Previously had a GHOST SLAMR 2.9 29″ Bike, got stolen while I moved and really want to hit the trails again. Looking at the sales happening now, leaning towards either the [Santa Cruz Tallboy](https://www.competitivecyclist.com/santa-cruz-bicycles-tallboy-d-mountain-bike?avad=9603_a350329bd&SharedId=9603_a350329bd&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=www.singletracks.com&utm_campaign=Custom+Link&utm_term=Content) -$2,500 (reg $3,599), or the [Stumpjumper EVO Elite Alloy](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-evo-elite-alloy/p/199211?color=318420-199211&ranMID=49187&ranEAID=xF5LztnyRHI&ranSiteID=xF5LztnyRHI-.HD6qF1BgVKMmC4fgYAvkw&utm_campaign=Singletracks&utm_source=rakuten_usa&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_content=1262351) – $3400 (reg $6100)
6’3″, 225lbs, mostly trail with a bit of downhill, and both are probably more bike than my current skillset but would like something that will last me. Stumpjumper is nearing the upper range of the budget but does seem like a good deal. Very open to other bikes as well. Suggestions??
by Timbits
6 Comments
I love my Santa Cruz Hightower and am a massive fan of the brand but I would take the SJ due to the much superior components.
Not sure what country you’re in or what sales are like – but in Europe Orbea Occams are heavily discounted lately with the current situation plus a model refresh. Also saw some heavily discounted Norcos.
Between those two I’d get the stumpjumper. Might be worth looking at fezzari and canyon too.
Of the two I’d go with the stump jumper with one big caveat:
Go to their website and use their tool for bike setup. I’m guessing you are very close to the max psi on the shock depending which one they have on that model.
Check out commencal meta
Not a fan of specialized mtb, but yeah, the components are way better on it. I rode an aluminum tallboy like that and it felt like a Walmart bike imo.