Honing the original VPP Blur concept into a racing edge has resulted in the Blur XC. Our superlative Virtual Pivot Point suspension still offers 115mm of rear wheel travel. The impeccable trail manners that made the Blur a hit in the first place are still fully intact. However, the new shorter chainstays, longer top tube, lighter tubing and a resultant 3/4-pound frame weight loss all point toward one thing - the top step of the podium. Along the way, we've also redesigned the rear triangle to accommodate standover heights as low as 26.6" top tubes as short as 20.5". Now, fast little people everywhere have something to be real happy about.
Submitted by
jwhitaker
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN Date Reviewed: November 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Brown County
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3100.00
Purchased At:
Indy Cycle Specialis
Strengths:
Fast fast fast! Very lightweight, handles like a hard tail and maneuverability is unreal. I have had no squeaks, creaks or any other nasty sounds. Climbing is very easy on this bike, and downhill is just the same. The handling is that of a hard tail.
Weaknesses:
None I have found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, and Iron Horse Scotch.
Bike Setup:
Forks: Fox 32F100rlc
Rear: Fox RP23
Breaks: Avid Juicy 7
Shimano XTR Derailleur
Race Face bars
Bottom Line:
This bike is smoking fast. I ride with 3 other people primarily and they ride a Santa Cruz Superlight, Giant Trace X1, and a Specialized FSR XC. I can turn tighter corners, accelerate faster, climb hills, and race around in trails faster. I have rode a little longer than they have, but the Specialized riding is much more conditioned in cardio than I am. I do a lot of stairs, walls and gaps as well, and this bike handles it perfectly. All and all, I would highly recommend this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hinkle
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
rainbow trail
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
lightweight, easy to pedal, plenty of travel for intense cross country riding. The Specialized I usually ride weighs 31 pounds, the blur is so much lighter
Weaknesses:
I wish the one I demoed had better components.
Bottom Line:
This bike is incredible
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DrDanBatchelor
a Cross Country Rider
from Roswell Georgia USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Strengths:
The bike is amazing. Very versatile. Great for both training and racing. Fox shocks rock!!. I have it for sale now because I am stepping up to the the new Santa Cruz XC Carbon, so make an offer on my Santa Cruz Blur XC aluminum. DrBatch@aol.com
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
everything
Bike Setup:
full xtr, crossmax sl's, python ust's, dual controls, anodized blue silver
Bottom Line:
I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtn_freeride
a Racer
from Auburn Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Foresthill Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Responsive, Efficient, Strong, VPP, XC Race Bike
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Cannondale Scaple, Trek
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, FOX 32 Float, Formula R1, WTB XC Team Kit, Thomson 90mm Stem, Crank Brothers 4ti Pedals, Easton Monkeylite XC
Bottom Line:
This is an absolutely amazing bike, super fast, strong in all situations...the quintessential XC race bike. I have loved this bike from the beginning and it excels in all types of riding. It feels like it has more suspension than 4", super plush, fast pedaling bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d' Alene, ID, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Ok I bought the original Blur frame in 2002. That is what I am reviewing here for you. The VPP is awesome. Very durable frame, stiff enough and not too heavy. Climbs great for a full suspension bike. Strong, I have ridden this frame hard and it has taken it all. I am 200 pounds so I am not a little guy.
Weaknesses:
Originally the upper linkage was horrible,,,very noisy and I broke the one piece linkage that it came with. Once I updated it to the newer style, absolutely no problems and not a sound. Bottom bracket is a little low, but once I got used to it not a problem.
Similar Products Used:
Heckler, Trek Fuel 90.
Bike Setup:
XT cranks and front derailleur, XTR rear derailleur, Hayes hydraulic brakes, Thompson seat post, RP23 shock, Marzocci Marathon SL, Monkey lite bars.
