Santa Cruz Stigmata - now with "Gravel Plus" content

[LegendRider]

https://www.viathonbicycles.com/coll...ti-surface-g-1

I would seriously consider the - I can't believe that I'm typing this - WalMart-owned brand. Attractive frame designed by an well-regarded bike industry engineer, excellent component spec, loads of tire/wheel options and, of course, fantastic price. Compare an Ultegra Stigmata to the Viathon. The $ differential is massive.

[Jaybee]

The Viathon frame is $2k, while a Stigmata is $2300. Not a huge difference, especially if the graphics, name, and warranty matter to you. Not sure of layup differences, so I won't get into that. But the Ultegra build, just for apples/apples, is $3300 vs $4600. A lot of that is the excellent, lifetime-warranty SC Reserve wheels, but there's nothing wrong with Ardennes wheels on the Viathon either.

[LegendRider]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

The Viathon frame is $2k, while a Stigmata is $2300. Not a huge difference, especially if the graphics, name, and warranty matter to you. Not sure of layup differences, so I won't get into that. But the Ultegra build, just for apples/apples, is $3300 vs $4600. A lot of that is the excellent, lifetime-warranty SC Reserve wheels, but there's nothing wrong with Ardennes wheels on the Viathon either.

$4600 doesn't get you the Reserve wheels. Ultegra build spec wheels: DT Swiss XR 361 Asym

[Davist]

Santa Cruz will keep its value, that's for sure. I keep going back to the thesis, I know it ain't the same thing, but geez for 2nd bike, it's got a lot going for it, I rode one when I was in SF one time (owner's bike of all things) it was great.. https://thesis.bike/products/the-ob1-shredder

[Jaybee]

Originally Posted by LegendRider

$4600 doesn't get you the Reserve wheels. Ultegra build spec wheels: DT Swiss XR 361 Asym

If only I could actually read.

Thanks for the correction, which begs the question, why are Ultegra parts so much more expensive if you buy them bolted to a Santa Cruz?

[nobuseri]

I have been looking out for an OPEN in XL for a decent price. A few months ago I was told they were in demand and not going on sale anytime soon. So, I was in the hunt for a used one.

Now, SC has updated their frame spec. Good stuff as I always liked these but didn’t have the tire clearance. Now, they do.

More options; still need to wait for a sale though.

[sjbraun]

The 105 version for $2300 looks to be an even better deal. Gearing isn't quite right (11x32 and 50x34,) but that can be fixed.

Has anyone ridden one of these frames?

Originally Posted by LegendRider

https://www.viathonbicycles.com/coll...ti-surface-g-1

I would seriously consider the - I can't believe that I'm typing this - WalMart-owned brand. Attractive frame designed by an well-regarded bike industry engineer, excellent component spec, loads of tire/wheel options and, of course, fantastic price. Compare an Ultegra Stigmata to the Viathon. The $ differential is massive.

[SeanScott]

My friend is testing a Viathon right now. We have ridden a bunch of off-road on it together and he says it works really well. I am doing a gravel ride with him today, I will get more feedback. He says it is a Walmart bike and the the owners son is really into cycling. Interesting

[SeanScott]

His review of the Viathon is very positive, said it does everything very well and has a good feel. However, he was on the G.1 Force -$3,550, has many high-end parts on it.
That price opens up many other options for bikes.

[fa63]

I just bought an Argon 18 Dark Matter because Stigmata didn't have the clearances I wanted, and now I see this...

Looks as nice as one would expect from Santa Cruz.

[weisan]

had some time to kill the other day before a meeting downtown and walked into Mellow Johnny's for a quick look-see. The Salsa Journeyman 650B - their entry-level gravel bike - caught my eye. For less than $1k, with 650bx2.1 tires, looks to me to be a lot of "gravel bike" for the money.

[roguedog]

I'm really liking the Juliana Quincy. Dang. Will be looking for demo rides!

[adub]

I have the Stigmata before this latest iteration, my only gripe has been tire clearance. I will be upgrading frames!