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Santa Cruz
2001 Superlight
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Submitted by
jkira
a Weekend Warrior
from Japan
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Simple geometry. (Straight top-tube, high chainstay)
Anodized finish. (I can't look at powdercoat anymore)
Light Aluminium. (Cheap, rigid, light)
| | Weaknesses: | The achilles heel for the superlight is obviously the single pivot suspension. Legend has it that Achilles was destined to die young, but nothing stopped him from going into battle and becoming a heroic warrior, and, all the women loved him. | | Similar Products Used: | Raliegh Something ($650, 35lbs); Fiore Potenza ($250, 70lbs); Green Coolkidbike w/ bananaseat. | | Bike Setup: | Psylo Race, XT all, Disc. | | Bottom Line: | Non-racers, racer-posers:
Buy used from a racer. Don't spend more than $2000 unless you want to be a prick on a bike.
Racers:
Buy new, sell cheap, win more races on the superlight.
The dual suspension superlight is ironically lighter than the hardtails I had. After hauling steel up the ski hills with pounds of tools and throwing myself down the mountain during my younger years on a hardtail, with rigid fork, I'm lucky to now be able to afford a superlight. Suspension in those days consisted of arms and legs only.
Most bikes don't have any character. But my superlight waits patiently for me every weekend to be ridden. And there aren't many days that I'm not thinking about riding her. Sometimes I have to ride her on the weekdays to work despite the sweat I build up, and despite the fact I'm wearing a suit and have nowhere to park her. I'm going to take her out, ride her, and ride her until we die. I hope noone gets too jealous. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Shasta, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great handling bike, climbs well, and fun on the downhill(cross country). | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Sugar,yetti,gt,specialized,giant | | Bike Setup: | super-x with hayes | | Bottom Line: | Been riding it strong for 1 year(3 rides per week,avg 20 mile rides), I like the downhill and hammer this bike and it still rides strong. I blew out the fox shock after 9 months and had a new one in 5 days(the rl model-thanks fox). I have also been riding the sid 100 and had no problems with it either. I broke 2 deraillers(hitting objects and breaking), and no frame damage-for those worried about no dropout. A friend asked the other day if I was going to be getting a new bike this year- I still feel there is nothing that is better than my superlite. I was a hardtail person who put off upgrading and now the result is I ride much more and have alot more fun doing it. I have 2 friends who are now riding superlites and they comment on how much more confidence the bike has given them. I test rode lots of bikes and got on the superlite and knew right away it was for me, thanks to the reviews also-I had already felt it was the bike for me and the reviews helped make the decision to fork out the money easier. Keep up the good work Santa Cruz. No regrets. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, CT
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Reasonably simple design, great all around performer. If you break that mother of a d-hanger you win the kewpie doll. | | Weaknesses: | Relaibility resulting in too much downtime and forcing me back to my old hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Valient wheels, xt stuff, flat bars, Zoke 80mm | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike. Once dialed in, she disappears beneath you. However, have had 3 large problems. Swingarm broke at lower pivot bolt for no apparant reason - just riding along. Fox has blown out twice (not really SC's fault). Rear triangle was replaced, but still meant a week or so without bike. Shock was replaced 1st time, same time penalty. 2nd blown shock sent back, disposition unknown - but I'm w/o the bike yet again. I weigh about 180 and ride about 4 days a week on technical east coast single track, but it's not like I'm some moose hucking myself off big drops. This stuff shouldn't break. My buds on their silk-ti's have no such probs. Can't dole out 5 chilis. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from N Easton, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikeway Source - Bedford, MA | | Strengths: | This is a review for all of the Clydesdale skeptics that are looking to purchase, but are concerned about the 225 lb published weight limit on the 2001 model Superlight frame.
I'm 6'2, 223lbs, and ride aggresively in typical New England technical terrain. I've had no serious problems with the frame design, and the bike takes the punishment without any problem.
