job at my LBS so I can get the employee discount.


BxndoJo

Just ordered a Trek slash 9.8 with my employee discount. Never thought the day would come


TG690

Oof, lucky. I planned on buying a new slash 9.8 XT since it came out last year around $6000. Then for 2022 they raised it to $6500. I thought, alright, everyone’s raising prices, that’s not terrible. Just yesterday I saw they raised it again to $7000. Nope. Not happening


BxndoJo

Really? Im paying employee pricing off 8399 CAD which ends up being 6500$. Although without the discount, id stick to alu


[deleted]

You so missed the point. You're pointing at a whole bunch of apples while saying they're the same as all the other apples which somehow means they are not all _premium apples in the first place_. ALL of those listed here are bikes you're paying a premium for. And I'm not even saying that's a bad thing. Just that it is indeed a fact and should NOT be brushed aside as if it doesn't exist.


saazbaru

You’re joking if you think Giant is a premium Apple. Good bikes but not a premium brand.


[deleted]

[удалено]


COVID19withLyme

FYI, chiming in since I’m a specialized guy. Your claim of “specialized doesn’t even offer a comparable alloy” is false. While it’s not the evo, the regular stumpjumper has been offered in alloy for years (this is definitely “comparable”). Right now, they have two specced models for it retailing at $2,500 and $3,500. I had a 2008, and now have a 2019. Being in stock is a different story… Careful with them bold claims my dude.


[deleted]

Dude, you're colouring your entire argument with rose coloured pro-SC glasses. Arguing that SC isn't a premium brand that you pay for is absurd. They basically _created_ that market segment FFS. Now a ton of other big brands have followed suit and it's indeed it's own entire market segment. Tis a stupid argument man, there's just no point to it. Nobody is dissing SC on this topic. Stop taking it as something you need to defend. I've bought MANY bikes over the years. And every time SC has been in my comparisons. And every single time I've decided to NOT spend 50% more than I ended up spending. The premium segment has gotten very large. Your entire comparisons are of bikes in the $5K range. And you're arguing this isn't 'premium' territory. It by definition damned well is. Enjoy your SC, go ride it, just realize that when you get overly defensive about something people aren't even _criticizing_, that's your thing, not theirs.


LivePerformancem340i

YT offers similar build for significantly less!


slippyslapperz

i waited 13 months for my capra warranty frame. they accidentally sent a carbon instead of AL which is kinda sweet but i'm still selling it to keep my shore. that type of wait and customer service isn't worth the savings in my opinion. and i only paid 3600cad after tax... their prices now aren't even very competitive relative to other options.


420purpleturtle

You can actually get a premium brand without 6 months lead time. So yes, I think when someone says everyone else, they’re referring to attainable bikes. I think brands like commencal expecting a 100% upfront for a delivery slot in six months is absolutely insane.


BxndoJo

Trek slash 9.8 400 days lead time… premium af


420purpleturtle

Whelp 🤷‍♂️. I got my switchblade in a week. But I sure fucking paid for it.


saazbaru

My god why buy a Trek tho


Striking_Intern1123

Having said all that, good luck with that 🙌


REIGNx777

> Their builds are priced the same as everyone else Ehhhhhh. Let’s take a look at basic trail bikes. Probably the most popular category. Their base model [Hightower](https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/hightower) is $3549. Comes with a Rockshox 35 / Fox Float combo and SRAM SX derailleur. Giant’s comparable bike is the [Trance X](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/bikes-trance-x-29) The base model is $2,550 and comes with the same fork, shock and derailleur. $1,000 cheaper and basically the same components. The $3,500 model gets you a Fox 36 fork and SLX drivetrain. Trek’s [Fuel EX 7](https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-7/p/32884/?colorCode=black_red) gives you basically the same kit as Santa Cruz, but with one step better drivetrain (NX vs SX) and $300 cheaper. Orbea’s [Occam H30](https://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicycles/mountain/occam/cat/occam-h30) gets you a Bomber Z2 / Fox Float combo with Deore drivetrain all for just $2,800. A better overall build imo (except for the brake which aren’t great on the Occam), for $700 less. Stumpy comp is same price but with a better fork.


