Our best selling bike, and also one our most durable and dependable rides, the LT received a complete redesign this year. The next generation VPP incorporates revised shock rates, grease pivots in the lower links, carbon fiber upper links, 15mm diameter pivot axles and angular contact bearings into a completely new suspension design. Featuring 140mm rear wheel travel, the aluminum chassis is sweet handling and confidence inspiring. It climbs with ease and efficiency, descends with authority, and takes trail bike performance to a whole new level.
Submitted by
Marshalleames
a Racer
from lafayette CA USA Date Reviewed: November 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
pedals like an xc bike, carbon link, new position of pivots, stiff, great de-sender.
Weaknesses:
can't remember to many, dropouts would seem week but I truly had no problems.
Similar Products Used:
older LT,
Bike Setup:
fox talas 32 rlc 140mm travel 9mm dropouts, rc2 rear shock, xt cranks, xo shifter and derailer, mrp carbon guide, thomson stem & seat post, funn bars, hayes stoker trails, wtb trail wheels.
Bottom Line:
This bike was the first all mountain bikes I had owned. It was the one bike I rode all season. Rain or shine I was riding (many rain rides). Pivots never creaked or wore out. There was no terrain that I had not ridden with this bike. It truly did everything. With all bikes you can ride most things, but the issue is how fast and efficient you can do it. The LT seemed to have that perfect balance, In that it would do everything without compromising anything. The best kind of terrain it handled the best in was a place like downieville. Downivielle gives a great combination of flowy single track to moderately difficult rock gardens. Truly everybody should have an LT, but this bike is best for the person that only wants one bike to do everything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BuggerBike
a Weekend Warrior
from Waukesha, WI Date Reviewed: November 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kettle-Morine South (any)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1850.00
Purchased At:
Cory The Bike Fixer
Strengths:
Purchase the frame and built the bike out. Climbs like a mountain goat; retains stiffness on the downs; responsive and just plain fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Cheap logo on frame - will fall off soon; grease links are pressed on...really bad design of a good idea. I need to rework to get grease into the bearings.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Liquid; Giant VT-1 - this remains a great bike.
Bike Setup:
FRAME - LT2 Black w/Fox Float RP23
FORK - RockShok Revelation
REAR DER.- Shimano XTR shadow
FRONT DER.- Shimano XTR
SHIFTERS - Shimano XT rapid fire
CRANKSET - Shinamo XT
CASSETTE - SRAM PG 990, 11-34
CHAIN - KMC 9sp Gold
BRAKES - Avid BB7s - love these mechanical brakes
ROTORS - Dirty Dog Bone Burners
BRAKE LEVERS - Avid Ultimate
BARS - Race Face Evolve
STEM - Race Face Deus XC
GRIPS - ODI Rouge lock on
HEADSET - Chris King
SEAT POST - Thompson Masterpiece
SADDLE - Fizik Gogi XM
WHEELS - Mavic Crossmax SLR
PEDALS - Shimano XTR
TIRES - Kenda Nevagals 3.5 w/Stans no tubes
WEIGHT - 27.5 lbs.
Bottom Line:
Grease fittings are a great idea, but really bad design, the pressed fittings pulled right out, and Santa Cruz is no help, service is poor, you buy the bike...its yours without service. Work with your local bike shop, if you're near Milwaukee, Cory is the best in town...ask for Ian. A great bike for the money and weight, mine is under 28 lbs. I am an older rider and this bike is perfect for technical Wisconsin riding. Note: use the full suspension as it is intended and let the bike do its thing. Just spent 8 days in Moab UT and the bike handled well in every situation, from very vert climbs to rocky decents. Once I redesign the grease fittings, this will be a keeper. 2 Chilis on the fittings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorse
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford BC Date Reviewed: November 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
A-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Life Cycle
Strengths:
It comes in black ano,VPP
Weaknesses:
Cheesy head badge is going to fall off, I can see light behind it.This is the fourth SC frame I have built up and the first with a made in Taiwan decal. It is also the first Santa Cruz frame that does not have the old standard Santa Cruz cable routing. Not Santa Cruz's usual quality. I'm going to have to zap strap housing to the top tube or break the cable hosing and use the gorby stops with exposed cable, which is not an option in this wet and muddy Pacific North West climate.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Nomad, Bullet
Bike Setup:
hope pro 2 hubs, 819 rims, race face carbon handle bars and cranks,XO rear derailer, X9 shifters. XTR FD, Fox 32 talas with 15mm axel,formula the one my10, Conti mountain kings 2.2 rear, 2.4 front
Bottom Line:
Santa Cruz make a great bike, I know I've had three. The last one I cracked the frame the first two are still going strong.