This is a great trail bike, and also has the following strengths:
1. Lightweight minimalist single pivot design that functions nicely.
2. Low maintenance, what does this mean? Every hardtail, and suspended bike needs maintenance - period. I think it refers to the need to address any pivots or related rear suspension components to keep the bike riding properly, and in this bikes case, it is low. A horst link has a few more pivots and probably has nearly (not really measureable) the same amount of maintenance...but really now, how much more maint is a few more pivots, I think maintenance really has to be something separate from the real thing to look for - QUALITY, low quality pivot(s)= lots of maint and frustration. This bike uses high quality parts for the suspension components - IE bushings, hardened bolts etc.
3.Geometry. I love the way this bike rides, it wants to be pushed on the downhills - and does so with confidence, and also seems to climb MUCH better then my old Stumpjumper.
| | Weaknesses: | There are two things for us heavy riders to keep in mind for this frame, and they are not necessarily weaknesses:
1. If you ride regularly you will need to check the torque on the pivots regularly. While this is mentioned in the owners manual as something to check maybe 2 times a season, I find comfort in checking more often (I'm happy to report that I've never found the torque out of spec!)
2. I have found that the bushings (at the fox shock end of the frame) are wearing out after about 500 miles, which equals about 6-8 months of riding. The main pivot is just like new still, but the pivots when worn can cause a little slop in the rearend, and must be replaced. This is a do it yourself task, and I recommend getting a few extra pivots to have in your home toolbox and don't forget the torque wrench (inch lbs not foot lbs torque wrench)
3. Lack of breakaway for rear deraileur. This is not a weekness in my mind, since I believe Santa Cruz has such a well thought out bike. I have read so many of these reviews, and not found one instance where a broken deraileur cause frame damage - with this design yet, so why are all of the owners complaining? who knows...anyhow, if your so concerned, just install a breakaway bolt (replace deraileur bolt that came with orig der) for the mounting bolt in the rear deraileur - sold at most good bike shops, and stop complaining. It its not broke - dont fix it! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale 700 (i think) with Headshock | | Bike Setup: | Superlight Grey anno w Fox Vanilla R/C (large)
Zoke - Z1 Xfly 100 mm (4 inches travel)
Avid disc front, Arch rival V rear
Raceface cranks, SRAM deraileurs, Thompson and stem,
Easton monkeylite bars. Quality has to come before weight weenie on this bike, and I haven't broken anything (yet). | | Bottom Line: | What's your preference?
High quality? light-weight? Low Maintenance? Affordable (relative term)? Able to handle the regular abuse a 223lb rider can dish out? A bicycle that seems to be so thoroughly thought out as far as geometry, suspension travel, and feel, that no matter what the circumstance, you always finish every ride thinking you have the best bicycle made? This bike has all of the above. I think this review says it all, and based on some of the other reviews regarding customer service (which I haven't needed thus far) I think this manufacturer seems to have that aspect all together.
Bottom line - Stop the re-thinking your choice and buy it!
No regrets! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Frazier
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine, UT
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Lightweight
Great handling
Low maintenance
Good components | | Bike Setup: | Superlight X with Marzocchi X-fly 100 | | Bottom Line: | I decided after six months that the medium frame I purchased was too small. Santa Cruz traded out the front triangle (to make it a Large) for a nominal cost. Great customer service!
Bike handles great in all conditions. Single pivot rear triangle has required no maintenance so far. Santa Cruz's choice of components (the X package) has proved top notch. Particularly like the Avid V-brakes.
Super bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike b
a Cross Country Rider
from Sodom in the North
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | boggs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$920.00 | | Purchased At: | vision sf | | Strengths: | sprinting ability
weight
cornering ability | | Weaknesses: | all suspension bikes bob to some extent while climbing | | Similar Products Used: | heckler (10 or 12 long rides)
fsr (demo'd)
| | Bike Setup: | xtr, race face, titec, syncros (i mean OLD), monkey light, mavic, on and on and on. oh yeah, manitou sx r with the ti spring from my ruined sx ti. all in all, just over 25.5 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | i just got this bike thursday and have only ridden it fifteen miles though golden gate park on thursday night. i'll be sure and post another review once i've ridden this bike for a month.