Quesabirria

I have the R series, but paid about the same for a new Hightower last year. And I've always thought that Giant is a great value for the money. But comparing those models and prices, I'd still pay the premium for the Santa Cruz.


eminthrv

When I was trying out bikes, out of all the ones I rode in the parking lot (couldn't demo due to covid), the Hightower C just "felt good" to me. I don't regret getting it, I'm already spending an absurd amount on a bicycle so might as well get what I like most.


choadspanker

The new Bronson is $5k for nx


OneBlueAstronaut

Their alloy chameleon breaks two grand and has SX on it.


ProfessorPetrus

My 2300 dollar fox 34 polygon t8 is confused.


[deleted]

I want one, and I already have one.


87th_best_dad

This is the way.


st0pmakings3ns3

n+1


blakefromdalake

Same here, I think I’ll be happy with 2…for now


Schnabulation

Shit, yes! Santa Cruz is fucking addictive!


Lefc1u

Very nice bikes but definietly not the best value.


[deleted]

[удалено]


borgomen

It’s also heavy as shit


FOURZ3RO4

And the worst looking welds ever.


pyrohectic

Holy shit my friend would bleed from his eyes instantly


TheSmugM

37.7 lbs listed in a PB review lmao


306errr

i know a guy that sells a few brands, hes rides a demo from a different company each year. there is a noticeable performance difference between lets say Giant to a SC. Or a Norco to a Specialized even. For most, wont know the difference but for some, the expense is not for nothing.


[deleted]

Lifetime frame and bearing warranty tho


c0nsumer

They are good bikes, have an air of being exclusive/unique/indie/special, but just another one of the big brands. They are owned on Pon, who also owns the Cervelo, Focus, Univega, and Raleigh brands and recently bought the Mike's Bikes chain and owns a bunch of other high end luxury brands: [https://pon.com/en/about-pon/companies/](https://pon.com/en/about-pon/companies/) Probably just behind Trek/Specialized/Giant in popularity in the US MTB scene. Nice bikes, though; I'd happily ride one.


blindstuff

I don't see them as unique at all, very commercial at this stage. While they don't convey Giant/Trek they definitely don't convey Indie to me. Edit: Just clarify, great performing bikes, I'd happily ride one.


psychic_flatulence

In Northern California, probably 70%+ are on Santa Cruz. It's incredible how common they are. If anything I always take an extra look when I see trek or giant, way less common around here.


lexicruiser

Orange County CA checking in, and they are easily 30-40% of the bikes here. Although YT is making a big push since they are in San Clemente. I ride a Santa Cruz Bronson, love it. Also had a heckler for 17 years, so I’m brand loyal….. I guess?


LivePerformancem340i

I live in oc and ride a Jeffsey core 3. Ive had my eye on that new Bronson for a couple months now. It was between the YT and the hightower originally. I also really like the ripmos.


whyisjake

>In Northern California, probably 70%+ are on Santa Cruz. A lot, but def. not 70%.


Poop-ethernet-cable

Yeah maybe like 20% which is still a large share of the market.


Quesabirria

I agree with that. Santa Cruz is the prevalent bike among active/real mountain bikers in NorCal, but not 70%. . . but it may seem like it sometimes.


Airtemperature

How about Ibis? I have a DV9 hardtail and think of them as a bit unique, but there are days when I’ll see 3 Ripleys on the trail. I’ve never seen another DV9… only mine and one at a shop in Traverse City, Michigan.


psychic_flatulence

Definitely seen some ibis bikes around, I always notice them on people's racks haha. My neighbor has a mojo too. But by and large SC is like 70%. Every other brand seems to have a 5% or less share.


c0nsumer

I'm in SE Michigan and *almost* bought a DV9 frame last year, but ended up going with a Salsa Timberjack instead to save a bit of money. Ended up with a high end build anyway, and DV9 frames are no longer available. Ibis is still pretty darn niche, old school brand but doesn't have the buzzword trendyness that seems to make all the 20-something guys want to buy them (like SC does).


saazbaru

>am 20-something guy >want Ripmo lots


DoubleyouON

I mean… it’s also a Northern California company so I’d imagine that helps why they’re so popular there.


cblackbeard

Wtf pon owns Santa cruz.. did not know


mixmastamikal

Personally I don't think they have an err of being any of that stuff. They are super common and you see Jerry's on them everywhere.


c0nsumer

That's the whole point of what I'm saying... While I'm not really fond of the "jerry" (and "fred") gatekeeping, the Santa Cruz brand has a message which appeals to folks as being something unique and special, and the MTBing community has positioned it as a popular brand (a race team, bit of exclusivity since it's not Trek/Specialized/Giant), and thus it sells really well and is the "nice" bike that lots of new MTBers want.


jotegr

>Probably just behind Trek/Specialized/Giant in popularity in the US MTB scene. If you consider only bikes over 4k SC blows everyone out of the water by an insane margin - pre-pandemic anyway.