Bottom Line:
This bike really is awesome. For a Xcountry frame it sure does smooth out the bumps on the up and down hill. Once I took care of the upper linkage problem I have had NO problems. I know they changed some things on the newer frames that are supposed to make it even better. I just wanted to give some imput from somebody that has ridden a Blur since its inception. I like it so much I just picked up a Blur XC carbon frame that I will review after a few rides. I have very high expectation as the original is a great frame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frs1661
a Racer
from Rochester NY Date Reviewed: April 25, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1580.00
Purchased At:
Chainlove
Strengths:
A screaming deal on chainlove. Rides very nice, no noticable pedal feedback in 2nd and 3rd chainrings. Sucks up the bumps very well. Snappy geometry while retaining a comfortable XC riding position.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy in the D-build kit @27.25 w/o pedals. Noticable pedal feedback in the granny ring, but is easily controlled by proper pedaling form (i.e. spinning). The Float R is not a platform shock, so if you're worried about pedal bob you should step up to the RP23 or similar platform type shock. Not a fan of the crossride wheels; 24 spoke wheels are gimmicky at best.
Similar Products Used:
various hardtails, full rigid 1x1.
Bike Setup:
Mostly Deore, slx/xt derailers, Mavic crossride wheels, Reba SL, fox float R
Bottom Line:
IMO the bike is heavily underspec'ed at the $3200 MSRP; but at $1600 this bike is a great deal. I'm very happy with it, and plan to do 24 hours of big bear on it this year. I'll be swapping out the stock nevegal tires (@800gm each) for Conti mountain or race kings (@~600gms each), which will knock a pound off the bike immediately... Definitely the kind of swap I'd recommend to anybody racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BillyBee
a Cross Country Rider
from dsrv1@frontiernet.net Date Reviewed: April 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
The incredible ride and handling
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 70
Bike Setup:
Fox 100RLC,Shimano XT, Hayes Stroker brakes with 203mm rotors, Kenda Nevegel tires, Serfas saddle and Shimano 959 pedals
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this is beyond a doubt the best 4inch travel bike made.When you can get a brand new frame for $1299.00 and the black chrome powder coat frame is shiny and beautiful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bartekr
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: March 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1900.00
Purchased At:
Brands Bikes in LI
Strengths:
Lightweight, great traction on rugged terrain, makes you a better rider overnight
Weaknesses:
Creaking from the bottom bracket; extremely expensive relative to comparable products
Bottom Line:
I rode this bike for one full week in MOAB. Having always been a die hard Cannondale fan, I wasn't sure what to think about the Blur. The tour group leader assured me that the Blur was better than the Rush, and after 1 week of beating the hell out of it -- I think he is right.
The first thing I noticed (beyond being out of shape), was how smooth the ride felt on the XC. The VPP really does a great job of simultaneously absorbing shocks while having virtually no peddle bob.
The next thing I noticed was how well this baby climbs. At one point, I was riding up a 30% incline (on rocks that felt like sandpaper), and realized that if I don't make it up, it will be because I don't have the power to make it -- not because the bike tire will skid out.
At the end of my week long adventure, I had fallen in love with the Blur -- and have not looked at Cannondales the same since.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mare45
a Cross Country Rider
from East Brunswick, NJ Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Many!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Plush, responsive ---> exactly what I was looking for!
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
XTR, DT Swiss wheelset, Fox fork and shock
Bottom Line:
I rode my hardtail for many years and about 4 years ago I decided it was time to get a FS bike. I got a motolite. It rode just like my hardtail, so what was the point? I was officially on a mission to find the right FS bike. I went to Interbike and rode everything available. Once I got on a Blur XC and I knew immediately I loved the bike! It was definitely more forgiving (the way I thought a FS bike should be) than my motolite and built my confidence on more technical terrain. I lost a lot of money when I sold my motolite because it was a small size. Bummer because I only used it about 6 times. It was worth it though...to this day, I still worship my Blur and don't want any other FS bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbtriguy
a Racer
from Newport, RI Date Reviewed: February 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Santa Cruz brand-name, light
Weaknesses:
Flex-o-matic, looks like shotty construction in comparison to other high quality brands, VPP bearing go after hard riding for a year.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Spyder
Bike Setup:
XTR disc, Float RLT
Bottom Line:
This bike is clearly a poor race bike; SC took the blur and lightened it by cutting the head tube down. The welds to not inspire confidence.
Bottom line, this is a flex machine in comparison to the intense spyder for only a few ounces of weight savings.
