Similar Products Used: Yamaha DT125 trail motorbike?
Bike Setup: XTR drivetrain, Hope XC4, RockShox Psylos, Fox Float RC, + other posh stuff
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Submitted by
Kix Expert
a Cross Country Rider
from Stony Brook, NY
Date Reviewed: December 15, 2001
Strengths: Light, fast, little to no bob on climbs, fast on turns, smooth decending, great all around ride
Weaknesses: if I must pick something, I must say about it's non-QR seat collar
Bottom Line:
for a little guy at 5'6" tall, it's hard to find a FS ride that fits right, the GT was way too big and heavy, and the Jamis bobs like hell, and not light either. Intense are not small enough, expensive, and still kind of heavy for that kind of price range, The Truth is crazy expensive, I would be afraid to ride the thing, and not as fun to ride like the Heckler.but this ride is simply great. I thought about getting an air shock for the rear, but too much trouble, and besides, the coil over shock is what makes the DH sections so much more fun to ride, got to love this thing!!
Similar Products Used: 99 GT I Drive XCR 3000, 98 Jamis Dakar Pro, tested intense Tracer and the Truth
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Heckler Frame X-Fly 80 fork Fox Vanilla RC shock Sun Ringle RPMLite Wheelset Sun Ringle Ti QRs CKing Head Set Race Face Next LP Crank set XT BB, Chain, XTR FD, RD, Shifters Avid Mag Rear Brakes, levers Avid Arch Rival 50 Front brake RaceFace SYStem MonkeyLite Low riser Syncros carbon seat post Selle Italia Centry Gel saddle Hutchinson Python Airlite Tires Time ATAC carbon ----------------- 25 lbs
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Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2001
Strengths: Great ride; Laterally stiff; Simple yet supple design; Durable powder-coated paint; Stronger then the ‘Superlight’ for a heavier rider…
Weaknesses: 2.4 tire doesn't fit in rear triangle, No longer made...
Bottom Line:
I purchased this bike almost 1 year ago and I have be extremely pleased with it’s looks, performance, and durability. I used it exclusively for freeride/downhill at first, but quickly learned of its versatility.
Sporting a Fox Vanilla coil shock, my heckler climbs surprisingly well, for such a plush rear end. I found virtually no ‘pedaling induced bobbing’ while seated, and only a little when standing. Soon I began opting to take my heckler on more and more x-country rides. I found the advantages of rear suspension out weighted the extra weight.
I purchased it with a ’00 Marzocchi Jr T set for 5 inches. At first I was concerned climbing performance would be sacrificed, but found little to gripe about once on the trail. The geometry of the Heckler was complimented with the longer travel fork, unlike many cross-country specific designs. I have however decided to reduce the amount of travel from 5” to 4”, and have considered purchasing a Z1 set to 110mm. This is largely a result of a change in my riding style, and little to due with the bike’s performance.
Last September I found out that a 2.4 tire would not fit into the rear triangle of the heckler. This, at the time, was my only complaint with it’s design. Since then I have switched back to Continental tires running a 2.3 Vertical Pro in front and 2.1 Pro 1 in the rear. The rear tire size issue is mute now, but I can see this being a problem for someone else.
Overall I am completely 100% satisfied with my Santa Cruz Heckler and will continue to blaze all over the east coast on it.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Jr T (5"), Shimano XT 9-speed, Hope Pro disc brakes, Raceface/Chris King/Thompson parts, Velocity rims w/ Hope hubs, Conti tires
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Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a Weekend Warrior
from Hotlanta
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Strengths: Low if any maintenance; Amazing ride, be it up, down, off, or over anything; great lookin'!
Weaknesses: The Fox FLOAT RC shock that I originally ordered it with just did not cut it. I never needed the lockout and it would not pump up properly. I changed to a Vanilla coil-over and it is perfect.