the superlight seems to climb as fast as my ibis hardtail. as i said, you can feel the suspension move, as you can on all dualies. i'm not sure i like that, but i sure do like how this bike feels on downhills and bumpy singletrack sections. (there is bumpy singletrack in golden gate park, let me tell you) i am already thinking about adding a four inch travel fork when my wallet has rcovered from the shock of buying this thing--the rear suspension does not feel evenly matched to my i-don't-know-how-much-travel-it's-got manitou sx r with the spring from an sx ti. i think that four and four is the way to go for an aggressive cross country rider.
i'll report back in a few months.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flash Mofo
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Palisades | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | assembled by self | | Strengths: | simplicity, durability, climbs great, great proven design, light, low maintenance, on and on.... | | Weaknesses: | rider | | Similar Products Used: | Davidson and DeKerf custom steel hardtails, Fisher Ti Hardtail, ridden many other FS bikes.... | | Bike Setup: | Shimano XT w/discs, King hubs&headset, Marzocchi z-2 80mm | | Bottom Line: | Well, I'm finally reviewing this bike now that I've owned it for two years. I've been very happy with it! And I have ridden the living crap out of it too. It's been on singletrack all over the US and parts of Canada, year round.
really I have only three things to say:
buy and use a torque wrench! All FS aluminum bikes & bearings are very sensitive to the amount of torque applied. Protect your investment! Also be forewarned that like all FS bikes, you will want to replace the shock bushings every few months of hard riding to keep it riding like new. The kits are inexpensive and take less than 5 minutes to install. Be smart and keep extras handy.
Don't worry about the Der. Hanger. Not to say that you should go plowing through fields of sticks and blowdown! But really, it's very very strong. I think its 4x as strong as a replacable hanger at least. It has survived crashes that ripped XT derailuers in two!
Finally, happy customer story... Sometimes bad things happen to good frames. Things that the frame was not designed for. Things that probably are not covered under warranty. A lot of bigger companies might leave you high and dry in a situation like this, but Santa Cruz took care of me. I'm not going into detail, but lets just say I really didn't expect the level of customer service I have recieved from these guys, even for a $1300 frame. And that is what separates Santa cruz from the competition. See you ou on the trails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Telegraph @ Durango | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Light, strong, and good travel for XC racing. Best bang for the buck. | | Weaknesses: | Slight pedal feedback in granny | | Similar Products Used: | S-Works FSR-XC, Sugar1 | | Bike Setup: | Purchased frame only and stripped old bike:
LX Hollowtech, SRAM 9.0 shift/der., Mars fork | | Bottom Line: | I've been very happy with this bike. It's light (for FS), strong, and cheaper than the competition. I previously owned a hardtail. I rode friends bikes trying to find a good FS ride. Couldn't afford a whole bike so I bought the Superlight frame and used my old parts. The FS ride is sweet. I rarely feel the rear suspension working. It just does it's job and doesn't bother me. I do notice some rear movement/flex when carving hard turns (but no more than any other FS bike I've ridden). You just can't beat a hardtail for rear stiffness. The only "problem" I've had is that when I first started riding the Superlight, I noticed slight pedal feedback when climbing in granny gear (due to the high-pivot design). But since my pedal stroke isn't the smoothest in the world, I got used to it and don't notice the feedback anymore.
For the rough XC trails in AZ, this bike is perfect. If you ride flat trails in Kansas, stick to a hardtail. But for rough XC and light freeride, this bike is perfect. 4 inches of travel is just right for this design. Any more would be inefficient, any less would not be enough (the main problem with the 2.5 inch travel Sugars, IMO). The high-pivot design helps eliminate bobbing when pedaling (unlike low-pivot bikes). I think that the simple single-pivot is stiffer than the 4-bar bikes that I've ridden.
