Have an XL v3 sentinel carbon coming. Full 29. My plan had been to run it stock & eventually have parts to set it up 170/160 for bigger days. Due to a variety of planetary alignments, I've found a good deal to swap the stock Lyrik for a170mm Zeb. Curious how urgently I should get the shock restroked to better match the rear travel?
*Caveat that I'm not yet committed to sticking with Santa Cruz, but it's what I have now and the various models in the range can serve as a comparison, so let's go with it...
I'm currently riding a V3 Bronson. XL. It's been (and still is) awesome. I love how versatile and fun it is on literally every ride I head out on. I live in North Van, so my typical rides are pedal up to steep, technical descents. Summer sees more shuttling and a handful of bike park days. As much as I love this bike, I've had it a while, and starting to get the "new bike itch," so here we are...
If I had to single out one area for improvement for my Bronson, it would be that it does tend to feel a bit out of it's depth on really steep, rough descents. I'm 6'3", so I can't help but feel that if anyone should be be riding a full 29er setup, I should be.
Everything I read about the new Hightower suggests it's less descent oriented than the Bronson, although that's compared to the new Bronson. Would the new Hightower give me some more of the stability I'm looking for vs. my older V3? As well, the new Hightower seems to be a bit of 'meh' bike in that it's perfectly good at everything, but I don't read as much excitement about it for any particular type of riding...
Should I abandon my thoughts of dual 29" wheels and just go for an updated Bronson? Seems it's become even more capable on the descents without giving up any of the playfulness and versatility that I love...
Throw caution to the wind and look at a Nomad? My friends with MTs and V6 Nomads are constantly complaining about the glovebox, it's the most updated etc... Reviews seem to suggest it's still plenty playful despite the bigger travel...
Maybe the Hightower could be made better on the descents with a Cascade link should I feel the need at a later date? I suppose I could even swap in a Bronson rear triangle if I decided dual 29" wheels weren't for me... (I've ridden other full 29ers and liked it, but was riding a bit more conservatively than normal just because it was a less familiar bike.)
What say you, hive-mind?