Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from BrisVegas, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Strengths: Absolutely awe inspiring confidence, this frame is now 7 years old, yet is still in the best condition, no cracks or dents. Just want to try bigger, better, steeper, you name it, you'll try it (OK, maybe not HUGE hucks, but hey, it's still good).
Weaknesses: None, I even emailed Santacruz with the frame number to check it's product date. They were amazing with the help they gave. Great customer service.
Bottom Line:
LOVE THIS BIKE - Have set it up for freeriding, however, it handles downhill and jumps no problem, and even peddles uphill without too much of an effort, currently weighs 17 Kilos, which is pretty light for what it can do. Bought this bike after extensive research and reading the reviews on this site, and have been more than happy. Way to go Santacruz. Not having to change the geometry on this bike too much in over 6 years means they must of been on the ball to start off with. My riding has definately improved since I got this bike. My wife even bought a freeride bike after having a go on the bullit. Last word, try one, you'll love it...
Similar Products Used: Schwinn Rocket 1, Kona Coiler, Kona Bear, Cannondale Gemini.
Bike Setup: Small frame with Vanilla RC 6" rear sus, 2002 Boxers, XTR rear mech, XT front dual mech with Blackspire Bashy,Raceface Diablos stem & bars, onone saddle with thompson elite seatpost, 2.7 DH Minion up front and 2.5 Michelin at back.
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Submitted by
Tyler Pace
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Strengths: Bomb-proof, pure and simple. This is an indestructible frame!
Weaknesses: Weight....of course. It's a beast, but that's why it's bomb-proof.
Bottom Line:
I'm a cross-country rider who is normally a bit scared to go super-fast downhill and take the big jumps; that is, I was, until I picked up this bad boy. This bike can take anything; it's truly amazing. Sure, it's heavy, but the fact that it's bomb-proof makes it all worth while.
Weaknesses: None that I can tell, other than the lack of knowledge of their dealers Mike's Bikes in Palo Alto, CA was the exception. The other shops listed as SC dealers I talked to didn't know squat. If I have to do all the research, figure out what model/size I need via the SC website (and sites like this one), and pay in full when I order, why should I be forced to pay some retailer's markup who didn't do a thing BUT TAKE AN ORDER? That markup is intended as payment for overhead and the value added of product knowledge. Hey Santa Cruz - sell direct! Most retailers don't do a thing to earn their place in the distribution channel.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. It's got my 42 year old body doing stuff it shouldn't, like wheelie dropping off downed redwoods and jumping off/over pretty much everything that gets in the way. It's a real confidence builder, kind of the same way gold chains & hairplugs are for most guys my age. Also, I'm pretty sure I got my money's worth on the first ride, so everything from here on is bonus points. I normally ride a 19", which would have been a Large in SC Land. After talking to the guys at SC (great company to deal with, by the way - too bad they don't sell direct - see above), I found the standover is the same for M,L, & XL, so I bought the XL to get the 24.5" top tube and be able to comfortably run a 90mm stem (as opposed to the 120mm I would have put on the L). As a side note, the Avid discs work extremely well, and don't require any hydralic fluid hassles. If you're not into full-on DH racing, save yourself the hassle and buy the Avids.
Similar Products Used: SC Superlight, Jamis Dakar Team, Specialized FSR Enduro, Specialized FSR Big Hit
Bike Setup: Psylo SL 5", Avid cable discs w/ 2.0 Speed Dials, Vanilla RC, old school (110mm) XTR cranks(w/ Kooka Crankcase bashguard), Shimano 686 platforms, XT Fr&R deraileurs, XTR 8SPD rapidfires, White Ind disc hubs w/ Sun 0 degree rims, SRAM 11-32 8SPD cassette, Azonic ORC 90mm stem, Bonty Crowbars, Easton Alu post, FSA Pig DH headset.
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Submitted by
Jon Doyal
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Strengths: Frame design, components,shocks,
Weaknesses: price is up there, most people who do not work at a shop won't pony up for a bike that costs this much in the mid-west. It is a little heavy but who cares when you have 6 inchs of travel
Bottom Line:
I will start by saying that this is not my only bike, and I know that most people in the mid-west don't want/need 6 inchs of travel, but I wanted it. On the first ride I was very happy with the bike, it soaked up everything, and it climbed suprisingly well. The brakes were unbelevable(this is my bike with hydros)aside from the rear rotor coming off(my fault forgot locktite) I had no troubles with anything, and the best part is after riding I did feel as beat up as I normally do. Would I reccomend the bike, sure if you want a freeride/long travel XC/FS bike don't mind spending alot of cash, and have a hard tail to ride when you go out with the really fast guys/gals.
