Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Latrobe,PA,USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
wolfrocks cut-off
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
mtbr classifieds
Strengths:
The original and still the best all-mountain bike on the trails. If you can only buy one mt. bike this should be the one. Great for long, single track rides or crazy, nut crushing rock gardens. Goes up hills with power and down the hill with confidence. This bike screams "I knew what the heck I was doing when I bought this bike!!!" You will also look way cool - which is important.
Weaknesses:
you can't replace the rear derailluer hanger - unless you snap off the tab on a rock and then buy a hanger from another bike and then very carefully bolt it on...that's what I did- about three times...pain in the but
Similar Products Used:
used to have a rigid cannondale M300 - not even close.
Bike Setup:
built up the frame and unlike every other biker on the planet I have no money...so it was deore, deore, deore & I splurged on an XT derailluer. Bomber fork and a fox vanilla rear shock
Bottom Line:
If you are like me and can only afford one duel suspension mt bike then buy this bike - everytime I start to look at other bikes I feel all dirty inside.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jun s.
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose , ca Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
saratoga gap
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1499.00
Strengths:
everything, not too pricey compared with other full suspension....
Weaknesses:
???????????
Similar Products Used:
specialized, santa cruz chameleon
Bike Setup:
xtr/raceface crank/sid sl/rear fox racing/easton ct2 bar and seatpost/wtb pedals and saddle/chris king h-set and hubs..... etc.....
Bottom Line:
This Heckler is now upgraded to all xtr, etc....excellent all all around bike, cannot ask for more, it is light, I geuss there is really nothing say anymore, very pleased with it, very good product.........
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sharif
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
007 (Fresno)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
From Friend
Strengths:
Super solid frame...had it for two years..rocks hard!
Weaknesses:
No quick way to adjust suspension..but this can be changed with a new Fox Shock..mine is the original from 99.
Similar Products Used:
SC Bullit, GaryFisher Big Sur, GF HooKoowhatever...
SC Heckler X..best frame I've riden..feels as if it listens to my body as I cruz through the hills...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Carson
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Santa Cruz, CA
Strengths:
Light, Plush ride but still where it needs to be, Tracks well, It's a comfortable bike to ride.
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first full suspension bike
Bike Setup:
As built by the shop
Bottom Line:
Great bike for a casual mad dog like me. The bike jumps well, handles the bumps with ease, tracks the down-hill line well and it doesn't flex too badly on the hard slogs up-hill. I'd recommend it to anyone who doesn't take their bike riding TOTALLY SERIOIUSLY.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Duncan,B.C.,Canada Date Reviewed: November 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
T-Bone,Twist and Shout
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Frame only
Strengths:
Excellent climber,digs in.Desends well for only 4" of travel.Plush,yet has no apparent feeling of power loss.A rugged design...durable for its weight.
Weaknesses:
No replacable derailer hanger.
Similar Products Used:
Pro flex,Rocky mtn,Trek,Norco
Bike Setup:
Fox vanilla,Rock Shox XC Hydracoil,Roox,Race Face,XT.
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all. I looked for a bike that was durable, low maintenance and would climb as well as a hardtial(even better).If you need a bike to hammer all day the plush ride really delivers.The suspension design allows the extra weight to go unnoticed,a well balanced sytem.It is a superb technicall climbing machine,and leaves my hardtail behind on desents.Tough enough for the weekend warrior and fast enough to race and win.Well done Santa Cruz.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clint
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Lewis River Couger, Wa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
tough as nails, easy set up, looks
Weaknesses:
little flexy in the rear
Similar Products Used:
first full suspension
Bike Setup:
marzocchi, xt, control tech, titec, mavic
Bottom Line:
So far so good. I have been putting about thirty miles a week on this bike since I purchased it. I like it a lot. when the ride gets slow and twisty I have noticed that the rear flexes a bit, but this bike flys when you drop the hammer and put it through the paces. I have found that if I ride it a little harder, rail the corners, and push it, it is a very stable bike and you wont notice the flex as much as the suspension does its job. If you are a weekend worrior that doesn't ride very smooth this bike seems to be great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Danny
a
from Calgary, alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything that's in BC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Price, build quality, simple design
Weaknesses:
not quite strong enough
Similar Products Used:
all sorts of friends bikes....