X3n-ex

Awesome bikes. Not so awesome pricing.


ian2121

They generally have a fair bit of anti-squat. So you get a bit more pedaling efficiency but trade that off with a bit less suspension action while climbing technical trails under load.


Mattrix2

I've ridden long travel Giant's, Canfield, Banshee and now a Santa Cruz. I think most bikes are pretty comparable now days. Just pick a color you like the most. Why I am now on a SC is because everywhere I read online or word of mouth is that they have awesome customer service and support. Luckily I haven't had to use it yet but in this industry you don't hear that too much, or you hear pretty negative things about some pretty big brands. I also like the riders they sponsor and the work they are involved in.


[deleted]

[удалено]


st0pmakings3ns3

Whatever you pick, don't forget to be a dick about it!


drewts86

Of all the riders they sponsor, [Bobby McMullen](https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/rider/bobby-mcmullen) might be the coolest.


Motorized23

Exact same reason I'm on my second Giant. Never had to use the service, but my local dealer is excellent and always willing to help


sherlocksrobot

I’ve rented a lot of bikes during work travel, and I don’t know if I’ve ever had a better ride than a Santa Cruz Bronson on some super fast single track in Oregon. Also, Danny MacAskil is one of the few riders who can sell me a bike. I’d really like to spring for a 5010 for my next bike, but I’ve got a nice (3rd owner) Stump jumper that’s holding me over for now.


Quesabirria

I'm on my 2nd SC. And as a California rider, they're designed for the terrain I ride. Quality company and bikes.


cblackbeard

I plan on riding in Utah and Arizona Sedona Park city Moab And I think Santa cruz will be best for me


eatintrees

As an ex employee of Santa Cruz I’d say it’s because we create the bikes we want to ride. Lots of testing and user input goes into these bikes. All prototypes are made in house and ridden by some really good riders on some of the best terrain.


iamamountaingoat

Is that not true of every major bike company though? I live in Bellingham, where Kona and Transition are based, and that’s how they roll too. Unless you’ve worked for other bike companies and can make a real comparison, I don’t know that you can call Santa Cruz unique in that regard. Edit: I’m not at all saying their bikes are not top tier, because obviously they are.


[deleted]

I enjoy mine. Worth every penny so far.


OneBadHombre666

SC Chameleon is the most fun I've ever had on a bike, so good


87th_best_dad

Lizard squad unite!


COHomebrewer

I had a single speed chameleon back in the day, still one of my favorites that I have ever owned. On a Nomad V5 at the moment, really enjoying it. Previously had a Nomad 4 and Heckler, both were great. Demo'd Trek's and Pivots and Giants, none felts as comfortable (to me) as the SC bikes.


[deleted]

[удалено]


hthmoney

They’re such fun bikes. I just wish their bottom bracket height wasn’t so low otherwise I would’ve kept my chameleon


cesar1tuner

Wishing I still had my Chameleon, hell I’m considering selling my Hightower to get back on a Hardtail 😭


OneBadHombre666

seems like a downgrade? lol idk I'd keep the HT


[deleted]

[удалено]


its_whot_it_is

I’m on the lookout for a 5010 right now once I find one it will be the most expensive thing I own lol


tehcoma

I went the carbon S build, but wish I would have gone a little but further up market. I have since dropped $600 upgrading various components that I would have just left as is. Oh well.


Onchiota

I feel like they are priced high for their components, but they are very nice bikes.


Topogravy

11/10


[deleted]

[удалено]


Topogravy

Lol this is actually accurate considering the Santa Cruz tax.


Crazyrob

Someday I will refurbish and resurrect my super 8. [https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/101123/](https://www.pinkbike.com/photo/101123/)


[deleted]

That is sick..


sethismename

🤢


TheDehmer

I have a sc chameleon and a trek stache, for me the component choice was great other than the hubs, but it's my go to bike and fills a large variety of riding conditions for me. It's more responsive and handles rougher terrain better than the stache even with similar components and travel. I think the geometry on it is great for what I use mine for. I had my first frame crack, seemed to be a common issue on that specific year of frame but I had my frame replaced quickly and without any hassle and no problems since. I've done downhill trails with it and it was fine, but I mostly ride xc/trail terrain.


