TheBlast82

So I got an entry level hardtail at the beginning of last summer and I've gotten pretty decent at mountain biking where I feel my hardtail (despite upgrading it everything but the frame) is holding me back. Long story short I want to upgrade to a full suspension MTB and I'm looking at 2 bikes: 2017 Giant Anthem SX 2 and Santa Cruz Tallboy (alum D+ build) <--- Thats what my budget allows---

I think Ive found my MTB niche (XC) but I dont want to feel I dont have enough bike should I encounter more gnarly stuff, hence my choosing these two bikes with their geometry and rear and front travel aspects.

Anthem SX 2 retails for $3,000 and I can probably get a 20% discount on it.
Santa Cruz Tallboy (D+ build) retails for $2,699 and I can probably get a 10% discount on it.

Both bikes hover around my budget and I love the looks on both bikes.

The Santa Cruz D+ build comes in a 27.5+ configuration with 2.8 tires AND I can switch them up to 29er wheels/tires which is actually pretty cool. I guess I feel I get more bang for the buck on the Santa Cruz.

I have not ridden neither one of these bikes, so this is all "paper research."

I can maybe ride the Anthem SX as an acquaintance got one in a size larger than what I would get but I'm kind of in between sizes anyways.

I can definitely demo the Santa Cruz BUT it'd be carbon version, I feel like maybe I shouldn't even do that lol.

Thanks for any feedback.

Gallo

you have to ride them I was in love with specs of some bikes but once i rode them was unimpressed. Even a parking lot ride is better than not getting on it.

DMC707

Go Santa Cruz and dont look back. Mid size company who still takes their previous, small batch boutique reputation seriously

The only thing better starts with a Y and ends with - eti.

Honorable mention to a handful of bikes from the Big S (Specialized)

I know the Tallboy can go 27.5+, but since you said you lean towards the XC end of the spectrum, try to get the 29'er setup and skip the 27.5+ hooey