FWIW, my bike is metallic blue powdercoat with a polished swingarm and looks pretty sweet ;) Now I just need a new fork that's a little stiffer... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yoda
a Racer
from Peebles
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | reasonable for going out to yuppy wine bars on and stopping off for a greasy slice off the elephants foot on the way home | | Weaknesses: | oh yes, just a few sir | | Similar Products Used: | farmer browns gate | | Bike Setup: | one i was on was owned by soft boy with basket on front to keep a change of under-wear in | | Bottom Line: | the bike claimed to be a bit of an animal but I had to put the sick old dof down cos it was very LAME and couldn't be helped, a suspension bike without a real spring, I ask you?Got me self an Ellsworth Joker which is one tasty burger and is a trully evil beast. As with so many things in life, riding a bike up hill is also down to technique and raw stamina...some of us have it and some have to buy gaylord superlight bikes to help out their weak legs.'stu the weekend warrior' the force is strong in that one.NOT A BAD BIKE ALL IN ALL (for a burds bike) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Han Solo
a Racer
from London
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | London | | Strengths: | Being able to ride past fat downhillers on the way to the top of the hill | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Millenium Falcon | | Bike Setup: | SID SL XTR/XT Hope Minis and extreme speed. | | Bottom Line: | the best of the best, allowing superior skills of all day trial riding to flourish. Also with respect to "Stu the weekend warrior" on the Aeon Joker review, We Know you Stu. The only reason you love downhilling is because your gut is too big to ride all day up hill. Where is the skill in throwing yourself off a hill and hoping for the best? I've seen the future, and its name is Santa Cruz SLA. Reed and weep fat boy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Bolton
Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | wales | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Liesure lakes Manchester | | Strengths: | Stiffness, balance, all day comfort, looks, kudos, speed | | Weaknesses: | Lack of disc hose routing, access to front mech adjusters, no relpacable gear hanger | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworths were stunning - nothing else comes remotely close | | Bike Setup: | Blue anodised frame, sensible light black components - Hope bulb hubs, Hope mini discs, x317 rims, x -lite finishing kit, SID SL's, XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Worth every penny - lifes way too short ! Burns up hills and eats everything but the most extreme downhills. The balance of the chassis is beautiful enabling you to throw the bike into turns and technical sections. Slow technical climbs are much easier than on other bikes due to the well balanced pivot points / stifness off the chassis. The lockout front and rear are a nice toy but only used on road. Well controlable in the air (on dual tracks...really!!) Basically, you can ride much harder for much longer. The anodised finish is a work of art. The only down side is the amount of attention the bike attracts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, MA USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge Ski and Bike | | Strengths: | Terrific ride and handling. Great on technical climbs. I'm faster on this bike than my previous bike, a Litespeed Ocoee. | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found one yet. | | Similar Products Used: | A Gery Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Chris king hubs and head set, Hayes disc brakes, Thomson seat post and stem, monkey lite bar, Manitou Mars shock, Wilderness Trails 2k saddle, XT cranks ... | | Bottom Line: | If you want a great cross country bike with plenty of travel, great handling, quality construction and simple design this is the one for you. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lon
a Weekend Warrior
from Scottsdale, AZ
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bicycle, Mesa AZ | | Strengths: | Awesome climber, great ride, fast, beautifuly engineered | | Weaknesses: | None, only wished I had gone with the X Fly 80 instead of the X Fly 100 for the shorter wheelbase | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh M7500 Full Suspension with full XT components, Marzocchi Atom Bomb,Rock Shox Rear, Easton Monkey Lite Low Rise | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Chris King Headset, Easton Carbon bars and seatpost, Easton Magnesium Stem, Mavic Cross Ride wheelset, Marzocchi X Fly 100, Fox Float shock w/lockout | | Bottom Line: | Having ridden my old Raleigh for over 4 years (actually a pretty nice bike), I am totally surprised at the difference in ride, climbing ability and overall performance that this bike gives. The ride is extremely comfortable from the Fox Float shock. I have not used the lockout function since this bike climbs so well with it open. I am climbing steeper grades with less effort. The difference from the XT to XTR components was a slight adjustment having to go from 8 speed the Mega 9. The only possible change I would consider is using the X Fly 80 instead of the X Fly 100 for a shorter turning radius, but I havent had the bike long enough to really make a concrete decision. Overall this is an awesome bike that will make you the envy of many riders that see it. I give it 5 chilis for value cause if you have the best it is the best value! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Jaycox