This blur LT will ride great I'm sure. But Santa Cruz's Service is going downhill but not as well as their bikes. They need to hire some more folks to answer their phones, and fix their web store.
Santa Cruz is starting to remind me of Microsoft, victims of their own success.
You have to get up early in the morning to get 5 chilli's from me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Niceknownya
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Junction, CO, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Gunny's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Suspension works as it should ... plush on the way down, with little bob on the way up.
Weaknesses:
Chain slap (I avoid this by riding in the big chainring on decents).
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Old Blur LT (my brothers bike), Rize (test ride), 575 (test ride), Litespeed Occoee
Bike Setup:
Fox 36 Float RC (160 mm travel) w/ 20mm through axle; Fox RP23, SRAM x-9 AM build, J-Seven brakes, Easton MonkeyLite Carbon Bar, locking grips
Bottom Line:
In this day in age on the trails I ride more suspension is better (at least for me). The SC Blur LT provides plenty of cusion. The 160mm front fork mates very well with this bike. The 140mm (5.75") of rear travel can be adjusted as you like. I don't use the pro-pedal much, as I don't feel it is needed (just used on roads or super smooth climbs). I'm amazed at how well the bike climbs. It feels slower than my Fuel on the way up, but the times tell a completely different tail. I guess it feels slower because it is much smoother than the Fuel, but I'm a lot faster (~10%) on the Blur even though it weighs 5-6 lbs more at the same heartrate. The VPP works so well I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking for more travel, but is afraid of loosing X-C/climbing performance. You could build it lighter than mine (~29 lbs) if you are a weight weenie and have $$, but with the AM build you can have fun without breaking the bank and without cringing at every landing in fear of bike breakage. Oh and Santa Cruz's stands behind their bikes! What more do you want?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
russtb
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: October 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
well balanced, equally suited to climbing technical single track and then bombing down the same trail with total confidence.
Weaknesses:
no water bottle bosses. a hydration pack fixes this, but for 1-2 hour rides it is nice to take bottles and not have to wear a pack.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper, Specialized Epic, Cove G-Spot, Kona Coiler Delux.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi XC700, Hayes, Sram X0 twist and long cage, Race Face Deus cranks, DT Swiss 240 wheelset. XT front derailure.
Bottom Line:
This is a great riding trail bike. Climbs well on both fire road and technical single track. Holds your line on the descent and maintains traction on loose climbs. I wanted to give it a few months before I wrote a review to change the tires and play with air pressures in the tires and suspension. Running a firmer set up in the shocks really picks up the pace and makes this more XC and a little less air has really made it active and fun for the drops. There are not the sharp suspension spikes, or pedaling induced suspension kick-back that can be felt on some four bar suspensions. It feels really smooth through the whole stroke.
I miss having a water bottle for shorter rides and not having to take a pack, but a small concession for a great riding bike. I went with the Fox shock in the rear over the Rock Shox Monarch and have been really happy with it. I leave it open most of the time now and only switch to pro pedal for longer fire road climbs.
$2,000 is a good chunk of cash for a frame- right up there for other high end frames, and this bike feels well worth the cost. A more active and smoother feel through the suspension than my Kona and Cove G-Spot; but both of these are more big hit bikes. Climbs a lot like my Epic even with a slacker head tube angle, and descends like my Stumpjumper. A great all-around riding bike. Very happy with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cabikefreak
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Co
Strengths:
All mountain, XC, climbing, great handling
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket easy to hit the pedals (with long cranks). Of course this is part of how they get the great handling!