From a mechanical engineering standpoint, the rear linkage is lacking. The bike functions OK, but the flex and price is ridiculous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
esca$
a Racer
from MV, CA, US Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Everything. Solid stability, great rear travel. love the control uphill and downhill. solid bike
Weaknesses:
NONE.
Similar Products Used:
Friend's all white superlight-not as great as mine;)
Bike Setup:
fox 32rl in the front, RP23 in the back, DT swiss hubs and rims, deore xs components, juicy threes front and back.
Bottom Line:
Love this bike. If you race, make sure you throw at least 150 in the rear shock: gives way more control on the downhill than lower pressures. No problems so far, super sweet, badass bike (mine's lime green!)Good buy for the racer, ok for a step-up from a hardtail. Highly recommend weirwolves or motoraptors for mud, WTB velociraptor and nano in the back for dust.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kacpass
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula, Ca., USA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
This website.
Strengths:
Handles like a dream. My previous bike was an intense tracer and I thought I would be taking a step down across the board buying the Blur XC. Not So! This bike handles better than my Intense did (it was an 01) and with a few upgrades could be easily sub 25 pounds.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Intense Tracer.
Bike Setup:
XT, LX
Bottom Line:
Gret cross country bike for riding and/or racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott7272
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, Montana, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Garnett, leverich loop, devils backbone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Summit bikes
Strengths:
Light, Strong, great suspention...the VPP works!
Weaknesses:
none that i have found yet...
Bike Setup:
08 blur xc, king headset and iso disc hubs, Dt Swiss 42d rims, thompson stem and seat post, fox rlc 32 fork, raceface riser bars, xtr front, rear derailer, brake levers and rear cassette, avid mechanical dic brakes
Bottom Line:
The frame rocks... i have put this bike through its paces from 3 mile trails that climb 1500 vertical to 56 mile trails that totaled out at 8500 vert. i ride 4 to 5 days a week and can't say i have ever wished i was on something else. It is good on the downhills too, but if you want a more freeride/ downhill bike check out the blur sl. Great bike love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Shaikun
a Cross Country Rider
from Buffalo, NY Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hunters Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Shifting Gears Lockp
Strengths:
This is an add on to previous review. Fast, nimble, plush, outstanding suspension design (VPP + Fox RP23)
Weaknesses:
Low bottom bracket can interfere with chain limiting choices of rear derailleurs (as below), pedals hit objects not infrequently being low to ground.(need to rest with pedals at 3 and 9, not 12 and 6)
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Jamis Dakar XLT
Bike Setup:
Stans wheels and no tubes, XT crank with Sram x-9 rear and shifters, Fox F100 RLC (great fork), Thompson seatpost, Specialized Carbon handlebar.
Bottom Line:
Bike remains simply superb. Added Stans wheels and the bike got better (much quicker acceleration over the original MAvic 717's). True billy goat. Had trouble with chain rub as previously mentioned against bottom bracket. Santa Cruz said finish the season, then we'll send you a new rear trianle (because of scratches) and longer cage version of rear derailleur, no charge. Which they did, problem solved, couldn't ask more for more from Santa Cruz (thank you Willie). 4 Stars on value only because this set up is not cheap, but 5 overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
foxfire
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone, North Carolina, USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm on
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2999.00
Purchased At:
Magic Cycles
Strengths:
Comfortable position. Fox Shox. Predictable behavior.
Lots of suspension adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Lots of suspension adjustability.
Similar Products Used:
Anthem, Trance, Epic, Top Fuel, Stumpjumper FSR, Float
Bike Setup:
RLC 100, Fox RP23, XT everything, candy c, DT Swiss 4.14, Race face carbon low riser bar, kenda Nevgal
Bottom Line:
I rode a lot and shopped for a year. This is my first full suspension. I am very glad I chose this bike. It is very compliant and trusty. 25 1/2 lbs. Less then my old hard tail. I tried the other bikes listed above. I settled on 100mm of travel 'cause it was in the middle of my range with a slightly more stretched aggressive feel. Someone with a 32" inseem would probably be a little more comfortable on a large frame. I enjoy 10-15 miles a week with mixed rooty climbs, wet rocks and fast logging roads. The XC is quite at home. I do lock my RP23 pretty often when my shock is set soft. The hardest part is trying not to stand when this bike likes you to sit and climb.