Bottom Line:
After riding this puppy for the last six months, I can honestly say that it has helped me become a much better rider. I find myself taking lines and jumps I never thought that I could make. The Heckler inspires tons of confidence. Riding it is like having someone on your shoulder whispering in your ear "go for it, we can make it". Nine times out of ten, that voice has been right. Although my setup is freeride in execution, I have had no problem hanging on even the toughest XC rides. It definitely rocks to finish some long North GA death march ride and not feel like you have been beaten to a pulp. I really cannot think of any other bike that I would ride, except maybe a Bullit which is just "more" of the same thing or the Aeons; again same general design. Proof in the pudding is that 5 guys that I ride with have purchased either Hecklers or Superlights since I got mine and at least a couple more are heading that way this spring. They tell me the same things I have said here. The best mountain bike I have ever rode.
Similar Products Used: See the DR Ray Review below.
Bike Setup: Same as previously reported in the DR Ray Review below except now with a vanilla R shock, Raceface stem and bars, ODI lock-on Rogue grips, THE front fender, and a Sun Rhyno lite/ Hayes hub rear wheel.
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Submitted by
big red
a Weekend Warrior
from singapore
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000
Strengths: geoemtry, strength, has a normal bike frame design making it easy to put on a bike rack. very plush, climbs and decends well, good on single track, likes to be woven in and out of trees, and tight turns. low maintenance bike, simple design.
Weaknesses: replaceable rear deralier hanger would be nice. wont let you ride any substitute, you get hooked!!! too many options to choose from, colours, setup etc. hard to slow down, wants to go faster and faster, but hey is that really that bad.
Bottom Line:
this bike is impressive, make sure you get a good front fork and set it up just right so it can keep up with the wonderfull fox float on the rear. this bike is the best weekend warrior, light yet super strong, and super adjustable too. like the rear disc mounts, leaves room for discs in the future. definately a good buy, santacruz sure do know how to make a good plush bike. they may not be a huge company like trek or cannondale, santacruz bikes are much better, none of that urt stuff, this things rear end is active, but not over active. it doesn't bounce around like other bike frames do. definately worth the money. you will fall in heaven
Similar Products Used: marin indian fire trail. diamondback, trail breaker 4
Bike Setup: bought the bike from scratch, built it up, mavic 217 rims, xt hubs, xt rear, deore front, deore cranks, marzoochi bomber flylight 100, panaracer tires, deore shifter and levers.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2000
Strengths: Great design, handles beautifully.
Weaknesses: Not as light as advertised by Santa Cruz. I set up my bike very close to the specifications for the Heckler Super X kit as shown on the S.C. website -- with a Z2Xfly fork, S.C. listed the bike at just under 26 lbs. I have to add 20 grams for the Z1, but my bike weighs 27.5 lbs -- and if anything, it should weigh lighter here, since I'm a mile high and Santa Cruz is at sea level!
Bottom Line:
I comparison shopped long and hard before buying this bike. I was disappointed with the weight, but not the handling. The bike is a joy to ride and tears up the trails. I tested a $4,000 Ellsworth Truth that weighed 23 lbs, but the Heckler felt right while the Ellsworth didn't. The Heckler X is a great value; but if you have certain components in mind (like I did), then buy the Heckler and spec it out to your liking for an incredible bike!
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar, Proflex f/s, K2 Razorback
Bike Setup: metallic blue Heckler frame w/ Fox Float & Z1Xfly front fork; XT shifters & derailleurs, LX hollow crank, Avid Archrival brakes, Chris King headset, WTB rims w/ XTR hubs, Panaracer Fire XC tires.
Strengths: Very good power transfer, suspension gets stiffer under power, limiting the bobbing. Light, simple by its design, ...remember I said its light... ( !?!!)
Good handling & confidence inspiting in downhill.
Weaknesses: I actually have a 98 but with 99-2000 parts... I would say poor quality clear coat on the polished colored frame ( it chipped off after a year). Availability of bushings on the shock... (this is Rock Shox though...) No warranty after repaint!
Bottom Line:
This really an amazing bike... Don't have much complains against its predictable handling.
The clear coat is quite a disapointing issue ...& that I can't find upper shock bushing at this moment ... which is frustating .
