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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:09 am 
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Been stuck in Analysis Paralysis mode pertaining to a new bike purchase. Main problems are that I can't seem to demo either of my choices, and so far, there are not enough reviews of either bike. Barring any bias about the specific companies and/or quality concerns, which bike would you prefer to ride on the regular? Think about this question in terms bombing down Noble Canyon, and perhaps climbing up first instead of shuttling - at least on occasion. As many of you know, Calavera is my every day trail. Other than the bigger jumps, I try to make the most of the features out there. No matter how you slice it though, the bike has to pedal.

Current bike is 2011 Ibis Mojo HD w/ coil shock. Love that bike, but can see myself on something with a little more modern geometry (longer top tube, slacker HA, steeper ST, lower BB, and short'ish chainstays - which my Mojo has); dare I say "enduro" geo?.. ugh....

Biggest complaint I've identified on the Mojo HD is my uncomfortable-ness when getting airborne. Feels a bit sketchy (could just be the rider though). Best part is is the flickable fun-factor, which I expect will be diminished on either of the new bikes. I'm ok with that within reason.

Geo specs look very similar, with the nod going to the new Bronson v2 for it's slightly steeper STA, but probably to the Insurgent for it's Dave Weagle DELTA suspension system which got rave reviews on their 26" Uprising and their 29" Following.

I reckon, I'd opt for a Large Bronson or Medium Insurgent

Santa Cruz Bronson v2: http://http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en/cl/bronson

Evil Insurgent: http://www.evil-bikes.com/products/the-insurgent-3/

This 1st World problem is driving me mad. :roll: Anyway, for those who care to comment, which bike would appear to generate the most smiles per mile? Let the opinions fly!

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:34 am 
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the way I see it, the Evil is more of a park bike, whereas the Bronson is more pedal friendly.


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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 11:58 am 
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I would say that you should demo them. Get a hold of a rep and I think they will make it happen. The evil is just ugly.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 12:46 pm 
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What Tom said. This type of decision, you have to throw a leg over them first. Cause if you don't and when you start to bitch about something on your shiny new bike, you will be lambasted by the drunks on Skyhaven.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 1:32 pm 
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Kimba wrote:
What Tom said. This type of decision, you have to throw a leg over them first. Cause if you don't and when you start to bitch about something on your shiny new bike, you will be lambasted by the drunks on Skyhaven.



HEY....................................

Buzzed, not drunk!

Shannon, get the Bronson.
I'm interested in that bike,
you can be the guinea pig.
Plus, everyone knows Santa Cruz
makes the best bikes.


:cheers:

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 1:33 pm 
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Those are what you have narrowed it too? If only those two, I would go with the insurgent. The flip chip makes it a no brainer. High setting for every day riding locally, low setting for big bear and when you really want a slacker bike for a steep trail (hell razor type). I think that adjustability beats out the Bronson.

Evil has some nice bikes. I like the following but in the end i would want a little more travel like on the Canfield riot.

Shannon, if you ever want to come south a bit, me and grant know a few spots you could get confident jumping.


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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 3:24 pm 
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Ugly? Yeah, it is a little. Don't care though as longs as it's too much fun.

Kimba, you know by now, I'm gonna whine, and the drunks are gonna lambast. Wait a minute... does that mean I have to lambast myself?

I may get a chance to try a Bronson, but highly doubt I can demo the Insurgent.

A_Street; the Riot is a 29er. Nope. I don't want that. I'm thirsty for 27.5 Kool-Aid (Kook-Aid?). The adjustability from the flip chip is cool, although I suspect I'd never use it (just leave it in high, or rather in Low. The two settings are Low or X-Lo. Dumb, I know). The X-Lo setting really seems too low for most riding around here though; 13". So far, most riders prefer the High, er, I mean Low setting...

