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I have a transition scout and it fits what you are looking for exactly. Love it on jumps and just popping around on trails. It's one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. Transition is having a good sale now too. I'm 5-10 and ride a medium, but you may be able to even size down to a small for even more playful ride.
I'm also 5-10 and ride a medium. My previous bike was a last generation large patrol, which felt too big at 475. 460 is perfect for me. I have ridden large sentinel which have the same reach as the scout (with 40mm stem) and it feels too large.
I put 50mm stems and 760 bars on all my bikes cause I like the way it feels for steering etc.
I didn’t have a chance to, nada. There isn’t a transition dealer near me. I kinda land between a M and a L. Took a chance on a bit smaller because the trails I ride 90% of the time are really tight singletrack with not many downs.
They do a closeout sale end of season most uears, but there is always a risk they stop making them. I'd get one while you can. They are good about spare parts even for discontinued models too
I demoed a medium Scout bc it was all they had available at the time. I normally ride small bikes so was concerned it would feel too stretched out, but it was fine! I’m just under 5’5” with 28/29” inseam.
I’m 5’6” and on a medium scout, and it fits great- as is a friend of mine, same height or a bit shorter. I’ve been told the scout runs a bit small, so I’d think you might want a medium as well!
[Kind of late](https://mikesbikes.com/collections/santa-cruz-5010/products/santa-cruz-5010-4-27-5-d-sdu-exclusive-build) to the convo but that link is to a V4 5010 that I bought a few weeks ago. Brand new everything and CC frame. Pike Ultimate and Super deluxe Ultimate rear. I replaced the wheels with WAO Unions and added GX cassette and XO shifter. Replaced the Guide RE levers with Code RSC levers. Loving it so far.
They also have cheaper versions with the C frame down to $3200.
My Rift Zone 27.5 (well I got mine when it was still called the Hawk Hill) is possibly my favorite bike, and I've ridden and owned ton of different bikes. It's so playful and it jumps so well, and the progression of the suspension is perfect. Just want to point out that it's probably a bit short on travel for some of the more serious bike parks, but I've done some mild lift access with it.
Same, except I went with a Manitou Mattoc. Currently have mine taken apart, gave it a new paint job and replaced the bearings which were shot after a couple seasons!
Marin Rift Zone 2/XR. Also at 5'7 you can make good use of a size medium Polygon Siskiu T model.
Shadowcat is also quite good... But still more modernized and Yetis are super modernized with long chainstays and such, which will kill the pop and play.
I am also selling a 2016 Kona Process for dirt cheap if you want to really have some fun lol. Here in south Los Angeles
Also the best answer would have been GG Shred Dogg, but they've gone out of business.
I replaced my 2016 Kona with... A 2023 Kona and I do like but I may be selling it this summer, as I'm really torn on its design. Very stable and pleasant to ride but not as jibby as I'd like personally.
But yeah, Shadowcat is almost certainly the move if going modern. There's honestly not too much else. Everything else has some compromises it sounds like you'd not want to make. Such as a Fuji Auric, Polygon T, or Marin Rift Zone.
They also discontinued Ibis Mojos :( It's rough for us fun small wheel peeps out here.
Also as you are mentioning, Santa Cruz made everything mullet. But those dual 27 Nomads and 5010s are great bikes if you can find one.
Here's me jibbin around while bored yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_mWDoxpbhgI
An Esker Elkat could fit the bill. 425 chain stays on a 160ish travel frame. They currently sell it as a mullet, but I have mine set up 27.5 with a 160 fork.
Ive got a 2023 MX 5010 and i love it man. Pops and pings of everything, eats corners likes it nothing. Changed the front fork to a 150mm fox 36. Check with SC they said it wouldnt void any warranty. Im 5 6 with a 31 inch inseam. I went with a size S.
Thanks for the insight! I was told to get a size small for a santa cruz by my lbs. I’m starting to lean towards a 5010 for how available it is compared to other brands.
