Strengths: Still rockin and rolling and prettier than ever after 5 years of hard riding all over the US/Canada. Keeps a licken and keeps on giving more and more and more.
Weaknesses: None! It's an incredible all mountain machine.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an incredible all mountain machine that can keep getting better with your riding and not let you down after years of hard use find one of these used somewhere. The four inches of travel is more than enough for rough outback all day extreme cross country riding like we have out here in Eugene, Oregon. Does light/occasional medium free riding, 4" log drops and things good, climbs amazing, decends great and is so tough. This frame is built beefier than the Superlight, is about .50 pounds heavier because of it, though much stronger. Guys I know have broke their Superlights on drops though my old school heckler just keeps on going. I've had zero issue with the pivots or anything else on this bike. The lack of a replaceable derailer hanger has been no issue. I'm posting this because you can find this frame out there on occasion and if you want a great all mountain ride this bike is incredible. I have ridden very hard and long over the last 5 years and this bike to this day just keeps getting better and better and better and I'm still learning it's many charecteristics even after all this time. I'll probably be buried with this thing. I have a Kona Stinky all pimped out for free riding, but for all mountain/cross country this thing rocks.
Similar Products Used: Kona Stinky(have one), Gary Fisher hardtails.
Bike Setup: All the best, you know. The Fox 125 coil fork makes the bike. The Fox air float RC is amazing in the back. All XTR, Easton, King, Avid Juicy's, ya know.
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Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from addison, tx
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003
Strengths: excellent climber. sweet jumps, soft landings. xc, moderate dh and freeride capable. very strong for the weight. awsome balance.
Weaknesses: weight...but only for those of you who are scraping decals off your rims to save half an ounce
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is that this machine is bulletproof for a 160lb rider. i have punished this thing. we have been through a dislocated shoulder xc riding and a broken pelvis freeriding at an espn extreme zone skate park together. urban assaults are my fav's 6,8,10 ft drops, no problem. out on the trail, you just point the heckler where you want it to go and it's like one of those slot car racers man. it feels hooked up out on the trail. this heckler has been to big bear, ca and brundage mtn, idaho, but we like to swallow up these rocky ass fast tight texas trails. it's an agile, tough, soft tail machine. not the lightest out there but if you are weight aware then you go get yourself a spinning machine. for those of us who ride agressively and need a bike that will be competitive in all areas than this bike is for you.....
Bike Setup: polished frame. easton stem and monkeylite bars(uncut so they're like wings) chris king headset, raceface crank, mavic rims, kujo dh meats for those urban assaults..panaracer fire xc for the dirt. xtr brake/shifting components. fox rear and marzocci z1 bomber up front
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Submitted by
Chris 'KING
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Strengths: allround freerider you can throw anything at it
Bottom Line:
allround bike, I use it for xc, freeride and downhill. Never had any problems with it, it will outlast me.
Weaknesses: It was tough to find the serial number in order to get my bike licensed in California. Other than that, my bike couldn't be destroyed by a terrorist.
Bike Setup: xtr, Psylo SL/ mavic 517 with xtr hubs,easton scandium bars, shimano xc petals, chris king head set, kawasaki green with black swing arm and black shocks.
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Submitted by
Anthony Segarra
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Strengths: Muy Bueno!
Weaknesses: Ninguno!
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike you can buy! Last week I raced a survivor challenge, road for 10 hours crossing all kind of montañas & this bike road just exelente!
Bike Setup: XMO fork, XTR combo, Easton bar & seat post, Crossmax/Specilized Rockster Pro & Selle Italia pro link.
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Submitted by
Mike Rose
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Strengths: Good all arounder, extremely durable, great for uphill or downhill, awesome customer support from Santa Cruz.
Weaknesses: Yeah, right.
Bottom Line:
My bike is actually a '98. Too bad Santa Cruz discontinued the Heckler, my bike has seen some serious off-trial abuse, urban assaults, sick drops, high-speed crashes, jumps, and has been the victim of drunk negligent riding on a few occasions. This is the best bike I've ever owned, period. After three years, it still rides great and I've never serviced the pivots / bearings / or even the fork (yeah, it really needs it).
The only reason I'm buying another bike is 'cause I want disk brakes and a few more inches of travel. Because I've had so much luck with Santa Cruz and Marzocchi, I've ordered a Bullit w/ XTR and a Jr. T fork, all in black. I'll keep the Heckler for a backup / loaner bike, since I can't stand to sell it.
Any of you considering a Heckler (I guess It'd have to be a used one by now): you can't go wrong with this bike. Set it up for freeriding, urban assaults, or even a lightweight racing bike if you want. The rear end seems bottomless, and the handling is awesome.
This bike gets 5 smokin wolf turds b/c it's cheap for a (semi) custom bike and because it is reliable as hell w/ good customer support. Those of you who have screwed around with poor product design and lame customer support know what that's worth.
Similar Products Used: Y-33, LTS, Cannondale, etc.
Bike Setup: Full XTR / Race Face w/ Bomber Z1. Orange frame and fork.