Salespunk is supposed to be receiving his new Bronson soon, so I'm looking forward to his review.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 3:54 pm 
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You guys know I'm pretty sold on Santa Cruz bikes. However, all the reviews I've read on the new Bronson have not been favorable in comparison to the old model. Don't know if that due the change in ownership or the engineers just missed the mark.

From what I've read though the new Bronson doesn't climb or descend as well as the previous model and just not as much fun to ride.

That's all I have to share.

If you're looking for something fun and you don't mind a 26er I have a late year 2013 Al nomad that is practicall brand new sitting in my garage. Full XT drive train, SLX bakes, carbon bars can't remember off the top how wide they are or what make, 160/120 Tallas, RP23, i23 wheel set set up tubeless with Hans Dampfs. The down side of the tires are they are the heavy DH casing. There's more but I can remember it all.

I might be looking to sell it if someone is interested. It's been sitting in my garage up ridden for nearly a year if not longer.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 3:59 pm 
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Dwill, your son did not stick to mtbing like you had hoped, huh?

Shannon, I was just commenting on the riot, not suggesting. I know you don't want a 29er.


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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:14 pm 
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Dwill what size is the nomad?

Avidtest I know they arent on your list but NOTB is having a rocky demo day tomorrow 1-6:30. I will be going since i have new bikeitis as well. (If anyone is interested in a 2013 medium carbon nomad let me know haha).

To me santa cruz runs a bit large but that just me.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:20 pm 
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Go do a parking lot test. It might not be a lot but its better than someones review. The path in oc you can rent a bronson I think and ride in oak canyon.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:44 pm 
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Can't say what their stock is but Cal Coast carries a large assortment of high end bikes and they demo them out for around $75 for the day. You can take them on a real ride. Back in '10 I demo'd an Ibis and a Tracer for a full day on two different occasions. Good guys there.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 4:47 pm 
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I ride with (3) guys that all have the 2013/2014 Bronson as their one and only bike. I'd definitely say it's a "do it all bike" based on the different terrain I'v ridden with them. One of them, a guy in his late 30's will ride pretty much ANYTHING. He goes up fast, down fast and rips in the park atmosphere of Mammoth as well. There's a trail up there with a big 15 foot straight drop that he hits with the Bronson so I'd say it's rather capable.

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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 5:00 pm 
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Do what n10sive and bankerboy are saying. At least get a parking lot test in or pay to ride one for a day at a local shop. Riding is always better than buying blind.

Just for good measure. http://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-meet ... -2015.html

That could be you Shannon!

If you do go to Cal Coast, check out an Ibis HD3. Its a bike that would be on my radar if I was shopping. The ability to have a boost rear end is rather interesting as well if you ever wanted to try fatter tires, or if you just wanted the spoke angle advantage that boost offers.

I am glad to see some actual substantial bike related conversation going on DT right now.


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PostPosted: Thu Oct 15, 2015 6:43 pm 
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As it stands, even though I'm intrigued with the DELTA system, I'm leaning toward the Bronson for other reasons. One of them being that my antenna are vibrating when it comes to Evil's rep, and I think I better take heed. I worry a little about support and a little more about product quality. Did Luke's bike look a little floppy in that vid? I will continue to wait till I get more data. And I'll also take the advice given, and ride a Bronson first.

I did quickly try an HD3 up and down a couple of streets last week. Felt good, but in my mind, just not different enough from my HD to justify the coin.

Tried a new Nomad too and that felt very good. However, it got me looking at the Bronson, as the geo is very similar. In fact, the Bronson actually has slightly bigger numbers, with the exception of travel and 1 degree steeper HA. And I agree Aaron, Boost is intriguing. I'd have to return the 142mm Hadley hub that was just acquired though. They're supposed to have a Boost hub in late stage production though, possibly available this month.

Dwill, one of those reviews was hyper-critical. It seems like something must have been broken in the suspension and he didn't realize it. Or he just had the setup totally wrong. It didn't make sense.

And Aaron, yes, I'd like to ride with you and Grant again soon.

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