Similar Products Used:
SC Superlight (original model), have ridden most everything else out there...
Bike Setup:
Blur LTC with Fox Talas 32 FIT and thru axle
Bottom Line:
I haven't ridden anything else that performs across the range as well as this bike. It climbs almost as well as my old Superlight (hard to believe), handles much, much better and obviously goes downhill at a whole different level. I used to have to pick my way down some of the steeper runs in my area and now it seems like there are almost no bad lines. I am an older rider and after having a detached retina began looking for something with more travel than my SL that I could setup on the soft side but still be able to climb. The Bike Co did a great job with my questions and handled everything very well. I was just looking to be able to continue mountain biking but this bike far exceeds my expectations and has me smiling every time I ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Octoboy
a Weekend Warrior
from SFO Date Reviewed: October 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light, super stiff, silent, solid ride.
Weaknesses:
not crazy about the lower link/grease port ground clearance
Similar Products Used:
Various FS and HT Specialized, Commencal, On-One, Marin Quad XCs
Bike Setup:
Basic factory X9 AM package on a medium LTc
Bottom Line:
Tried one of the ex-interbike carbon demo bikes in Santa Cruz last week. Wish i'd got there sooner as they were selling a few off at killer prices. Blown away by this bike - it wasn't the light weight (dont consider 1lb on an AM bike worth the price hike anyhow) - it was the incredible stiffness! On the trail it was just rock solid, silent and super accurate - together with the grounded riding position and spot-on balance it was hugely confidence inspiring. Recently tried a Marin in my search for a AM rig - the Blur LTc was leagues ahead in terms of efficient pedalling and bump-sucking.
As a side note ... the tapered RS Revelation Maxle fork was very impressive too.
With only a couple of hours riding I didn't want to give it 5 chillies but I am looking into getting one of these - haven't been so impressed with a bike for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mace
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitestone New York USA Date Reviewed: October 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Amazing attention to detail
VPP suspension
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Talas QR15 Fork, Fox RP23 Shock, XT Shifters & Derailluers, TruVativ Noir Cranks, Formula The One Brakes, Custom Built Chris King/Mavic Wheels, Kenda Nevagal UST Tires, Thompson Post & Stem, WTB Rocket V Saddle
Bottom Line:
I'll try to be objective here, which will be difficult due to the fact that this is the most amazing bike that I have ever thrown a leg over.
I have been riding a Santa Cruz Heckler for the last 6 years and have had endless hours of fun on that classic single pivot frame. When the next generation Blur LT came out, I knew it was just a matter of time before I had to have one. I was on the fence about whether to go Carbon or Aluminum but my research into the Santa Cruz carbon process swayed me to go carbon. Colorado Cyclist had the frames in stock so I took the plunge and ordered a steel blue size large. When I took the frame out of the box I immediately knew that I had made the right choice. This frame is a work of art. There is not one seam to be seen anywhere. The tubes just flow into each other in one continuous structure.
I built the bike up myself using hand selected parts and ended up with my dream ride. She weighs in at exactly 28lbs. The Fox Talas QR15 was one of the best suprises. It delivers on all fronts. The front end of this bike feels like one solid unit. There is no comparison to a standard quick release set-up. QR15 will definitely render the standard quick release obsolete. But this is not a component review so I'll return to the frame.
This frame rides like nothing that I have ever experienced.
There is not a hint of flex, squeaks, or noise of any kind. The suspension is seamless compared to the single pivot on my Heckler. The Fox shock and fork work together to make bumps disappear beneath you. I feel completely balanced on this bike and the steering is totally predictible. I have never experienced a bike that felt so natural to ride. I kept the Easton bar at 28" wide which gives me a completely different feel that the 27" bar on my Heckler.
I plan to review this bike again after a year of riding but for now, I am a walking advertisement for Santa Cruz. My advice to you is get the carbon frame. The extra bucks are worth it to own such a beautiful piece of bicycle engineering. It is built to take a pounding and look great doing it.