The only real complaint is the right adjustment of the RLC is a little too tall and scratches the frame. That hurts the first time! I am the type of owner that keeps the things I love forever so resale is no biggie for me. Buy this bike if you can only afford one bike to do most anything. It is a cross country bike not a racer but 24 hour races would suit this set-up. Don't settle for just any bike either. Get what you want and what you need. This bike is very comfortable and nimble.
Spend all the dough you can spare and share the wealth. Its the flow of money. You buy the bike. The shop owners go out to eat. The waitress buys a dress. ect. Save the economy and our enviroment and buy a great bike like the super stable and compliant Santa Cruz XC with 100mm of travel. PS don't skip the clipless pedals. It is a cross country bike after all. I love mine without any gripes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
supersleeper
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: July 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Strengths:
Beautiful frame. Plush travel. Santa Cruz
Weaknesses:
Price. Price. Price. $1800 for the frame only.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Anthem
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Reba Team, RP23, KCNC post & bar, Dt Swiss 1540 wheels, Fizik Gobi
Bottom Line:
I had a Trance, but the suspension felt to soft. So I got a Anthem. The Anthem was and is the fastest full suspension bike I have ever ridden, but the 3.5" travel killed my butt and body over the longer 4 hour rides.
I got the 2008 Blur xc with more travel and VVP. The LT was a bit heavier than what I had in mind.
One of the best decisions I have made. Trail and XC. Climbs well, handles well and my body thanks me for the good suspension. The best balanced bike I have ever ridden. Rarely necessary to lock out the rear suspension. No bob. Get it if you are a XC and trailrider. Not for downhill. I will subtract a chili for value due to the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GrannyGear
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: July 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike and B
Strengths:
I am continually amazed at how well this bike climbs on short steep technical power sections. It just eats those type of climbs up. On longer, more drawn out climbs, it doesn't do quite as well as the bike feels a bit sluggish. The performance in technical sections is really great, just rolling straight through most obstacles on the trail, inspiring new confidence in such situations. Front end is really easy to lift and control and put over logs and such. Really great on technical, fast descents. Suspension very adjustable. Really beautiful bike!! Even the Fox fork and shock match the frame. Berkshire Bike and Board in Great Barrington, MA has free tuneups for life!!
Weaknesses:
Chain rub on bottom of frame on 1st half of gears in the small ring. Lots of creaks and squeaks already. Expensif. Stock Kenda tires do not do very well in the wet. High level of maintenance required.
Similar Products Used:
1st FS bike in many years, so nothing comparable, really.
Bike Setup:
Size XS ano Black with mostly XT components, Fox RLC100 & RP23, Avid disc brakes, DT Swiss XR4.2D wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
At first I really worried about the chainrub on the bottom of the frame causing a lot of damage. But Santa Cruz has worked with me and I feel much better about the situation now. You definitely have to protect that area of the bike and try to use the small chainring as little as possible. With my last bike, a used to love to stay in the small ring all the time. Now I am learning to use the middle ring more often, and it will probably make me stronger in the long run.
The ride itself is awe inspiring, and it becomes VERY easy to spend many hours in the saddle. It's a beautiful bike that receives many compliments.
I am still a little worried about the chainrub....we will see how that plays out in the long run, as I am a climber that does use the little ring quite a bit. If not for the chainrub, the bike would get 5 chilis overall without a doubt. Since the bike costed more than my car is worth, it gets only 3 chilis valuewise.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Daniel Batchelor
a Racer
from Roswell Georgia USA Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Blankets, Big Creek, Tsali
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4000.00
Purchased At:
colorado
Strengths:
Point and shoot, postpones that "not so fresh feelng", more upright posture, tuneable suspension, handing, fun fun fun.
Weaknesses:
The bike would be a perfect 10 if it had suspension lockout on the handlebar like my Trek Fuel 100 carbon.
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
All XTR, RP3 rear shock, RLT100 front shock, Python light tubeless, disc.
