These are the exact two bikes I'm looking at too, The Santa Cruz 5010 and the Cannondale Habit. My LBS doesn't have a Habit in stock, but they do have a 5010 and several Tallboys. I'm gonna demo a Tallboy one weekend soon and see how I like riding a 29er. I've never ridden a 27.5 or a 29er.

 

I really like my Habit 1 Carbon, it's the first 27.5" bike I've ridden that I feel pedals and climbs at least as well as my last 29er which was a Yeti SB95c.

 

Thanks for your reply Hollis....you will be amazed at the difference from a 26 to the 29 or the 27.5. Jus J. Appreciate the perspective on your Habit especially knowing what bike your coming off of most recently.

 

I own a 5010...love it. Bought it in September and I now have 60 rides in on the thing. I've put it through hell...fast bike...durable and it handles pretty well.

I've never had a bike go 60 rides on single track without something breaking, knock on wood this bike hasn't broken a sweat.

 

Competitve Cyclists is blowing out 5010C frames, $1700 and change.

 

Doublebase and Anthem1 appreciate the sharing of your experience and the tip regarding Competitive Cycle.

 

SantaCruz has a new re-designed frame! The 2016 model may cost you more, but if you pay it will play! They shortened the rear to get the bike feeling more lively, hello manuals.