Would I notice the difference??

So I am new to this. Not new to bikes, been a roadie for a while, so I know about groupsets, components, frame materials/geometry etc, and it all seems to swap fairly well between the areas.
My question is, as a new rider I am already considering a new bike. I have a 2015 Saracen Kili flyer 121 with reverb post. All the reviews put me off it a bit, and they seem accurate. Nice and confident on the downs, but heavy to climb. I got it mainly as I wanted something that would give me a good idea of if I was in it for the long haul without breaking the bank. Got this bike ex demo for a steal! Already been offered more in part ex than I paid for it!
The bike I'm looking at is the Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon C. Full carbon, 150mm instead of 120. 1x11 instead of 2x10. Lighter, better spec etc.
From an experienced riders perspective, would I notice enough difference between them to make it worth the purchase?
Thanks!
My question is, as a new rider I am already considering a new bike. I have a 2015 Saracen Kili flyer 121 with reverb post. All the reviews put me off it a bit, and they seem accurate. Nice and confident on the downs, but heavy to climb. I got it mainly as I wanted something that would give me a good idea of if I was in it for the long haul without breaking the bank. Got this bike ex demo for a steal! Already been offered more in part ex than I paid for it!
The bike I'm looking at is the Santa Cruz Bronson Carbon C. Full carbon, 150mm instead of 120. 1x11 instead of 2x10. Lighter, better spec etc.
From an experienced riders perspective, would I notice enough difference between them to make it worth the purchase?
Thanks!
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Reason for looking at the Bronson is the longer travel on the front and rear suspension. May come in useful if I decide to do a few uplift days which I quite like the idea of if I learn to jump!
The lifetime frame warrantee on the Santa Cruz's is what got me looking at that make seriously!
It's all about quality of suspension and frame geometry rather than amount of suspension travel.
I was on my 120 rear /140mm front travel Transition Scout yesterday, blasting out laps of 50 Shades of Black and loosing out nothing to mates on bigger bikes, if anything I was making less effort to clear gaps.
Fair point, hadn't thought of it that way.
So would you say stick with 120mm for a trail/jump bike then, rather than going for a 150?
Or... Keep the Kili for trails and spend the difference on a hard tail! NO, stop it! One bike!
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
Great stuff, cheers! So a 150 Bronson is within that range. Just!
Great stuff, cheers! So a 150 Bronson is within that range. Just!
It's not a definite line, and how a bike feels has way more to do with geometry than travel, but from what I have heard a Bronson is a pretty versatile bike. There's a guy in my area that I see riding once in a while who is a bit over biked on his SC Nomad (165mm), he just isn't quite as dynamic as others.
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
The aluminium Bronson is going to be a lot more hard work than your Saracen and the VPP rear suspension really sucks up the kick from jumps meaning you really have to boost it to clear jumps.
The Bronson is full carbon. Are we talking about the same bike?
http://www.thetrailhead.co.uk/2016-sant ... 5216-p.asp
This is the one. Lockable rear shock too, so hardtail (ish) for the jumps?
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
Out of interest, why is that? Seems logical if he suspension makes it harder to jump to stick it on the climb/lockout setting for jumping. In need of educating on this clearly!
If you are on a smooth dirt jump park you don't need suspension, but if you are on trails you will want some simply because of the sections of trail between the jumps.
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
Yeah that would make sense. Mine spends most of its time in the "trail" setting anyway as the "descend" setting feels very bouncy. I have used it for a long grassy bumpy rutted decent and it's very good at absorbing that.
That's just for really big impacts when locked out, as said above if you want small bump compliance you are going the wrong way.
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
Yeah i know but i just meant regards jumps. I personally wouldnt lock out my fork or shock specifically for a jump.
Then I don't really know what you are asking...
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
I just meant if he was specifically using his bike for say a day of sessioning jumps, locking it out wouldnt matter as on landing the force generated would overide the fork lockout. Basically what you said by not needing suspension, wasnt having a go or anything.
It's complicated, I'd in general rather have a bike that is enjoyable everywhere without gimmicks like dual position frame/fork and lockout.
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
Im with you on that i like to keep it simple, no gimmicks. I dont even use the climb switch or lock out on my shock.
Same.
-A new Giant Trance 3 2015!
EDIT: If the weight is a problem, is there anything you can simply upgrade to improve that? You mentioned the 1x11 drivetrain, why not upgrade and ditch the front derailleur and lose a front ring.
http://www.lakesrider.weebly.com
Some of the latest short travel, super slack trail bikes might only have 120mm suspension but are as capable as most 160mm enduro bikes and better over jumps.
Without a doubt, apologies if that was how my comment came across.
What I am suggesting though is that you know in yourself if you need more travel or if you need a slacker head angle etc. People can argue back and forth over that kind of thing all day but there's no definitive answer.
http://www.lakesrider.weebly.com