Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Strengths: This is a solid performer, with excellent geometry. Handling is crisp and quick, without feeling twitchy. Although it has a lock-out on the shock, it rarely gets used as there isn't too much pedal feedback. Descents in all kinds of terrain are awesome.
Weaknesses: Can't think of one.
Bottom Line:
This bike will not disappoint any cross country rider that doesn't mind trading a little weight and a small amount of pedaling efficiency for a superior and comfortable ride. The Superlight seems to do everything really well, and gives the rider (me) greater confidence to tackle technical sections of the trail that before would have caused a little concern.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Cannondale Jekyl, Yeti ASR, K2 Attack, K2 Zed X, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup: Fox Forx 100 RLC, Chris King Headset, Hope Mini Disc Brakes, XTR Drive train, MonkeyLite 3/4 Rise bar, Time ATAC Pedals, Mavic CrossMax UST Wheels / Kenda Tires, RaceFace XY Seat Post, RaceFace Stem. A sweet ride.
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Submitted by
Gary White
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Strengths: The best XC bike there is? The handling is still probably the best of any XS full suspension bike. Its climbing and acceleration are superb, there's little or no 'bobbing' under load and shifting is as a sharp as a hartail. The aggressive geometry make this a very chuckable bike and manoeuvrablity out of the saddle is unsurpassed.And it is very light! It's good downhill too.
Weaknesses: None - bar price. Maybe a replacable rear mech hanger?
Bottom Line:
Took it all over central and northern California last year. Did 500 miles off -road in 3 weeks - extreme XC riding - not a single problem! This is a lovely piece of engineering. Very strong and well-made. Expensive to build up with good spec but will make you smile time and time again. You don't really need that new car after all, do you?
Similar Products Used: Trek Fuel, Trek-Y, Specialized FSR
Bike Setup: Built up from frame (medium, 2000 model): Hope XC hubs with Mavic X618 rims, Marzocchi X-Fly 100 forks (2000 model), XTR shifters and mechs, Hope C2 disk brakes, Race Face Turbine LP ISIS cranks & 44-32-22 rings, Race Face System stem, Easton carbon seatpost and bar, Koobi saddle, Panaracer 1.95 Trailblaster tyres, Shimano M858 pedals
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Submitted by
RLX88
a Cross Country Rider
from Suisun City, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Strengths: Excellent tech. support, Elevated chain stays (no chain slap), ultra plushness. Great product & Price. Single pivot for low maintenance. Min. BOB
Weaknesses: I have the anodized finish, but have heard that the decals wear on the painted version.
Bottom Line:
25 lbs. full-suspension bike, that climbs and decends fast. It has made me a better rider and easier on the back. Handles great all around. I thought my Ti Litespeed was the bike (since I was a big fan on Hardtails only). But the SC superlite has changed my mind. I love this bike!
Bike Setup: XTR shifter/brake, 8spd. ti cassette, Chris king headset & hubs, Monkey lite carbon bar, Mavic 517, Thomson stem & seatpost, WTB sst 98 saddle, OURY grips, Raceface splined cranks/BB, XTR v-brakes, Cateye enduro 2, IRC mythos, Marzocchi Atom 80.
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Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from jersey, usa
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Strengths: I bought this bike on employee purchase...frame only...so dont get your hopes up about the price...it retails for a lot more...anyway this is my first FSXC bike after moving of my hardtail...it is amazing the difference 4 in. of rear travel make...it climbs well...i have lockout on the rear...its definitely worth the xtra 50$...and the decents are smooth...i've done some serious downhills on this i couldnt even touch on a hardtail...
Weaknesses: no replaceable derailleur hangers....just dont break 'em
Bottom Line:
this bike rules...but it is a complex machine and must be cared for...if you need a major confidence builder on the trails...this bike is for you...especially on the downhills...dont buy this bike if your looking for a real "superlight" racer...the only way you get it to sc's 22 lbs is buy full xtr with racelight wheels...but if you build it so frail...it can handle the big stuff...
Similar Products Used: nothign is similar to this...it is one of a kind...
Bike Setup: custom build...xt/xtr mix...xt/517 wheelset...avid 40s...selle italia saddle...wtb enduros(terrible in mud!!great everywhere else)...515 pedals...Mars up front...Float RC in the rear... yeti hardcore grips...
Strengths: Oh so sweet.She's light,She climbs as well as my hardtail and takes care of my back and butt!
Weaknesses: Because of the rear end she's hard to mount on a hitch rack.
