I'm likely going to be moving to Vancouver after next year. Between now and then I will be doing one last season XC racing on my chill hometown team. For an upgrade from my current bike, I've been debating between the Hightower 29 and Tallboy 29 (both S builds). I'm planning on buying the new bike this summer, after the new SC bikes come out (new colors only on 29ers this year so I've been told).
I actually raced my last XC race of this season on a demo 2018 Hightower 29. The race was a long gradual climb, then a consistent downhill with a bunch of switchbacks. The bike was phenomenal on the downhill and flat sections, but it wasn't too quick on the long uphill switchbacks, which resulted in me placing slightly higher than usual.
I demoed the Tallboy at Duthie Hill MTB Park and I loved how playful and fast it was, however I noticed that it didn't feel nearly as confidence inspiring as the Hightower on the bigger roots/rocks. Unfortunately I was unable to test the tallboy on a long consistent downhill due to Duthie Hill's terrain constraints, so I didn't get a feel for how the Tallboy handles that type of terrain.
I know that the Tallboy would be way better for XC racing and is a faster bike on flats and uphills, but I am worried that it would:
* Limit me to the tamest of the North Shore trails
* Limit me to the tamest of the Squamish Trails
I know that the Hightower will be much more confidence inspiring for these trails, but I also don't want my final season of XC racing on my hometown team to be one that I don't do as well.
Any recommendations? I'd especially like to hear from:
* Anyone who rides a Tallboy
* Anyone who does chill XC races on a Hightower
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by: Paul_Manafart on June 17, 2018, 11:09 a.m., edited 2 times in total.