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Submitted by
Ed Nawosok
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Canada
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Slickrock, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Strengths: | Light & Responsive | | Weaknesses: | Paint / Decal Finish | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Remedy, EX7, Gary Fisher Hi Fi, RD Alu 7 | | Bike Setup: | D XC Complete Stock except for upgrade to Fox Float RP32 | | Bottom Line: | I tested a lot of bikes, researched a ton and read reviews for good XC FS bikes that were less than $2k. I used to be a good intermediate rider but had kids and took a bunch of years off. Getting back into it and wanted a decent bike that would break the bank but be difficult for me to outgrow skill wise. I'm 6' and 170 pounds. Narrowed to a Specialized FSR XC expert and Santa Cruz Superlight. They test drove similar, priced close and both had very good reviews. My LBS brought in both for me to ride for the morning. Picked the Superlight due to slightly better responsiveness & feel while. As well, people I knew with Santa Cruz bikes almost pleaded with me to get one they were so passionate about the ride. I have ridden almost every day since buying 4 weeks ago on XC and light to moderate downhill (fair bit of abuse). Climbs like a goat, stunning on singletrack, great on modest downhill runs, very light, responsive, fantastic in every way. The decals are already peeling but who really cares. Now I know why everyone raves about Santa Cruz Superlights. A strong recommendation for this product and I could not be happier. Will try to do a follow up in a year after more miles are put on the frame and components. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sonomamtb
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Two Quarry, Anadel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | craigslist | | Strengths: | This bike has handled the rigor of a hard riding Clydesdale (210 lbs). My first ride I took it up to North Tahoe and just let her loose, this bike didn't flinch. This is my first full suspension, and I cannot compare the difference (I rode a Specialized Stumpy for 10 years, now turning it into a single speed). | | Weaknesses: | It climbs well, but compared to the classic M2 hard tail I'm used too it's tough to compare. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Shiver SC Front fork, XTR Rear Dérailleur, Fox Float Rear Suspension | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an all round beast | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
meythodrider
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Skeggs | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1870.00 | | Purchased At: | George's Cycles and | | Strengths: | Versatility, simple design, durable, value | | Weaknesses: | Not as light as I'd like it to be | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | RXC build, Easton , Fox Float R, Shimano PD-520, Easton EC-70 Monkeylite handle bar, Easton EA-70 stem, XT/LX components, Avid Juicy 5 | | Bottom Line: | Great all around versatile bike for cross country use. I can climb just about anything with this bike and always feel confident going downhill. Handles well in tight hairpin turns going up and down. Rock-solid design, I've thrashed it around and it still holds up well. I brought it to Northstar for some downhill riding. It survived and I was able to ride just about everything, but more travel would have been nice. At the end of the day my arms were beat. Can't beat this bike in value! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GTCB
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarnia, ON
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Reynolds Cycle | | Strengths: | Great design, styling and function - you can almost use this thing to pick up chicks | | Weaknesses: | Somewhat lower ground clearance, cost, funny seatpost size, not much weight savings over previous hardtail | | Similar Products Used: | Blur XC, Kona Four | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox Tora 318, Fox RP23, Shimano XT drivetrain, Mavic Crosstrail Discs, Avid BB7 brakes, Anodized Blue | | Bottom Line: | After four years on a Kona Blast that had been upgraded over time, I decided to get a full-suspension bike after riding a Blur XC during a day outing near Las Vegas. After reading a lot of complaining online about the VPP bearings o the Blur XC and LT, I decided to go with the Superlight, and it has been a good decision. Please note I purchased the frame only and moved everything from my hardtail over.
I have beaten the tar out of this new bike and it has performed superbly. The Fox ProPedal shock works quite well and in concert with my PopLoc control on the fork, gives me a stiff platform for climbing and a compliant one for flying down hills.
Handling is great and the new Mavic Crosstrails are amazing. I do notice that the suspension isn't quite the same as the VPP used on the Blur XC, but there's a cost to be paid for that and I wasn't going to go there.