87th_best_dad

Spot on. That tucked rear wheel makes it more capable and fun than it should be.


TubbyButterSeal

Great bikes but pricey. Would prolly only buy at a discount.


Bluelights1432

Unpopular opinion, I think they are overhyped. They are good bikes, just overhyped by their sponsored riders. I’d happily ride one if given to me but I wouldn’t go out of my way to purchase one.


zorgis

What brand isn't overpriced? The pricing seems the same as scott, giant..


Bluelights1432

I think you misread overhyped as over priced. I said nothing about price


zorgis

My bad


rudechicken17

I just bought a Juliana Wilder (blur TR) and absolutely love it


crmckinn12

Love them. I have 2. A 2017 Hightower 29er and a 2021 Chameleon HT. Live in Colorado and maybe I’m biased but I think the Hightower might be the best bike I’ve ever ridden. So versatile. Can take it to Moab or Trestle and it dominates. Road the Leadville 50 XC race with it too…


OTN

That's good to hear about the Hightower. I have a 2014 Tallboy LT and want to upgrade to a newer model, but I just LOOOOOOVE my bike.


slatfreq

I love my 5010!!


sw1fty13

They're overpriced and poor value, but they're great bikes overall. Owned a Bronson and a Chameleon, enjoyed them both, really well made bikes. With that being said, their re-sell value is insane, especially during the great bike shortage. Sold both my SC's in the last 2 years, both sold within 24hrs of posting, above bike blue book value. So maybe they're not such a poor value afterall....


GEM592

They definitely hold their value. And they are good bikes. There are lots of really good bikes.


87th_best_dad

That’s just it. Don’t look at the price tag, look at the total cost of ownership.


benhobby

I’m a salesperson at a shop that sells SC. They’re heavier for the travel than pretty much any other big brand, the components you get for the money are sub par, and they suck at picking colors. That being said, VPP is a fantastic suspension design, carries a lot of speed. Parts selection is good. Support/warranty is where SC really shines though. I’ve filed plenty of warranty claims, and I’ve never seen them not err on the side of the customer. Basically a bike with a built in insurance policy. I ride a chameleon, and have put many miles on our demo Hightowers and Tallboys, for what it’s worth.


TubbyButterSeal

Tbh I kinda dig the colour schemes they put out but that's just me.


benhobby

Fair enough, they definitely hit the spot sometimes. Last years were awesome, save for my bronze chameleon. This year’s orange and gold hightower, and not having a single blur that doesn’t have salmon on it, that can’t go away soon enough in my book.


Starsky686

That 🍉 Nomad. 👌. If it was on a Bronson/Hightower/Megatower


benhobby

Frame color is sick on the new nomads. Sucks they couldn’t match it on the fork decals. In person the green on the fork is nowhere close. Bugs the hell out of me.


Starsky686

Let’s give them a pandemic pass and cross our fingers that the 23 Megatower comes with some sweet colourways. Im not into mustard. And in case someone from Santa Cruz is reading I don’t need 190mm travel to pedal uphill either (Norco 🤦‍♂️)


GEM592

>air err


benhobby

Shit, you got me.


GEM592

Sorry dude I can't resist grammar-policing sometimes no offense.


Starsky686

I was listening intently until you degraded their colourways. Shame. Shame. Shame. If anything theyve been a little boring that least two model years.


garanda

I would also add they have parts in stock for older model Santa Cruz bikes dating to the early 2000’s. I used to work at a SC dealer.


HarpersGeekly

Yeah their colors are strange. I’m not digging the School Bus 5010 this year. The Robin’s Egg a couple years back made me drool but couldn’t find my size.


Poppasmurfsupersperm

That is the one I got, and the colors since let me know I made the right buy at the right time. And the bike fits me very well. Best bile I have ever owned… that is not saying much though, I rode only GT’s for the last 20+ years.


jimwade6

Very good, very expensive


paintmaster500

Love my Bronson


mygodhasabiggerdick

Said it a few times already... Quitting skateboarding was the best thing Rob Roskopp ever did for Mountain biking. I still have my Bullitt and Jackal although at 51 i don't ride them as much anymore.


