Second hand vs 'old stock' new vs 'new' new

[DieselnDust]

Where do you take your suspension ?

To the lbs who sends it to the distributor. I insist on an invoice. Omnico and CCS have always been compliant.

[Grease_Monkey]

Most models of bikes are around for 2 to 3 years, with only paint and slight spec changes for the new year model. Personally I am always going to go for the new old stock option if it is the newest model of the bike. Eg: I am not gonna buy a 2018 Specialized Stumpjumper now because it's a completely new bike for 2019, but I would buy the a 2019 version in 2020 because all that will change for 2020 is the colour scheme.

 

I have bought most of my bikes like that and gotten good amounts of discount, a 2016 Trance bought in December 2016 for roughly 20% off sticker price, and a 2016 Spez Stumpjumper bought in March 2017 for a ridiculous discount of about 30% off the sticker price - I won't shop any other way because I have learnt there is always a special somewhere if you are willing to wait a month or two.

 

My opinion on second hand - it's a gamble. Some guys look after their mtbs like procelain dolls, and you end up getting a practically new bike, others don't give a flying t**k about their bikes - those you can usually spot quite easily, and then there are those that keep their bikes clean on the surface but don't bother with suspension services - those are the dangerous ones because they look good but end up costing you big $$$ a months or two down the line. Unfortunately it's very hard to tell by a quick ride around the parking lot which is the best you will get with most 2nd hand purchases.

 

If you do go 2nd hand have a look at the hubber's trading history, it's not 100% fool proof, but should at least give you a good indication of the type of guy you are dealing with. I just find most of the classifieds a bit laughable as most of them say the bike has just had a major service, all bearings replaced, full damper rebuilds, etc - I don't know of many people that spend upwards of 6 or 7k on a service and then sell the bike - most people sell their bikes just before all of that needs to take place! Fair enough it does happen on occasion  (I've sold a bike after just having all the above done - but it wasn't the plan when I did that big service). Long story short - when buying second hand just be aware of what you are buying - check that suspension is not making funny sounds, cycle the bike through it's suspension with no air in checking that bearings move freely, check brake pads, tyre tread levels, chain wear, etc. If all those items are near the end of their life the bike could end up costing you a lot in maintenance shortly after buying it - so factor that into your purchase price.

 

As for new new stock - I would not go that route - it's cool to have the newest and latest and greatest model of something - but it's only gonna stay that way for a few months then some other dude is gonna buy the same thing for 30% less than what you paid for it.

[gummibear]

The older, second hand bike is a Santa Cruz Tallboy, which brings up the secondary question: the Tallboy, for quite a while, seemed to be the bike against which other similar 29er bikes were measured. Is this still the case? Is an older Tallboy better than the newer bikes, which would include: 

Rocky Mountain Element (the newer one with fork travel increased to 120mm); 

The Trek Fuel EX series (older models are currently on sale at good prices).

 

 

I can't afford a new SC Tallboy; and possibly still in the mix of choice (but I think price will throw them out) are the Spez Epic Evo, and the Spez Stumpjumper Short Travel.

 

I have also come to the conclusion that I do not need a carbon bike - alu will be fine for me. Cuts some cost.

Back up on Rocky Mountain seems to be non existent outside of USA and Canada so i'd take that off the list.

 

SC build their bikes solid and to last.Haven't seen one that has cracked. 

 

The Trek Fuel EX is really a great bike and very capable.

 

It'll be a very hard choice to make but what parts does the SC have?

[Desi]

Back up on Rocky Mountain seems to be non existent outside of USA and Canada so i'd take that off the list.

 

SC build their bikes solid and to last.Haven't seen one that has cracked. 

 

The Trek Fuel EX is really a great bike and very capable.

 

It'll be a very hard choice to make but what parts does the SC have?

Here, for example, are two currently available secondhand SC Tallboys:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/318425-santa-cruz-tallboy-2-carbon/

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/knysna/santa-cruz-tallboy-carbon-medium/1002641082430910016158909

[Desi]

Many thanks for all the replies, guys - giving me lots to think about!

[DieselnDust]

My problem with the Tallboy is it feels like a heavy XCO bike, especially when hammering up climbs and through rock gardens. Pedal feedback is tiring.

On the descents a great short travel trail bike but still feels more nervous compared to the Trek.

 

The Trek on the other hand feels like a trail bike but is very adept at climbing but not as responsive as the top fuel. It's better through rooty sections than the tallboy when you are pedalling. It holds the line better without the rear wheel skitting around.

 

Try and get a ride on either and compare. That's the only way you'll really understand what I'm saying.

 

Whenever get an opportunity to test ride a bike I take it like a beggar receiving a meal. Helps me understand what each machine offers the market.

 

So if you like a lively feeling but heavy xc bike then tallboy.

 

If you like a more comfortable but still responsive ride then Fuel Ex.

 

There's a host of other factors that come into play as well like the suspension units fitted and their tune and condition (when buying used) that will affect how one tallboy compares with another. Being largely a boutique offering customers tend to custom build them.

The trek is wysiwyg