This bike turns heads on the trail and I can't get the grin off my face ever time I ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from gregmilano@comcast.net Date Reviewed: September 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5200.00
Purchased At:
mojos
Strengths:
The new vpp linkage is great, I have ridden all spring and summer and not a single squeak or creak.
Weaknesses:
Not much...steers a little slower than my orginal blur... I find myself straying off the trail at times.
Similar Products Used:
Original Blur, Pivot Mach 5 and Ibis mojo
Bike Setup:
XTR shifters and cranks. Magura SL mag, Sunline Carbon bars w/ Thompson stem and post, 2010 Talas 15mm, Roval rims with a Purgatory and Racing ralphs. This sweet all mountain is coming in at 27.5 lbs
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around bike. I like to climb but also love the rewards on the technical downhill. This bike downhill’s greats but I still notice the brake-jack a little which is why I gave it 4 chili’s. Climbing is efficient although not a racer it does just fine for an all mountain bike. If you're a cross country racer and do not like the downhills this bike is not for you.
This is all around a great bike that I would buy again but I’m waiting to see how the carbon holds up over the long haul.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
teelow
a Cross Country Rider
from Central NY Date Reviewed: August 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Decent climber. Stable while descending. VPP suspension is supple yet no pedal bob. Responsive handling on single track.
Weaknesses:
None noted
Similar Products Used:
GF Hi Fi. Spec Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
Med frame in black ano;Fox 2009 RP23 shock, Fox 2010 140mm TALAS with 15QR, Kenda Nevegel 2.35 UST tires, WTB Laser saddle, Thompson elite seatpost, Easton Monkeylite bars, XT derailleurs and crankset, Avid Elixir CR brakes, Chris King headset, Mavic Crossmax ST wheels.
Bottom Line:
It took me a couple weeks to get used to the upright riding position on this bike, but now I love it. I also didn't know if I would like the TALAS fork vs. a Float, but I use the travel adjustment often for climbing (usually in the 120mm position). The bike is a competent climber even at the 140mm setting, but I find it more comfortable at the lower travel on steep twisty climbs. The VPP suspension is very impressive- it works great to keep the rear wheel pinned to the ground on bumpy climbs and makes bumps disappear on fast descents. I never use the Propedal setting on the shock because I don't experience any pedal bob. I do most of my climbing while seated, so maybe I would use Propedal more if I was standing while climbing. Overall, this is a really fun bike that seems to do everything well. It's the best bike I've ever owned. The only thing I regret is not considering the carbon Blur LT Carbon!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luby
a Weekend Warrior
from Rumburk, Czech Republic Date Reviewed: July 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4050.00
Strengths:
Back pain's gone with this bike. Downhills much more enjoyable so I actually had to upgrade my front brake with a 185mm disc.
Weaknesses:
A need for Camelbak if you don't want to die dehydrated. The guys at SC should spent a bit more time to figure out a place for a bottle cage. Otherwise none so far.
Bottom Line:
Very good bike. I would go for the same thing again just would think of the carbon frame now (carbon was not available at the time of purchase). Really love the Fox Float 140 RLC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wavemanz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tahoe Donner Date Reviewed: June 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hole in the ground
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Strengths:
Hi
I've had 5 Santa Cruz bikes and this is the best by far. The old Blur LT was fantastic and this is just a bit better. I feel a bit more supple for the first 1/2 of travel and this helps in very technical sections or climbs. The 1st Gen LT was awesome and if you don't have the $$ keep the 1st Gen. The LT2 has a perfect balance and I feel this or the Ibis Mojo or the Giant Trance X are the best one bike to own. Some of the new Giant Reigns and Trance X are probably just as good. I've had both a few years back and they were great bikes as well.
If you buy a Santa Crux make sure you test the bike. I'm six foot and ride a XL a L is way to short for me. I do have short legs and a long Torso and ride with a 100mm stem. I tested a large for two days and it felt tiny. My knees were almost hitting my elbows with a 120mm stem.