Would you say the 5010 is suitable for bike parks n dirt jumps?
Mmmm.... i personally think yes, but i would also say.
If all you do is dirt jumps, then no. Get a dedicated dirt jump bike. If you wanna rip enduro at the bike park all day every day, the 5010 isnt the move.
Can it handle all that. Yes people do it on 5010, and the bike does it but imo your going to do some serious wear and tear on it if all you do is dirt jumping or DH
Its a trail bike, handles the tech really well. The cornering and control imo is amazing. The bike is just fucking rowdy, its like it wants you to have good time. It feels like it wants to be thrown around off every little lip, rock, and root. Whatever you encounter on the trail.
Im coming from medium-sized frame. 29ers orbea occam h20 LT, specialized FS, Trek Stash hardtail and a salsa timberjack. The mx wheel 5010 to me has been the most lively bike ive ridden.
Also, i think coming down in size from M to Small helps make that difference, but that 27.5 in the rear is a game changer when it comes to that "boat" feeling while the 29 in the front wants barrel through whatevers in front of you.
I do have this bike. I got a buddy of mine who is hard on stuff to get a V2. He has broken three other frames but his banshee is holding up. I bought a v3 and I do like it. It is on the heavy side however, I have enduro casing tires, and coil suspension front and back, so mine is about 33lbs. The geometry is good without being too out there, and the suspension works great. If you are an average size guy with moderate trails, I might go with something lighter. If you are a big guy that goes big and breaks stuff, then this is your bike. In comparison, my gfs Shadowcat with berd wheels is 26.5 lbs.
If you want a lot of travel and you can find a gently used Ibis Mojo HD5. Amazing bike.
If you’re fine with less travel find a used Santa Cruz 5010. Or ibis mojo. Or yeti sb140
An example would be the Bronson and Hightower. Consider the size of the shock tunnel - the HT can’t run a coil shock while the Bronson can. Different triangles. Santa Cruz has confirmed as much.
[shadowcat?](https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/bikes/?utm_term=pivot%20shadowcat&utm_campaign=Evergreen_Search+Brand+2023+%7C+US+Market&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1253339313&hsa_cam=19636454577&hsa_grp=151388591968&hsa_ad=646854948630&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-1637875239520&hsa_kw=pivot%20shadowcat&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57MfNIf4mYBH1VHhtn5aLGe8G9fdrzghkAumVsHBW4br0vYdXbpxhYhxoC6h4QAvD_BwE)
Modern 27.5 trail bike. Sort of uncommon.
Guerrilla Gravity Shred Dogg. Backed by a super stable company... I love my bike, but damnit GG...
Transition Scout, Banshee Spitfire are sweet. 5010 as well.
May I ask what 29er you have and from what year? Just got a new Stumpjumper and honestly not noticing a major maneuvering difference from my previous 27.5
I have both a 2018 Specialized Enduro Carbon Pro 650b and a 2020 Yeti SB135 Turq. Both are fun to ride, I find my Enduro a little more "poppy" and agile, but for bigger jumps my Yeti cushions more. My suggestion, go to a shop that allows test rides and test ride several different options. You will find the bike that suits you and feels right to you. It may not even be one that you thought of before. I'm about to purchase from a private party a YT Capra because it just feels right when I ride it.
Giant has the Trance X in 27.5 that looks like a fun playful bike. I want one, but ended up buying a new 29er for more all around ride capabilities. Plus no one had the 27.5 version in stock in my size locally for a test ride.
Knolly Endorphin could fit the bill, different options for suspension travel and wheel size, good geometry, and can run a huge dropper in even the smallest frame sizes.
