mtnbikej
J-Zilla
Still one of the best colors that SC has offered over the years.
New Bike Day!
- Thread starter littlewave
- Start date
Still one of the best colors that SC has offered over the years.
mountaingirl sara
iMTB Hooligan
Will do!Bottom bracket holds the bearings... An easy swap on yours. Shimano is like $30. Or you can outlay some more cash and get one that will last a lifetime and is serviceable. I like Hope...
@mtnbikej I’ll have all of these things checked out, my newish mechanic haven’t been charging me for labor and seems to be a top notch wrencher
Thanks gentleman
buggravy
iMTB Addict
Awww yeah! Congrats, dude. That’s a fine looking rig.
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
Here's the story:
I spec'd all the parts for the Hightower frame. Some were upgrades I pulled off the Pivot (brakes, handlebar, cranks). Others were simply my preferences. The Path obtained all of the parts, but they could not got any response from Santa Cruz regarding my Hightower frame/shock. From Dec. 17 - Feb 7 - still, not shipped. Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, I spied what appeared to be an XXL Megatower frame hanging from the rafters. Hmmmmm....
So the next time I heard "Santa Cruz said your Hightower should ship the week of Feb 10" was the last straw. Build the Meg. I'll take it. They are virtually the same bike, except 20mm more travel. I gave them the "green light" on Friday morning and picked it up Friday evening.
Wheels: DT Swiss 350 laced to Race Face Arc Offset 30 (alu)
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 exo dual compound in back, Minnion DHF 3c exo 2.5 WT in front.
Fork: 2020 Lyrik Ultimate RCT3 Charger 2.1 42mm offset 160mm travel
Shock: Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate
Transmission: 2020 Shimano XT 12 speed. Shifter, chain, cassette, derailleur
Brakes: Shimano XT 8120 4 piston, XT rotors 203 f, 180 r
Cranks: Race Face Turbine (w Turbine BB and 30t chainring)
Dropper: One Up V2 - 210mm
HBar: One Up Carbon, 35mm rise
Grips: ODI TInker Juarez (think ESI chunky with one-sided lockring)
Stem: Race Face Aeffect, 50mm
Saddle: WTB Silverado
So basically I shifted from a 160/160 travel 27.5 to a more modern 160/160 29er.
Today's big surprise? Damn thing climbs really well - better than my Tracer by a fair bit. Feels the same as the Hightower to me. Never needed the lockout switch on the shock. I'm told the Ripmo and the Yeti are better climbing bikes. Well, the Ripmo doesn't fit me very well, and it's hard to get a test ride on the Yeti SB 150 XL. I'll let you know next Saturday.
A huge shout out to The Path. They didn't have to take in my Pivot after I owned it a month, rode it a dozen times and modified it. And they certainly didn't have to give me every penny back in store credit, making it almost a straight trade. Thanks Tani and Brandon!
I spec'd all the parts for the Hightower frame. Some were upgrades I pulled off the Pivot (brakes, handlebar, cranks). Others were simply my preferences. The Path obtained all of the parts, but they could not got any response from Santa Cruz regarding my Hightower frame/shock. From Dec. 17 - Feb 7 - still, not shipped. Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, I spied what appeared to be an XXL Megatower frame hanging from the rafters. Hmmmmm....
So the next time I heard "Santa Cruz said your Hightower should ship the week of Feb 10" was the last straw. Build the Meg. I'll take it. They are virtually the same bike, except 20mm more travel. I gave them the "green light" on Friday morning and picked it up Friday evening.
Wheels: DT Swiss 350 laced to Race Face Arc Offset 30 (alu)
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4 exo dual compound in back, Minnion DHF 3c exo 2.5 WT in front.
Fork: 2020 Lyrik Ultimate RCT3 Charger 2.1 42mm offset 160mm travel
Shock: Rock Shox Super Deluxe Ultimate
Transmission: 2020 Shimano XT 12 speed. Shifter, chain, cassette, derailleur
Brakes: Shimano XT 8120 4 piston, XT rotors 203 f, 180 r
Cranks: Race Face Turbine (w Turbine BB and 30t chainring)
Dropper: One Up V2 - 210mm
HBar: One Up Carbon, 35mm rise
Grips: ODI TInker Juarez (think ESI chunky with one-sided lockring)
Stem: Race Face Aeffect, 50mm
Saddle: WTB Silverado
So basically I shifted from a 160/160 travel 27.5 to a more modern 160/160 29er.
