I currently have a 2016 Santa Cruz Stigmata and it allows clearance for a 40 mm tire on the rear. I like the bike and love my drivetrain. However, I would like to have the option of running larger tires. The 2020 Niner RLT line has clearance for 50 mm tires! I would like to have that option on a drop bar bike instead of running my Hardtail mountain bike. Cost of the frame is an issue. I debating carbon vs aluminum. My question for the panel is, do you think it makes much difference in regard to comfort if you run very large volume tires with low pressure? There is a slight weight penalty with aluminum as opposed to carbon but I’m not convinced it would make much difference when comfort is concerned with large volume, low pressure tires. What do you think? The aluminum frame does come with a carbon fork.
Do you plan on keeping the Stigmata? If so, then I think the aluminum RLT9 would be the better choice, and might be a nice complement to your Stigmata and hardtail. With the ability to accommodate larger tires, a tubeless setup will provide plenty of comfort on the aluminum frame. I also really like the 2020 paint scheme. The aluminum RLT9 looks sharp!
