| |
Submitted by
pakdoc
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain Brook, AL USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Red BUMP Oak Mnt | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat.com | | Strengths: | Smooth quiet links, grease fittings, light, durable, laterally stiff and fast for 5+inches, a good looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | tight cockpit(5'10" on a Med), more upright positioning, grease fittings not threaded but pressed and can get clogged with debris.(need to cap), Fox RP23 "wheezes" with PP off. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur Classic/Push RP2/Minute3,
Yeti AS-3/Risse Asto 5/Psylo | | Bike Setup: | Med ANO BLK BLT2 with Fox RP23 '09,RaceFace Next bar/seat post, Dues X-type Crankset,SRAM XO shift/rearD, XTR FD, X819's with CK Isodiscs, 2.3 UST HighRollers, Juicy 7's 7"/6", Nixon 145 Super Air Plus "devolved" 20mm TA | | Bottom Line: | You can build this bike @26-27lbs easily but still not as fast as xc b/c you will want to run bigger tires and more sag to use the "fun factor" aspect of this bike. Had to remove hs spacers and may go with a setback seatpost if needed as I am not use to the upright position. Started with a Thompson but switch to a less straight post...better, stem at 90mm and might go 100mm. Suspension has been a little trial and error as well but may settle on SC's rec. psi for the rear and since modifications of Nixon to "devolve" and adding Enduro seals, liking it more and more. I think most will be real happy with the bike but you will need to give it a couple of months to dial in everything unless coming off a BLT1. If you are boarderline on the size...move up if you like a shorter stem.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
StraightBlur
a Downhiller
from Auburn Hills, MI
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Pontac Lake for XC, Bloomer for FR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5500.00 | | Purchased At: | KLM Bikes | | Strengths: | Plush, Plush, Plush on XC trails, off 6 foot drops, or catching 15ft. of air off dirt jumps. Very stiff and ultra responsive handling on the single track. Light enough to climb about anything climbable. (is that a word?) | | Weaknesses: | Price, but worth every penny. A bit heavy for XC racing, but the bike doesn't go well with spandex anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | Blur Classic, Blur XC, Nomad | | Bike Setup: | Black Ano Blur LT2 XO AM
REAR DER - SRAM X0 long cage
FRONT DER - Shimano M970 (XTR)
SHIFTERS - SRAM X0 triggers
CRANKSET - TruVativ Noir
CASSETTE - SRAM PG 990, 11-34
CHAIN - SRAM PC 991
BRAKES - Avid Ultimates w/ 185mm rotors
BRAKE LEVERS - Avid Ultimate
BARS - Race Face Atlas low riser
STEM - Thomson, 31.8mm
GRIPS - Lizard Skin lock on
HEADSET - Hope (color - gold)
SEAT POST - Thompson Elite 30.9
QUICK RELEASE - Hope (color - gold)
SADDLE - WTB Pure V Stealth
WHEELS - DT 5.1d rims laced to DT 240s hubs w/ DT 14/15 spokes, alloy nipples
TIRES - Kenda Nevegal 2.1 folding
TUBES - Kenda Freeride
REAR SHOCK - Fox Float RP23
FORK - Fox 36 Talas RC2 QR20
PEDALS - Crankbros Mallet 3 (color- gold) | | Bottom Line: | The best all around bike I have ever ridden. I am a light 140lbs. so I can get away with the rp23 and Talas 36 for fairly big hits. A heavier rider may want to go with the dhx 5.0 if doing larger drops. Anyone over 200lbs. I would recommend the same set-up on a Nomad or Heckler for anything more than All Mountain riding. I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who wants to shred single track. For the lighter riders, this is plenty of bike for big dirt jumps, 15ft. drops, and DH riding with the right build. Eventhough the bike can be built for a 26lb. XC machine, it would seem like a waste of travel. I would say no to spandex for this P1mp ride. Peace. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Loll
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2899.00 | | Purchased At: | Passion Trail Bike | | Strengths: | Climbing Technical hills, All mountain~ish riding, | | Weaknesses: | Long fireroad, super technical decent that req'd much body english, Tail-whipping oriented mid air moves | | Similar Products Used: | Bullit, Giant AC-1, Intense 5.5 FRO (Demo), Specialized full line of S-work,trail, and enduro bikes (Demo) | | Bike Setup: | R-AM kit
Major change is a Fox Van 36 upfront
Some other parts to keep the weight down to 31 pounds | | Bottom Line: | This is for a review of the BLT2, aka the new BLT.