Today's big surprise? Damn thing climbs really well - better than my Tracer by a fair bit. Feels the same as the Hightower to me. Never needed the lockout switch on the shock. I'm told the Ripmo and the Yeti are better climbing bikes. Well, the Ripmo doesn't fit me very well, and it's hard to get a test ride on the Yeti SB 150 XL. I'll let you know next Saturday.
A huge shout out to The Path. They didn't have to take in my Pivot after I owned it a month, rode it a dozen times and modified it. And they certainly didn't have to give me every penny back in store credit, making it almost a straight trade. Thanks Tani and Brandon!
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buggravy
iMTB Addict
Sounds like things fell into place nicely. I'll be interested to hear you thoughts on the new Shimano 12 speed as you get to know it. And that does sound like some excellent customer service from The Path. Kudos to them.
Cyclotourist
iMTB Hooligan
Mega-awesome, @herzalot! Great to read your retail experience, and too bad SC didn't do their part!
But maybe to your benefit if this ends up being a better bike for you!
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
I think you missed the part where I rode my Tracer and discovered it was much more plush than the monster truck Pivot, and more accurate and nimble. The Pontiac was good on the Luge. You may have also missed the part where I have been demoing bikes all of December and tried not to like the Santa Cruzes. I even refused to even try one for a while, but I did. And you may have missed the part where the shop where I bought my Firebird said they will help me exchange for something else that they carry - which eliminated Ibis and Yeti - 2 front row contenders.
So basically I traded my Firebird for this Megatower.
Grego
iMTB Addict
Wow! Shocking! Congrats!
Fueledbyex8
Well-Known Member
Awesome for the Path to build you a bike in such short notice, they make things happen over there. Beautiful new bike Chris, congratulations. Welcome to the SC Family enjoy your new rig where ever you may take it for a spin
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
They were tripping over themselves with apologies for all of the promises and delays, most (all?) of which were seemingly out of their control. They were more than happy to build the thing up right away and get this chapter closed.Awesome for the Path to build you a bike in such short notice, they make things happen over there. Beautiful new bike Chris, congratulations. Welcome to the SC Family enjoy your new rig where ever you may take it for a spin
But on the way out the door, Brandon said, "You know, bottom line is, if you're not in love with the Megatower, we still have the XXL Hightower coming in some day. It won't be a big deal to just swap out the frames..."
How's that for an insurance policy?
Their motto is "Love the bike you ride." At first, I thought that was odd because it sounds like they are saying "Why are you buying a new bike?" But now I see where they actually stand behind that motto after a sale. I am sure they are fortunate enough to rarely have a customer like me.
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
Is this bike going to end up being another "demo", or is it a replacement for your Intense?
NBD: "new bike demo"???
herzalot
iMTB Hooligan
Good question! Too early to tell. One highly-interrupted ride isn't enough to go all in. That, and I am demoing the SB 150 on Saturday. I was hoping to get three solid days of riding The Meg on all of the variety of trails around here before riding the Yeti, I would then know relatively quickly whether the Yeti is just another version of the same thing, or if it is so amazing I can't live without it.
Then.... rain.
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
You just answered my question. Have fun demoing!
mike
iMTB Hooligan
Props to Tani and The Path for doing whatever is necessary to see that you love your bike. That’s committed CS.
I’m putting my chips on the Hightower being the just-right platform for Aliso, LCWP and your style. Having the opportunity to dissect a couple of bikes at length is a boon, whatever you end up with.
I’m putting my chips on the Hightower being the just-right platform for Aliso, LCWP and your style. Having the opportunity to dissect a couple of bikes at length is a boon, whatever you end up with.
tick
Well-Known Member
hmm...my tax returns turned out ok, and my birthday is coming...
mike
iMTB Hooligan
Yea, work it, Tick. I hit the birthday angle recently.
It’s coming...2020! 
I also got the weez to agree with me that the correct solution to my seemingly perpetual work bubble is titanium.
mtbMike
iMTB Rockstah
I haven't ridden the Megatower and have no desire to do so but I've ridden my buddies Yeti SB150 out at Greer Ranch and that is one sweet bike. It climbed amazing for a 170/150 bike though not as quite as good as the Yeti SB130. Coming down was a dream. My only concern was the overall length of the bike which is obviously something you deal with already on an XL anything nowadays. I wouldn't get a 150 to be my *only* bike as it wouldn't be playful enough for me in Sedona, Hurricane, etc...I'd definitely like to have one if I was a regular at Mammoth, Whistler or even Downieville.
