I went from a 2017 Whyte T129S recently to a Santa Cruz 5010, and also demo’d a 2018 T130S (both 27.5) and being a fairly average rider i took all the internet and magazine reviews of there being a noticeable difference with a pinch of salt and didn’t think i’d see a big change. I just wasn’t getting on with the 129 and thought i’d try a few different bikes.
I was very, very wrong! The T130 felt instantly more lively, and quicker to turn and accelerate and the 5010 (which i bought instead) is just fantastic. It’s hard to explain without sounding all cliche and preachy but both bikes just felt far more fun, although both likely slower against the clock in most situations.
I’m sure a lot of it is preference, but having tried my 5010 a riding buddy of mine also went out and replaced his short-travel 29’er Trek Fuel with a 27.5″ trail bike too.
Edit – I’m only 5’8″ so i don’t know if that has any influence on it, perhaps a taller rider would feel more at home on a 29’er?