Hi all, I've been riding a hardtail Liv Lurra 2 with 27.5" wheels for about two years and I'd like to get a full squish. I'd say I'm an early intermediate rider. The main trails I ride are in western PA and they are very rooty and rocky with lots of punchy climbs and technical descents – not very flowy or smooth. I feel like I get bucked around a lot on my hardtail, and it has a pretty low BB height which I don't like as I get more strikes than I want. I'm oriented towards trail bikes because I'm not looking to go shred as hard as enduro but want more stability than XC. I like the idea of a mullet to get better rollover of the chunky stuff but maintain some nimbleness around tight corners. I'd like to emphasize climbing ability since I do a lot of that.
I'd like to take advantage of end-of-season sales if I can but my options are limited as I ride a size S and there's not much still available in my size. My preferred budget is around $3k USD, could creep up to $4k for the perfect bike. I've narrowed it down to two and I'd much appreciate feedback and help deciding! Both feel good but they're also my first time riding full sus so maybe they'd all feel good. Both have pretty great reviews too.
1. Santa Cruz 5010 C R: https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/collections/5010/products/5010-r-2024
This was the only bike I got a chance to do a proper test run on (borrowed a friend's) and I really liked it. I can only find it online (for sale at $3100) so it would have to be shipped to my house. Not the end of the world but I prefer to support LBS when I can. 140/130 feels like a good amount of travel for what I ride.
2. Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-15-comp-alloy/p/4221397?color=5366730-4221397
This is available at a LBS in my size (S2, mullet) for $2999. 150/145 is more travel than I was originally considering, but I'm sure I'd enjoy it as long as it still climbs well. I hear better things about this bike's Shimano SLX compared to the 5010's SRAM NX but I don't know if I'd notice the difference honestly. The obvious downside of the Stumpy compared to the 5010 is that it's aluminum while the SC is carbon. I could get the carbon base, the Stumpy 15 Comp, but I honestly don't want wireless transmission and it's $3999. But I am worried about the alloy being too heavy.
Comments, questions, concerns? Thank you!
by petrichor789