I actually sold my Ripmo last night and I'll be on the hunt for a 27.5 bike now. I've rode my buddies Revel Rail on Noble Canyon yesterday and it very nice even though it's not set ups for me and I was wearing 5.10's while riding his Time lipless pedals
Next up with be the Yeti SB140 on a demo from PBS and then I need to fond a medium Ibis HD5 before pulling the trigger. I really like that new tan HD5 but will buy the bike that climbs very well (I have to get up to Lord of the Squirrels in Whistler this Summer) and is PLUSH coming down.
Derkderkall
iMTB Rockstah
Not entirely new bike day.....
But I did just order a new bike , made a large down payment and put one on layaway...
But I did just order a new bike , made a large down payment and put one on layaway...
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
AWESOME!!! That's great news.
tick
Well-Known Member
Who am I kidding...Last time I bought a brand new bike for me was 2009. My current bike was bought used in 2015...it’s not that I won’t buy new bikes, we’ve bought my wife 3 bikes since then. But even her Cervelo tri bike set us back barely more than a set of carbon wheels.Yea, work it, Tick. I hit the birthday angle recently.
I also got the weez to agree with me that the correct solution to my seemingly perpetual work bubble is titanium.
It’s a lot to spend on a sport that might be illegal in 6 months.
Faust29
Moderator
When you already have two great bikes, how do you add something else? Go skinny! Sorry, @mike . 
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I also have my old 80s Schwinn, but the rim brakes scare me... I've been reading for some time, and I did the parking lot test with several bikes for fit and feel. Although carbon would have been lighter, steel just felt right. I quickly ruled out aluminum and anything in a size 54. The ability to run 2.2 mountain tires sealed the deal... As did the fact that it's last year's model and the Path had it marked down nicely. Mountain cranks, mountain drive train, thru axles, hydraulic brakes, 700x45s tubeless, lots of spots to attach stuff, etc... I may have to do the Redlands Strada Rossa 90 miler instead of the 60.
I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I also have my old 80s Schwinn, but the rim brakes scare me... I've been reading for some time, and I did the parking lot test with several bikes for fit and feel. Although carbon would have been lighter, steel just felt right. I quickly ruled out aluminum and anything in a size 54. The ability to run 2.2 mountain tires sealed the deal... As did the fact that it's last year's model and the Path had it marked down nicely. Mountain cranks, mountain drive train, thru axles, hydraulic brakes, 700x45s tubeless, lots of spots to attach stuff, etc... I may have to do the Redlands Strada Rossa 90 miler instead of the 60. I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
pperrelle
iMTB Rockstah
When you already have two great bikes, how do you add something else? Go skinny! Sorry, @mike .
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
View attachment 61792
Congrats! Welcome to the world of gravel.
SnakeCharmer
iMTB Hooligan
When you already have two great bikes, how do you add something else? Go skinny! Sorry, @mike .
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
View attachment 61792
It has gears!!!
Faust29
Moderator
Gravel? I was thinking Motorway and the Luge...
Edit: Ok... Maybe not the luge, but STT definitely.
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mike
iMTB Hooligan
Congrats on the new addition, Steve. Here's to good fun and new horizons!When you already have two great bikes, how do you add something else? Go skinny! Sorry, @mike .
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
View attachment 61792
Cyclotourist
iMTB Hooligan
When you already have two great bikes, how do you add something else? Go skinny! Sorry, @mike .
I like the occasional road ride... But the last couple times I took the road bike out, I ended up doing stupid things- like going down Waterworks with my 700 x 25s. And riding in the Arroyo.
I've since added my sealant... The Path was going to do that, but they no longer carry the sealant I prefer. I also added a bottle cage, pedals and my funny saddle. That saddle has been on 7 or 8 bikes now... It's getting pretty beat up.
View attachment 61792
Kona makes some good stuff... hope this works out for you as intended!!! Will be perfect for the Redlands trails!
UPSed
iMTB Hooligan
Got a text this morning from JRA's lead mechanic Brian saying drop everything and come down and pick up your new bikes! Apparently customs released them a couple days earlier than expected and Vince had Brian build them up this morning. Very much appreciated as it's been a busy demo weekend at JRA. So here's two more new skinny bikes. A Lauf Weekend Warrior and a Lauf Race. Details to follow if anyone's interested.
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