Bike Setup: Full XTR grouppo but with the Race FAce X-C built kit... (crank, b|b, headset), Profile carbon riserbar & stem, Judy SL 80mm, Syncros seatpost, Avocet O2 Titanium rails , .... & CrossMax USTs !!!
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Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ketchum,ID or Slovakia
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2000
Strengths: Fast, comfy and reliable
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
OK, this is great bike, just check the reviews bellow... I just want to help anybody who can't choose between Fox RC coil over shock and Cane Creek AD10. I do have BOTH of them and I was swapping them almost every month... The bottom line is: For more aggresive downhilling/freeriding go with coil Fox, has a better big bump performance and rebound dampening. But is like 400 grams (3/4 of pound?)heavier. Fox has bigger sag than CC, so you get more slack geometry... Cane Creek AD10 is lighter and surprisingly for an air shock more active than Fox, especially on small bumps. You should see how it works on gravel! It,s bit harsher on big hits... I prefer the CC for general trail riding, now I use the Fox only for DS races and training... Hope this helps someone... If you have more Q's just email me.. Happy trails :o)
Strengths: perfect geometry, quality construction, efficient monkey motion, seems to be the most copied bike on the market.
Weaknesses: seems to be the most copied bike on the market
Bottom Line:
rock solid bike. no pivot problems. no ghost shifting problems. no climbing induced bobbing. limited lockout on lockup while decending (don't skid, your'e out of control). 5 years ago i wanted a santa cruz heckler. i was able to buy essentially the same bike a year ago that i wanted back in 95. this to me signifies good engineering and a strong company.
Similar Products Used: specialized m2, schwinn homegrown.
Bike Setup: xtr, z.1 cr, ti speedplay, race face setback post, carbon risers, kitchen sink.
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Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrison, TN
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Strengths: Best ride of all lighter weight FS bikes I tested. Nice looker. Basic design.
Weaknesses: None I hope. I just ordered mine. I guess I'll find out.
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike once. It wasn't set up as good as what I just ordered. Based on that ride and the reviews from this site, I went for it. I'm geeked about getting a bike that I ordered from the ground up. I hope it comes in around 26 pounds, but it was hard to figure. Anything around there and I'm happy. I got Black w/ Black swingarm....(looks tough). If anyone has one set up like this my future bike (two weeks), email me. I want to hear how you like yours.
Similar Products Used: No FS bikes, but an old GT, and a Klien Attitude Comp.
Bike Setup: XT everything, Float RC, Sid XC, Hayes Hydro, Control Tech stem and post, Azonic bars, REAL hubs, IRC 2.1's
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Submitted by
Leif Sollid
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2000
Strengths: Excellent all round bike. The rougher the terrain, the better it climbs. No bobbing. Makes rough descents a blast. Inspires confidence. Tracks accurately and handles tight terrain with ease. An absolute joy to ride? Far easier on the body than a hardtail.
Weaknesses: Some bottom bracket flex, but you don't notice it while riding. Paint seems to scuff somewhat easily -- whatever.
Bottom Line:
This is my first FS bike, and I can't believe what a difference it makes. I had been a hardtail holdout for years and was reluctant to try a FS bike, believing that it would be slow, heavy, and ride like a pogo stick. Then I test rode a SC Superlight and was completely blown away by how well it performed in all areas. I immediately dumped my four-year-old Rocky Altitude (a great steel hardtail) and bought a 2000 Heckler frame. I opted for the Heckler because it's beefier (I'm 195 lbs) and only marginally heavier (1 lb.). No regrets on the purchase. This is by far the nicest bike I have ever ridden. The steeper and tighter the terrain, the better this baby performs. Do yourself a favour and give one a try. Only problem is, you'll discover you've got to have one too.
Bike Setup: Rock Shock Sid 100 XTR derailleurs and bb Grip Shift Raceface cranks, seatpost, headset Ringle stem Mavic 517 wheels
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Submitted by
DR Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000
Strengths: Too many to list...It accelerates like a bat out of hell, light for the amount travel it has, climbs great, PLUSH, PLUSH, PLUSH!!!!, great looking frame with a sh*t-hot paintjob.