I have wiped out hard a few times too and the bike has been fine. Me, I'm covered in bruises but at least I know I've earned them.
Bottom line, the new-for-2008 Superlight is a great all-around XC bike from Santa Cruz. Go out and buy one and tear up your local trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stranger
a Racer
from Richmond, ME
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them... | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Center Bicycl | | Strengths: | Exactly that, strenght. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Solar carbon bars, Race Face crank & stem, SRAM X-9, Avid brakes, Kenda Small Block 8's, Crossride rims. | | Bottom Line: | Awhile ago I said that I wouldn't review the Superlight again; I lied. This weekend I finished 2nd at the USA Nationals on the same 06 Superlight that has taken more than it's share of pounding. I'm a technical rider and I've taken this bike through so much sh.t and it has never given me trouble. I have a crease from a 2007 crash at Downieville in the rear frame that the folks at Santa Cruz said would likely fail soon but not having the funds to go out and buy another right away and the limited supply of frames out there, I've kept racing the bike and have had no issues at all other than the frame bearings seizing up. No fault on their part, just a lot of hard riding in tough conditions. I'm looking to replace the frame and plan to stay with the Superlight. Mine is so beat up that it's hard to even read the name on the frame, that's how much abuse it has taken. Carbon would be nice but it would never hold up to what I've put this frame through. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
guzzi
a Cross Country Rider
from sao paulo,sp,brazil
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | antena/k2-joaquim egidio | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | biketechjardins used | | Strengths: | weight, simple and inteligent project, geometry when used with a balanced fork/shock travel (100mm) 4inches each | | Weaknesses: | maybe old because the companies keep releasing new models every year. | | Similar Products Used: | trek fuel/kona king kikapu/ cannondale jekyll/ scalpel/ spec.epic/etc | | Bike Setup: | hayes carbon hydraulic/fork fox float rlt100/shock float rlc/ mavic crossmax slr disc/ frame blue anodized/ crankset raceface turbine lp/ xt drivetrain/ thomson stem seat post/
huntchison spyder tubeless/ easton monkey carbon sl riser/12.02kgs | | Bottom Line: | i used to have an old set up with a straight handlebar and heavy wheels. now it is crossmax slr disc and easton rise carbon handlebar.why am i saying this? because it was a complete different bike from the actual and shows how our reviews can be dubious... the frame is fantastic, is very resistant, still light and confortable.
by a nice boutique xc frame/project, light carbon cockpit, and the best wheels you can pay. you can't go wrong | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C-MO
a Weekend Warrior
from Tillsonburg ON
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Fanshawe Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Toronto Bike Show | | Strengths: | Relatively light weight, quick acceleration, nimble handling and smooth ride over rough terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Had some initial problems with the front brake rubbing (Avid Juicy 5's) but that was fixed by my LBS. (Thanks All Seasons Sports!) | | Similar Products Used: | My first go on a full suspension. Previous ride was a steel framed hard tail (Thin Blue Line.) | | Bike Setup: | RXC build kit with Fox Float R shock and F100R forx. Race Face Evolve bars and post. Mavic X117 rims with Shimano XT hubs. LX cranks, front derailler and shifters. XT rear derailler. Avid Juicy 5 disk brakes. Added on are my Thomson stem and egg beater peddles. | | Bottom Line: | Wanted this bike after reading it's review in MBA, January 2007. Got the green light to buy if "a good deal" was found and did! Still getting used to riding a full suspension bike after only previously riding hard tails, but have loved every ride so far. I have 2 herniated disks in my lower back and have found that riding this bike gives me a more comfortable ride without increasing my back pain! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
VivaDnA
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Sycamore | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Quality construction and simplicity of design | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Carbon | | Bike Setup: | Full XT except for shifters and Juicy 3 brakes. Rock Shox Reba Race and Fox R. Mavic Cross Disc Specific wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Super? kinda, Light? not. Climbs like a mountain goat and nothing seems to shake it going downhill. Overall a very good bike but I wonder if I spent the extra $300 on just the name. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
augustiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Boy Scout, VA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1780.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay!!! | | Strengths: | Best handling bike I've ever ridden. Climbs like a hardtail, carves the downhill like a champ...Propedal on the RP23 is amazing... | | Weaknesses: | Doesnt clean itself?? | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Marin Wolf Ridge, Marin Rocky Ridge | | Bike Setup: | Avid Juicy Carbons, Fox Rp23, XT shifters, f and r der., hubs, Mavic 117 rims...Truvativ 3.3 Stylo cranks, Race Face Carbon bar, Thomson stem and seatpost, Rockshox Tora 318 solo air, Selle seat | | Bottom Line: | Best bike Ive ever owned, makes me wish I were a better rider. Im a bigger rider at about 220...but it doesnt faze the Superlight. Ground clearance is a little less than Im used to, but this bike makes you take turns a lot faster than before...I knew there was a reason Ive been craving a Santa Cruz for the past few years. If you dont have one, go buy one now | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Wakefield, UK
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere on the North Yorkshire Moors | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Stif Bikes, Leeds | | Strengths: | everything about it, only ridden it a few times but have settled into it really well. 3rd ride on it was a 65km ride (Merida, Builth Wells) in Wales and it rode well!! Climbing is excellent on both road and off road, the back end seems to bite really well off road especially with the RP23 set to maximum bounce. | | Weaknesses: | Only one I can report is the rear brake hose snagging around the rear shock, but no major issue | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Ano Blue (which it fantastic), RP23 shock, Rockshox Reba Race, Hope Mono M4, Hope headset, Hope hubs, | | Bottom Line: | Superb! go buy one! If you are into XC riding in a big way and want a full bounce bike then this is the one. I know its early days for me but to get used to a bike so quickly then something must be right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Foster
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Rabbit Ears Pass, Steamboat | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | colorado cyclist | | Strengths: | This bike is comfortable. Forget the components for a second and focus on the geometry of the bike. I'm not sure why, but its immediately obvious that your positioning on the frame is like no other. Gives confidence on descents and climbs efficiently. This in my opinion is what sets it apart. All the other full suspension bikes that I have ridden are all very similar in feel to each other. Superlight has a totally different feel. | | Weaknesses: | None except the lower buildouts like the one I bought (D) are not the lightest components. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V
Giant NRS
Specialized Stumpjumper full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded the fork to a Rockshox Reba (immediately shed over a pound!), switched out the wire bead Kendas for Panaracers and switched out the handlebars to carbon risers. The bike is now 2 pounds lighter than when I bought it. With craigslist these days, switching out components is easy. For example, I bought my new Reba shock for $250 and sold my Tora for $150. Simple $100 upgrade. | | Bottom Line: | I think there may be an impression out there that the superlight is being slowly replaced by the blur and that its basically the same exact bike from years ago. Both of these notions are false. The superlight continues to sell well and every year Santa Cruz makes adjustments and improvements to its all time best seller. This years superlight is much stiffer and the tubing is bigger. The guys at the shop told me that blurs have 10 times the problems that superlights have. Just an awesome bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Currie
a Cross Country Rider
from Joburg / Brisbane
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Wollongong Escartment | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Westdene Cycles | | Strengths: | Suspension Design, Handling, Hill Climbing, Decents, Cornering. Stock tires Kenda Nevangals grip like super glue | | Weaknesses: | Stock tires Kenda Nevangals do not roll quickly | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ASR-RL | | Bike Setup: | Fox F100 RLT Fork, Full XT drive train, shifters and brakes. Fox RP23 rear shock. DT Swiss 4.1d rims + onyx hubs. Kenda Nevengal tires. | | Bottom Line: | Handling on the bike is insane. You can pretty much point and shoot. It'll take it both up and down hill. It's a demon on the decents and climbs well too. Cornering wise it's fast, angle the bike and it'll fly round them. Pedal bob is non existant with the RP23 shock. The rear suspension action is smooth and compliant over the rough stuff. The Kenda nevengals have awesome grip even in mud and rocks, they dont roll that fast though, but it's always a comprimise. change tires if you want to race on fireroads, keep the nevangals if you like to ride technical stuff.