Built for Tahoe and to keep the bike light for 6000-9500 climbs; Fox 36mm Float RC Mavic 819s Tubeless, Thompson stem, Crank Brothers R drop post, Race Face Carbon bar, New XTR shifters and F/R der XT cranks, Tires Continental Mountain Kings UST R= 2.2 F= 2.4 they are lighter and rated much better than the Kenda Nevegals I used to use.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
I've owned a few Santa Cruz Blur XC and a few Blur LT 1st Gen a Giant Trance, Giant Reign, GT Idrive LE, Turner XCD and a few VooDoo hardtails.
Bike Setup:
Black Ano Blur LT2 built for Tahoe and to keep the bike light for 6000-9500 climbs; Fox 36mm Float RC Mavic 819s Tubeless, Thompson stem, Crank Brothers R drop post, Race Face Carbon bar, New XTR shifters and F/R der XT cranks, Tires Continental Mountain Kings UST R= 2.2 F= 2.4 they are lighter and rated much better than the Kenda Nevegals I used to use.
Bottom Line:
My bikes built for Tahoe.
Lots of rocks and boulders but built light. I much prefer the LT2 over a Nomad for a all around do anything bike. For me it's superior, better geometry and it can do 95 percent of what a Nomad can do and climb and zip in the tight single track much better.
My bikes a XL weight is: 29 lbs. I'm six foot it fit's like a glove with a 100mm stem, light tires rims, XTR, XT cranks, carbon bars Crank Brothers post, this is the best component I've ever installed on a bike. I use it probably 100 times in a 1 1/2 ride. It's saved my butt many a time on nasty technical descents. Spend the $$ and don't break a collar bone. Enjoy your new LT2 don't waste the $$ on the new carbon it's only 1/2 lbs lighter. You can save that with tires and tubes.
Cheers Dave
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
StraightBlur
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn Hills, MI Date Reviewed: June 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
KLM Bikes
Strengths:
Great Handling, Great jumper, Low Maintenance, Climbs fast (especially for weight).
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, but doesn't feel heavy while riding it. No bottle cage mounts for my NR light battery. Had tobuy extension cord and carry battery in my camelback. :(
Similar Products Used:
03 blur classic, Nomad, Feul EX9, Reign X0
Bike Setup:
FRAME-LT2 Black Ano M w/Fox DHX 5.0
FORK-Fox Talas 36 RC2
REAR DER.-SRAM X0 long cag
FRONT DER.-Shimano M970 (XTR)
SHIFTERS -SRAM X0 triggers
CRANKSET-TruVativ Noir XC 22/32/44
CASSETTE-SRAM PG 990, 11-34
CHAIN-KMC X9 SL
BRAKES-Avid Juicy Ultimate
BRAKE LEVERS-Avid Juicy Carbon
BARS-Race Face AtlasLow Riser 31.8mm
STEM-Thomson 31.8mm
GRIPS-Lizard Skin Peaty lock on
HEADSET-Hope 1 1/8" (Ano Gold)
SEAT POST-Thompson Elite
SADDLE-WTB Pure V
WHEELS-DT 5.1d rims laced to DT 240S hubs w/ DT 14/15 spokes, alloy nipples (20mm front hub)
PEDALS-Crank Bros. MALLET 3 (Ano Gold)
SEAT CLAMP-Hope (Ano Gold)
WEIGHT-29lbs.
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all with the Talas 36. Light enough for XC and heavy duty enough for DH and light FR. Even though the bike can be built at 26-27lbs. I enjoy the versatility of the beefier, slightly heavier build. I weigh 140lbs. and this bike has no problem with 10-15ft. drops and also does well in bike parks. Would recommend a Nomad if you weigh over 160lbs. and want to do the jumps and drops. Would also recommend the blur XC carbon for pure XC riding (19-23lbs.) Overall, the bike is worth the $$$ and performs very well on all trail types and conditions. Thank you Santa Cruz!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Anderies
a Cross Country Rider
from Centennial, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Lair O' the Bear
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Strengths:
Handling across the board slow, fast, rocky what ever the trail serves up. Frame fit and finish, standover height, frame cockpit all contribute to an awesome ride.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
'03 XC Blur, Specialized FSR, Ibis MoJo-demo'd
Bike Setup:
Fox 32 Talas upfront, Sram XO w/ X-9 triggers, formula ORO brakes, race face crank w/bash guard, DT Swiss wheels and hubs, Kenda Nevegals.