Bike Setup: stock, psylo, fox vannilla R, LX/XT/XTR, wtb laser disc wheels, Hayes hydros
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Submitted by
Jason Lee
a
from Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Strengths: Looks Awsome, Rides Awsome. Practically adjustable to a hard tail, Yet Capable of taking 20 foot drops onto flat Concrete.
Weaknesses: Very Costly. Top tube sits a little higher than I'd like, but I've also got a 7inch front fork so it's not the frames fault.
I'd Like to try the Super 8 sometime because I find that I'm bottoming out pretty hard on the 6inches that comes with bullit frame.
Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line is that it's expensive. We're talking 2500 Canadian dollars for just the frame and that's not including the fork. But if you can afford it, Get it!!! (or at least try it) The rear suspension can be adjusted to be rock solid for a nice ride to work, or loosend off for maximum suspension required for your planed jumps after work.
I would not recommend this bike to anyone that still has there sanity because it would be a waste of money if you didn't do anything crazy with it. What's important for me is not the kilometers that has been riden but rather the amount of feet that has been fallen. $2500 for the bullit wasn't a bad investment for me, considering the fact that I I haven't broken, snaped, or bent it/ !!!yet!!!
Therefore this frame is worth the money, but only if you can really put it's quality to the test. Otherwise stick to something more affordable. What I can see happening is that somebody will go all out and buy the frame and then equip it with forks and parts that the Santa Cruz Bullit will just laugh at.
Note: This bike is to die for Please be prepared for an attack.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher, Specialized, Kline, GT, K2, ...
Bike Setup: Bullit Frame: It's the Best for my Urban Excursions 7inch Stratos Fork: Just in case I nose dive Race Face Krank: Because It's warrantied for life LX components: Because they're cheaper to replace than XTR
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Submitted by
Kai S.
a Downhiller
from F-7230 Lablachere
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Strengths: Didn´t manage to destroy it, the Bike which lastet longest!! Hard trails every day, very good performance
Strengths: Lots of travel, but can still climb. You can have the best of both worlds. A DH bike that climbs. The best free ride frame around.
Weaknesses: None worth mentioning. Some people don't like the weight, but you can't find a frame with 6 inches of travel, burly construction, and that light of a weight, especially for the same price. I guess you could complain about the bobbing, but that's only if you don't have good spin. The only time the bike swooshes is if you stand up crank hard, and it's mainly my front z1 that swooshes. The tail end pretty much stays put.
Bottom Line:
When I first rode this bike, I liked it, but something wasn't right. Do yourself a favor and ditch the cross country wheelset. This bike was made to run bigger wheels. Once I moved to the DH wheels, I fell in love with the bike. It used to weigh 29lbs ( XL frame ) with the cross country wheels. Now it weighs 38. I don't even mind because the performance of the bigger wheels negates the weight. Just get yourself some low gears on the rear side so you can slow and steady crank up the hill. I recommend to everyone to try the Maxxis High Roller. Climbing is adequate. The downhill is sick. When I need a more climbing friendly meat, I've been sticking with the conti survival pro 2.35. Climbs better, but it's no maxxis on the DH.
Note that Santa Cruz says you can't run anything bigger than a 2.35 in the rear unless you have the newer model frame ( after 1999 ) or switch out to the newest rear triangle. I run a 2.5 on the back with no problem, just as long as you keep the wheel true/dished. You knock it outta wack, and it'll rub a little. No big deal, just put some thick chainstay tape/guards on. If you do need a new rear triangle, they run @ $250. I've heard some people say they bent the rear triangle. I haven't had any problems, and I'm a big dude, and land most of my jumps sideways.
I also recommend, depending on your size - getting the next higher preload spring for the rear shock from fox. It's only like 20 bucks. I'm 6'4 and 210 lbs. I could tell that I was losing too much travel in preload. The bike runs like a new machine with more preload. Save the travel for the hits-not parking your butt on the seat.
Up front I run the zokes z1bam with 5.5 inches. Same deal here. If you run that shock - get a higher preload spring. I run the vario - works well. With the normal brake stiffener, you can only run a 2.35 up front though. If I changed anything on the bike it would be the front shock. Something with 6+ inches would be ideal.