After coming from 2.5 yrs of riding a Bullit, and another 4 months on a Single speed while waiting for this bike, I think the BLT2 is happy in the middle. Neither does it give me the all out feel when decending or DJ-ing from the bullit, nor does it climb as good as a hardtail. But the bike answered to what I was lacking for a long time. A bike that can ride most trails, but can still be good enough to take on a few long road rides when dirt time is not available.
I initially gives it a B, but after really reviewing other comments on the Santa Cruz forum, I think I discovered the strength of this bike is at technical climbs. For other uphills, take your hardtail instead. On the decents, I found that I need to be a bit cautious over the rock gardens, then and only then, I carefully let it go. Haven't taken the BLT2 to FR yet.
So far I found table topping and tail whips a bit hard. I tried the Intense FRO during Sea Otter and found this cousin of BLT a bit easier to whip around. However, if you launch it straight on, it is surprisingly great.
My shop had the bike set up with Van36 and a few extra stem spacers. With the steering this high, I found myself hucking alot of the ledges at the local jump parks, instead of launching off the lips. It jumps decently. I think I give this area about a B+. I dont feel as comfortable taking this bike to the doubles like the old bullit I had.
Wheelies were pretty easy, again with the high setup I have.
Somehow, on the really technical decents, I found it not as easy to move around on the bike. I rode my buddy's Ventana during part of the downhill and found that compare to the BLT, the Ventana had much more room to move around. May be I am not getting used to the geometry yet. Again, I felt better on the bullit.
But not too many bikes out there can go hard overall on the trails on Saturday, and be great on the road on Sunday.
Time will tell. I have only had the bike for about a month.
One thing is true though, never in a long time had I enjoy riding a bike so much overall. I found myself wanting to sneak morning rides in before work. When I was on the bullit, I dreaded the bike path and uphills, while on the single speed, I enjoy the uphills and simplicity, but cannot pedal distance efficiently. Perhaps the BLT2 is the answer. So far so good.
BTW, I got a heck of an amazing deal on it. 2008 pricing before the increase, plus 10% shop annual sale discount. On top of that, my shop worked with me to switch out parts I dont like and install parts I already have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tdeeds
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley, Ca
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Peak/Chumash Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World in Resed | | Strengths: | VPP, stable platform, plush suspension, very good on climbs, great downhill bike, Santa Cruz Bikes Co. | | Weaknesses: | High maintenance | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS 2000, Tested Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | RP23 Shock, Fox Float 32 RLC fork, DT Swiss rims, Shimano XT components, Kenda Nevegal 2.35 tires, Race Face handelbars and stem | | Bottom Line: | The Blur LT is a great all-around, do-everything bike. While climbing there is very little bobb with the Fox suspension, which makes for a very smooth, efficient ride. The short cockpit puts you in a more upright position, which felt a bit unusual at first, but after a few rides I got used to it. Because of the bike's suspension and geometry, I have become much faster on the climbs.
You realize the value of this bike on the downhills. I find that it performs best on tight singletracks and rough, rocky descents. It can handle just about anything you throw at it. I rode Porcupine Rim twice and the bike handeled wonderfully.
I'm not really sure why this bike is in the XC category. I feel it should be in the All Mountain category because of the way it handles and the fact it has nearly 6 inches of travel. Either way, it's a fantastic bike and I highly recommend it. I'm waiting to read the reviews on the newly designed Blur LT.
Santa Cruz Bikes has been OUTSTANDING!. I've called several times inquiring about parts and service. They have always been very responsive and have done a great job answering questions and shipping replacement parts. I want to say a special thanks to Tim in the Parts Department. Keep up the good work guys! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jchap30
a Weekend Warrior
from El Dorado Hills
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Boulder, Paully Creek, Lloyds, Manzanita trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame only from CBE | | Strengths: | Climber, Excellant trail rider and plush when it goes DH. This is the best "all around" bike built. Fast on the XC, excellant tranfer of energy and can slap on the fat tires for some DH action. | | Weaknesses: | Just having to do seasonal maintence, but it's not really an issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC, Intense VPP, Iron Hourse, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Marz Z-1 thru axle 130,Sram XO, Avid Juicy carbon, King hubs/headset, XTR bottom braket/crank, differing tires depending on terrain. | | Bottom Line: | I stomped first downieville pass of the season last thursday with michellin 2.5's on this "classic BLT" that in all seriousness is perfect for Downieville, as I blew passed a few dudes on nomads with huge tires and Fox 40's. I rode straight to Yuba expeditions knowing they had the new BLT2 in stock for rentals, peddled around the town and did some curb ollies, not impressed. It felt exactly the same and maybe it was not set for my personal tweeks, but that linear feel SC describes reminds me of their single pivot offerings. I won't be changing frames anytime soon.