Bottom Line:
I raced this bike in the 24 Hours of Adrenaline at the 96 Olympic course in Atlanta and it was dreamy. I tried one lap on my Trek Fuel 100 and could not wait to get back on the Blur. The Trek Fuel 100 is light and fast but it is designed for a less rugged course and would eat up the Blur on most easy courses but when it comes to rugged courses the Blur will kill and eat anything in its path. The Blur ate up the granite bumps and hills and smoothed out the difficult olympic course. It is the perfect bike for a long event. If you want the suspension hard, flip the lever on the RP3 and turn the knob on the RLT100 and the bike becomes a seasoned racer. Flip the levers back and it feels like a downhill bike decending the slopes. If you cannot afford this bike, borrow the money from an orphanage or sell a kidney. If you want it, you really do need it.
Dr. Daniel Batchelor Batchelor Chiropractic 270 South Atlanta st Roswell, Georgia 30075 770-823-8186 DrBatch@aol.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nuno
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: April 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Monsanto, Grândola
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Bicioeste and several Europ. web sites
Strengths:
VPP combines plushness and pedal/brake efficiency like no other system I tried. Geometry is excelent for XC, and the lateral stifness of rear triangle is even better than my former hardtail. Great weight for this stiffness. Frame weights 2550g size L. Pivots and bearings are ok after the terrible winter we had.
Weaknesses:
BB a bit too low. Hit rocks with pedals too often.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Epic, GT I-Drive 4 Carbon
Bike Setup:
Fox F100RLC. DT Swiss Wheels (240s, XR 4.2D, Aerolite). XTR crankset and F Der. XO R Der. and twistshifters. Magura Marta SL brakes. Crankbros EB SL pedals. Nokon cables. XTR cassette. SRAM 991 hollowpin chain. Syntace seatpost and stem. Easton carbon handlebar. SLR XC sadle. Nobby Nic 2.1 kevlar tyres without inner tubes. Total weight 10600g
Bottom Line:
Infinite traction, zero pedaling/brake feedback, lightspeed accelerations, predictable handling. The more phisical or technical the terrain gets the better it shines. Won a race only due to the bike qualitys shortly after buying it. In spite of beeing an unskilled rider, was able to get rid of the competition (some of them undoubtly physically stronger) by attacking several times over very technical terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Slade
a Racer
from Folsom, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
AnyTrail AnyWhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Point and shoot... nimble easy, fun to ride does not misbehave. Climbs well, plush. The VPP works... period.
Weaknesses:
None to mention really but it's a full suspension bike, you gotta maintain the pivots... but that's true with any FS bike
Full XT, Stan's NoTubes Race wheel set (stupid light!), Fox F100X, 4ti eggbeaters, XTR cassette. 23.9lbs!
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is I've owned or test riden MANY full suspension bikes. This is the bike that gave me that s*%t eatin' grin in the first 5 minutes of my first ride. I've tried a few otheres including the new Specialized StumpJumper... nothing I've riden is this fun to ride.
This bike climbs too. With the TerraLogic Fox fork it's a hard to beat combo. You can't go wrong with a Blur!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any trail that is not on fire
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Descends with confidence; stable in corners
Weaknesses:
Feels heavy
Similar Products Used:
2007 Ellsworth Truth
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Reba Team, carbon seat post and stem...the works.
Bottom Line:
The bike feels very confident in descents, but feels slightly heavy ascending (compared to Ellsworth Truth). This bike feels slightly more like a downhill bike than a xc racer. This bike is a great all around trail bike, but go w/ something else if you want a nimble xc bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devendra
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: February 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Fairhaven Bike
Strengths:
This bike is light, nimble, climbs like a rocket. The VPP suspension is awesome.
Weaknesses:
For riding in the mud, slime and roots of Western Washington, the Kenda tires that came on the bike don't dig or grip like I need them to- not a big deal.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR. Fox 32 F100RLC fork. Fox float RP23 rear shock. Thompson post and stem, King headset, DT Swiss rims and hubs. Eggbeater triple-ti pedals. Just under 25 pounds.
Bottom Line:
For the true cross-country rider, this is a dream machine. For years I said I would give up my hardtail for a full suspension bike when there was no weight penalty, and no loss of efficiency in pedaling. Seemed pretty unlikely. Well, here it is.
