Why is it so hard to buy a bike in this country???

[Delilah]

Hi guys

 

Okay, so for months now I've been trying to buy a small Niner Jet 9 RDO frame. What a mission! Some contacts don't answer your PMs, most ignore your e-mails. Even the SA distro (Coolheat) cannot be bothered to answer my mails. When a retailer finally does want to help, they have to report that there are just a few large frames left and new stock won't come in for 3-4 months. Oh, and of course the new model RDO is quite a bit more expensive. Great

 

Well, I am tired of waiting and sick of poor/no service! So, I contacted the ever reliable CWC and they can get me this:

 

http://res.fortheriders.com/img/Bikes/XC%20&%20Trail/santa-cruz-tallboy-c-012-red-black-1-a.jpg

 

Same price as the 2012 RDO. Yes, I do prefer the look of the RDO, but the Santa Cruz Tallboy C has a few advantages: standard bottom bracket, no direct mount front derailleur, easy to service (apparently).

 

So, is this a worthy substitute or should I hold off until the new RDOs become available? Any owners who can comment on the bike?

 

Thanks!

D

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! V v v v nice bike. A lot of very happy customers. Fantastic bikes!

[crasher]

You cant and wont go wrong with that

[rouxtjie]

Have been on one of those and all I can say is....I am jelaaaaaas. Tallboy was voted what-mountain-bike's bike if the year last year I think.

[Ryanpmb]

Better than the Niner IMO

 

Better looking too.

[G-Unit]

I have that exact bike, and I love it. I've owned it for about 4 months now and it is light, fast and comfortable. It handles very well in single track (not just for a 29'er mind you, but for ANY bike). When using the propedal on the RP23, it is extremely effiicent - very close to HT speed on the flat fast stuff.

 

My only gripe is that I have recently had to replace worn bearings in the VPP linkage as I have picked up quite a bit of play on the rear triangle. Imust point out that I bought the bike 2nd hand, so I cant vouch for the amount of hours done before I bought it.

[G-Unit]

I should add that I am disappointed to see how many of these are around. They're more common than a East Rand roadhouse on a Friday night. SC is no longer as 'boutique' as it used to be. Still a kief bike though.

[Delilah]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

Since getting the Storm, my poor little Moab has not seen much action. Thought I would ride both bikes depending on the terrain etc. I was wrong - it seems I prefer the clown wheels no matter how twisty the singletrack. Since the XT groupset and brakes on the Moab are practically new, I'll just use them in the new build.

 

Question: Do I understand correctly that the Tallboy is a bit more "relaxed" in its geometry as opposed to a very race oriented bike? I would actually prefer that - us girls suffer, ermmmm, numbness if handlebars are much lower than seat. In that regard the Storm has been just right for me.

Edited September 6, 2012 by Delilah

[Red Zone]

Score!, better than the niner. Very nice whip

[rouxtjie]

I should add that I am disappointed to see how many of these are around. They're more common than a East Rand roadhouse on a Friday night. SC is no longer as 'boutique' as it used to be. Still a kief bike though.

Snap...wanted to add that....then again...good news travels fast....its a fantastic bike but not boutique anymore....do any race and see.

[rouxtjie]

......

 

Question: Do I understand correctly that the Tallboy is a bit more "relaxed" in its geometry as opposed to a very race oriented bike? I would actually prefer that - us girls suffer, ermmmm, numbness if handlebars are much lower than seat. In that regard the Storm has been just right for me.

Defnitely relaxed geo...but then again that is all relative to what I perceive relaxed to be. Comparing it to my GF Superfly 100...defnitely. It's bike you can ride all day long

[crasher]

Dont like the Blue but the Carbon Red you posted above is Stunning

[G-Unit]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

 

Since getting the Storm, my poor little Moab has not seen much action. Thought I would ride both bikes depending on the terrain etc. I was wrong - it seems I prefer the clown wheels no matter how twisty the singletrack. Since the XT groupset and brakes on the Moab are practically new, I'll just use them in the new build.

 

Question: Do I understand correctly that the Tallboy is a bit more "relaxed" in its geometry as opposed to a very race oriented bike? I would actually prefer that - us girls suffer, ermmmm, numbness if handlebars are much lower than seat. In that regard the Storm has been just right for me.

 

It's less relaxed than my 140mm stumpy was. Can't comment when compared to a real race machine, though. It's certainly not skittish or difficult to control on steep stuff, which is usually a side effect of real race geometry.

[rouxtjie]

Dont like the Blue but the Carbon Red you posted above is Stunning

On paper the blue looks hond...but in the flesh I actually prefer the blue...saw a couple at VG the other day....things of beauty!

[Delilah]

Okay its confession time - RedZone sent a concerned e-mail about potential problems with my bike setup. There aren't any. As I apologetically told him, it was just easier to use a generic excuse that to explain that I just don't like "real race geometry" because it feels like I'm riding with my nose on the front wheel. Sorry guys, but there it is - my guilty little secret.

 

It's certainly not skittish or difficult to control on steep stuff, which is usually a side effect of real race geometry.

 

Excellent news! The Moab Pro is blindingly fast, but a real little devil to control going downhill especially in loose stuff

[Groenies]

Have this exact frame, it replaced my already exellent Blur XC (26 inch version). Absolutely love it! Fast when climbing and comfortable downhill. I doubt you can do much better....................both Cannondale and Spec you have to buy the whole bike.

 

You will not regret it!!!!!