But also when I rode my local XC trail (salmon falls) with lighter tires -WTB's 2.4 mutano raptors the bike reminded me how much I love its abilties to accelerate for quick climbing needs but also it climbs so well when seated and just spinnging circles which in all honesty is the week link in my personal riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Tahoe, CA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Prizma, Hole in the Ground, Flume Mnt Hood, OR area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | C/L | | Strengths: | Great balanced bike, plush stable, climbs and desends well slow speed and high speed. Fairly light, good build. Good re sale,nice clean simple graphics. | | Weaknesses: | To expensive, frames are small. Test size before you buy. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Reign, Blur, Nomad, Trance, Idrive, Turner, Dakar, Ibis Mojo | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, Thompson stem, post Race Face oversize carbon bar, 32mm Talas, Juicy 7 disk brakes, Mavic wheel set, Sram XO shifters and derailure, Time peddals, Navagels 2.35 and 2.1 rear Fisk seat | | Bottom Line: | Hi,
The Blur LT is a great balanced bike one of the best all mountain trail bikes and a great one bike quiver. I had a Blur XC and didn't like it. I then purchased a Giant Trance that I preferred to the Blur XC. I also bought a Giant Reign great bike. This season I wanted to simplify and I'm selling the Trance and Reign and keeping the Blur LT. It's sort of in the middle of both bikes. The Blur may be a little better than the Giants but not by much. If your into Bling names you may think the Santa Cruz is superior but it isn't. The Blur LT is a perfect one bike to have in rocky areas with lots of climbs like Colorado, BC and Idaho. I live in Tahoe and we ride from 5500 feet elev to 9000 elev in rocky silty terrain. I'm 6 foot 195lbs and I need the XL size the large is way to small for me, yes I have a short 30-31" inseam and long torso long arms wide sholders, APE like in design :-)). My old Blur was a XL as well I tested both sizes via renal bikes for a few days. The XL fits me perfect and I think it would be to small for a guy 6 3" so do yourself a favor and test ride prior to buying. I think Santa Cruz's sizing charts are off, Giants are the same, Trek and Specialized and Fisher are correct. My bike weighs 28 3/4 lbs pretty light for a 5" travel bike, one pound less than my 6" travel Giant Reign with this build; Frame size XL Fox 32mm Talas, light Mavic wheels, XTR cranks Race Face carbon bars, Juicy 7s Time pedals XO shifters and Navegels. The LT climbs a tiny bit better and is better in the tight technical stuff, but the Reign is more stable and slightly better on fast descents. They're both great bikes. If your on a tight budget buy the very nice Giant Trance XO prbably better than the LT or Reign if you want a light great climbing 6" travel bike. If you work hard and want a bit more custom build and a little Bling buy the Santa Cruz. I raced Motocross and Enduros in New England for years and raced a few XC mountain bike races and did Tris for a year years. Just trying to explain I know alot about wrenching, geometry, build quality, suspension set up and frame design. If you have the cash and want a nice bike buy the Blur LT. I wouldn't buy a 2008 Blur LT 2 unless you have lots of $$ and money isnt an issue. Sure the older BLUR LT may need slightly more maintaince, big deal replace the bearings once a year vs every two years. The bikes will climb and descend just about the same and you will save $1000 on the frame, you can get great deals on new 2008 standard LT frames. I bought my new 2008 LT black Ano frame for $900. You will spend $2000 for a LT 2 frame, yes it's a beautiful bike. I would save $$ and take your wife or girl friend on a nice mountain bike trip to BC or Tahoe and have an epic trip.