The hayes disc brakes are necessary to stop this thing, not from the weight, but because this bike is so sweet you don't realize you're doing about 300mph on the downhills. Especially in nasty conditions. I lived in WA, now in CO. The muddy wet in WA didn't affect the braking. We did a snow ride a couple weeks ago - everyones wheels were caked in snow and they had no brakes. Disc brakes not affected. The only thing that is a pain about the hydraulic brakes - bleeding. It's almost a two person job. You have to have a bike stand to do it. And it's messy. But, then you get hydraulic brakes, so it's a love/hate thing.
Who should buy this? Anyone who is more concerned with having fun than bragging about how light your bike is. I raced cross country, I'll never go back after having this bike. It climbs decent, even at 38lbs. Downhill - I can't describe in words just how sweet it is. And going on an urban assault? You gotta be kidding. I never thought biking in the city on a DH bike could be so fun.
If you are deciding between the Heckler and the Bullit - go with the bullit. You won't be sorry.
Best place to look into getting one is Mountain and Road Bicycle Repair in Idaho Springs. Good price, excellent service. Owner Jerry can build you a wheelset second to none as well. I ditched my cross-max for a set of his wheels. Also had a nice wheelsmith set that can't compare to his wheels. I recommend running Hadley hubs or Chris King. The Hadleys weigh about 10 grams more the the Kings, but are mucho cheaper. The Chris King hubs are better though.
Purchased At: Mountain and Road Bicycle Repair, Idaho Springs
Similar Products Used: Alpinestar frames, built by control tech - I don't think you can get these frames in the U.S. anymore. Other frames tested before purchasing include Specialized, GT, Santa Cruz Heckler, Rocky Mountain. There are a lot of good FS frames out there. But I liked the Santa Cruz best. Besides, most of the bigger name brands you run into proprietary problems, like certain screws you can only buy from Specialized that bolt the derailleur hanger on that change every year. So if you have an older frame and snap off a derailleur hanger, you get to jump through hoops to get parts....besides, who wants to be a clone? It's nice to have a bike different than the one everyone else is riding.
Bike Setup: Race face,azonics, zokes with vario spring guts, bontrager, no shimano garbage, hadley hubs, DT triple butted spokes 13-15-14, Maxxis 2.5 high roller rear, tioga 2.35 front, most important feature = salsa quick adjust seat clamp. Lets you stretch it out on the climbs, but bring'er down to low rider mode for the DH.
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Submitted by
Skinny J Tyo
a Downhiller
from P-Town
Weaknesses: None so far. Some might complain its a little portly, but if I cared about that I'd shave my legs and train.
Bottom Line:
I'm lovin this bike. Its so pretty I could just stare at it all day. But I don't. I ride it. I'm goin huge on this thing. The four footer, flat landings I used to hit on my Zaskar that made me pee my baggies every time I nosed 'em up: like curbs on the Bullit. I'm not pushin more than 6' right now 'cause I want to be healthy for this upcoming lacrosse season. The bottom line on this slice of heaven:
Its stonger than a gorilla on creatine and faster than a cheetah hopped up for a World Cup XC race. Portlanders e-mail me if yah wanna ride: we got potential for a burly urban scene. over and out
Similar Products Used: My first full suspension bike. Before it I went through two GT Timberlines, and a Zaskar. May the first two have their guts pecked out every day by some mean lookin' vultures only to re-grow them. I wish only the best for the Zaskar.
Bike Setup: Blue Bullit, Judy XLC (just waitin' for it to snap), Magura HS-22's, Race Face cranks,MRP WC1 (I know its incompatible, but I'm strapped for cash), Azonic Bar, Trans X stem ($30 and king), 521 rear wheel, Tioga Factory Dh 2.3f/2.1r
Strengths: Frame is built bombproof! This Bike can handle anything!
Weaknesses: Creaking in Bottom Bracket but thats caused by other purposes.
Bottom Line:
This bike means serious buisness! Im a sixteen year old rider and the only thing I do is beat the hell out of it and the only thing I complained about was the damn flat I got! Up hill is easy but on the downhill you'd leave all your friends behind!
Strengths: Solid frame,way cool looks. Takes hits well, point and go stering.
Weaknesses: crappy bottle mount position
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best thing i've purchased. Goes down like its on acid, goes up, what can ya say, IT GOES UP.. Have done all sorts of routes, short fat and hairy scarey, and this bike just rocks the Sh*t out of em. Go get one. Beats the pants off my buddies bikes hands down, stop askin can I have go, NO you gimp, get yer own. So its a tad heavy for long leg/lung breakin xc, easy don't do em or get fit. An inspiring ride of a bike, go get muddea.