Bottom Line:
I enjoyed my XC Blur for many years, then I rode a longer travel bike and decided to change to the LT 2. This LT 2 is the perfect all mountain bike, SC nailed with the redesign. I have ridden down challenging trail sections with ease and confidence that I used to walk down-WOW. I am still smiling after yesterdays decent.
The pivot point design and materials enable this bike to stay on-line. I highly recommend this bike - worth every penny!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cupcakes
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton,Alberta,Canada Date Reviewed: May 12, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Strengths:
Awesome all around trail bike. Up/down whatever. VVP makes efficient pedaling, propedal not needed on rear. Excellent handling.
Awesome all purpose bike and you get what you pay for. Runs fast like a hard tail but cadillac comfort.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim collings
a Weekend Warrior
from Mount Vernon, WA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
IPA at Tree Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Skagit Cycle
Strengths:
Great standover height, incredible handling - both slow speed and fast, beautiful combination of a X-country bike and downhill
Weaknesses:
It may sound chinsy, but the much ballyhooed bottle opener on the dropout can't be used with Shimano XT rear derailluer. That, and an annoying squeak in the rear hub that I can't track down yet.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Remedy 5
Bike Setup:
Fox 32 float front & RP23 rear suspension, DT Swiss wheelset w/ Kenda Nevegal 2.35's, crank bros directset & candy c's, Thompson seat post, WTB saddle, Shimano XT group, Avid juicy 7's, ODI lockon's, Race Face Dues XC bar, Blackspire bashguard in lieu of large ring.
Bottom Line:
Buy this bike! I, like everyone in this new economic climate, was a little leary about laying down this much $ for something that I may use 2-3 times a week if lucky. Luckily I got a great deal from Skagit Cycle on the price, and they gave me a trade in on my old bike. After the first time taking it out on the trail, I felt a lot better about the decision. This bike will make you try, and conquer, obstacles that you wouldn't have tried before. Confidence inspiring on the downhills, and easy to pedal back to the top. The VPP and zerks for maintainence lives up to their name. All in all, a solid bike. If you're on the fence about getting one, go for it. It's well worth it. Santa Cruz did their homework and did it well!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bondi Bev
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any Portes du Soleill DH single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4600.00
Purchased At:
CBD Sydney
Strengths:
Solid, balanced, quiet, plush. Set the shock to the reccommended settings and ride.
Comes with Grease gun, socks, t-shirt, stickers, etc.
Weaknesses:
Head badge fell off fist ride - just a bit of alloy tin can with double sided tape - Come on SCB, it is only cosmetic, but most of us are bike proud (esp when new)!
Similar Products Used:
Plenty of HT cross country bikes and Dh / freeride bikes, but no other "similar" trail bikes
Bike Setup:
Built for strength. Large Black ano frame, Fox 32 Talas QR15mm, C King H/S, Thompson Stem o/90mm & Post, Flite Flow, Hope Tech X2 brakes, Hope AM wheels, Maxxis Advantage (f) & crossmark (r) tires, EA70 low rise bar, XT shifters/crank/cass/derailers/SPD's. 12.8Kg (28 lbs).
Bottom Line:
I got interested in XC and trail riding again after dusting off my old HT 12 months ago in NZ. Unfortuantly Ht's are not suited for Sydney sandstone. So the hunt for my ultimate trail bike began. I'm 6ft and 98kg (215 lbs) and the large fits me well. Some might find it a bit cramped in the top tube, so think about stem and offset seatpost to solve - but this is a trail bike.