Cheers
Dave | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Tahoe, CA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Prizma, Hole in the Ground, Flume Mnt Hood, OR area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | C/L | | Strengths: | Great balanced bike, plush stable, climbs and desends well slow speed and high speed. Fairly light, good build. Good re sale,nice clean simple graphics. | | Weaknesses: | To expensive, frames are small. Test size before you buy. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Reign, Blur, Nomad, Trance, Idrive, Turner, Dakar, Ibis Mojo | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks, Thompson stem, post Race Face oversize carbon bar, 32mm Talas, Juicy 7 disk brakes, Mavic wheel set, Sram XO shifters and derailure, Time peddals, Navagels 2.35 and 2.1 rear Fisk seat | | Bottom Line: | Hi,
The Blur LT is a great balanced bike one of the best all mountain trail bikes and a great one bike quiver. I had a Blur XC and didn't like it. I then purchased a Giant Trance that I preferred to the Blur XC. I also bought a Giant Reign great bike. This season I wanted to simplify and I'm selling the Trance and Reign and keeping the Blur LT. It's sort of in the middle of both bikes. The Blur may be a little better than the Giants but not by much. If your into Bling names you may think the Santa Cruz is superior but it isn't. The Blur LT is a perfect one bike to have in rocky areas with lots of climbs like Colorado, BC and Idaho. I live in Tahoe and we ride from 5500 feet elev to 9000 elev in rocky silty terrain. I'm 6 foot 195lbs and I need the XL size the large is way to small for me, yes I have a short 30-31" inseam and long torso long arms wide sholders, APE like in design :-)). My old Blur was a XL as well I tested both sizes via renal bikes for a few days. The XL fits me perfect and I think it would be to small for a guy 6 3" so do yourself a favor and test ride prior to buying. I think Santa Cruz's sizing charts are off, Giants are the same, Trek and Specialized and Fisher are correct. My bike weighs 28 3/4 lbs pretty light for a 5" travel bike, one pound less than my 6" travel Giant Reign with this build; Frame size XL Fox 32mm Talas, light Mavic wheels, XTR cranks Race Face carbon bars, Juicy 7s Time pedals XO shifters and Navegels. The LT climbs a tiny bit better and is better in the tight technical stuff, but the Reign is more stable and slightly better on fast descents. They're both great bikes. If your on a tight budget buy the very nice Giant Trance XO prbably better than the LT or Reign if you want a light great climbing 6" travel bike. If you work hard and want a bit more custom build and a little Bling buy the Santa Cruz. I raced Motocross and Enduros in New England for years and raced a few XC mountain bike races and did Tris for a year years. Just trying to explain I know alot about wrenching, geometry, build quality, suspension set up and frame design. If you have the cash and want a nice bike buy the Blur LT. I wouldn't buy a 2008 Blur LT 2 unless you have lots of $$ and money isnt an issue. Sure the older BLUR LT may need slightly more maintaince, big deal replace the bearings once a year vs every two years. The bikes will climb and descend just about the same and you will save $1000 on the frame, you can get great deals on new 2008 standard LT frames. I bought my new 2008 LT black Ano frame for $900. You will spend $2000 for a LT 2 frame, yes it's a beautiful bike. I would save $$ and take your wife or girl friend on a nice mountain bike trip to BC or Tahoe and have an epic trip.
Cheers
Dave | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Armstrong
a Cross Country Rider
from Wakefield, quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | cockpunch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | built it off pinkbike | | Strengths: | Suspension design. | | Weaknesses: | chainstay length a bit long.
Chain suck. | | Bike Setup: | High end Fox/xtr. | | Bottom Line: | Amazing pedaling bike. I wanted more travel without sacrificing climbing efficency. It still climbs as good as my M4 but i had to flip over my stem to bring me more over the bars. Mine ways 28lb with a 140mm vanilla rlc and 2.1" nevegals. Downhill's very well but this is a climbing bike with long legs. VPP* has no pedal bob. Super fun bike.