I really cant fault the bike. It's more expensive than the main bicycle manufactures products. but with the way it rides i cant fault it. Plus got a bit of a discount on the bike too. so shop around is another bit of advice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ciaran Mauro
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Helena, California, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Las Posadas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The rear suspention is great | | Weaknesses: | Frame gets a bit creaky on hard landings | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Northside Trail/Bobcat Trail
Trek Fuel-70
Diamondback Sorrento | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi MZ-3 fork
Ritchley headset
Fox air in rear
Shimano Deora (front) Shimano Acera (rear)
Hayes MX2 disc and mechanical on 26" Alex Rims | | Bottom Line: | A great bike for trails and a bit of everything. I got the frame free from a friend when I traded him a video camera. So far it's the best of the MANY bikes I've had. Five flammin' chilis because I truly can't find anything wrong with it to decrease that rating. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul M
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose,CA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Reeds | | Strengths: | Durability and frame design | | Weaknesses: | Gets a little bit creaky as it ages | | Bike Setup: | Race face Next lp- Sid | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. Mine is almost 8 years old and has held up like a champ. It climbs like no tomorow and is reliable. From Soquel Demo to Moab Utah, this bike seems to do it all. Maybe not the fastest descender but it is not a true down hill type bike anyway. If possible and budget permitted- I would but another Superlight in a second. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, California USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that I can ride. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Lightweight, not too expensive, and hey it's a Santa Cruz! | | Weaknesses: | Just like any bike, its expensive to build up. But other than that, no known weaknesses. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Specialized Stumpjumper HT, Specialized Hardrock HT, and my Schwinn Cruisers. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Santa Cruz SL Medium Frame, 08 XT cranks & cassette, 08 XTR chain, Deore shifters, Deore Disc brakes, XTR hubs w/ Mavic 717 disc rims, Truvativ XR stem, seatpost, & handlebar, WTB saddle, and a Rockshox 318 Tora. | | Bottom Line: | Hey I love this bike. At this setup, the bike currently weighs in at right around 27.5 lbs. The SL climbs super well with the aid of the Fox RP3. I don't really notice any pedal bob and the SL does just fine on the downhills. I weigh 160 lbs and find that it is just perfect for the trails that I ride (Whiting Ranch, Santiago Truck trail, The Luge, Aliso Woods, and San Juan). Just as someone had mentioned before, I would recommend purchasing the best kit you can possibly afford as building this bike has costed me a decent amount of change. I got the "D" package and ended up changing the wheelset, cranks, cassette, and chain. And I am in the process of purchasing a new Thomson seatpost, stem, and Control Tech handlebar. But I wouldn't be investing more money into the bike if I didn't love it. Can't go wrong! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Davidson
a Racer
from Monterey, CA
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Center Bicycle | | Strengths: | Strong design, through many challenging rides; Downieville, Toads Wild Ride, Old Mine Trail, 35 miles of downhill at Mammoth Mountain (in one day), and Mt Shasta, this frame has never given up. Not much else to say here but get one. | | Weaknesses: | Since new, I've not found any particular weakness, but if you want a great bike out the door, go with the upgraded prebuilt, unless you have a friend inside, self upgrades are expensive, just ask my wife. I have found it difficult to replace the front derailer due to the 06 SL design, but the folks at Santa Cruz have apparently fixed that in the 07 design. | | Similar Products Used: | not applicable | | Bike Setup: | Solar carbon bars, SRAM shifters, cassette, chain, rear derailer, AVID Juicy 7 brakes and rotors, Mavic Crossrides, Race Face stem and cranks, FSA headset, Kenda Nevegals, Fox Float RLC. | | Bottom Line: | *** Last review after a year of abuse ***
