i know it’s probably late now but they all serve different functions, a carbon frame would offer stiffness for when transferring power while a alloy would absorb more vibrations there is no right awnser because they are almost two different categories
Is the frame on this bike stiff, I am a heavy guy (230lbs) and i hate when a frame flex under me which is why I like Santa Cruz bikes because they are usually burly and stiff. Also how would this bike compare to the 5010, does it have the same pop? BTW I love your videos. Love how you describe the pros and cons bikes. You are one of the best on youtube. Your "short crank" video helped me with a problem i didn't know i had.
Hey Perry, thanks so much for the kind words! Regarding frame flex, unfortunately I’m not the best to ask. I weigh in at 160 and generally don’t get a huge amount of flex regardless of bike. That being said, I completely agree on Santa Cruz bikes generally feeling super solid. It’s very hard for me to not recommend Santa Cruz over most brands now because of the lifetime frame warranty and the lifetime free frame bearings. I’d say the 5010, going on memory from about a year ago, has 90% the pop this one has. VPP is a very refined platform, but tends to have a more muted feel to me whereas this one is more active. Hope I’ve not confused you more, and feel free to call our shop any time to talk bikes!
Im torn! I was really considering the 2023 style optic pre high pivot and now these seems pretty similar. I know you gave ridden both what do you think? The 2023 optic c3 is 3k right now
While the Fluid is very similar to the outgoing Optic, I’d personally take the new Fluid. The kinematics are more refined/progressive and the bike is overall noticeably more capable while still weighing in close to the same. It is a smoking price on the remaining Optics though
@DrJMTB thanks for getting back to me that was what I was looking for maybe I'll do a frame build and swap my hardtail parts over 2k for the frame isn't to bad at all
I clicked “unmute” just in time to hear “look at.” When I backed up the video, I was a bit disappointed to hear “What’s my favorite bike to…” proceeded “look at” instead of “would ya just…”. Other than that, 5 stars.
Probably the 2 most comparable bikes I can think of as far as climbing performance… maybe a slight edge to the Tallboy. Worth noting the Tallboy I tested was a solid 3-4 lbs lighter. As far as descending, also very comparable bikes as far as capability. Tallboy with VPP had a more muted rear suspension feel, Fluid is more active feeling. Hard to beat the Santa Cruz full lifetime warranty and lifetime bearing replacement, but both are nice bikes and very similar in capability.
It really is a tad less supple, but to the noticeable benefit of having more support. It definitely holds you up in the travel better than the pre-23' version.
if you had $4000, would you rather get a carbon/aluminum hybrid frame and carbon wheels, or a more expensive carbon frame only? No correct answers...
i know it’s probably late now but they all serve different functions, a carbon frame would offer stiffness for when transferring power while a alloy would absorb more vibrations there is no right awnser because they are almost two different categories
I wish the bike came with the silver lowers. Looks so nice
Is the frame on this bike stiff, I am a heavy guy (230lbs) and i hate when a frame flex under me which is why I like Santa Cruz bikes because they are usually burly and stiff. Also how would this bike compare to the 5010, does it have the same pop? BTW I love your videos. Love how you describe the pros and cons bikes. You are one of the best on youtube. Your "short crank" video helped me with a problem i didn't know i had.
Hey Perry, thanks so much for the kind words! Regarding frame flex, unfortunately I’m not the best to ask. I weigh in at 160 and generally don’t get a huge amount of flex regardless of bike. That being said, I completely agree on Santa Cruz bikes generally feeling super solid. It’s very hard for me to not recommend Santa Cruz over most brands now because of the lifetime frame warranty and the lifetime free frame bearings. I’d say the 5010, going on memory from about a year ago, has 90% the pop this one has. VPP is a very refined platform, but tends to have a more muted feel to me whereas this one is more active. Hope I’ve not confused you more, and feel free to call our shop any time to talk bikes!
I'm 6ft tall 34"inseam. Should I go large or XL?
Unless you like a smaller bike, I’d be thinking XL. I’m just under 5’10” and feel dead on with large
Im torn! I was really considering the 2023 style optic pre high pivot and now these seems pretty similar. I know you gave ridden both what do you think? The 2023 optic c3 is 3k right now
While the Fluid is very similar to the outgoing Optic, I’d personally take the new Fluid. The kinematics are more refined/progressive and the bike is overall noticeably more capable while still weighing in close to the same. It is a smoking price on the remaining Optics though
@DrJMTB thanks for getting back to me that was what I was looking for maybe I'll do a frame build and swap my hardtail parts over 2k for the frame isn't to bad at all
I clicked “unmute” just in time to hear “look at.” When I backed up the video, I was a bit disappointed to hear “What’s my favorite bike to…” proceeded “look at” instead of “would ya just…”. Other than that, 5 stars.
Sometimes I even let myself down 😅
how would you compare this in the area of climbing and descending versus the tallboy v5 you've tested months ago? thank you
Probably the 2 most comparable bikes I can think of as far as climbing performance… maybe a slight edge to the Tallboy. Worth noting the Tallboy I tested was a solid 3-4 lbs lighter. As far as descending, also very comparable bikes as far as capability. Tallboy with VPP had a more muted rear suspension feel, Fluid is more active feeling. Hard to beat the Santa Cruz full lifetime warranty and lifetime bearing replacement, but both are nice bikes and very similar in capability.
@@DrJMTB this is very helpful.thank you for your prompt reply.
How's the new pike ultimate ? feels like there is mix review about the new generation
It really is a tad less supple, but to the noticeable benefit of having more support. It definitely holds you up in the travel better than the pre-23' version.
@@DrJMTB thank you !!