Great performing trail bike, esp with the 15mm front axle and solid front end to match the rear sus. The more technical the terrain gets this bike eats it up. Loves the sandstone step-ups / drop downs and builds up to a very reasonable weight. Plan to do a few 100km enduros on this bike so comfort is important - it delivers.
Buy this bike if you like to ride the most direct line.
Looses 1 chilli for the head badge and the announcement that SCB are launching a lighter carbon model within 4 months of buying!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FatTony
a Weekend Warrior
from Duncan, BC,Canada Date Reviewed: April 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Arrowsmith Bikes
Strengths:
Plush suspension action, Good pedaling efficiency, Nice lines.
Weaknesses:
I can't find any.
Bike Setup:
Setup with a Manitou Travis 150 fork, Mavic Crossmax Sx wheelset with Conti tubeless tires, RaceFace Evolve DH Crankset w/ crankbros pedals, Easton Ea90 stem w/ Monkeylite SL carbon bar. Avid Juicy brakes.
Bottom Line:
In the 25 years that I have been riding, I can say that this is probably the best all purpose bike I have ever ridden. It excells in all aspects of riding. And as I get used to the setup and testing different settings I am constantly impressed with the way this bike performs. I think that my next upgrade to the bike will be a set of Fox Forks to try and cut a bit more weight and add to the plushness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SJBA
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA USA!! Date Reviewed: April 11, 2009
Favorite Trail:
QuickSilver Mines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3681.00
Purchased At:
Sun Bike Shop
Strengths:
Everything, From the VVP to the Fork and Shock! Beautiful design!
This bike is by far the best ride I've ever had! Stiff, very stiff, it's almost like you are riding a one piece bike. I love how light it is to ride, you climb like a goat! and drop like a ton of bricks! I love the VVP design, props to SC bikes, very nice design! Does not compare to the Specialized. Will ride it until the wheels come off!
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Submitted by
kramersdad
a Cross Country Rider
from Kelowna, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Climbs with ease, very efficient VPP suspension, tracks through the roughest terrain and descends with aplomb. This bike is surgical in terms of its precision - just point and hang on. I've been riding mountain bikes for 25 years and owned 14 bikes and this is by far the nicest ride of them all. A great do-everything bike that thrives the more you demand of it and makes you want to ride more often.
Weaknesses:
Burned a smoking crater in my bank account, but, hell, you only live once.
This is an update from my original review, posted under the old Blur Lt. I've been more impressed with each ride. Looking forward to a long season of epic rides on this steed. Hats off to the engineers at Santa Cruz. Might have to buy their cyclocross bike next.
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Submitted by
ross mepham
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Splitenz, Pondies
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Pedal Power
Strengths:
Strong,Stiff, Good all round package do it all bike
Weaknesses:
Non that i am aware of
Similar Products Used:
05 and 06 Stumpjumper FSR Pro, 07 and 08 S Works FSR stumpjumpers
Bike Setup:
RS Revelation fork with 20mm Maxle lite,Crossmax SLR tubeless wheels, X0 shifters and RD, XTR cranks and FD, Thomson SP and Stem, Magura Marta SL brakes
Bottom Line:
Great all day do anything trail bike, Skidmark Anod is a great finish, Going back to metal from Carbon is a positive, Revelation fork with the Maxle lite and SLR wheels are nice and solid, you dont realise how much flex you get in QR fork and wheel setups,Bottle opener on the RD hanger is great for the end of ride beers
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Submitted by
oscar bowen
a Cross Country Rider
from Margarita island Venezuela Date Reviewed: February 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Macanao
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6033.00
Purchased At:
Alex's Bike shop in
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
Nothing!
Similar Products Used:
09 Cannondale Scalpel carbon team replica, 08 Santacruz Blur LT.
Bike Setup:
XTR/XC out, Mavic Crossmax SLR wheels, Avid ultimate brakes and shifters, XO carbon cage RD, XTR front DR, FSA K force seatpost and handlebar, thompson 90MM stem, Fox 32talas RLC, RP23
Bottom Line:
This bike has fast reactions and is very steady in bad trails, like rocky ones. In single tracks the bike is splendid, very precision very controlable thanks to FOX suspension and Mavic wheel. I have ridden in a bike park in red trails and this All Mountain bike doesn't compromise the rides confidence.