This should be my last review on my 2006 Superlight. I've raced and tortured my SL for a year and 2500 miles on anything from easy fire road rides/races to the famed Downieville Classic. I've managed to place first in all technical races (beginner and sport) thanks to the full suspension, in the top 3 of all races for the entire year. My SL has been a perfect fit. For those climber races, hard tail carbon folks seem to have the edge, no chance on anything real technical. Santa Cruz is the leader in the industry, attend any race and see what the winning riders are on: Santa Cruz. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Coventry, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Providence Cycle | | Strengths: | This bike lives up to its' name...it's Superlight. The bike is very fast. Strong frame design. Bike has a simple (virtually maintaince free) pivot design. Excellent feel and handling. Able to climb better than ever because of the light weight. Overall the bike's design is strong from front to back. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80 Full Suspension | | Bike Setup: | Front Fork Fox 32 F100 RLC, Rear Shock Fox Float RP23, Rear Der. XTR, Front Der. XTR, Shifters XTR, Crankset XTR, Cassette XTR, Chain XTR, Brakes XTR hydraulic, Brake Levers XTR, Bars Race Face Next low rise, Stem Thomson, Grips Lizard Skin, Headset Chris King, Seat Post Thomson Masterpiece, Saddle WTB Rocket V Sealth, Wheels DT XR 4.2d rims, Hubs DT 240S with DT 14/15 Spokes, Tires Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1, Pedals Crankbrothers Eggbeater SL. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is absolutely flawless. This is one bike design that Santa Cruz hopefully will always produce. If you are looking for a cross country full suspension bike you can't go wrong with this one. Santa Cruz was out of stock with the frame size I needed so I had to wait a little while after I ordered the bike...but it was worth it. I was originally looking at the Blur XC, but found out that its' pivot system requires a lot of maintaince so I went with the Superlight. Get this bike! Thank you Leslie (my Fiance) for buying it for me and thank you Santa Cruz for designing this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Napa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Village Peddeler, Larkspur, CA | | Strengths: | Weight, components. | | Weaknesses: | None to date. Had to change the stock tires, but I have no love for Kenda. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Anthem 2, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, SC Blur | | Bike Setup: | R build kit, WTB Weirwolf tires | | Bottom Line: | It is my first venture into the FS bike. Think it was a wise choice. Great componentry for the price. Rides like a dream, very little peddal bob even up the steeper inclines. Biggest factor was how well the bike fit and the handling. Goes where I want it to., only drawback is it doesn't have any sense and tell me that's not the route I should be taking. I weigh 240, and have yet to have and rigidity issues with the frames even at speeds on corners. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine,National,Toad's | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | 7 years and going strong!
Simple, strong, and fast. | | Weaknesses: | original sid fork was a piece of junk. | | Similar Products Used: | tested and ridden many full susp. though none long term | | Bike Setup: | fox 100 rlc, fox rp23,mavic crossmax xl,hayes mag discs, lx shifters, xt der., easton bar+post | | Bottom Line: | Seven years and still going strong. I have beaten this bike on a regular basis. Once I replaced the original fork, it really began to shine. Last fall I upgraded to the RP23 rear shock-WOW! now it is rock solid up hill and comfortable on the downhills. I just had it re-powder coated, upgraded the wheels and switched to disc brakes.
Before the switch, I was still on the original front wheel. I am still using the original LX shifters. I only changed bearings because I took the bike apart to paint it.
This bike will not stop!
All my friends got new bikes, but I could not justify a new one for myself when my superlite was still going strong.
The new frames look even burlier than what I am on.
I like the technical trails and have never felt that I am holding back or need to go easy, even when riding with the longer travel crowd. This bike can get you uphill quickly and downhill with confidence and speed.
