Moving to Sweden prompted me to search for a new ride. The trails here are nasty, fragmented rocks covered in tree roots, babyheads. So, when we were planning our trip home for the year, I shopped, (over)researched, and planned. I ended buying with yet another Santa Cruz, a Nickel Rxc, from Competitive. Had it shipped to my mom's house and it waited for me for 3 months.
Had a few break in/shake down rides at Spring Lake Park near Macomb, Il, played with the setup a bit, rode with my little brother at Palos near Chicago. Packed it up in the flight case and it flew home with me. It took a few more rides to get the rear end dialed in, which I am hearing is very common. It's really sensitive to pressure changes. I have recently read about running lower pressure and actually using the ProPedal for climbing with great results, I'll try it.
It climbs like a goat and descends like a bike with more travel than 5". I'm really enjoying the long top tube/short stem setup. It doesn't feel like it would climb well, like the front end would be all over, but it really works and stays stable. I might try a shorter stem for laughs.
I'll likely end up putting a 15mm thru axle setup on the front for next year.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a 5" trail bike. It feels like it has more when you need it to. I have more pics to post if requested.
Had a few break in/shake down rides at Spring Lake Park near Macomb, Il, played with the setup a bit, rode with my little brother at Palos near Chicago. Packed it up in the flight case and it flew home with me. It took a few more rides to get the rear end dialed in, which I am hearing is very common. It's really sensitive to pressure changes. I have recently read about running lower pressure and actually using the ProPedal for climbing with great results, I'll try it.
It climbs like a goat and descends like a bike with more travel than 5". I'm really enjoying the long top tube/short stem setup. It doesn't feel like it would climb well, like the front end would be all over, but it really works and stays stable. I might try a shorter stem for laughs.
I'll likely end up putting a 15mm thru axle setup on the front for next year.
Highly recommended if you're looking for a 5" trail bike. It feels like it has more when you need it to. I have more pics to post if requested.