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich, New York USA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindagin Hollow | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Loft (Syracuse) | | Strengths: | Great Climber with little or no resonance while seated. (Even in the smallest chainring.) I rarely use the lockout option on the shocks. Awesome and confidence inspiring on the downhills. Quick, responsive handling. None of the lateral flex that I read about in other reviews. Light! (a little over 24 pounds for a large frame with Hayes Disc brakes. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see or feel. | | Similar Products Used: | First time full suspension user but have a Giant ATX 890 hardtail and previously owned a Bianchi Osprey hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Anodized Blue, Full XTR, Hayes Discs front and rear, Easton Monkey Lite Riser bar, Bontrager ASYM wheels, Hutchinson Python Lite Tires, Rockshox SID fork with lockout, Fox Float RC with lockout, Gore cables. | | Bottom Line: | A truly incredible XC bike that is everything it is touted to be. It is great for everyday on and off road riding, but fully race raceable and ready to go when you are. I read many reviews of this bike in various magazines and websites and everyone who raved about it was absolutely correct. Santa Cruz support was very quick in responding to my inquiries and the support is top notch. The Bike Loft in Syracuse is a great shop with a staff that rides and loves Santa Cruz bikes. With the help of the Bike Loft I spec'd it out via the Santa Cruz website. (Great price and weight calculator) It was very expensive but worth every penny. If you are serious about mountain biking and can afford it, buy one. You will not be disappointed. I venture to say that it quite possibly is the best full suspension XC bike attainable... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ping
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Flying Ball | | Strengths: | Light and simple but effective design. 4" of fully tunable travel..... which is all you'll ever need. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can think of... | | Similar Products Used: | Seven, Cannondale, GT | | Bike Setup: | SID SL, XTR Drivechain, Hope XC4 Disks, Crossmax UST's + Pythons, Thomson Stem + Seatpost, Easton Monkeylite Bars, Time ATACS, Chris King HS.... etc.. | | Bottom Line: | Climbs well, descends well, accelerates well. Very responsive chassis (I got a med at 5'10"). Suspension bob is unnoticable 95% of the time. Stick to the middle ring and you never feel anything at all. It never feels as fast as a hardtail but 4" of suspension more than takes the edge off any ride, in fact you could ride it for hours longer than without feeling beaten up. 80mm SID SL complements the chassis perfectly, and is more rigid than some other reviews might suggest. Weight comes in at 25lb all in ... disks are worth the extra weight anyday.... Lockout is only ever used when riding on the road, you never need it on the trail, even for long climbs.... Generally climbs better in the saddle... and if you're a spinner, this bikes for you. Adding a set of low pressure tubeless tires feels like adding an extra inch of suspension, and traction, whilst not infallable is better than on any other bike I've tried.
I built it up from a frame and proceeded to put on the best components available... hence it cost a lot... but the frame itself is very reasonable for the quality, especially if you compare to the Truth and Tracer.. Definitely consider buying just the frameset to start if you're on a budget..
I expect to be riding this bike for a long long time... and so far, I'd definitely say that it was worth the investment.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from Dorset
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Godlingstone Hill, Purbeck | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Off Camber, Blandford | | Strengths: | It's super light, simple, beautiful, goes uphill like a mountain goat and downhill like you're on a sofa...just incredible. Weight as specced above is 23.5lbs. | | Weaknesses: | None so far...except it's too pretty to get dirty... | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F700, Cannondale Jeckyll (demo), Fisher Sugar 3 (demo), Klein Adept Pro (demo) | | Bike Setup: | Medium Superlight in Blue Aonodised (great colour), Fox RC, SID SL (black), Mavic Crossmax UST, full XTR except Middleburn RS7 cranks/chainrings, Hope Ti BB, Easton carbon seatpost and flat bars, Titec carbon bar ends (just call me old fashioned !), Selle Flite Ti saddle, Pace 150mm zero degree rise stem, Panaracer Trailblaster Pro tyres (replacement for Conti Twister Supersonics - ripped after 2 months - mega light but too fragile !), ODI grips | | Bottom Line: | After five years on a Cannondale F700 hardtail that's been used and abused at home and abroad and has been hugely reliable, I decided to buy a full suss bike. I checked out the Jeckyll but found it really "bouncy" going up hill and removing the front wheel (to transport the bike in the car) was a real pain with the Lefty fork. Then I tried the Superlight and from the word go it felt sensational. The bike feels so light and fast when accelerating or going uphill(probably helped by the light and stiff Crossmaxes) and the cushioning (front and rear) is there when you need it but barely bobs going uphill if you stay seated. The SID SL's feel plush and can be switched off for uphill road sections. I've not noticed any flex yet (I'm 160lbs).
