Considering a Santa Cruz Highball.. or have I missed summat else!

[redefined_cycles]

I like a good light bike. Last one, even though it did come with a 5 year warranty, seems I missed the small print (I won't put horrible sarcastic comments regards them here ).

Anyway, fast forward a little and I'm not sure if I've pee'd them off (and I'm not bothered if I have as it's a total farce IMO... your opinion may vary). I'm also seriously considering the money I've managed to raise on a SC instead (knew I should've bought Daves when he was selling up a year or so ago).

Previously I missed out on the SC as I wasn't happy I'd not able to get a dropper in there and the price (obviously). But now after having raised the £400 already and having a spare IndyFab that I could sell. As well as the fact droppers in 27.2mm might be cheaper and easier available now, I'm seriously thinking the SC is the was forward for me.

I really need superlight as the BB200 is the highlight (bike ride terms) of my year and without as much help in the form of a cutting edge frame/weight/design, I'd really struggle (even more than I have already).

Just wanted to put my thoughts openly out there. I wouldn't mind a used frame but I believe they're like hens teeth.

Thoughts please if you might...

[GregMay]

They are nice. Overpriced, but nice.

[ScotRoutes]

They are nice. Overpriced, but nice.

Pretty much this. Faultless warranty of course.

[Richpips]

A: That's an XC race bike.

B: I'd not have a 100mm travel bike for a general duties MTB.

[redefined_cycles]

They are nice. Overpriced, but nice.

Pretty much this. Faultless warranty of course.

Superlight was probably the best bike I've had previously (before going on a bike diet and rigid) and the bearings were still fine after it being at least 5 years old...

[voodoo_simon]

Trek Procaliber- the rear end is ridiculously comfortable

It will mean owning a trek though

[redefined_cycles]

A: That's an XC

B: I'd not have a 100mm travel bike for a general duties MTB.

That means i should get the BPing Chameleon version and just be happy with the extra weight/strength...

[Leerowe76]

Trek Procaliber- the rear end is ridiculously comfortable

It will mean owning a trek though

Sold my Procal last month & kinda thinking i need a carbon hardtail back in my life for those fast xc days out

[ScotRoutes]

(a) what on hell is wrong with having a Trek?

(b) what you want is a Supercaliber

Mate has one and it's lush.

[lune ranger]

(a) what on hell is wrong with having a Trek?

(b) what you want is a Supercaliber

Mate has one and it's lush.

They make me think of Lance Pharmstrong and I feel a little sick

[Wotsits]

Have a look at the Pivot LES Shaf.
Good warranty too, had some lacquer come off mine & they replaced the whole frame.

Also with any carbon frame don't forget to allow for a full good helli-tape if you're going to strapping anything to it..

[redefined_cycles]

Have a look at the Pivot LES Shaf.
Good warranty too, had some lacquer come off mine & they replaced the whole frame.

Also with any carbon frame don't forget to allow for a full good helli-tape if you're going to strapping anything to it..

Thanks for this... Yes I briefly looked at them too but couldn't figure out the warranty properly (probably cos on the night shift) and prices were about 1800£ AFAIR. Maybe warranty was 10 years.

Mike Hall rode one of them on his record setting TD pace I think right. Yes, helitape (well another brand but its amazing stuff... Conva I think) is in the ahed waiting to go on and so it was on with the (rubbish) Sonder.

Just spoke to Stif MTB about the legendary warranty at SC. They agreed, i was numb from tiredness of the 2 night shifts, they were smily and polite, I investigated interest free finance options and checked how much I'd saved for a (crappy) Sonder already. The rest as they say is history and now its just a waiting game to see if the one they think will come into the in May will actually arrive. 60 dealers will be fighting for it but I'm confident it'll be mine. If not, then it was meant to be and an eye wateringly expensive SC wasn't for me afterall

[Wotsits]

Thanks for this... Yes I briefly looked at them too but couldn't figure out the warranty properly (probably cos on the night shift) and prices were about 1800£ AFAIR. Maybe warranty was 10 years.

