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Please let us know what you choose. I am also less than happy with my 510 trailcross. I am amazed at the lack of mtb shoes with ankle protection, but I guess it is just a lack of sales or more options would be out there. I am looking into the RC shoes,and will most likely buy a pair soon.
I absolutely love my Tallboy V4, but I think you would have to put on some pretty high end parts to get the weight near where you want it for a light trail/downcountry bike.
I built mine from a 2020 CC frame, 140mm Pike fork, Spank aluminum bar/stem, SLX 4 piston brakes, 180mm rotors, XT cranks, derailer, shifter, Box 11sp cassette, X fusion dropper, and Nox composite/I9 hydra wheelset, and 2.6 tires. Total weight 29.8 lbs.
I run the bike in the high setting with the short chainstay chips for one really awesome trail bike for our East TN trails. I built mine up from the frame before Covid really hit. I chose this route because I too felt like you just didn’t get good value for money with the Santa Cruz complete builds.
Good luck in your search. The Ripley sure does look like a sweet ride, and should tick off all of the boxes on your wishlist.
It depends on how far you want to drive from Gatlinburg to ride. We have the Urban Wilderness Trails in Knoxville. Over the mountain you have Fire Mountain in Cherokee and the Tsali trails near Bryson City.
I am currently trying to go down a similar road. I sold my 34 lb. Enduro bike to purchase a new Tallboy 4 frame. I am expecting my custom build to be around 28/29 lbs. The only issue is my frame is now two weeks over due. I don’t ride any trails with extended rough sections, and I need all the climbing efficiency I can get. I hope you can find a bike that fits your needs. I myself like the idea of downcountry.
Google search: Suntour Xcr Lo R Air 29/27.5+
I have had three orders with CRC. The first two went amazing, but were small items (sprocket, bolts and tires). Quick shipping times, and great packaging. My last order for a wheelset, was not as pleasant. It was filled by Wiggle for CRC. Slow shipping, and poor product packaging. Luckily the damage to the wheelset was only a scuffed sticker, but a simple piece of cardboard between the wheels would have prevented this. I also have a coworker that had a similar experience with a Wiggle filled order from CRC. I hope they get things sorted,as they have some great prices.
When I bought my first bike in Feb 17, it was the most I had paid for a bike $300 used. Once I was hooked, I started looking at $1200 full suspension bikes, and quickly realized I needed to spend more in order to not be upgrading again soon. I caught a $3000 bike 25% off and bought it. Now I expect my next bike to cost $3500-4500, after my skills progress. I would have never imagined spending that much on a bicycle a few months ago.
Giant Anthem 3, Marin Hawk Hill, Kona Precept 150 are in your price range as well.
If you could add another $1k your options open up quite a bit. Also check with the LBS for sales on 17 models and demo bike sales.
Recently purchased this rack to take our bike to the beach from TN. It is not the best, but far from the worst. The bikes are held securely, but I am unsure of long term durability.
The bike seems to have a good build kit, and if it fits the riding you do all should be well.
Mr. Greene is correct that you can find some lightly used higher end bikes at that price used, at least in my area of the country anyway.
The 2018 models will be coming out soon also, if you can hold out for a discounted 2017. I just picked up a 25% off Transition bike from my LBS.
Good luck in whatever path you go.100% in the truck to the trails, but I have several choices within 30 minutes drive of the house.
