u/hunter_uu

So I very recently picked up a used Stumpjumper from my LBS as my first full suspension - I have always been curious, and it was too good to pass up, both component wise and price wise. However, it's vastly overkill for me and my area. I'm in coastal Georgia, and because it's so long and slack, it feels like I'm trying to make it work for me more than I probably should. I'm also not a fan of 29er wheels, but the bike came with carbon wheels and DT Swiss 350 hubs.

Enter another rash purchase, a brand new, old stock, 2022 Diamondback Catch. Yeah, I know diamondback isn't well renowned as much any more, but the component listing is strong. I found online at a reputable bike shop, it has never been ridden, and the shop put on a set of Rynelds carbon wheels on it. It's 27.5 (my preference), shorter, taller, and less slack. I think it will be more practical, more agile and fun, but I also feel like they are still too similar to justify both.

What would you do?

So I'll start by saying that I'm a casual adventure rider. I have a Jones SWB, and have had a handful of other fully rigid Surly's. I live in a coastal GA area, so generally, never thought about any 'more' of a bike.

However, I'm getting older, and still wanting to be active on a bike, and finally started looking into other types of MTB's and events. XC came up. For my terrain (flat, swampy, and root filled), if I was going to get a different bike, this seems to be the better choice.

Unfortunately, I already stumbled across a 2022 stumpjumper that was on consignment at my LBS. It was upgraded with carbon wheels and DT Swiss 350 hubs, and for the price, I didn't pass it up.

My question (sorry for the lengthy intro), is how much more fun/efficient/practical/capable would a shorter travel actual XC bike be? Would I realistically notice it right now given that I don't have experience with bikes like these?

Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

What other steeds are in your stable? I love 'xbiking' on my Jones SWB and '96 Cannondale M500 for just about every occasion. Being under-biked doesn't really hurt my feelings... but every now and again, I do wish I had something a bit more. My LBS has a nice used Specialized Stumpjumper Comp on consignment and letting me test. The price is pretty great for the upgrades it has but it's still hard to justify n+1 if I still grab my old trustee rigids. What other, dare I say, more specific bikes (road, gravel, MTB) do you ride, and how often do you use them over your xbike?