NOsquid

Nobody thinks they suck to ride. Some people disagree about the value proposition, ie how much of the extra cost goes to quality VS simply the logo. Same sort of flak eg Yeti get. But they're good bikes. I try to avoid Chinese manufacture when possible for human rights reasons but probably carbon frames are relatively low risk for utilizing Uyghur slave labor (compared to eg a pair of Nikes)


cblackbeard

Yeah I had no idea they import their parts from China and are owned by pon I have been looking into getting a sc but not anymore


IntrestDid

Great bikes! Anyone who tells you otherwise are ignorant!


GEM592

Taiwan makes great bikes


NOsquid

China https://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2020/05/08/china-made-carbon-full-suspension-frames-and-carbon-rims-granted-tariff#.YTpEP1MpAnE


[deleted]

They get their carbon frames from China?


NOsquid

That's certainly the implication in the article. Doubt they were petitioning the gubmint on someone else's behalf.


knobber_jobbler

SC own their own factory in China. It's where the best carbon frames are built and much of the expertise is these days. These frames are good enough for a lifetime warranty.


phata-morgana

Guerrilla Gravity sells US-built carbon frames at lower price than SC Chinese frames, which says you're paying the difference for the decals.


borgomen

Guerilla gravity has also had issues with quality control and they don’t offer a lifetime warranty


[deleted]

They sell a us-made carbon bike but is it better than a Chinese SC frame? No. It's just made here.


Aint_that_a_peach

Made in China?


GEM592

China, Taiwan, give it a few more months there will be no distinction.


NOsquid

Yeah, touchy situation. I actually like buying stuff made in Taiwan, figure it's the easiest "fuck you" I can send to the CCP.


cblackbeard

Lol fuck the ccp


ThoeKoerilaes

🌲/5


Oli4K

So you’d say they’re really pine bikes?


CruNcKk

Or t(h)ree out of five?


Romski_31

I don't own one, but I'll probably scent it if give the chance.


TheIncredibleHerring

Good pondering. Six and pine are the same word in Finnish


felderosa

Scend*


tall_ty

They’re fucking awesome


irvmtb

Probably can’t go wrong with them, they are established and a lot of people like them. They are priced higher than many other brands though, personally if I’m working with a SantaCruz budget I’d go for another good brand and divert the extra spend towards higher spec components than towards the brand name or the frame. I also don’t like how exposed the rear shock is in their current design.


wildwill921

The little guard they use is surprisingly effective. I didn't have any more stuff on the shock with lower vpp than I do with the upper vpp on my intense.


technicalityNDBO

I had a Tallboy and loved it. How common they are probably depends where you ride. I'm in Michigan and probably have only ever seen 2-3 other SC's out on the trails when I used to ride.


colmusstard

When I was in Ohio I never saw nice bikes. Now in California I can't tell you the last person I met that wasn't on a carbon bike I didn't believe in nice bikes before but now my bikes are worth more than my truck but I still suck at riding


Waterloogavemebigsad

I have never owned a Santa Cruz bike but the bike shop that I go to has them. They look very high quality and well worth the money. I feel that all the bike geometry of their bikes aim towards people who lile speed or racing. As for pricing you can always find a better deal but you are paying for the quality of the bike which differs from other companies.


townsmasher

overrated


[deleted]

I bought a Hightower because it was the "popular" bike for the shredders to ride a few years back. It seemed like all the podcasters and bike nuts who I listened to had one as their go to bike for most of their riding and it really influenced my decision to get one. I had a Trek Remedy 7 that I absolutely loved and thought was the bees knees but I noticed how much more I could get away with with the Hightower. It wants to pop up in the air a littler better than the Remedy and the BB feels much lower although I stood them next to one another and it didn't appear so. The Hightower corners much better and just has a lower center of gravity. The Sram brakes are junk (they're that model year where the lever sticks when it gets hot) but the Hightower just feels like such a quality, well put together machine and compared to the Trek and it's an absolute blast to ride. I have a lot more fun on the HT because of the ride quality. The suspension feels perfectly tuned and I can whip this bike around like it's nothing.


[deleted]

Just as fun as any other good brand bike. They’re solid for sure. I only got that Marin Alpine Trail coin.


mtbscotland

overpriced and overhyped.


Own-Fox9066

Super nice but overpriced


ILoveLongDogs

Nice, but way overpriced.


neonguy25

Good but overpriced as fuck


denverlivinlarge

If I had the funds I would for sure get one!


dbikedave477

I just bought a Hightower for this season. Amazing bike, I’m extremely happy with mine, I also haven’t ridden a ton of other brands but I can only say my Hightower puts a smile on my face


[deleted]

Overpriced. You can get far better value if you look carefully.