In very bad trail the sensitivity of the rear suspension makes us feel that we are with a bicycle of bigger travel.
The new VPP rates work very well with Pro Pedal off, in FOX RP23.
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Submitted by
suvacrew
a Racer
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Joaquin Miller Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3445.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
It does everything I ask of it w/o any hesitation on my part :-) It's a stout ride that can handle a huge range of riding terrain and you can get it under 28LBS no problem with 5.5 inch travel at both ends. Serviceable lower linkage pivots with zerk fittings and a grease gun with grease supplied. STIFF!!!!! No sign of flex period. VPP is king.
Weaknesses:
Cockpit seems short at first. Limited only by the rider.
Black Med LT2, Joplin remote, Talas 32 RLC, Race Face Deus XC, XO Shifters, XO RD, XT FD, Easton Havocs, Kenda Nevegals, FSA XO 150, FSA SLK riser, Juicy Carbons, North Shore ODI grips
Bottom Line:
I originally posted in the old LT review. Colorado Cyclist blasted me a $1200 discount to get me my $3445..kudos to CC.
I'm so stoked on this bike even though it took a bit of time to get used to the upright seating position. Reality is that 5 inch has become the "standard" for Trail/XC ride/race. For the 4 LBS in equipment I added on when this replaced my Scott Spark, I overcame it with the RP23 Pro-pedal and the Lt2's climbing and descending ability. I get the XC config at 100-120mm for climbing and the technical tight single track and when coming down the other side at speed, it's 140 and Pro-Pedal OFF. The bike will inspire confidence in any rider whether your a seasoned trail mongrel or new to longer travel rigs, the trails and obstacles that you've hesitated on before will all become faint memories. If your considering a 4.5-5.5 inch you owe it to yourself to put a Blur LT2 on the list of bikes to Demo.
Update: On my usual training loops, I've been able to gain back precious seconds lost on the climbs with a confident and faster descent. The Blur LT2 will make you forget about the extra LBs on the bike when you take into consideration all of the travel and obstacle prowess you gain.
Weir uses this for both Pro XC and Super D...and wins both..damn!!
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Submitted by
Surfas
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: December 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Serra da Estrela
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24945.00
Purchased At:
ProCycle
Strengths:
Lower standover top tube, great pedaling and the best suspension system on the market.
And a better way to maintenance the VPP
Weaknesses:
Right know - none!!
One thing: I can't note any diference in the RP23 with propedal on or off!
Similar Products Used:
Blur LT1
Bike Setup:
Shimano XTR/Sram X0, Formula Oro Puro, Fox 32Van, Crossmax ST IRC Serac 2.1 UST, Thomson, Fizik Aliante XM, Easton Monkeylight XC
Bottom Line:
I'm coming from a BLT1 and what I note is that this pedal better, climb better, descend better the suspension works more neutrally!! The stand over top tube clearance is much better from BLT1.
I have a Skidmark and the color is outstanding!!
Santacruz did a great job working on this BLT2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PeRNaLoNGa
a Weekend Warrior
from Aveiro, Portugal Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Roman Roads
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At:
www.pernalonga.net
Strengths:
Easy maintainance, lower gravity center, good pedal
Fox 36 Float 150 Tuner.
CrossMax ST Disco 20mm.
Shimano XT / XTR
Handlebar Easton Carbon Monkey Lite.
Stem and Seatpost Thomson
Formula ORO Puro
Bottom Line:
This bike has fast reactions and is very steady in bad trails, like rocky ones. In single tracks the bike is splendid, very precision very controlable thanks to FOX suspension and Mavic wheel. I have ridden in a bike park in red trails and this All Mountain bike doesn't compromise the rides confidence.
In very bad trail the sensitivity of the rear suspension makes us feel that we are with a bicycle of bigger travel.
The new VPP rates work very well with Pro Pedal off, in FOX RP23.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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