The look of the bike is quite subdued (compared to the paint jobs on the Kleins) which I prefer...it doesn't shout expensive mountain bike to everyone especially the light fingered fraternity and so far the frame and components have performed faultlessly (Conti tyres excepted).
Most of my riding is all day (4-6 hours) cross country with single track, firetrail and roads (and pub stop !) and for this the SC SL is perfect...it enables me to go better uphill, faster downhill and I finish feeling less battered than on the 'Dale. Yes it's expensive but it's worth it...if it gives as much service and pleasure as the 'Dale F700 it'll be a bargain.
Bottom line is : it light and comfortable and makes me a better rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jpa
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Shop employee deal | | Strengths: | low maintenance, stiff, light, comfortable/neutral geometry, time tested design, made in the USA, climbs real well, great at speed, carves and tracks turns like its on rails, suspension soaks up everything, bang for the buck | | Weaknesses: | bobs a tiny bit in some gears but not very noticeable unless cadence gets sloppy. Not quite as super-duper plush as a 4 bar linkage on sharp hits when climbing. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer, Ellsworth Truth, Specialized FSR's, Giant XTC NRS Air, Fisher Sugar, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Polished Superlight, Fox Float R, Psylo Race fork (set at 4"), Race Face Thermo SP headset, XTR 9 speed, Easton carbon post & riser bars, Thomson stem, Hayes hydraulic brakes, Real Hubs, Bontrager Valiant rims, Panaracer Fire XC Tires, Flite saddle,Shimano 745 Pedals. Bike weight=26.5 lbs.
All reviews should include frame size height, weight, inseam, etc.. (jpa - 180 lbs, 5' 10", 32" inseam = large frame.)
| | Bottom Line: | My objectives where to build the perfect do anything trail bike for a two bike quiver. The number two bike is a road bike.
I'm basically a hack who climbs slow and likes to go for it on the decents. I like to ride moderate to technical singletrack. Given the choice between easy or technical - I go the technical route. In the summer I do at least 1-2 hour rides/4-5 times a week and a 4-5 hour ride at lease once a week.
Coming off a 19 lb. hardtail with 2.5" of travel, it took 5-6 rides to get used to this bike. Initially the tall bottom bracket felt weird and I couldn't keep the front end down on steep technical climbs.
Regarding the weight of the bike, from day-1 I never missed the 19 lb. weight of my hardtail it was more the difference in handling and geometry. I now strongly believe that we get to hung up on the weight thing. The benefits of 4" full suspension travel far out weight the extra lbs.
The handling and suspension on this bike is exactly what I was looking for. Geometry is roomy but not to stretched out. The feel of the bike is very sharp and quick yet stable with good feel for the trail. Other bikes I tested felt too mushy and disconnected. The suspension works great in a variety of conditions soaking up hits of all sizes. I can also pedal out of the saddle without feeling like I'm on a pogo stick.
I havent had any problems with the components on the bike. The Psylo Race works great and is easy to tune. Hayes hydraulic brakes are unbelievable compared to V brakes.
Final word is that I'm 100% satisfied. I'm still a hack and I still climb slow, only not as slow. On the decents and technical stuff I'm going much faster and able to tackle more chalenging terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary White
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | many | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Surgery, London, UK | | Strengths: | Light, fast, aggressive geometry. The best XC bike ever? Fantastic handling, good climbing, excellent downhill (for a XC bike) and a smooth suspension system - no bobbing! | | Weaknesses: | Not for heavy duty freeriding or racing. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Y-Bike, Kona | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight A, Marzocchi X-Fly 100mm forks, Hope C2 disc brakes, XTR shifters and mechs, Race Face Next LP crankset and rings, Shimano M858 pedals, Race Face System stem, Chris King aheadset, Easton C2C seat post & MonkeyLite low riser bars, Koobi Endura saddle, Hope XC hubs and Mavic x618 rims, Panaracer FireXCPro tires | | Bottom Line: | A really fanastic single pivot design, yet to be bettered on a XC trails bike. Handling is second to none and there's an awful lot of travel for a minimalist XC bike. My bike is Sub - 25 pounds and could be lighter still with some SID forks. A real pleasure to ride all day, this bike can handle almost anything you can throw at it. Perhaps not for the North Shore or racing, but if, like me, you enjoy all day adventure riding rather than 6 ft drop offs, then look nonewhere else.