Most of my riding is a mix of single-track and logging roads. Riding in the Chuckanuts means a lot of climbing, and a lot of fast traverses and descents. The Blur XC is the sh!t for this kind of riding! As other reviewers have stated, I find I am making hard maneuvers that I seldom made on my other bike. The Virtual Pivot Point suspension does what they claim! Very efficient, even under sudden bursts of torque. The steering on this thing is unbelievably accurate and responsive. And, actually a little more forgiving than I expected- a pleasant surprise.
I love that both the fork and the rear shock lock out. For long slow climbs this works great. Flip two switches and the ride becomes velvety. The XTR shifters are so smooth, I hardly ever think about shifting, it's just instinctive.
For me, what a good bike does: it disappears underneath me. So that my riding isn't about the bike- it's about me, the bike and the terrain interfacing seamlessly. Know what I mean? From the first ride, the Blur has given me all of that. We're still in the honeymoon phase, but this has all the makings of a serious long-term love affair. Within my capability, I can do anything I want on this bike, and I tear single-track pretty hard. But again, like the Santa Cruz blurb says, I am the skinny, fast, heart-rate monitor type of rider. Those seeking a plush, big-travel bike for going downhill should look elsewhere. But for those of us who are built to climb, the Blur XC rules.
By the way, the guys at Fairhaven Bike in Bellingham are great. They did me right with this bike.
As for the flaming chilis, it's going to be hard to be generous on the value rating. This bike knocked me back a major amount of coin. Probably you could have a "comparable" ride for half to two-thirds the money. This time, I decided not to compromise, and paid dearly. I have not a shred of regret, either. I'm figuring: life is short and tenuous, and mountain biking is my passion... why not have my dream machine?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: January 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I just upgraded to Blur XC after riding a Blur classic for almost 4 years. Took it out for a 2 hour plus ride yesterday and was honestly only expecting it to feel a little better and mainly because it's about 1 1/2 lbs. lighter due to the lighter frame and parts. Well I was wrong, it was huge difference the new geometry keeps the front end planted much better than the classic on steep climbs. I cleared a steep technical climb that I usually only make about 10 percent of the time with no problems and I'm not in nearly as good of shape as in the middle of the season. The best part though is that the better climbing did not seem to come at the expense of descending capabilities, I felt just as comfortable as on my Classic though this trail did not have any really gnarly downhills.
I loved my Classic but for XC oriented riding with a lot of climbing the XC is awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fort Rock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Rhino Bike Works
Strengths:
looks great. standover. handling, climbing and descending.
Weaknesses:
pivots. Frame warranty (no lifetime warranty to original owner). Can fit a water bottle cage on the small frame.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
size small. XT set up w/ crane creek headset, easton stem, handle bars and seatpost
Bottom Line:
Overall a very fun bike to ride. It makes me a better rider than what I really am. The rear suspension preforms as well as advertised, however, it creaks over time, which is very annoying and you must check the pivots every couple of rides to make sure they haven't loosen up. The shaft that connects the rear shock to the rear triangle has sheered and been replaced twice which really sucks if you are a great distance from the trail head. I don't want to sound all negative because it really is a fun bike to ride I just wish for the price you pay it had a life time warranty on the frame and the rear suspension didn't require so much TLC. I guess that is why I bought a singlespeed. Based on performance alone I would recommend this bike and would give it 5 chili's. But not for the consumer that doesn't like to deal with fixing things. Find a really good hardtail or single pivot bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Lenox, MA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Strengths:
Super light, extra rigid, Great climber
Weaknesses:
None yet... maybe the price...
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel EX8 (2005)
Bottom Line:
Just got this bike this weekend. 2008 model with XT Shadow setup. This thing is wicked fun... Light, nimble, shifts on a dime. Threw on some tubeless rims... Seems like Santa Cruz got the Virtual Pivot System right, minimal bob when climbing and great response when needed. I'll update once I'm able to get some more miles in...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DUDE
a
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: September 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
mill creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$14510.00
Purchased At:
full cycle
Strengths:
Light, climbs well, RP23 is a great rear shock. Bobs a little but doesn't suck the energy out of you on the climbs.
Weaknesses:
???