Bike Setup:
Rhino lite rims, 2000 Marzzochi JR T, Hayes disc front Tioga 2.3 front, tioga 2.1 rear. All XT
Bottom Line:
Kick ass bike, the only problem was that I started the whole freeride thing soon after buying it. After 15 months of relentless beatings by me it finally broke. Upgraded to the bullit (should of bought in the first place).
If you don't plan on doing 8+ foot drops all the time buy this bike, otherwise by a bullit, or maybe a super 8 with a font derailer on it......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Stoke, England Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000
Having had a Superlight for nearly six months I liked the suspension action and plushness, but felt it just a bit to fragile! heckler feels more my cup 'o tea! fantastic bit of kit, eats anything you chuck at it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from Boulder Co Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Loggers way, cowboy up, fireroad
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Frame is strong, light, plush, and cheap
Weaknesses:
no rear disc mounts on mine
Bike Setup:
Jr T ,XTR shifting, AC cranks, Mr dirt gizmo
Bottom Line:
For freeriding and DH this bike does the trick I might upgrade to a bullit later but will see. I got a steal on this bike. I love IT
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston MA Date Reviewed: March 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
blue hills forbidden zone
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
great ride&company reputation, first rate workmanship
Weaknesses:
the hanger should be replacable,use a breakaway bolt
Similar Products Used:
super v, GT rts1
Bike Setup:
stock w\time pedals
Bottom Line:
great all around bike, up hills or down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Shuttleworth
a Cross Country Rider
from Oldham England Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Karrimor trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very stiff great feel
Weaknesses:
non well apart from the non replacable hanger.
Similar Products Used:
Marins
Bike Setup:
Pace EVO III Hope O4 XC
Bottom Line:
Had the machine of my dreams for about year now WOW its the dog Bol%^*%s The best buy I have ever made and hopefully will be with me for many years to come. Unless some nasty little tyke nicks it but I will buy one the very same day..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Heberer
a Cross Country Rider
from Griffin, Ga Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I want to follow up with an earlier posting. I upgraded to a Fox Float RC rear shock. Santa Cruise was very helpful with helping me replace the old shock and made me a great deal on buying the RC. Their service is as great as their bikes.
Weaknesses:
Not as fast as a hardtail but not as painful on the body
Similar Products Used:
many full suspension designs
Bike Setup:
Fast for fast riding.
Bottom Line:
The bike is great and the after the sale service is great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from ????? Date Reviewed: November 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Freeride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, Plush, Bombproof, USA made
Weaknesses:
Non-replacable d-hanger
Similar Products Used:
Gt XCR 3000,Schwinn S-20
Bike Setup:
Full XT, Hanebrink Z-6
Bottom Line:
They kick fu**ing @$$!!!!!!! Plush, Plush, Plush, Lightweight, shines uphill, descends like a rocket.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dainis
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wompatuck
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Pluuush, forgiving, quick, light for a dualie-though not stupid light.
Weaknesses:
rear hanger, front der. hard to adjust.
Similar Products Used:
you name it...
Bike Setup:
totally stock, with the Judy fork option. Well, I did swap out the tires for some cheapie no-names.
