Buying an SB66c. Advice appreciated.

[dingabell]

Hi all.
I currently own a 2009 575 and love it, but the time has come to maybe start looking for something more up to date?
I'm very tempted by a used SB66c but I'm a bit concerned about reports of short bearing life.
Bearing in mind it'll be used in all conditions and not wrapped up for winter, will the bearings be a major problem that I could do without?
Also if any owners are out there who could give me their thoughts (good or bad) about this bike it'd be greatly appreciated.
Last thing is the size.
I'm 6ft and currently ride a medium 575 which to be honest does feel a bit short. Are the Sb's any longer in the top tube, or should I go for a large?
Many thanks in advance.

[badlad575]

I went from a 2009 575 medium to a SB66c medium back in 2012, I'm 5'11' (worst height for bike sizing) I demoed both a medium and large but for me the medium felt exactly right, the difference was obvious when climbing up steep, techy climbs. Re: Bearings - over the 3 years I had the bike I replaced the bearings 3 times (the last been just before selling it). I think the top tube on the medium SB66 is approx 4mm longer than the 575 was - medium to large on both the SB and 575 jump by an inch (25mm).

[supertacky]

I moved from a Med '08 to a Lrg'12 575 then onto a Sb66c about two years ago. The bikes is absolutely incredible when built with a 160mm fork. Climbs very well but descends almost like a DH bike. Very Very fast.
In that time Ive replaced the switch link bearings twice and the other pivots as and when required. I ride my bike all year round in Scotland so pretty much in the wet for 11 months of the year...The bike isn't a maintenance free type of frame... The switch link is impossible to keep dry even when packed with waterproof grease, I just maintain it regularly stripping bearings out cleaning them and repacking every 3 months.... This cuts down on the costs of buying and fitting new bearings as they last so much longer.

[Andrew]

Nothing rides as well as an sb66c if you want 26"

Go medium for sure, they are longer.

Beating life, don't pressure wash them, and you'll see a year out of a set.

[dingabell]

Thanks guys, that's very encouraging. Was expecting some horror stories TBH.
Glad it sounds like I'd fit a medium.
Thanks for your input, it's appreciated.