However, I have taken this bike on some punishing downhills and been very pleased - and it'll climb an awful lot better than your freeride or downhill set-up. It's expensive but the best of anything in life is never cheap. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Or
a Cross Country Rider
from Habonim, Israel
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all over the Carmel mountaim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Motofan, Netania, Israel | | Strengths: | light weight, looks, very solid, low maintanence, a great climber (not so bad on the decsent either), service by motofan. | | Weaknesses: | none to date. | | Similar Products Used: | my first full suspension. | | Bike Setup: | blue ano. frame, full xtr, avid arch rival 50 brakes, manitou mars elite fork, time atac carbon pedals, cane creek crono wam ti wheels, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Excellent climber. Fast and smooth through roots. Outstanding technical single track handling. Control on steep downhill is very good. responsive and quick.
Bottom line - The Santa Cruz Superlight is a bike that's fun to ride, increases confidence, smooths out the
bumps, adds control, and is light and fast.
This bike is not for downhiller's or people who want to jump off cliffs.
The Superlight is outstanding for people who want to ride x-country on rugged terrain.
5 Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Richardson
a Cross Country Rider
from Milford, MA USA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Long twisy singletrack sections | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | International Cycle center | | Strengths: | Nice light feel (for 26 lbs.) Nice handling
High quality construction
Unique design
single pivot (that's wonderful
Very quiet while soaking up the medium-sized bumps | | Weaknesses: | Can't hang on repair stand without having to hang by the seatpost (this kinda sucks). Rear drop-out. It's not repleacable (what??) For a $2500 bike? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Full XT Drivetrain, Judy XL, XT/Mavic 517's, XT Brakes, Thompson Stem, Easton Monkey Bar, Chris Kind Headset, 858's | | Bottom Line: | I rode this bike for the first time last sunday at a race.
It rides nice. It soaks up pumps pretty nicely for a 26 LB.er.
I have ridden it a couple of times since, and I am very happy with the feel of this suspension system. It's exactly what I need, It climbs adequately (very, for it's class) and you can't feel the suspension working below you. It is so quiet, but yet you are going over a field of stutter-type bumps. It still manages to maintain good- enough speed as it doesnt bog out like some designs probably would.
So far, I really have enjoyed the bike. It's gorgeous too.I didn't want to ride it at first, due to the fact that it is a work of art. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve-O
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago,IL
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | LBL in Kentucky and Rock Lake Trail in Cable, WI | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light Weight; Simple Design | | Weaknesses: | Bolt on pivot came loose | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Mantra, Countless Hardrails | | Bike Setup: | XT / XTR, Thomson Post and Stem, SRAM Rocket Shifters and 9.0 levers, Avid Disks, Manitou Mars fork, Time ATAC, Sun Disc-O-Tec Wheels | | Bottom Line: | This was my first foray into full suspension. I went for it all and got got the anodized grey, size Large frame. My reasons? Light for 4" of travel, simple maintenance, and a good all day trail bike. I've now got about 150 miles on the frame and I will say that the reviews are true. It is a really good bike. One issue that I did have was the bolt at the pivot loosening up. I fixed that with a little loctite. As for the frame The rear end has a little flex but then I go about 185 lbs. so that might play a part in it. The welds are nice but not much different then any other quality aluminum frame. I've had a few questions and SC had e-mailed me back within a day so I'm pretty happy about that. I could get it lighter but I like the Disk brakes. Cable routing for the Avids was a little tough but zip ties solved that problem... Other then that I'm pretty happy. It's just good to ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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