Bottom Line:
Love my blur XC. Has great trail riding characteristics. Climbs well. You can see the pivots moving a little bit when you look down when your climbing but you can't really feel it in your legs (thank you VPP). Handles descents absolutely superbly. So I am going to brag a little bit here, but Oh well I love this bike: Was racing two weekends ago and was about 50 yards behind a fellow on an IBIS Mojo as we left the last hill and started the final descent. I have a Gravity Dropper and dropped it an inch. I also flipped the Rp23 to wide open and started to rail the descent. I caught the guy on a roller within a mile, and proceeded to hammer the descent for a while to make a point. I ended up beating him by about a minute. That was the most fun I have ever had on a bike. The thing about the Mojo is its a 140 mm of travel compared to my 115 on back and 105 up front. For all extensive purposes the other racer should have dusted me on the descent. Granted the other racer probably didn't have as big of cojone's as me but the fact is I wouldn't have beat him if the blur xc wasn't up to the task.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sasa thegame
a Cross Country Rider
from chainça,leiria,portugal Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
charneca
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3700.00
Purchased At:
btterra
Strengths:
Handling Quality of workmanship climbs great Descends like cat
full xt,fox rp3, fox 100 rl, race face deus , mavic crossride , irc mibro
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike , maybe the santa cruz blur xc is a little heavy but it makes up for it for the great climbing and descending . the others bikes are great but the santa cruz blur xc is unbelieveable
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn Shaikun
a Weekend Warrior
from Orchard Park, NY USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All of the great trails near Buffalo NY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Shifting Gears Lockport NY
Strengths:
Bike does all it is claimed to do. The VPP plus platform Fox, moves you up the hill like a hardtail, excellent climber. Handling is great, and plenty plush enough too over rocks and logs.
If you want your all purpose bike to lean towards fast yet plush, its hard to imagine any bike doing it better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Racer
from Seattle Date Reviewed: June 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Palo Duro Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
Kirkland Bike shop
Strengths:
Fast and light, really fast. Hella fun. Free bearings was a great wa for SCB to sweeten the deal too.
Weaknesses:
I'm 6'3" so it was a pain in the ass getting the biggest XC to fit properly. Be ready to run a lot of stack and long stem ot get a decent fit.
Similar Products Used:
Intense spyder (if you can keep it together its fun too) Salsa Caballero
Bike Setup:
XTR from the wheels up. Reba team fork.
Bottom Line:
So the Blur classic was the gold standard for fun to ride XC bikes. Of course the down side to it was the 6+ lbs of frame you're lugging around. The new XC is killer. Fast and light as hell, I'll be keeping this one for a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawne camp
a Racer
from Redwood city, CA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4200.00
Purchased At:
summit bikes
Strengths:
Climbs like a banshee, nice set up can get it sub 25lbs, very responsive
Weaknesses:
Frame colors??? What frame colors!!! Ano blue must be the flavor of the year.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Liquid 55, Cannodale F700
Bike Setup:
Fox F100 RLC, Fox R23, XTR drivetrain, Mavic SL, Juicy 7s, Thomson post and stem, WTB Laser V saddle, Easton carbon monkey lites, King headset
Bottom Line:
I built this for XC racing/riding only. If you're looking to punish a bike off some drops or launch off your local jumps....review some bikes built for that. If your looking to climb the hills you normally push your bike up, speed down single track or have an epic day of riding the XC might be for you. I haven't experienced the pivot issues some reviewers write about on my Nomad or XC. I also haven't had to deal with SC customer service on either bike....fingers are crossed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norine Nadeau
a Cross Country Rider
from Wethersfield. CT Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
West Hartford Resevoir
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
light, VPP suspension system, great climber, comfortable
Weaknesses:
Price, back tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
Specialized stumpjumper, Cannondale Rush
Bike Setup:
XT components, Fox RP3 (rear), Moinitou R7 (front)
Bottom Line:
First of all I paid $1500 for the frame and fork. I am on the trails about 3-4 times a week from April - Jan., so I have put a lot of miles on the bike in the past year. It has been great for xc racing and adventure racing. It is also great for just weekend rides. I am a light rider and the bike is easy for me to maneuver. The suspension system is a really efficient design. That's the reason I choose this over the Cannondale Rush. I haven't noticed any squeaking, which seems to be the biggest complaint. However, I have avoided washing my bike with water on a consistent basis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Saldana
a Cross Country Rider
from Salinas Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
sea otter 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4900.00
Purchased At:
another bike shopt
Strengths:
climbs like a mountain goat, very easy to ride off the seat, absorbs the technical climbs like they were not there, very fast rolling bike!! I went fully XTR components.