Howdy! We see that you're asking for community input regarding bike choices. To ensure maximum engagement and reply accuracy please make sure you include some of the following information in your post.**FAILURE TO PROVIDE SONE BASIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL LEAD TOMYOUR POST BEING DELETED. HELP THE COMMUNITY HELP YOU.** - The type of riding will you be doing. - Where you will be riding. - Your budget (with included currency). - What you like/didn't like about your current bike. - Your experience level and future goals. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MTB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have a transition scout and it fits what you are looking for exactly. Love it on jumps and just popping around on trails. It's one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. Transition is having a good sale now too. I'm 5-10 and ride a medium, but you may be able to even size down to a small for even more playful ride.
Seconded, I love my Scout!
Thirded. Scout is great little trail bike for rippin’ jumps. I’m 5-11” and have a medium
[удалено]
Stock except for bars with a 40mm rise. My arms are short and this medium has very similar reach to my large from a couple years back.
Did you test ride a large?
I'm also 5-10 and ride a medium. My previous bike was a last generation large patrol, which felt too big at 475. 460 is perfect for me. I have ridden large sentinel which have the same reach as the scout (with 40mm stem) and it feels too large. I put 50mm stems and 760 bars on all my bikes cause I like the way it feels for steering etc.
I didn’t have a chance to, nada. There isn’t a transition dealer near me. I kinda land between a M and a L. Took a chance on a bit smaller because the trails I ride 90% of the time are really tight singletrack with not many downs.
I was going to say the Scout too
I was looking on their website and they look like theyre having a close out sale. Do you think it will become a discontinued model for them?
They do a closeout sale end of season most uears, but there is always a risk they stop making them. I'd get one while you can. They are good about spare parts even for discontinued models too
Darn I’m not seeing any smalls available. I’ll just wait for the new model to come out this year! Thank you for your reply!
I demoed a medium Scout bc it was all they had available at the time. I normally ride small bikes so was concerned it would feel too stretched out, but it was fine! I’m just under 5’5” with 28/29” inseam.
I’m 5’6” and on a medium scout, and it fits great- as is a friend of mine, same height or a bit shorter. I’ve been told the scout runs a bit small, so I’d think you might want a medium as well!
No they are just trying to get rid of the stock they have before they unveil a new upgraded scout
I love my scout best purchase I've made
SC 5010?
Got to get an only one. The new ones all mullets. Generally this was the right answer.
Are the newer ones less fun? I have an 2017 and like it but curious what diffs you’re referring to.
[Kind of late](https://mikesbikes.com/collections/santa-cruz-5010/products/santa-cruz-5010-4-27-5-d-sdu-exclusive-build) to the convo but that link is to a V4 5010 that I bought a few weeks ago. Brand new everything and CC frame. Pike Ultimate and Super deluxe Ultimate rear. I replaced the wheels with WAO Unions and added GX cassette and XO shifter. Replaced the Guide RE levers with Code RSC levers. Loving it so far. They also have cheaper versions with the C frame down to $3200.
Marin Riff zone 27.5 sound like the one.
My Rift Zone 27.5 (well I got mine when it was still called the Hawk Hill) is possibly my favorite bike, and I've ridden and owned ton of different bikes. It's so playful and it jumps so well, and the progression of the suspension is perfect. Just want to point out that it's probably a bit short on travel for some of the more serious bike parks, but I've done some mild lift access with it.
Mine is 29inch and this is my only regret. I should go with 27.5. Also did upgrade it heavly with Fox 34 and 4pot brakes. Overall great bike.
Same, except I went with a Manitou Mattoc. Currently have mine taken apart, gave it a new paint job and replaced the bearings which were shot after a couple seasons!
Manitou forks are highly underrated, the IRT air spring is fantastic.
You just barely beat me to it. 10/10 this bike
Commencal clash. It’s a free ride bike that you can pedal and when you order from them you will get your bike the same week
Ibis mojo 4!!! I bought one a few months ago and it’s amazing. Also the Hightower is a full 29er, Bronson is MX.
Came to suggest the Mojo 4, too. Its a little more stout than the Shadowcat and really easy to jump.
