Santa Cruz Tallboy or Cannondale Scalpel

[Craiglaw]

Hi everyone

 

I am looking at changing / upgrading my current bike.

 

I am currently on a 2016 Scott Spark 910 Large. I am 178cm with a 79cm inseam and 93kgs. With most manufacturers, I am literaly on the border line of M and L. Whilst I love my Scott, I have never truly felt like it fits me correctly, havent really felt a 'part' of the bike when riding, and as a result, I am a bit slow on technical and descending. I do, however, find that a climb well on it.

 

I would say I lean more towards cross country riding with the main goal to complete some stage races, like berg and bush and W2W..

 

I test rode a medium scalpel si3 and found it was great in the technical and descending but didnt notice much difference on long flat sections and climbing (this could have been because i didnt do a proepr set up). I did find that i was able to have more fun with the bike.

 

I have been advised that given my measurements, the Tallboy 3 large may be a perfect fit, and for stage races, the geometry will be more forgiving on the body. Obviously, it's a bit more expensive with slightly lower spec (if you look at the S). No shops have demo's at the moment though so can't test ride one.

 

Can anybody give me some insight on the Tallboy in terms of suitability for stage races and my size? Or if the medium calpel si3 or si2 would be good with a proper set up? Or any other suggestions?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[dev null]

The Tallboy, in my humble opinion. would be better for the longer stage races, but it will not climb as well as the Scalpel.

 

The Scalpel will be better for shorter gnarly XC type races.

 

It seems you rate the climbing ability high on your list of requirements. Connect the dots.

[dirtypot]

If I was you I'd go for a Tallboy 3.  No question.  

I'm 179 and I'd go for the medium.  The reach is quite long, so I feel too stretched out on a large.

 

 

[2bliss]

Tallboy. No question.

[Pikey]

Don't discount the tallboy 3's climbing abitliy . Sure the scalpel will probably climb better.

But as amateurs which I am anyway the difference is negligible especially at the end of a long day when chances are you might be fresher on the tallboy.

 

The tallboy will also in all likelihood instill more confidence on the downs .

If stage races is the goal they are both great choices. But then it is about what you want from in the race.

 

One thing I have learnt of late . You have to test ride . What's good for your mate is not necessarily perfect for you.

[Pikey]

Oh and would take the tb no doubt at all. Especially if you factor in the respect agents and there level service ...

[Vetseun]

As a Santa Cruz fan, I would say the Tallboy.

But both are stunning bikes.

[stefmeister]

What your current spark's setup like? Have you made any changes to the bar and stem? As you are between a M/L, I would go for a bike setup first, and look at a shorter stem/wider bar combo for better steering and positioning.

Then, a skills course. The Scott should be (on paper) a better descending bike than the Scalpel, so I would assume there is a shortcoming elsewhere. A new bike won't make you faster.

[ZakAttak]

I would also say, medium fit with a change in stem length, handlebar rise (depending on your choice) would be your first bet to fitting more comfortably on a MTB...

 

Santa Cruz has always had great reviews... and I'm a bit biased...

[Grease_Monkey]

Tallboy all day every day. 

 

Comparing a Tallboy and a Scalpel is not quite like comparing apples and oranges, more like apples and pears. The Scalpel is a full on XC bike while the Tallboy is an XC oriented trail bike. IMO an XC oriented trail bike is a more versatile and better option for anyone not competing to be on the podium. You will sacrifice very little in terms of climbing ability by going for the Tallboy, but gain a lot in terms of fun on the bike and overall comfort, especially on multi-day stage races.

 

I'm not discounting the Scalpel, but I do think the Tallboy is the better option, especially given that you are a bit slower on the descents - the Tallboy will do a lot for your confidence in that area. And then - SC just make some gorgeous bikes - enough to push me in that direction!

[Craiglaw]

What your current spark's setup like? Have you made any changes to the bar and stem? As you are between a M/L, I would go for a bike setup first, and look at a shorter stem/wider bar combo for better steering and positioning.

Then, a skills course. The Scott should be (on paper) a better descending bike than the Scalpel, so I would assume there is a shortcoming elsewhere. A new bike won't make you faster.

Hi Stef

 

Thanks for the input. I have done those suggestions, i had a full proper set up done where adjustements were made and a shorter stem was put on. I have also attended skills clinics. Hence why i think the issue is size / geometry. on the smaller medium scalper i definitely felt more confident and quicker

[Acerunner]

Santaaaaa

[lenzman]

I dont know what is more beautiful?!

 

THIS bike or Sierra Skye https://www.reddit.com/r/Sierra_Skye/

[NelAndre]

Hi Craig:

 

My personal preference is the Tallboy. I made the switch from a pure carbon XC Hardtail racing bike to a Tallboy 12 months ago. I climb just as well but the big difference is on tech stuff and going downhill. I have so much more confidence due to the trail geometry and the bike is very forgiving of my lack of skills!

 

I dream a lot about my bike while at the office.....aka I love riding again.

 

However, as Myles said.....you have to go ride both and decide for YOU. Both are great bikes so you need to "experience" for yourself.

 

Enjoy the process.

[rudi-h]

I see your tallboy and raise you a hightower...

 

IMO one of the best bikes money can buy.  You might lose that 1% on long climbs, but you'll gain multiples of that on the downhills and even more if one could find a way to measure fun.

[Heel Drop]

lang seun alli pad