I put every single part on this bike, set it up and had no problems with anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, VPP, stiffness, responsiveness, | | Weaknesses: | Make sure to check the pivot points within the first month, mine loosened... very bad. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth, GT i-drive, SC juliana (friends bike), first full suspension I've owned. | | Bike Setup: | XT derailers, shifters, cranks, old KORE elite stem, WTB saddle, Thompson post, avid juicy seven 6" brakes, dt wheels, Fox talas 36 up front fox rp 23 in the back, kenda nevegal rubber. Crank brothers mallet pedals | | Bottom Line: | The fox suspension is beautiful and matches the geometry of the bike to a T. This bike handles ANYTHING you throw at it. Downhill course in Canmore Alberta "the Redeamer". Long epic 6 hour cross country trails through the rocky mountains. Ups, downs, 6' drops to flat ground. It loves it all. I've had it out in the mud and sand and clay and snow. You seem to have endless travel and it is great in tight technical roots and rocks. Gives you the confidence of a 8" downhill beast but handles like my old 21 pound solid aluminum hardtail... only it climbs much better. I kept my last bike for 15 years, I hope this will survive the test of time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek Fray
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Guadalasca, Sycamore Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycology, Sherman Oaks, Ca | | Strengths: | The most plush, stable, solid, bike I have ever ridden. Instills an unusual sense of confidence when bombing down big hills. Climbs like a goat. Handles well at high speeds and at walking speed. So far,(after 1 year the bike has been virtually maintenance free. | | Weaknesses: | Very little to complain about.. The rear suspension arm was creaking and made me a little nervous, but after a quick check with an allen wrench, I discovered the shop who assembled the bike left almost every bolt loose. Since I tightened them, no more creaking. I have not experienced any bearing issues. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Cannondale Super V 900, Ellsworth Epiphany | | Bike Setup: | SRAM 9X shifters, deraileurs, chain and cluster, Ativ cranks, Fox RP23 rear shock, Fox Float RLC 130 fork, Juicy Seven brakes, DT Swiss 340 hubs, Mavic 321 rims with Kenda Nevegal front and rear tires (they came with the bike) | | Bottom Line: | I ride a whole lot and this bike kicks some serious A$$. Smooth as silk on the downhill runs, infinitely adjustable suspension including lockout if that's your thing. Absolutely zero pedal bob and when you get the suspension dialed in to your weight, it rides like a dream (I'm 225+ and the bike handles my ample size flawlessly). The feeling you get from this ride is pure confidence and stability. I find myself looking for something to bounce off of or over on the way down the hills. Climbs almost like a hard tail and rides very light. This bike is certainly not for beginners (it would spoil them)it is designed for serious riders who really use their equipment.. I have beat up this bike on trials all over Southern California and I can't wait for my next ride. The frame and overall feel of the bike is quality all the way. This bike should be on your list of top 3 choices in the all mountain class. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Paul's Bicycle Way of Life | | Strengths: | Climbs better than any hardtail. Stiff solid feeing frame. Super efficient yet plush suspension is so good you don't even notice it's working. Back end feels like there are little rockets pushing your rear tire on the ground. Really takes the edge off without sucking power away. | | Weaknesses: | Steep price. Complex suspension needs regular maintenance to work right. Not too great as a wet winter bike. Given the handling characteristics and price I would say this is not a beginners bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Amplifier(the older high end XC FS bike), 2008 Trek Fuel EX-8, 89 specialized Stumpjuumper, 92 specialized hard rock, 94 specialized Stumpjumper, 03 specialized hard rock. | | Bike Setup: | 07 Blur LT, LX/XT mix, fox RP23, rock shox revolution 426 fork | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike rides like a dream. There is so much grip from the rear VPP suspension. Suspension remains active wile peddling over huge rocks or hard on the breaks. You can set the VPP so soft that it cancels out even normal pavement chatter and the dammed thing still dose not bob! Turn on pro pedal and you have a hard trail to hammer with. Not that you even need it though. It really takes a experienced rider to be able to appreciate and use the VPP suspension 100%. This bike likes to be pushed hard up hills and threw corners. This is an ideal bike for epic riders like myself. Really lets a person ride stronger/longer. This is not a newbee bike though. It likes to be ridden very aggressively by an experienced rider. All new riders should spend at least a year on a hard tail learning to ride anyway. The pivots will need to be serviced and replaced often if you ride in very wet conditions. Say 1-2 times a year for racers and once a year for heavy winter riders. (so make sure you've got a good local shop to do the work) Summer riders should get at least a couple of years out of them. It's a very sweet bike. If you've got the money and the love of mountain biking test one out. Tried out a 08 Trek Fuel EX-8 and it was a total joke compared the the Blur LT. Even though the Blur weighted more. It is that good. The fuel would be great for casual riders or flat trails. Alas far out in the mountains king Blur reigns. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bond007Jms
a
from SLC, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Similar Products Used: | Turner Spot, Santa Cruz Blur LT, Intense 5.5 and 6.6, Yeti 575, Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Prophet MX and 1000 | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for a 2007 Blur LT.
This is an amazing bike! The geometry, coupled with the suspension design, make this bike. It climbs amazingly and descends just as well if not better (Yes, I am a VPP believer).