It's 10 years for any frame bought after June 17.
1 year for cosmetic defects.

https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/warranty/

Have you not considered ti? IMO the practicalities of the material are ideal for bikepacking..

[voodoo_simon]

(a) what on hell is wrong with having a Trek?

(b) what you want is a Supercaliber

Mate has one and it's lush.

A) They’re uninspiring to ride, had half a dozen and they’ve never had that ‘zing’ that other manufacturers have. Was on my carbon Procaliber yesterday and it’s an amazing ride, comfortable and fast but it just doesn’t excite me (FWIW, my favourite bike is my least ‘practical’ bike, rigid 29er SS)

B) That is an ace looking bike

[quote=voodoo_simon post_id=254491 time=<a href="tel:1616360575">1616360575</a> user_id=3402]
Trek Procaliber- the rear end is ridiculously comfortable

It will mean owning a trek though

Sold my Procal last month & kinda thinking i need a carbon hardtail back in my life for those fast xc days out
[/quote]

I know i will sound like a hypocrite from what I said above but you know what you need to buy

Below - Yesterday’s ride from the Trig point aboard the Procaliber

[FLV]

Hi Shaf,

As you know, I had a highball and sold it.
Two reasons, a bit racy and max tyre at 2.2 with sensible mud clearance left. It was very light, and very stiff. Newest ones are apparently more forgiving.
Third reason (I know, I said two) was that I had another bike doing the same job.

I now have a Carbon Chameleon. Its still light at 1750g (so Ti or slightly lighter may be comparable perhaps) in a large but certainly not Highball light. It clears 29x2.4 no problems on 28mm internal rims. I am told by the internet that its too stiff, but I do not find this to be an issue. It is not as stiff as the older highball, nor as stiff as a newest Karate Monkey.
I find with 2.4s I really like the ride quality. But, in the defence of the internet, it may feel different for my 97kg frame than for a 65kg race whippet.

For SS if that was a concern, the carbon is best limited to a 34t front ring. I have gears on it now but rode it SS in the dead of winter. The slidey dropouts are ok, but not on par with Salsa Alternators.

From what I have read, the Aluminium frame is also very very good. Well designed and nice to ride with a minor weight penalty of about 350g - 600g? weight source (https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes ... 29-review/) Its also HALF the price of a carbon one. Both are significantly cheaper than a highball and in my opinion more versatile.

There's lots of talk about materials and flex and ride quality and durability etc etc on't web. Its more about correct design for purpose in the chosen material for me.

With regard build quality, after a few frames in recent years with poorer quality of finish the Chameleon was refreshing. Everything as it should be. I haven't had it more than about 700km but so far I really like it.

Both

[redefined_cycles]

Hi Shaf,

As you know, I had a highball and sold it.
Two reasons, a bit racy and max tyre at 2.2 with sensible mud clearance left.

Both

Thanks for that Dave. I was hoping you might get chance to input. I've ended up on the finance option with StifMTB. Used the money I'd saved to buy another Sonder as the deposit. I'm confident and happy it'll be a good choice for and I got the CC model

I did briefly consider the Chameleon but online showed weights of about 1900g in large. Hence why I just stuck with the highball. There is only 1 coming into the country from SC and its a large... and it's been taken by me. A wait of a couple of months in which time I can hopefully pay it all off and try and decide on finishing kit.

tyre size on the CC is being quoted as 2.4 so not sure if they're being a bit 'hairline-gap' about it all. Plus, I don't get why they'd spec it as boost if it only takes 2.4 (if case anyone understands the proper logic behind it?). I assume its to get a good wide rim in there!

[FLV]

Hi Shaf,

As you know, I had a highball and sold it.
Two reasons, a bit racy and max tyre at 2.2 with sensible mud clearance left.