Bottom Line:
This is easily the best dualie out there for under 2 g's. It climbs like a goat, descends like a rocket, & doesn't destroy my back in the process. The stock IRC's are useless for east coast riding, so swap them out ASAP, if you live out here. Also the front derailleur is a pain to adjust because the swingarm keeps getting in the way. And, as *so* many have mentioned, no replaceable rear hanger, though it's plenty tough, & I just had it built up with a breakaway bolt, which the shop threw in for free! Bottom line though is the ride, which can't be beat.This is an astounding bike that has totally changed my mtb experience, & you can take that to the bank!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: November 3, 1999
No replaceable rear derailleur hanger, front derailleur awkward to adjust, fork caps hit the frame
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR-XC, TiCycles Skookum
Bike Setup:
I swapped parts w/ my Specialized M2 - XTR front and rear Derailleur, Race Face cranks, Azonic riser bar, Avid brakes, Crossland wheels, Manitou SX-E fork, Fox Vanilla rear shock
Bottom Line:
I went to this bike store in Portland, Oregon because the Heckler was on sale and well you know there's no sales tax in Oregon. The Heckler is midnight blue w/ a black fork, and when I saw it, I knew it was going to be mine. It's relatively light at 26.5 lbs and with an LX/XT mix and after I swapped the parts out with my hardtail, I probably brought it down to less than 25 lbs. It has the potential to go even lighter with an upgrade in rear shock and fork. The Manitou SX-E that came with the bike is set up way too stiff for my 145 lb body. There's no damping adjuster and I have to set the preload all the way out. I can feel the little stuff, but it does great on the big hits. Cool MRD lockout though. Upgrade the fork if you way less than 160 lbs. The rear is easily adjustable depending on the trail you're riding and super plush. When I first sat on the bike, I felt the front was too high and too light, but after some twisty singletrack with short climbs it felt super comfortable and tracked real well. This thing shines on the climbs with little to no bobbing when you're standing. I guess it also helps that I don't way that much. Getting the complete bike cost me less than if I ordered a frame and fork. This frame is going to be around awhile, it can easily be upgraded when components get trashed. The bike can also get lighter, depending on how much cash you want to layout. If you want a lightweight dually, do everything, super comfy, lots o' fun, your friends will wish they had one and won't get off of it even when you're trying to go home, awesome built bike - hey, this is the one to get. Santa Cruz bikes are awesome! Their website isn't too bad either.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chip
a Cross-Country Rider
from easley, sc Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
bent creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good all around bike--climbs well, good handler.
Similar Products Used:
litespeed owl hollow mts klein mantra
Bike Setup:
stock--judy t2, fox vanilla, bontrager ceramic wheels.
Bottom Line:
i love this bike! i would never go back to a hardtail. i do everything from casual riding to racing on it, and it has never disappointed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smoothness
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View Ca Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
one that makes me crash
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
no detectable bobbingwhen climbing fassssssssst
Weaknesses:
sometimes feel the weight
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR K2 5000
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-Ti
Bottom Line:
I waited a bit to submit my review till my new lover and I could get acquainted. She treats me so right. She does not hurt me on the way up to the top. But on the way down-- that's where she shines. She is a rocket with very quick steering. Best cornering bike ever! I love coming home at the end of a ride and not feeling so beat up. Take it from me, I held out for a long time on this full-suspension gig. I will not ride a hardtail again. The gains are too plentiful. Can't wait to get my SC Superlight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warwickshire Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mid-wales & South downs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Build how you like. light weight,great frame worth keeping and upgrading.
Weaknesses:
Costs alot compared to some
Similar Products Used:
GT XCR 2000 Marin Mount Vision
Bike Setup:
Manitou X-vert E. LX group with own spec xtras
Bottom Line:
Great bike. Bouncy -bouncy = Superb down- hill although little tougher on climbs as front end seems tad light compared to my rigid. Friends who have ridden it swear they're gonna get one - say no more.Top steering for technical single track.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sturdy build, simple yet effective suspension that excels on the steep climbs as well as the downhill runs.
Weaknesses:
No replaceable derailleur hanger.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y-22
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla Coil over that comes with the bike, and a Rock Shox DH with mountain springs.
Bottom Line:
I like this bike a lot more than my carbon fiber y-22 because its stiffer, hooks up better on the climbs, bombs the downhills and looks like a regular bike. I'm almost completely satisfied with the purchase, and would be if the derailleur hanger was replaceable (yeah, I bent mine and now I'm just waiting for it to snap the next time I hit a rock).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Sturdy build, easy handling and a very smooth ride
Weaknesses:
I've had a lot of problems with the shocks on this bike. Manitou SX-E front shock had a seel problem that caused it to leak. Then the rear Fox Vanilla was faulty causing it to rid rougher than an old hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Once I got the front shock fixed and the rear shock replaced this bike has ridden like a dream. Santa Cruz was great in replacing the rear shock. This is a solid bike and a great value. I will have this bike for a while and can continue to improve it by adding new components. The frame will be great for a while.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby
a Cross-Country Rider
from Broomfield, Co Date Reviewed: July 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
white ranch
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
felt like a hard tail light weight (compared to my old hardtail!!) really, really quick off the line. eaxy to adjust the rear suspension.