I demoed this bike on several trails in Moab. From the first ride, to the last, it was very confidence inspiring. I can honestly say that I hit parts of the trails and cleared obstacles that I never have before (I realize people say that all the time in these review, but it was true for me in this case).
The spec can be whatever you want it to be due to Santa Cruz's build kits. That is a bonus in my opinion. However, Santa Cruz, just like any other boutique brand, is expensive!
So, with my gushing over this bike, why didn't I buy it? Two reasons: 1. The bearings issue (I asked several shops about it and I consistently got the "replace every six to nine months" feedback) An expensive bike just shouldn't have that issue! 2. Customer Service. Again I asked several shops, read the reviews, and I just didn't feel comfortable spending a lot of money on a bike built by a company that has less than acceptable customer service.
So, all that said and done, if I had enough money for a stable of bikes, would this be one of them? Without a doubt, Yes! Of course, if I could own a stable of bikes I wouldn't be worried about bearings or customer service. If you are in search of "the one bike," and have less hesitation about bearings issues and customer service, then this one should be on your short list.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C
a Weekend Warrior
from Lompoc, CA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great Customer Service!
Went off a small jump and broke the rear axle of the shock in the middle. Twisted out one bearing and trashed the other three connected to the rear axle. Emailed Santa Cruz about replacement parts for this 3 year old bike. Tim gave me info for that, but said he would warranty replace all the broken parts, if I preferred. I did, of course. Parts were sent immediately and I was back on the trail in time for Christmas. This bike was clearly out of the warranty period...and the maintenance probably wasn't done as it should be, but Santa Cruz came through with the replacement parts anyway.
Great all around bike. Keeps up with the cross country set, while allowing you to race in some limited downhill (I'm the limit!)
The gravity dropper is great on this bike as it really is a different (i.e. much more stable) bike on the downhill.
Keep up the maintenance (including greasing the pivot/shock axles) and the bike hold up well to punishment...even if you never wash it! | | Weaknesses: | Me | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Deore XT group, Avid Juicy brakes, GRAVITY DROPPER post, Kenda Nevegal 2.35 tires, gore-tex left forearm cast | | Bottom Line: | Great all around bike backed by a company with "above and beyond" customer service in my first direct interaction with them. Great choice if you want a "fun" bike...reasonable cross country performance while still being fun on the downhills. It has the ability to carry you through most of those inevitable lapses in judgment :-).
PS: gore-tex casts are MUCH more comfortable than the plain fiberglass ones! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco CA
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Cruz... name one. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | ??? | | Strengths: | I am 6-1, and the bike effectively makes me smaller so to speak. It is a large frame, but still feels compact, so it corners like a dream. With the VPP suspension design, and the rp123 shock, the bike almost climbs like a hard tail, but better, cause it will give if you want it to, so a bumpy climb where I would spin out on the hard tail, this stays active and keeps traction.
When you get to the twisties, this bike finds its home, it loves the decent! It loves locking into a corner, this bike will make me better, and more bold. I am already hitting things I would have never tries to hit at speed on my old bike.
The trails in Santa Cruz county are what this bike was designed for I think, perfect cause that is where I ride.