Both

Thanks for that Dave. I was hoping you might get chance to input. I've ended up on the finance option with StifMTB. Used the money I'd saved to buy another Sonder as the deposit. I'm confident and happy it'll be a good choice for and I got the CC model

I did briefly consider the Chameleon but online showed weights of about 1900g in large. Hence why I just stuck with the highball. There is only 1 coming into the country from SC and its a large... and it's been taken by me. A wait of a couple of months in which time I can hopefully pay it all off and try and decide on finishing kit.

tyre size on the CC is being quoted as 2.4 so not sure if they're being a bit 'hairline-gap' about it all. Plus, I don't get why they'd spec it as boost if it only takes 2.4 (if case anyone understands the proper logic behind it?). I assume its to get a good wide rim in there!

Hi Shaf, my comments on tyre clearance refer to a reason I sold the older version. This was 142x12 rather than boost and more limited on tyre clearance. The new one should have more clearance. If I recall correctly manufacturers would have to have a 'standard' amount of clearance at 'design' condition. (IRO 6mm I think but dont quote me on that) So, if they claim 29x2.4 it 'should' be close to that.

Everything I read stated that the frame should be more forgiving than the one I had too, but I've not tried it. I'm sure it will be good and I hope you enjoy it

Just to note, my 1750g was my large frame, with seat clamp weighed on my own £15 luggage scales

[redefined_cycles]

Hi Shaf,

As you know, I had a highball and sold it.
Two reasons, a bit racy and max tyre at 2.2 with sensible mud clearance left.

Both

Thanks for that Dave. I was hoping you might get chance to input. I've ended up on the finance option with StifMTB. Used the money I'd saved to buy another Sonder as the deposit. I'm confident and happy it'll be a good choice for and I got the CC model

I did briefly consider the Chameleon but online showed weights of about 1900g in large. Hence why I just stuck with the highball. There is only 1 coming into the country from SC and its a large... and it's been taken by me. A wait of a couple of months in which time I can hopefully pay it all off and try and decide on finishing kit.

tyre size on the CC is being quoted as 2.4 so not sure if they're being a bit 'hairline-gap' about it all. Plus, I don't get why they'd spec it as boost if it only takes 2.4 (if case anyone understands the proper logic behind it?). I assume its to get a good wide rim in there!

Hi Shaf, my comments on tyre clearance refer to a reason I sold the older version. This was 142x12 rather than boost and more limited on tyre clearance. The new one should have more clearance. If I recall correctly manufacturers would have to have a 'standard' amount of clearance at 'design' condition. (IRO 6mm I think but dont quote me on that) So, if they claim 29x2.4 it 'should' be close to that.

Everything I read stated that the frame should be more forgiving than the one I had too, but I've not tried it. I'm sure it will be good and I hope you enjoy it

Just to note, my 1750g was my large frame, with seat clamp weighed on my own £15 luggage scales

Thanks for that Dave... Really looking forward to it (now Stu just needs to issue a date for the bb200 hopefully) as SC is my original dream bike (well, the Superlight which I ended up winning - ebay- and riding and loving). Thankfully I've managed to wait ling enough that the top end hardtail has been properly tuned and fettled. Comes with 3 bottle cages to (Alhamdulillah)

[lune ranger]

Shaf - Why are you even buying another new bike ffs! Didn’t you just travel half way across England to buy one
You need to shake off the n+1 thing and love the bike(s) you have.
That Pinnacle will be a lovely BB200 bicycle. If you ain’t trying to break FKT’s then set up a comfy bike. Tweak the position and ride slow and steady. I’ve done all my ITT like that and it’s tactic that paid off very well. For example 2018 BB200 22hrs, Black Badge. 7th person to finish at a sloth like 8.7km/h (moving average). Done on a 17kg Rohloff equipped Krampus.

[GregMay]

Might be on to something there. Almost as if it's not at all to do with the bike.

[Wotsits]

If you ain’t trying to break FKT’s then set up a comfy bike. Tweak the position and ride slow and steady.