Anyone looking for a good bike for your trail riding needs(not big jumping or black diamond runs), and desire a simple, easy to maintain ride should check this bike out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
d b
a Cross Country Rider
from Wa
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Lewis River Trail, WA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Lightweight, great geometry, simple single-pivot design, low maintanence and looks cool anodized. | | Weaknesses: | The derailluer hanger is welded on, no bolt-on replacement available. I tore a hanger off of a Ti hardtailand had it fixed but it blows whenever your ride is down dor repairs. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Instinct, Specialized Epic '04 before rear shock upgrade in '05, Salsa Caballero, Santa Cruz Blur and then there are the hardtails... | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Daves Speed Dream Wheels, Fox RP3, Fox 100 RL.... | | Bottom Line: | I love hardtails and mainly ride one. This is the best full suspension bike that I have owned hands down. The RP3 shock gives this bike 2 distint rides. With the RP3 shock locked out, the bikes rides like a hardtail unless your rear tire hits something, shock kicks in, and your arse is thankful you have a full suspension bike. In the ProPedal modes the bike is an efficient cross country ride but IMO not as fast as a Ti hardtail.
I owned a Blur full XT with 5th element and within 1 year the bushings needed replacing twice. For some reason I felt more confident jumping with the Blur even though the Superlight appears burlier in build. I realize the RP3/RP23 would make the Blur a more efficient ride, there is a better choice...The Superlight.
db
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Hubbard
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Domino Pond/Cattle Duster/Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Family Cycling Center | | Strengths: | Light (26 lbs. for the large SPX build), simple design (fewer bushing and moving parts in back), quick handling, decent parts spec on the SPX build. | | Weaknesses: | The Juicy 7 breaks have been fussy (rubbing in the back, and a squeak in the front), but I can't complain about the bike itself. Also, I wish the seat post was offset, as I now have the seat slid all the way back on the zero offset Thompson, and could use another 1/2" or so. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite for a couple of days, and realized I needed a full suspension bike. Wanted something lighter and simpler than the Stumpy (I like things simple). My pervious bike was a fully rigid Bridgestone MB-1, which I rode for just about forever, and often. | | Bike Setup: | I have the '07 SPX XC build, which is Shimano XT drivetrain, Fox F100 RLC forks, Fox RP23 rear shock, DT Swiss wheels, Race Face stem and bars, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Kenda Nevagal 2.1 tires, WTB saddle, Thompson seat post. | | Bottom Line: | While I realize that this bike has limitations, being a 4" travel single pivot XC bike, I can't imagine needing more travel for the riding I do. This bike works great on long rides (did a 9 hour death march last month), and it flies down twisty single track nice and fast. I catch modest air on occasion, but avoid the big drops, and it works just fine for that. Comparing it to my old steel rigid bike, this thing is like riding a flying couch. I was happy to also find that it climbs real well, even without using the rear shock's Propedal. Yep, 5 Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Jay, ME
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Wyman Loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Weight, durability, and performance | | Weaknesses: | None really, as long as its used as it was designed. | | Similar Products Used: | Amp B-2, Caloi Team (solid-great performing mac-strut), Klein Attitude & Palomino (sold it- liked it, just a bit heavy), Dean Colonel, McMahon 3-25(sold it- what was I thinking?!!), Kona Hot. I do love my hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | As she sits now...Minute 2 (100mm), Avid Juicy brakes, AC disc hubs laced to DT Swiss rims, SRAM x9 drivetrain with Truvativ Stylo cranks.....25.0 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for several years now and it has never let me down. I bought the Superlight as a frameset to replace/retire the Amp (which I still have an ride occasionally). I set the SC up in it's first iteration as a lightweight xc racer, at which it performed admirably. It has since, over the years, morphed into more of an epic trail bike/marathon racer that seems to be suited perfectly to long hours in the saddle.