Bottom Line:
I've taken this bike all over the place and she never let me down.I rode very hard in moab,Fruita,The Rockies,without even an ajustment.I've raced in 24HRS. races where I did'nt even have time to clean her and she never skipped a beat.Where ever I go people always comment on my Santa Cruz and how they want one.KEEP IT LOCKED. The bottom line is if you are looking for a great bike that you can trail ride and race the same day go for this bike. remember if things get smooth you can always lock out the rear.....I never do.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale cadd4 full XTR,Sugar3.
Bike Setup: Here we go,ando blue frame,ct2 bar,Thomson stem & post,XTR brakes,shifters,derailers.Raceface head set crank & rings,Time pedals,Sram chain,Cane Creek Wam yellow wheelset,S.I. pro link seat.25LBS
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Submitted by
Rusty
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Strengths: Lightness, Comfort, everything
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
This bike is sick, it seems that everyone is in agreement with the exception of a few people. This is my first full suspension bike and I was skeptical of loosing efficiency, climbing agility and weight gain. This bike shattered all those and any other myths of why you shouldn't get a full suspension bike. The first day I got this bike we went out to Noble Creek Canyon which has some rocky technical trails and this bike out-performed any bike I had ever riden.
My suggestion if you don't already have one and are thinking about purchasing one, quit sitting around and go get one even if you have to rob the QuickyMart or an old lady.
Strengths: Reputation, light weight, looks a babe!
Weaknesses: Getting common, even in England.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, I'm not that keen on this bike. In less than a year it needed new bearings, now six months later they are creaking again. Took me an age to set up a good riding position, the front end was lifting on technical climbs. The gear shifting isn't precise, it's XTR with Gore-tex cables but it's not as sharp as my hold 8-speed XT, I'm not convinced about the cable routing. It may be up there with the 'best' FS bikes and it doesn't do anything badly wrong, but it has no soul.
THIS IS THE REASON IVE WAITED SOOOOO LONG TO BUY A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE. I WAS ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT PIVOTS AND BUSHINGS WEARING OUT. WITH CARTRIGE BERINGS AND ONE PIVOT IT CANT GET ANY BETTER. WHILE CLIMBING ON THE ROAD TO THE TRAIL I CAN LOCK OUT THE SHOCKS AND IT IS A HARDTAIL, WHEN THE TRAIL GOES UP CAN YOU SAY PLUSH. I REALLY HELPS WITH THE ROCKS AND KEEPING THE REAR WHEEL ON THE GROUND. IM GLAD THAT I WAITED. I AM A ROADIE AND RACE IN CRITS, SO IM USED TO INSTANT RIDER INPUT NO SAGGING WAGGING SLOPPY SUSPENSION. THIS IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD.
Bike Setup: XTR BRAKES, DER, COOK BROS CRANKS, RACE FACE BB, KING WHEELS,SPEEDPLAY, MARS CL, SACHS SHIFTERS, KORE POST & STEM
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Submitted by
Jason Bold
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Strengths: Really versatile and fun to ride in any condition. Great craftsmanship. I still look at it just sitting there in my living room all pretty and stuff.
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
You live once might as well ride the best bikes out there. The Superlight is one of those bikes. I am sure glad I traded in my Cannondale F500. I can't ever imagine me going back to a hardtail.
Submitted by
Keijiro Ikebe
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Strengths: - Speed: Climbs fast, and descend even faster - Reliability: haven't had a single problem with the suspension. The mono-pivot design requires no maintenance. - Weight: sub-24lbs...and it can easily lose another pound or two with enough money. - Looks: Anodized frame with laser engraved graphic...can't get better than that.
- Value: $2300 for anodized frame, full XT drivetrain, and none of those cheap in-house brand parts (think Specialized).
Weaknesses: - None for my style of riding.
Bottom Line:
Before I comment on my bike, let me first describe its engine: I'm 5'8" and 135lbs. I like to stay seated when climbing, and I have smooth pedal stroke. Long climb is my strength, and rough descent is my weakness. That being said, the Superlight is the perfect bike for me. Its lightweight construction compliments my climbing, and its plush rear suspension compensates for my weak downhill skills.
Magazines often describes mono-pivot suspension design as inefficient, outdated, and so on...but the bike works great for me. The slight suspension movement during the climb significantly increases the rear tire traction, and I have much greater control on technical climbs compared to HT. Even on the long, smooth uphills, I never notice any pedal-induced bobbing. Needless to say, I never lock-out my shock during the climbs.
Superlight is a great bike, and I think anyone looking to buy FS XC bike should try this bike out. It's fast going both up & down, and it's rock-solid reliability means you'll spend more time riding and less time fixing the bike. If you ride like me, you'll love the Superlight.
Similar Products Used: This is my first full-suspension bike.