Weaknesses: Only that I did not buy one sooner.
Bottom Line:
I have tried just about every fancy full suspension ride out there not a single one them was as easy to dial in and feel confident on as the Heckler. I Just took it through its paces on the Bearcreek/Mountaintown Loop and it completely smoked(see trail reviews). Climbing is smooth and efficient with little if any loss of power(thank heavens as I blow at climbing). When you stand up to crank it flys like projectile vomit. Downhill? fughettaboutit!! You feel like an Ace. This baby handled everything that came our way, rock gardens, ruts, jumps(load the suspension and hang on!), logs all without a flinch. When all was said and done I felt great and was ready for more which was probably not the case with some of the hardtail riders I passed. Five Chilis through roof! If you want a ride that well made, a great deal, and has one of if not the best suspension performance out there look no futher. If you little folks are worried about the weight, get the Superlight. Not my problem at 225 lbs.
Favorite Trail: Jake Mtn/Bull Mtn and Mountaintown
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Similar Products Used: Klein Mantra Comp, Turner XCE, Ellsworth Truth, C'dale Raven, FSR, GT I-drive
Bike Setup: Fox FLOAT RC, XTR/Raceface drivetain, Sun rims, Real hubs Hayes brakes, Bomber Z1(4"), Tioga Factory XC tires, Black frame w/a metallic green swingarm, pin-up girl decals, 28.4 lbs.
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Submitted by
K.C. Woods
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond Ky
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000
Strengths: It is very solid, great climber. I road an XO before and my heckler smokes it!! It performs incrediable. I hear to step up I would have to spend the big bucks to buy an Intense. Iam not convenced they are that much better than Santa Cruze...
Weaknesses: I have it set up very heavy with down hill bars and disk breaks. My fault not Santa Cruze. But it can take a mean thrashing.
Bottom Line:
If you want a top preforming bike with out paying Intense prices. Heckler is the only way to go. You can set this bike up to be a great X cuntry or a great Free ride. Your choice. Either setting the Heckler frame will be dependable, and preform like the high dollar bikes. Do your resurch and you'll find that Santa Cruze is hard to beat. I love my bike. It will be a long time befor I try another frame!!!!! I am a 225 lbs rider and suck climbing hills. My heckler has helpted to change that. Climbing is much easier and fun. Try one. You will not be dissapointed!!!!
Similar Products Used: All the other companies are copieng off this designe
Bike Setup: all XTR with Race face cranks Thompson seat post
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Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Strengths: Design, asthetics (paint job) this frame is a very high quality, well made frame that is reasonable as compared to other custom bikes. I now have my dream bike thanks to Santa Cruz. It is so cool to have a custom bike that is not 5000.
Weaknesses: NONE. PERIOD
Bottom Line:
The bike justs oozes quality. Every time I ride Mathis or Rocket, people comment on this bike. The bike just rips and it is going to rip for years to come. Santa Cruuz has a model to fit everyone. I was going to buy a Bullit but decided to go a little lighter with the Heckler. The beautiful thing is that the Heckler used to be the downhill bike for Santa Cruz. I have a downhill bike that is easily a freeride bike and a climber as well. Thank you Santa Cruz.
Bike Setup: White Heckler frame, Cane Creek aheadset, Kore Elite stem, Answer pro taper bars ODI lock ons XTR cranks and rings botom bracket front and rear deraileur V brakes and levers Marzocchi Z1 alloy (I wish it was a QR20) Wheelset is Sun Rhino lite with hope titanium hubs Panaracer Fire XC Pro tires
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Submitted by
Matt P
a Weekend Warrior
from Wyckoff
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Strengths: Its an all around damn nice bike
Weaknesses: Its almost to good for the price
Bottom Line:
It's a really nice bike for a really nice price, the disc brakes are a neccesity because it just makes the bike all around perfect