Similar Products Used:
diamondback x2/x4 yeti acs-3
Bottom Line:
as soon as i can scrape up the clams, will buy the bike and have a maraz... z-3 long travel fork put on. then upgrade to hayes discs and off i go!! this bike is the bomb!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Negril, Jamaica Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Rusty's Ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Price and the ability to soak up the toughest trails in the Caribbean
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Atom Bomb XT
Bottom Line:
For the money it is a great bike. It is an excellent XC ride and can take big drops on the downhill course.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pueblo Date Reviewed: March 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fantastic rear-suspension, good front fork, stiff frame, well constructed, made in USA, good compnent spec, same frame as used on the Heckler, yellow if awesome.
Heckler X, Fox Vanilla rear shock, Manitou SX-E (aluminum steerer) front fork, LX/XT drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
Out of every double-sprung steed I tested, this was by far the best. It's a touch heavy (both in weight and on the wallet), but it's worth it for the excellent ride and frame quality. I got mine in Scuba Yellow, which is about halfway between taxicab yellow and corvette stoplight yellow...I love it and will give it 5 chilis over and over again.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al Heberer
a cross-country rider
from Griffin, Ga. Date Reviewed: March 3, 1999
Bottom Line:
My Heckler X is great. I was wary about it because I used to ride a hard tail. In fact, I planned to keep my hard tail but after riding the Heckler X my hard tail is for sale. ( if any light weight parts are left on it). Heavier weight and the need for smoother out of the saddle pounding techniques are the only disadvantages the Heckler has over a hard tail. I am now in the process of making it lighter by adding nice stuff from my old unused hard tail. I've got it to 26 1/2 pounds and next year with the addition of a sid fork it will be under 25 1/2 pounds. The Heckler is perfect for downhilling or xc riding. It can be made heavier for downhill or lighter for xc and the suspension can be varied from firm to soft as required by the day's riding plans. If you are riding a fast course with a lot of out of the saddle hammering for example, you can firm the suspension for a more of a hard tail feel, if you are on a very challanging course (rocks, ruts, downhills..) the suspension can be softened to the point of making all hard tail riders wish they had one. Over rocky terrain, no hardtail can keep up with it without a significant risk of pinch-flating and going downhill if any hardtail rider attempts to keep up with the Heckler it will almost certainly pinch-flat. (my friends on hard tails hate this. If you have hesitated buying a full suspension ( I was), check out the Heckler). When my friends all saw it they at first wondered what it was but know they are all upgrading their bikes to try to match it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sam reed
a downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have built my own bike from parts but this is the frame so I will review that. About the rest of the stuff, well, I don't know anything. This frame is the most fun I have had biking for a long time, it likes jumping and is verygood on winding fast decents. If it is set up correctly it climbs better than most fully suspended bikes and decends better than most as well. If you want to ride down hill without having a special bike for thejob this is it. It is in it's own of the downs but confident enough on the climbs. BUY one of these, they rule.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ILZU
a racer
from FINLAND = FINELAND Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I HAVE HECKLER X, BUT I HAVE CHANGE LOTS OF PARTS OF IT AND NOW I CAN SAY IT IS A BOMBPROOF EVERLASTING SUPERBIKE. MARZU´S Z1 BAM, HUGI HUBS, XTR, FOX VANILLA TC AND REST PARTS IS SYNCROS OF COURSE. SO, BUY ONE AND ENJOY!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Øyvind Gjermshus
a cross-country rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike I have ever ridden. I would buy it agin if someone stole it. Great riding charachteristics and a fairly lightweight. Equip this bike with riser-bars and it becomes an extrordinary singletrack handler. If you only can afford one bike, buy this.
Overall Rating:
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