This^ 100%

[ledburner]

Shaf - Why are you even buying another new bike ffs! Didn’t you just travel half way across England to buy one
You need to shake off the n+1 thing and love the bike(s) you have.
That Pinnacle will be a lovely BB200 bicycle. If you ain’t trying to break FKT’s then set up a comfy bike. Tweak the position and ride slow and steady. I’ve done all my ITT like that and it’s tactic that paid off very well. For example 2018 BB200 22hrs, Black Badge. 7th person to finish at a sloth like 8.7km/h (moving average). Done on a 17kg Rohloff equipped Krampus.

I agreed he is getting dangerously close to being a bike tart..
He was faster than me on the climbs, I am not in shape, but the rohloff cube franken bike kept going last time out... Even on only 3 chain ring bolts (don't asks!), now replaced, £5.99 post maintenance, that was an expensive weekend!
PS I have 2 bikes and the missus has been bleating that to many for years....

[ledburner]

Shaf - Why are you even buying another new bike ffs! Didn’t you just travel half way across England to buy one
You need to shake off the n+1 thing and love the bike(s) you have.
That Pinnacle will be a lovely BB200 bicycle. If you ain’t trying to break FKT’s then set up a comfy bike. Tweak the position and ride slow and steady.

I agreed he is getting dangerously close to being a bike tart..

I retract the Shaf, 'bike tart' sound slightly vulgar and would be a stain on your good characte. I meant to say' Hoarded Bike Collector', (careful how I say that)
- but I couldn't articulate the correct vocabulary!

[Alpinum]

cutting edge frame/weight/design

Cutting edge everything including geo:
https://www.bmc-switzerland.com/intl_en ... m_store=de
The best carbon HT I've ridden in ... ever.
stiff in the right place, compliant in the right place. Super comfy and super fast. Can go really rowdy and do dirty.
That's what I'd buy if I was looking for a modern carbon HT.

https://www.ghost-bikes.com/en/bikes/ha ... /lector-sf
May looks strange (even more so live) but rides lovely. Smart cable routing.

https://www.arc8bicycles.com/framesets/evolve-frameset
Familiar look? Who was first? Rest assured, this is not one of the many relabelled frames.
Competitive price for cutting edge.

Cutting edge everything (except for geo - but that's just me ):
https://www.stoll-bikes.ch/english/bikes/r1-race/
Not a geo I'd choose, but my crystal ball tells me there's an update in the doing (and guess what direction? Yes, steeper STA, slacker and longer front). Will probably be another year though. On the other hand, you might get a good deal. Very expensive - made by Bike Ahead in Germany. Huuuuge frame triangle. Could fit a very big frame bag.

Then of course, there's Scott Scale.
I just had a quick look and the XT version can be bought for 2200.- CHF at one of the large sport outlets in Switzerland.
Not what I'd want geo wise, but still one of the cuttests edgiest frames out there I guess.

My choice:

1. BMC
2. Arc8
3. Ghost
4. Stoll or Scott

If weight is the single most important factor, Stoll is the way to go. Size M was just a bit above 850 g(!). BMC and Arc8 (both M) were 1040 g and 1020 g, respectively.

You need to shake off the n+1 thing and love the bike(s) you have.

You need to get a Stoll. Get the full susser too whilst you're at it.
Throw away the old (2 months or older) gunk.
n+1 keeps the wheels turning. Hail the bicycle industry!

[redefined_cycles]

Shaf - Why are you even buying another new bike ffs! Didn’t you just travel half way across England to buy one
You need to shake off the n+1 thing and love the bike(s) you have.
That Pinnacle will be a lovely BB200 bicycle. If you ain’t trying to break FKT’s then set up a comfy bike. Tweak the position and ride slow and steady. I’ve done all my ITT like that and it’s tactic that paid off very well. For example 2018 BB200 22hrs, Black Badge. 7th person to finish at a sloth like 8.7km/h (moving average). Done on a 17kg Rohloff equipped Krampus.

Lol... did the breaks on the Pinnacle aftwr my night shift this am. Well, one side of the break. That's the pizza bike Luke... come on!