[chikai]

4", 5", 6"...of travel that is. My tribe:

I've owned the ASR-SL for several years now. Built it up to the way I wanted and rode it mostly cross country. As my ridding terrain has evolved, I decided to go 650b. Had a Transition DH bike to handle the really gnarly stuff, but it was just too much so I got rid of that to fund the SB75.

A few months later a certain retailer decided to put the last of the SB66 Cs up for sale, and d*mn it...I had to have that bike.

Now the dilemma. The ASR-SL does need to go. Lined up, in the pictures it almost looks like a children's bike. Maybe because it's sitting next to the SB75.

I definitely don't need both the SB66C and SB75. I rode them back to back on the streets (no dirt) tonight and loved each for different reasons.

SB75: rode taller and stouter. Really stiff frame, definitely pedaled better than the 66C. The extra 1.5" taller wheel does make a difference in rolling over curbs. It was nice and smooth, even on the rugged edges. The extra weight of the bike/wheel was definitely felt. Came in about 32lbs w/ pedals

SB66C: my dream machine. Bouncing up and down on it was a completely different sensation than the SB75. It felt like there was way more travel, although by the spec sheets it was only an extra inch. Super cushy ride, and definitely more appropriate for DH/All mountain. And of course the 26" and lower weight (just under 29lbs w/ pedals) made it a joy to flick around...even on the asphalt.

So, which would you choose?

 

[BDKeg]

nice tribe

SB-66C, no question. The 2.4 tire in front comes in close to 27" anyway, who needs 650b for rollover when you got the greatest bike on earth

 

[jftoha]

Simple, SB66c. A modern classic.

 

[Flamingtaco]

Thought this was going to be a thread about rotors... touche!

 

[partusa]

Seems like you keep your bikes for a long time (old ASR), in that case I will keep the 66c. If you are thinking of selling the bike in the near future, keep the SB75 and sell the 66 now. I heard that there is a new 66 coming soon with 27.5 wheels. If that's the case you will have hard time selling the 66 later. The market for 27.5 is hot now, so you will sell it in no time.

If you are not worried about the reselling value, then keep the bike that makes you smile and better fits your riding style and trails. IMO the SB75 and 66C are completely different monsters. Different geometry, one ALU, the other carbon, one with bigger wheels.
I would keep them both and hang them in the living room.

 

[mnigro]

Go ride them on dirt and make up your mind for yourself. Riding around the street ain't the same.

 

[SicBith]

Just pick one and go get it dirty.....They're so clean it's hurting my eyes.