Bike Setup: XT/XTR, Rolf Propel wheels, SID XC, Fox Float RC (w/lock out), Avid Mag brakes, Python Air Light tires, Body Geometry saddle, Easton CT2 handlebar & seat post, Chris King headset, Azonic stem, Shimano 747 pedals.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Strengths: What they all said... Light, Tight and oh so Right! Not that it matters that much, but people dig it.
Weaknesses: I have been pounding it hard for about 9 months and none have surfaced yet.
Bottom Line:
The bike gets better every ride. When winter hit, I had Fox Float problems, but Fox fixed it. My fork is set for 80mm of travel, which seems to balance the bike real well with the rear. Riding position is forgiving, allowing for longer rides. The bike handles technical trails well, and makes for easy lofting of the front wheel when needed. Braking bumps are no problem as the tires stay hooked up. Climbing is where I have been surprised the most. The rear hooks up on rough climbs, allowing me to actually clumb better. The control and ride are unmatched. Don't buy one, because I like having a unique bike that can blow your wheels off! :-)
Bike Setup: Full XT and XTR, Hayes disks, monkey light riser, Thompson cockpit, Sid XC, The Flaot RC, Time clipless.
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Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Strengths: Craftmanship, design, simplicity.
Weaknesses: Fox vanilla rc shock
Bottom Line:
The bike is great. Light and nimble. No pivot noise or squeaks . Tracks super straight. I did blow the Fox vanilla rc shock though. I can't blame that on Santa Cruz. Don't believe Fox when they say they will have your shock repaired and in the mail within 48hrs after they receive it. The bomber fork is endless on adjustment, air pressure and rebound speed. I plan on riding this bike for a long time.
Bike Setup: Full xtr with Bomber X-fly 100, Fox float rc, shimano 858 pedals. Monkey lite bar Mavic 517 rims.
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Submitted by
mike pack
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Strengths: You know by now, single pivot, lightweight, chicks dig it...
Weaknesses: puked rear Float RC within 3 weeks. Don't know the details yet as it is at the shop. I figure that is a Fox issue.
You'll have people want to talk to you about your bike. I feel like I just bought a Harley.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a Santa Cruz two years ago when my back started giving me fits on long rides. The terrain out here in Arizona can be pretty brutal at times when you have a fractured vertebrea. I just couldn't afford the price tag without some type of illegal second job. Two years later I pulled the trigger. The sticker shock lasted only till the first ride. Back troubles are a thing of the past. Riding is actually fun again. It is worth every last penny. I loved to climb on my hardtail and felt I was going to have to dismount more with this rig. Couldn't have been more wrong.
If you are getting older and finding more popping sounds each morning, do yourself a favor and spend the extra money. You'll feel born again, only faster.
Bike Setup: Full XT with easton monkey lite riser bar, easton 50 stem, XTR wheelset w/bontrager rims, Psylo SL, yada, yada
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Submitted by
MD
a Downhiller
from Spokane/New Orleans
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Strengths: Absolutely solid bike. It can handle anything you give it, a spectacular cross country bike but in my opinion a excellent downhill bike if you add the proper components. The RC Float lockout is perfect and perfectly designed for this bike. The finish, design, and welding on it are first rate. Santa Cruz itself is worth the buy because its a place where even the President of the company will email you and ask you if everything is okay.
Weaknesses: One major problem that needs to be addressed by Santa Cruz and hopefully the 2001 model will address it is the bottom pivot point. Two nuts handle the pivot point and they are okay for cross country but if you do any down hilling on this bike then I would immediately buy the heaviest nuts you can find. If you take a large hit then you might break the nuts thus causing the rear triangle to rub against the frame and severely weakening the frame itself. I didn't notice the break until after a very long 20 mile downhill on Devil Gultch in Washington. When I finally noticed it the frame was really beat up.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Bullit, KHS, Gary Fisher, Specialized.
Bike Setup: Marzockki Z1 XFly, Thompson Seat post, Hayes Disc brakes, Shram 9.0 Betsy shifters, Race Face Carbon cranks, Time ATAC pedals, Chris King bottom bracket, Chris King hubs, Chris King headset, Tioga tires, Axiom titanium stem, Roox handlebars among crap.
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Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Strengths: Im looking for a new toy and this is the best full sus xc bike I've ridden so far. It's amazingly stiff when you put power through the cranks and does'nt bob at all compared to some bikes I've demoed.Climbs surprisingly well and sprints as well as my current hardtail. Really comfortable in the rough stuff. It is light,light,light.The demonstrator I rode had the creme of the component crop on it and weighed in at 23.5lb!! I'm gobsmacked.
Weaknesses: only my willpower,Im sold... Visa??
Bottom Line:
Ok, I only tested this bike on a short ride but I was seriously impressed but you can feel the potential as soon as you step over it.I cant wait to take mine for a proper ride