| | Weaknesses: | I have found none. I will see what I feel like when it is time for maintenance… | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enuro Comp, Santa Cruz Blur, Kona, and the ever faithful DiamondBack z-Tech (98) that I had loved all those years, now destined to be honorably cast off a cliff to a rocky grave in Moab | | Bike Setup: | The basic complete kit set up.. Low end lx componants mostly, but they threw in a Rock Shox fork, RP123 fox shock, Juicy five breaks, LX cranks, mavic rims with great tires, but I forgot what they are called, just check it out at SantaCruzmtb.com | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I have ever ridden in 12 years of XC riding. now, who needs to ride a technical line when you can just mash over the top of everything? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Parker Perkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Harris, Anglers Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3195.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | I am riding longer, hitting more logs, downhills than I ever did on my old bike. This bike has elevated my riding and I am trying stuff that would freak out the wife. | | Weaknesses: | None so far except for the rider. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Specialized Rockhopper Pro Comp, GF Cake, 2007 GF Procaliber | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9, Juicy 7, Fox Fork, Fox RP 23,XT CRANKSET, XT CASSETTE, XTR shifters, Chris King Hubs, Maxxis tires | | Bottom Line: | Love this bike, should have bought it earlier this year. Quality item, very well made. Feels solid and inspired me to ride harder and try things that I wouldn't ordinarly try. I am addicted to riding and I have now found the bike for me. It also saved my bacon once or twice. The Spin Cycle in Cary, NC was a great place to buy this from. Very helpful in dialing in my bike and making recomandations. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from ssf ca usa
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail at el corte de madera | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | american cyclery | | Strengths: | rippin frame geometry.santa cruz reputation.anodized frame very scratch resistant.6069 aluminum | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!! nothing even close | | Similar Products Used: | trek and specialized | | Bike Setup: | spx xc kit bike;dt swiss wheels xt components race face bars and stem etc added odi ruffian lock on grips crupi pro square cage pedals eventually i will put on a chris king headset tho i have not had problems with my cane creek s-3 | | Bottom Line: | far better than expected when i bought it. its hard to tell when you testride on pavement before buying.the bike is happiest hauling ass on trails or whatever dirt,going up or down.very easy to tune suspension.very forgiving throw it into a turn which you are thinking that you are going too fast and the bike pulls it off to your suprise i never need to use the propedal or front fork lockout it does not bob but that may be due to my riding style.some people have a hammer type riding style out of the saddle they may experiece bobbing if they dont use the lockouts but otherwise set it and forget it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yogiwolfman
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojos | | Strengths: | Stiff, buttery smooth, descends like an anvil and climbs like nothing I've been on. | | Weaknesses: | Creaks and the bearings can be a pain to change without the expensive tool SC sells. I can't seem to get rid of pedal bob (I'm big and thing I'd need to invest major $$$ in a Cane Creek Double Barrel shock to get rid of this). | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Ano black (bada$$), Juicy 5's, CK Wheelset with Mavic 717 rims, Easton carbon post, Fizik Gobi saddle, XT Shadow Rear der, XTR front der, XT hollowtech cranks, Fox 32 140mm RLC fork, etc, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as a frame (screaming deal) and built it from all the awesome parts I had on my crappy Fuel.
This is more bike than I will ever need, since I prefer flowy singletrack to downhill rock-garden hell. Travel feels bottomless with the rear shock (RP3) set up right. I do have minor pedal bob on flats, but that's only a problem when I stand and mash, which makes my friend laugh at me and my bouncing bike.
My BLT has made my descending so much more confident. I pick a line, my bike says "cool," and the VPP does the rest. Very forgiving, plush and I sometimes feel like I'm cheating on the downhills.
Climbing is great, and I can really feel the rear wheel adhering to the trail. Suspension is still active while pedaling.
The cockpit feels perfect for me and I feel like I have plenty of room to move around and put a little "body English" into turns. No problem lofting a wheel on a technical uphill section.
Whenever I see a Nomad, I drool, but you can find the BLT for around 1500 less than a Nomad. For my buck and what I use it for, going with a Nomad would just be money down the drain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SinRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Jericho VT
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$550.00 | | Purchased At: | factory | | Strengths: | The Classic Blur was sweet - the BLT is magic. | | Weaknesses: | Still gets the Santa Creaks, even on the first ride straight from the factory. Nothing that a few dribbles of lube in the crotches won't silence though... | | Similar Products Used: | Classic Blur | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla 125RLC front, Fox Vanilla R rear (yep - SC said "our engineers don't recommend a coilover", but it works great - way better than a clunking AVA), Hayes Mag hydraulic brakes, blahblahblah... | | Bottom Line: | I beat on my Classic Blur for years and finally broke it below the front derailleur (more common than SC lets on, but they replaced it for a reasonable price - if it happens to you, ABSOLUTELY spring for the BLT rear triangle - otherwise they only replace the front). The overall feel is similar, but they fixed everything the Classic was lacking. It's way stiffer laterally and much more solid and better balanced. Suddenly I'm cornering like Bode on his race skis, uphill and down - it can't be me, so it's gotta be the bike. Absolutely amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hainesy
a
from Bangkok
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Quality of build, looks (classic), lightness
Climbing ability
Precision | | Weaknesses: | Heard the pivots can require regular maintenance. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose Teocali Elite | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RLC 140mm fork, Fox RP23 shock, XT 2008 groupset, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Mavic Crossmax ST wheelset, Thomson seatpost, FSA K-Force Carbon riser bar, Ritchey 4Axis Stem, WTB Rocket V Saddle | | Bottom Line: | Built this bike at 12Kg = 26.4lbs. Superb for a 5.5" travel bike.