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Submitted by
Mark Schroeder
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH USA
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Strengths: Bombproof;adjustability of ride. nice to have for a 6' 1" 220lb. rider
Weaknesses: cockpit can be cramped for large riders on a large frame, but nothing that a little tweaking of parts can't fix.Weight. I can't trim much weight and I'm at 27.5 lbs. Not exactly raceable.
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny.But if 4" of travel is not nessesary I would try the sugar for weight.
Bike Setup: Fox Float RC (w/lockout), Marzocchi Z.3 lite w/heavy springs,xtr,raceface lp cranks, thompson layback post, thompson stem(really cool if you havn't seen it)Rolf Dolomite wheelset,flite gel, 747s, Lime green front with polished rear.
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Submitted by
David M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Strengths: Great suspenion, sturdy, bomb proof. I have had no trouble at all with this bike dispite riding it hard, getting big air, hard decents, everything. Soooo nice, my best friend!
Weaknesses: None, I've gotten exactly what I wanted and so much more with this bike. Not only does it never let me down but it continues to surprise me, every ride!
Bottom Line:
This bike amazes me every ride. I can trials over logs, climb almost anything, tear up the single track, decend like a mad man and get nice air and land with safty, plushness and confidence. At 190+ pounds these feelings don't come easy. I am still so stoked about this bike even after nearly two years of riding it. The only problem with it would be that my new wife is somewhat jealous. She is the reason I'm home writing about my bike because I told her I'd take a night off from the trails and spend some quality time with her. So, gotta go. Coming honey!!!!
Similar Products Used: Specialized M4 full bouncer stump jumper, Cannondale, Klien Mantra, others.
Bike Setup: Vanilla RC float race shock, the only way to go. Marz. Z-2 Bam, all XTR and the usual goodies.
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Submitted by
Horner Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Union City
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Strengths: frame is light strong will not flex can handle climbing sprints and singletrack and downhills with no prob a all around good trail/race bike
Weaknesses: only one i wish the head tube was not so tall
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks im 6'1 and 180lbs and the bike is a bit over 25 1/2 lbs not bad for a extra large 24.0 inch top tube full suspension bike
Similar Products Used: 1998 cannondale super v freeride , 1998 gt avalance ,1998 gary fisher zo ,1996 specialized rockhopper ,huffy 12 speed
Bike Setup: 1999 heckler xl 24.0 inch top tube 1999 marzocchi superfly chris king wheel set with sun xc rims torelli extralight tubes panaracer 2.1 fire pro kevlar front michelin comp s kevlar 2.1 rear shimano xt 11-30 cassette 8-speed sram plasma 8-speed shifters avid ultimate levers avid archrival 50 f/r brakes race face 120mm 10 degree rise silver race face low riser bar silver lp briad bar ends yeti hard core red/black grips chris king head set red race face red anodized lp cranks shimano xt bottom bracket shimano xt front derailleur shimano xtr rear derailleur shimano 535 pedals tompson silver 27.2 330 mm seat post titec berzeker titanium rials kevlar sides seat salsa quick releases for wheels and seat post sachs pc-68 powerlink chain cane creek ad-10 rear shock frame weighs 5lbs 14 oz
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Submitted by
Allen Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, GA
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Strengths: No bobbing under heavy pedaling. Bombproof frame Its ability to turn from an increadible cross-country machine to a downhiller that can handle almost anything
Weaknesses: Hmmm....not sure I have found any.
Bottom Line:
This bike is such an improvement over my old Trek Y-33. My Y-33 may have been much lighter, but I feel like I can go up hills faster on my Heckler. My riding has improved dramatically because of this bike. I felt the difference the first time I rode it- better control, more agility, and it sucks everything up with almost no loss in power.
I bought this bike used over the internet. Before I bought it, I called the Santa Cruz guys and had a long talk with them about sizing and components. They were probably the most helpful company I have ever delt with. I give their customer service 5 chili's alone.
The bike: the design may not have changed too much over the years, but there is a reason. It works. Plus, riding it here on the east coast, people notice it because it isn't just another Trek or Specialized. This is a great bike!!! You won't be sorry buying one.
Bike Setup: Spinergy Wheelset, Avid 5.0 brakes (yikes they are strong), X-Fly Shock, Crane Creek AD-10
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Submitted by
Victor Brito
a Downhiller
from Fairfax, CA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Strengths: Durability/Design
Weaknesses: None found to date.
Bottom Line:
I have been mountain biking for over 15 years. During these 15 wonderful years I have been blessed with the opportunity to ride numerous bicycles (rigid to full suspension). This bicycle (Heckler) has brought me great joy. This bicycle has become one of my companions. Yeah, REALLY!! Everytime I ride this bicycle I put my faith in this machine. And have trusted it on many death defying rides.
I guarantee my Heckler will one day hang on in my home as a token of my respect.
Santa Cruz Bicycle Company thanks for giving all of us an opportunity to relive live our youth. KUDOS
Bike Setup: Full XTR drivetrain, Hope disc brakes with Hope Tech hubs, Kooka stem, DHO shock with spring upgrade, Ti White Bro. handle bars, WTB Velociraptor tires, Serfas grips, Raceface offset seat post, King headset, WTB SST saddle, THE front fender, Shimano clipless platform pedals and Cane Creek AD10 air shock. WOW!!!!