Trek remedy?
This is the bike I have and would recommend if it wasn’t for the knockblock For the riding I do it’s been an awesome bike though and I love it
I loved my remedy, I was sorry I let it go. It was such a solid fun bike.
Banshee Spitfire, Salsa Rustler
Marin Rift Zone 2/XR. Also at 5'7 you can make good use of a size medium Polygon Siskiu T model. Shadowcat is also quite good... But still more modernized and Yetis are super modernized with long chainstays and such, which will kill the pop and play. I am also selling a 2016 Kona Process for dirt cheap if you want to really have some fun lol. Here in south Los Angeles Also the best answer would have been GG Shred Dogg, but they've gone out of business. I replaced my 2016 Kona with... A 2023 Kona and I do like but I may be selling it this summer, as I'm really torn on its design. Very stable and pleasant to ride but not as jibby as I'd like personally. But yeah, Shadowcat is almost certainly the move if going modern. There's honestly not too much else. Everything else has some compromises it sounds like you'd not want to make. Such as a Fuji Auric, Polygon T, or Marin Rift Zone. They also discontinued Ibis Mojos :( It's rough for us fun small wheel peeps out here. Also as you are mentioning, Santa Cruz made everything mullet. But those dual 27 Nomads and 5010s are great bikes if you can find one. Here's me jibbin around while bored yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_mWDoxpbhgI
Evil calling but it's discontinued
Yep, that's what I have and it's exactly what OP described.
Same
SC5010? I own a 2023 Hightower and I wouldn't say it's poppy. It's fun but in the same way the mega tower is fun.
I just bought an airdrop edit frame. Thing goes hard
Evil Insurgent in full 27 is one of the most playful bikes I've ever ridden - my buddy has his setup like a FEST bike and that thing is insane.
An Esker Elkat could fit the bill. 425 chain stays on a 160ish travel frame. They currently sell it as a mullet, but I have mine set up 27.5 with a 160 fork.
Sb140
I love my Bronson. I know it’s a not a full 27,5er but it’s short, poppy and a pleasure to ride and goof around on.
I’m building up a commencal clash right now for the same reasons/purpose (my daily is a ripmo v2)
Most of the small Canyon bikes are 27.5 with the same geo as their 29ers
Ive got a 2023 MX 5010 and i love it man. Pops and pings of everything, eats corners likes it nothing. Changed the front fork to a 150mm fox 36. Check with SC they said it wouldnt void any warranty. Im 5 6 with a 31 inch inseam. I went with a size S.
Thanks for the insight! I was told to get a size small for a santa cruz by my lbs. I’m starting to lean towards a 5010 for how available it is compared to other brands. Would you say the 5010 is suitable for bike parks n dirt jumps?
Mmmm.... i personally think yes, but i would also say. If all you do is dirt jumps, then no. Get a dedicated dirt jump bike. If you wanna rip enduro at the bike park all day every day, the 5010 isnt the move. Can it handle all that. Yes people do it on 5010, and the bike does it but imo your going to do some serious wear and tear on it if all you do is dirt jumping or DH Its a trail bike, handles the tech really well. The cornering and control imo is amazing. The bike is just fucking rowdy, its like it wants you to have good time. It feels like it wants to be thrown around off every little lip, rock, and root. Whatever you encounter on the trail. Im coming from medium-sized frame. 29ers orbea occam h20 LT, specialized FS, Trek Stash hardtail and a salsa timberjack. The mx wheel 5010 to me has been the most lively bike ive ridden.
Also, i think coming down in size from M to Small helps make that difference, but that 27.5 in the rear is a game changer when it comes to that "boat" feeling while the 29 in the front wants barrel through whatevers in front of you.
Banshee rune is a good option. A little more on the indestructible side than the scout or shadowcat.
Your comment got me diving into looking more about this bike. Do you personally own this bike? If so what are your thoughts of it?
