Santa Cruz Tallboy or Cannondale Scalpel

[stefmeister]

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

My choice would then also be a tallboy.

[Escapee..]

Did sani2c this year on a Santa Cruz Tallboy.

 

Fantastic bike and I loved every minute. Going downhill it was superb.

 

I would still like to ride the Scalpel though.

[spy]

For 2018 the scalpel Si will also come out in a SE version.....120mm travel

[Dry Biltong]

I cant comment on the Scalpel but can say the Tallboy has worked well for me. Coming off a Swift hardtail (which climbs like a beast) the Tallboy is obviously slower on the climbs but not that bad. The Tallboy really comes into its own on the descents. Apart from confidence, the fun factor. Done a number of stage races on the SC and no problems at all.

[Pikey]

I dont know what is more beautiful?!

 

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

you'll appreciate the ride on the HT more ????

[Pikey]

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.

This is so true...I have a HT and it climbs most sections with in seconds of my tallboy 2.

 

But waaaayyyy more fun especially with those plus tyres . It's just ???????????????????????? all the way ????

[Grease_Monkey]

I dont know what is more beautiful?!

 

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

 

 

I do know, and it's not the bike. LOL 

 

I clicked on that at work thinking a Sierra Skye is some sort of new concept bike hahaha.

[solty]

Santa Cruz seem to have a common sense approach to bike building and make bikes to last, e.g. threaded BB, grease nipples on vulnerable suspension, no proprietary components...

[WIPEOUT 1000]

I cannot comment on the Cannondale, but I've done many stage races on Tallboy's (I, II & III) and the latest one is honestly the best mountainbike I have ever ridden. 

 

I was initially a bit concerned about the new geometry, especially the longer top tube. But somehow it just works. 

[Bosbrommer]

Tallboy all-day every-day! My fave bike of all time. Does everything well imo. Can setup in various ways to suit a specific riding style more. I have raced at the sharp end as well as stage race adventures. Epic bike. Enjoy the ride.

[banna]

I agree with everything said above. Yes, the Cruz's are unfortunately quite expensive, but they do have that something special. The quite cool or the x-factor. Call it what you will. But at the end of the day they put a smile on your face and that's all that really counts in my books. So yes, TB for the win.

[peds]

sent you a PM!

[peds]

I dont know what is more beautiful?!

 

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

Definitely the bike! probably less maintenance too...

[Amberdrake]

Love my Tallboy! But try getting someone to let you test ride ( one of the guys here that own one might be convinced with a liberal amount of beer). Unfortunately I am located in CPT and ride XL Size. I have yet to find something the TB cant handle.... mine is also not best climber as I have longer than normal travel(better bombing downhills!!!).

[Trackie]

I have a Tallboy and love it. I recently had a demo ride on a Scalpel race and was impressed, both bikes are really good - but the SC is just better! IMHO

[Clinton H]

TallBOY , I have / had both and you can't compare the two .

Obviously the Crackandfail is gone now .