Initial rides on agressive singletrack and fast rock strewn fire-roads have made me certain this is an outstanding machine, and very pleased with my purchase and spec.
Handling is precise, tight, and responsive. Climbing ability, especially over rocks and roots, is superb - maintains traction through the VPP very well.
Can be blasted downhill with absolute confidence. A perfect compromise of XC handling with high speed all mountain stability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slartiblartfaster
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire UK
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The blend of climbing agility and downhill poise; cunning VPP suspension really works; with adjustable forks and Pro-pedal the beast can be set hard for fast XC or full travel for mental Afan-style singletrack downhill - quite a range of operation | | Weaknesses: | Definitely high-maintenance, has needed a lot if TLC, shreds drivetrains in winter(but maybe that's the rider), RP3 failed and replaced under (Fox) warranty with RP23 (not SC's fault) | | Similar Products Used: | Older GT4000 dually with suspension upgraded to Fox | | Bike Setup: | Blur LT with Fox Talas 32 fork, RP23 shock, Hope Mono Mini discs, XT drivetrain and shifters, Thomson stem, easton carbon bars and post, Mavix Crossmax SL wheels with tubeless Michelin XCR ATs | | Bottom Line: | Prompted to write this review after recent trip to Afan Argoed in Wales, where gradually increasing bravery (and body armour) finally allowed me to get somewhere near the exalted zone this bike can get you into. Once you've got it set up right, if you let it this does downhill singletrack at mental speeds, smoothing out the most demanding trails.
If you want one bike with the widest range from XC to seriously fast trail-based downhill, one of these properly fettled is still going to be hard to beat. Just accept that it's probably even higher maintenance than your partner, and as other reviewers have said have another bike available for those tantrum days. If you're going to do a lot of the downhill that the bike encourages, consider twin-caliper brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Grooters
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | Sport Garage | | Strengths: | Excellent climber. Excellent efficiency. Great balance between weight, travel, and head tube angle. I replaced a traditional Blur with the Blur LT and the difference is remarkable. No more feeling like front tire will slip out, no more feeling like I'm about to Endo. This bike has significantly less pedal inefficiency than the 2003 traditional blur I had. Full 6 months in very dusty conditions and no sqeaking (YAY) | | Weaknesses: | Pricy. | | Similar Products Used: | Stump Jumber M2, Blur (traditional) | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float 140 mm. Juicy 5 brakes, low end everything else. Nevegal 2.35 tires (SUPER awesome and hihgly recommended). | | Bottom Line: | Very Very satisfied with this purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grout Boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Ketchum Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sturtos | | Strengths: | Great all around ride replacing a shorter travel XC bike with ease. | | Weaknesses: | It will probably squeak sooner or later.
| | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Element, Specialized Epic | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas RLC, mostly XT | | Bottom Line: | I was afraid the bike would be too soft and inefficient for my style of riding because I was used to more of a XC race bike. Not so. It climbs great and is a gas down hill. No more feeling like I could go over the bars at any moment. I've done three short (8 mile) rides so far and it is getting better every time. I'm surprised at how versatile it is. It better work for that much money. It does. I think it could be raced in at least sport class without any real disadvantage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Mukilteo, WA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Great suspension, solid handling, very versitile, and came with good parts spec's | | Weaknesses: | None - Other than it seems to take time to get your ordered bike from Santa Cruz. | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, Klein, Giant | | Bike Setup: | XT group, Juicy 7 brakes, DT Swiss wheels, Fox 32 Talas fork, and RP23 rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I rode a Superlight for over 5 years prior to getting this bike, and thought the BLT might be a more capable, well-rounded trail bike, without sacrificing too much of that light and efficient XC feeling. For the most part, that's exactly what it did.
It isn't as snappy under acceleration as the Superlight, but it's suspension is much more capable, and has more stable handling combined with very good trail manners. It isn't heavy or sluggish, but it still is clear this is a trailbike that weights a couple more pounds than the XC oriented Superlight.
The Talas 32 fork is great, the RP23 shock with its various settings works very well, and the part, from Avid brakes to DT Swiss wheels, all work quite well so far with no problems (after 14 or so rides anyway).
Excellent bike for someone wanting more than a XC bike but doesn't want the weight and sluggishness of those longer travel bikes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
|
$