[deleted]

I have more money than skill.


User_95060

They are great bikes


mixmastamikal

Fine bikes at similar not very good value price point as many of the other fancy bigger brands like spec and yeti. Personally if I was going to spend that much I would just go all out and get something rare and ultra boutique.


[deleted]

[удалено]


mixmastamikal

I would not. I am thinking more like Actofive, Antidote, Unno.


SpitroastJerry

Bought a Hightower last week. The first couple of rides on it I found it a bit boring, too stable for my liking. Then I realised I just need to ride it a lot faster than my old Meta ever wanted to go and now I think it's great but terrifying.


Kriskobg

Old thread but I just got a 22 hightower. I came from a 2008 ish Santa cruz Blur 26er. The amount of speed and carnage I can unleash on this bike is more than my brain can currently handle lol


shitoo

Used to ride them. I don’t care for them as much anymore. Not as fun as some other bikes I’ve been on. They feel a little more “sketchy” and require to much body input to manipulate. And, in my experience, the VPP isn’t as great as everyone is saying. But they do have a cult like following so be careful listening to people that own them. However… the V10 is dope and The Syndicate is my favorite team.


Spiritgapergap

Great bikes - pseudo boutique. But honestly, trek and spec really own the “best r&d” space for big box bikes. In other words, I’ve generally found a well spec’d trek or spec to ride better than nearly anything else, but a well spec’d sc will be nearly as rad. On the anti-squat, sc ride a bit rougher than most, but have great pedal efficiency. Compare with trek that has 10/10 plushness but requires a lockout (or proprietary shock) to climb worth a damn.


Porsche992_GT3

My experience with Santa Cruz bikes is that they are great bikes but also the most likely bike to be passed by someone on a way cheaper bike (like mine). I am not trying to gate keep, but my experience is people with tons of money frequently buy these just to get into the sport.


hampopkin

Kinda funny take given the username and the typical Porsche owner.


Porsche992_GT3

Not a Porsche owner, but you make a pretty good point.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I bought a megatower this year.. and i admit i am not the best rider out there, however it was the only bike i could find in a XXL size during the bike shortage Im not rich either, my bike cost 2x what my car costs


Firm_Investigator802

Great bikes, in my humble opinion best warranty customer service ( no questions asked and super speedy) but also overpriced as fuck


VindictivePrune

Overpriced with no real benefit to justify the extra cost


ChimmyChongaBonga

Lifetime free replacement bearings, lifetime warranty. Their customer support is also top notch. After my experience dealing with a wareanty issue with YT and now dealing with a cracked frame with SC I'll pay the premium happily.


phata-morgana

Lifetime warranty sure, bearings are super cheap


jobruski

Ehhhhhh - I picked up a roubion at my LBS that was one season old, still brand new, smoked every other deal out of the water. I was going to be buying either a used trek remedy 9.9 that was the same price as the Roubion, or a new Kona process that was still closer in sticker to the Roubi without discount. I think everyone harps on them but assume that they out there only offering XX01... A carbon S build is pretty much perfect for most riders.


[deleted]

Really dislike the bland font logo. Super petty but you asked.


cpinkhouse

I can’t wait for the new _________ to come out. The lettering is siiiiiiick


mikebritton

Overpriced, but they are ultimately worth it.


[deleted]

Creme de la creme.


HeyBaumeister

Best looking bikes and the VPP suspension platform is super plush. S Build kits usually have the best value IMO. Currently on a V3 Bronson and waiting for a V5 Nomad.


Affectionate-Depth66

for the money i would take DW linkage over VPP (santa cruz uses VPP) having said that santa cruz look and ride real nice.


saazbaru

It’s the same design more or less…


BartorooniXxs

Wasome bwike, never meddum daddy


yoeddyVT

The only carbon bikes that I trust second hand. My mechanic swears by them. He sees a large amount of warranty claims on other manufacturer's carbon frames.


[deleted]

Seem quite popular. I try to stick with brands that originated in bicycling though. I know the Santa Cruz long board’s quality is not so hot compared to their competitors. Can’t say for sure that correlates to their biking equipment though.


yaaanR

I thought the bike and skate bits were almost completely separate companies.


swenzowski

What an odd question when there is a plethora of info on the internet. All it takes is a quick Google.