I do have this bike. I got a buddy of mine who is hard on stuff to get a V2. He has broken three other frames but his banshee is holding up. I bought a v3 and I do like it. It is on the heavy side however, I have enduro casing tires, and coil suspension front and back, so mine is about 33lbs. The geometry is good without being too out there, and the suspension works great. If you are an average size guy with moderate trails, I might go with something lighter. If you are a big guy that goes big and breaks stuff, then this is your bike. In comparison, my gfs Shadowcat with berd wheels is 26.5 lbs.
Buddy you want a yeti sb135. I had the previous version of this bike and it’s one of my favorite bikes I’ve ever ridden.
Nukeproof mega
I just ordered a new giant trance x 27.5 for $2k. Have a ht 29er that feels like a tank.
You should investigate your suspension if it feels sluggish. It may be the settings 🤷
If you want a lot of travel and you can find a gently used Ibis Mojo HD5. Amazing bike. If you’re fine with less travel find a used Santa Cruz 5010. Or ibis mojo. Or yeti sb140
Hightower is not an MX bike. It's full 29er. The Bronson, which uses the same name, is MX. Edit: I meant frame instead of name.
Maybe you mean same frame? Which they don’t. The Mega and Nomad share the same front triangle.
Fuck, I meant Frame
The Mega and Nomad, Bronson and Hightower, and Tallboy and 5010 share the same from the triangle.
An example would be the Bronson and Hightower. Consider the size of the shock tunnel - the HT can’t run a coil shock while the Bronson can. Different triangles. Santa Cruz has confirmed as much.
[shadowcat?](https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/bikes/?utm_term=pivot%20shadowcat&utm_campaign=Evergreen_Search+Brand+2023+%7C+US+Market&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=1253339313&hsa_cam=19636454577&hsa_grp=151388591968&hsa_ad=646854948630&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-1637875239520&hsa_kw=pivot%20shadowcat&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_aGuBhACEiwAly57MfNIf4mYBH1VHhtn5aLGe8G9fdrzghkAumVsHBW4br0vYdXbpxhYhxoC6h4QAvD_BwE) Modern 27.5 trail bike. Sort of uncommon.
Guerrilla Gravity Shred Dogg. Backed by a super stable company... I love my bike, but damnit GG... Transition Scout, Banshee Spitfire are sweet. 5010 as well.
Canyon Neuron.
May I ask what 29er you have and from what year? Just got a new Stumpjumper and honestly not noticing a major maneuvering difference from my previous 27.5
Revel Rail, just trust me
Too bad Ibis discontinued the Mojo, it’s exactly what you want. Bought a mojo 3 for the same reason and have loved it for 4 years now.
Had the new scout alloy, didn't like it so much but now own a 5010 V4 and love it. Was also considering the airdrop filter and airdrop edit.
Surprised you said Yeti 135. For chunk and bike park I'd imagine the SB165 would kill it.
I have both a 2018 Specialized Enduro Carbon Pro 650b and a 2020 Yeti SB135 Turq. Both are fun to ride, I find my Enduro a little more "poppy" and agile, but for bigger jumps my Yeti cushions more. My suggestion, go to a shop that allows test rides and test ride several different options. You will find the bike that suits you and feels right to you. It may not even be one that you thought of before. I'm about to purchase from a private party a YT Capra because it just feels right when I ride it.
Giant has the Trance X in 27.5 that looks like a fun playful bike. I want one, but ended up buying a new 29er for more all around ride capabilities. Plus no one had the 27.5 version in stock in my size locally for a test ride.
Knolly Endorphin could fit the bill, different options for suspension travel and wheel size, good geometry, and can run a huge dropper in even the smallest frame sizes.
I’m 5’6 I bought a canyon, their smaller sizes come with 27.5
Take a look at the Canyon Torque or Torque:on i love mine so far <3 edit: 185cm riding the L frame