As a cross country bike (it's true intended purpose), you would be hard pressed to find a more reliable or competent frame design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jussi
a Cross Country Rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Frozen Botnia sea | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Light, low maintenance, good paintwork. No chainsuck, v-brake bosses. Fast, agile, good for racing. | | Weaknesses: | shocks bolt snapped once in Norway Lappland. Was able to ride back to car, and finish my journey. No other broblems. | | Similar Products Used: | Marin Eldridge hardtail -99, K2 Zed Team 2001, Nishiki Bigfoot X-29 - 29", . | | Bike Setup: | Fox 100 RLT fork, Thomson Elite seatpost& stem,Titec Enduro xc bar , Avid Juicy seven brakes, Truvativ Stylo Team isis-cranks, Shimano xt tubeless wheelset, Schwalbe tubeless tires, XT-derailleurs , -99 lx-shifters, Fizik Gobi-saddle, Fox rp3 shock (upgrade...?),etc... | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike. I got frame from Speedgoat, dollar was weak, so i made a good deal.
I liked the bike more when i had 80 mm Marzocchi Marathon fork and v-brakes on it. maybe 80 mm fork is better for older frames...
I dont like extra weight coming with discbrakes and -wheels. Maybe going back to v-brakes and Marzocchi...
Good bike for marathons and adventure racing.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, Ca
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | B-17+ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3.00 | | Purchased At: | Solano Avenue Cyclery | | Strengths: | No frills, tight cockpit feel, aggressive geometry for snappy turning, & well-placed pivot all but eliminates pedal squat. Also, bombproof pivot - no maintenance, ever. | | Weaknesses: | Soft powdercoat - watch them pebbles. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti AS-Rslc, GT Zaskar | | Bike Setup: | R7, float R, full XTR, XTR/Mavic wheels. Avid mech discs. 38cm carbon flat bars. | | Bottom Line: | I ride trails either every day or every other day; race almost every weekend and wrench on my own bikes - this bike is perfect! I've been training for 24hr and 12hr races, and this bike is light, predictable and not too painful at hour 9...
If you're looking around for a full suspension rig, and you don't want to spend 13 billion zlotys, check the superlight out! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Superlight and superfast! | | Weaknesses: | Front and Rear travel seem a little weak for serious downhill trails, but that is not what the bike is meant for. | | Bike Setup: | R XC Complete. I had the bike shop switch out a Anodized frame from another bike because I read bad things about the powder coat | | Bottom Line: | This is my first bike after riding a hard-tail for 6 years. It was a much easier adjustment than I expected. At a nimble 27lbs I don't feel any added weight, and it seems to climb even better than my hard tail. I'm instantly able to go at lot faster on XC and downhill trails. I'm now hitting the trails almost daily because I'm having so much fun on this bike! I would recommend this bike to anybody who is switching from a hard-tail and rides a lot of cross country. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tnscoop
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hoodoo | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Blackwater Bikes in Davis, WV | | Strengths: | The Superlight won out in tryouts from several other cross country mountain bikes, including both full-suspension and hardtail models. I liked the handling and the lack of springiness in the rear suspension system. I came into this thinking I wanted a hardtail and this bike kept me from getting a beautiful steel Rocky Mountain. The frame is the obvious high point - stiff, snappy and well balanced. The overall component grouping is also nice. I have the R XC package, which has overall performed very well for me. The rear shock - a Manitou 3 Way - performs beautifully and the Fox hopefully will be a great item now that it has been rebuilt. | | Weaknesses: | There have been a couple silly problems that I chalk up to issues with making the price point for the component package. The headset spacers were plastic and compaction of these, perhaps with overall headset weakness, apparently contributed to the scoring of the fork steerer despite my best efforts to keep the headset tight. Fox rebuilt the fork (it also needed a rebuild of the right shock) but this was only partially covered by warranty. After six months of mostly weekend and some after work use I've also replaced a worn tire and the bottom bracket bearings. Hopefully that means I'm simply riding hard. | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a hand-me-down Trek carbon Y bike of 1990s vintage as my first mountain bike. Tried Cannondale Rush, Rocky Mountain Hammer and Blizzard and a few other models. | |
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