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Submitted by
Julian
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000
Strengths: Simple,reliable and strong.
Bottom Line:
At the price the frameset is excellent. You can build a bike with a spec way above ordinary, without spending the silly money you see some cutom builds going for. The simple pivot design gives a predictable well damped ride and you can tear around,jump and climb without thinking about the bike, just the trail. Thats all I need it to do and it does it. If your thinking of getting one, go ahead, you won't be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale SV1000 and Marin Mountvision
Bike Setup: Vanilla r XTR Pace Hope 521s Race Face
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Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Newhall California
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000
Strengths: Solid & Rugged frame. One single pivot eliminates maintenance. Great downhill frame if set up correct. Durability of this bike is awesome. The only bike that has never launched me over the handlebars.It corners beautifully and holds well its path. It saved my life a couple of times. Untouched on single tracks.
Weaknesses: Weight. You really have to decide what you want and how you want to set the bike up. I would like to have gone for he superlight but at 210lbs it would be difficult. Dual suspension will not allow you to cross shift - too much pressure on the rear derl.
Bottom Line:
I feel obligated to write this review because I have owned this bike for such a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed it. This bike rocks. Unfortunately due to financial constraints I sold it yesterday. Today, I just got back from riding my friend's hard tail on La Tuna Canyon, and man it was the worse ride of my life. To be honest, it is always good to go back and really appreciate what you had. I really appreciate my Heckler now. This hard tail beat the living crap out of me. I could go on a Heckler for hours on end and still be able to talk afterwards. The Heckler has got one of the most unbelievable geometry set up that some of the other bike manufacturers are imitating now. Look around...have you noticed lately the Sugar by Specialized? The Heckler has not changed its basic design although it has made more refinements. Once I am back in the money I will be in the market either another Heckler or a Tracer. I really can not knock the Heckler because I have not ridden anything better....but what if there is a more superior bike out there with more exceptional performance than the Heckler? Well......I am still looking.
Similar Products Used: GT, specialized, trek, cannondale.
Bike Setup: Rock Shox DHO, 4" travel, double triple clamp setup for exceptional added control. The rear is a Rock Shox super deluxe, with coil adjustment, rebound and dampening knobs. The components on the bike are: Shimano XTR V brakes (front and rear), Shimano rapid fire shifters with XTR shifter pods and XTR brake levers, Shimano XTR rear derailleur, DX front derailleur, full Shimano XTR wiring and silver/grey cabelling sytem throughout the bike, Shimano IG 90 chain, Kore Headstem, World force handlebars, Control tech seatpost, Sun Rhyno red anodized red rims, Onza pedals, Serfas Kevlar rear tire 2.1, WTB Velociraptor 2.1.
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Submitted by
Arthur Coleman
a Weekend Warrior
from Walnut Creek
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Strengths: Extremely durable, simple design (the hell with linkage!), handles good on the technical stuff and does ok on the screaming fastrack, climbs fairly well.
Weaknesses: None with Frame. Works as advertised. Bad geometry setup with my 5 inch Marzocchi Z1 when climbing. I may buy a new rear end to upgrade to disc down the road (mine's older).
Bottom Line:
After a year, I finally have this bike completly dialed in. Newest addition was the 2000 XT hollow-core crankset (same as XTR at almost a 1/3 the price). This bike was built for singletrack maddog downhilling with the ability to climb out the same trail. This one is about 26 pounds give or take an OZ. Everybody always whines about weight which is crazy. Yeah you can go with an SL and a SID.....pay much more, and the bike won't take the punishment. Believe me, if you're hittin it hard, stay with a Heckler and a Marzocchi. It's bullet proof. I just wish I could climb out better with my Z1 on......guess it's the tradeoff for all that plush. RIDE ON!!
Bike Setup: Custom Build: New Hollowcore XT Cranks (very cool!), Marzocchi Atom Bomb (70mm) for regular use, Z1-5inch for the steepstuff. Mavic 517's with XTR hubs, XT Rear and Front Der's, XTR Shift/Brake combo, Avid Ultimates (also quite cool), Fox air, Synchros, WTB Velo's (which ROCK)
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Submitted by
David Meisner
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2000
Strengths: Oh my God, I love this bike. My friends are jealous and tired of me talking about how amazing this bike is, my girlfriend thinks I'm having an affair, my cat is ignoring me due to lack of attention and my goldfish are dead. Yah, its an amazing, amazing, amazing, did I say amazing bike?
Weaknesses: I suppose it should have a rear derailer. In a perfect world, heaven mabey, it would weigh 2 pounds lighter but in this one a Bam Z2 and Vanilla RC, rugged XTR all around don't allow this. Who cares, 27lbs is great with this performance. I had the best ride today on this bike, 30 miles of technical trail, tough climbs, great decents, does it all and begs for more.
Bottom Line:
There just aint enough room here to even try, really!