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Orange County CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Strengths: This Bike Rocks! Suspension is very plush. Handling is awesome...Point and shoot..Pedals really well, climbs well, no noticable suspension enduced pedal feedback. Inspires confidence. The frame geometry is right on. Laid back, but still steers and maintains a line when climbing.
Weaknesses: If you set it up so that you have the most relaxed head angle, the bottom bracket is lower to the ground. This causes you to bash pedals at times when pedaling over rough stuff. Otherwise...NO WEAKNESSES
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all. Climbs really well. Just get up on the nose of the seat and crank it. Rear wheel digs in. No noticable bobbing or suspension induced pedal feedback. Awesome traction. On descents it is a screamer. Handles drops extremely well. Corners great. Low center of gravity and the bike goes right where you point it. Can be built up relatively light. What's more, the bike does not feel heavy. Rides like a much lighter bike. This is going to be used as a trail bike and sport-level downhill racer. I have a feeling it will do both well. This bike would work well for anyone except weight weenies. I cannot say enough good things about this bike.
Similar Products Used: Rocky Mountain DHTO, Ventana El Matador
Bike Setup: XTR and RAceface components, Z1 Bomber fork. Good stuff, but nothing that is "stupid light". (will be installing a Manitou X-Vert Carbon triple clamp as well as Hayes Disk brakes in the near future.)
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Submitted by
devin bodony
a Weekend Warrior
from kingston WA USA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Strengths: bombproof, super plush. geometry is flawless. a blast to ride.
Weaknesses: cranks chronically loose. but i built it up. there XT splined.
Bottom Line:
this bike rules. super fun to ride. it would have a much nicer feel with a 6 inch plus fork. it doesn't have the super plushness through the rough stuff that it would with a bigger stiffer fork. but this setup rules for urban stuff and medium to hard free riding. prtty light for the travel. mine ways 32.5 punds. kick ass. good for downhill if you set it up hurky. pedals really well all things considered.
Strengths: the most solid bike i have ever felt. very strong, climbs awesome, descends like a crazed savage beast (or is that me?!)
Weaknesses: none what-so-ever
Bottom Line:
i had a tracer before the bullit. i liked it a lot but the bullit rides so much better. i am even climbing stuff i couldn't with the tracer. it has 6" but doesn't bob all over the place. climbing is a breeze. on the down hill the bike is amazing. it is like riding bigfoot. it is so strong and stable. i have never descended like this before....effortlessly but ripin the s**t out the trail!!!
Similar Products Used: pipeline, rm6, fsr (with 6" link kit)
Bike Setup: 2000 Z1 QR20, full XT including discs, d321 rims on hugi/hayes hubs (14g spokes), monkeylite bars, raceface stem, thomson seatpost, 36 lbs.
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Submitted by
UNABIKER
a Downhiller
from The Wild Kingdom, WI
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Strengths: Very strong, nice and heavy, totaly active suspension, adjustability
Weaknesses: None - quit crying and get an SRP break-away der. bolt and a 113mm BB spindle!
Bottom Line:
For bashing over rocks, vertical rock slab, ladder brige, log-ride, big-drop, drop-in type DH riding - this is it! Why would you even consider anything else? Not good for nice, safe IMBA-approved XC riding, but if you're into that then you've got other problems. Also great for jumping stairs and loading docks. Bottem line- this sled is EVIL!! I give it 5 burning churches!!:(
Similar Products Used: Nothing "similar"- everything else is garbage compared to this rig.
Bike Setup: Stratos MX-6, Purple Hayes discs, Tioga/ AC DH wheels,SRAM 9.0, RaceFace DH cranks, stem, HS, Seatpost, KORE Strictly D bars and pedals, Kooka Crank Case bash guard Tioga DH tyrs, Intense tubes, custom "General Lee" decals and a 113mm RF BB!! Total weight-40 lbs.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Strengths: Solid, plush, easy to ride.
Weaknesses: Very shiny.
Bottom Line:
Just went from an Obed to this. To be honest, I don't really notice the weight (32.5 lbs) on the climbs. Middle ring all the way in singletrack. First ride was an 1.5 hour downhill - I was grinning after the first 5 minutes. Just took it on a "real" ride with 45 minutes of steep climbing to start with, and never had to get off and push. Didn't notice any bobbing at all. I was reluctant when I was putting this thing together because I didn't know if I'd like it, or need it, but I can honestly say that I will not be parting with it any time soon. Great bike. The only problem I've had with it was when commuting to work on a sunny day. When I looked down I was almost blinded by the reflection coming off the frame. Oh well.