Weaknesses:
on 2 occasions, I've been getting squicking at the pivots. they have tried to fix it, but it came back a 2nd time recently. I've heard that the bushings/bearings are life time warranty? not sure about this one though.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
awesome, can ask for anything better than full XTR.
Bottom Line:
I'm very happy with the bike. My only concern is pivots squicking already and bike is only 1-year old. The color is anodized silver, so it looks very cool without scratches and stuff. On the downhills, it also performs very well. I use the pro-pedal adjustments on the frame shock, and it does make a difference on the climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay thornton
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
web
Strengths:
light weight, VPP system, overall balance.
Weaknesses:
back tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
norco 4x4, cannondale prophet
Bike Setup:
XTR
Bottom Line:
if you have been around this sport for 10 + years as I have, put your leg over this version as well as the LT......as trails have changed for the better and my body has changed for the worse, I needed a bike to replace my rocky mountain blizzard..this bike is as light, but dual suspension.....
as for the XC setup....yes, this is not a freeride bike, but nor is it an old school XC hardtail set up despite what SC marketing states (and this is a good thing)....I would reccomend putting your leg over both versions before making a purchase. Also putting a thicker tire on front can make the bike more upright...hey I remember people putting on smaller tires on the front when front suspension came out, along with a negative rise stem....yes, I am that old!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Han
a Cross Country Rider
from S/Korea Date Reviewed: November 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
ILSAN, Republic of Korea
Strengths:
everything
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Epic comp
Bike Setup:
Fork: Fox F100 X Shock: Fox RP3 Front derailer: Shimano XT Rear derailer: Shimano XTR Shifters: Shimano XTR Brakes: Shimano XTR Cassette: Shimano XT Chain: Shimano XTR Crankset: Race Face Deus 175mm Bottom bracket: Race Face x-type Headset: Chris King Seat post: Thomson Masterpiece Bars: Controltec carbon riserbar Stem: Thomson Wheels: DT XR 4.1d rims laced to DT 240S hubs
Bottom Line:
This bike makes me want to ride every day. This bike is for the beginning rider all the way up to the expert rider. Each will benefit from the technology, and the expert rider will take it to the limit. It is defiantly the best XC Trail bike in the universe. ^^
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Djaka Dwiputra
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia Date Reviewed: November 26, 2006
This bike is total the best and most beautiful Full suspension cross country on the market to date. The craftsmanship is amazing and the frame rides dexterously, it feels very steadfast and natural on the vpp suspension. The climbs and descend are just plain and pure fun. Any one out there who are still searching and researching for the ultimate light xc full suspension, I would highly recommend Santa Cruz Blur XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Burton
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
That Smooth Tacky Single Track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
Friend of a Ffriend
Strengths:
Light, turns well in high speed single track, eats up bumps. With Pro-Pedal on firm & Fork Locked out Climbs very well.
Weaknesses:
The Kenda Tires. Hard to get chain off front derauiller in large number of gears.
Similar Products Used:
Kestrel CSX Hardtail for last 12 years. XT updated every 2 years or so, Manitou Skareb Super.
Bike Setup:
RP23 frame shock, RLC100 fork, XT all around, integrated shift/brake lever. Med Frame w/flat 110mm stem.
Bottom Line:
So far Very Good. If you are thinking of changing from Hard Tail to a XC Full Suspension this should at least be a candidate. Frame Shock Makes a big difference b/t Firm Setting and Open setting. Can hammer where trail is just off flat in the saddle with fork in fulltravel mode or out with Fork Locked (RLC 100 can be set at have an easy blow off when Locked). So far I have not felt a lot of pedal bob, unless the RP23 is "open". Was skeptical about the brake lever shifting & the rapid rise rear derauliier but have come to really like both.
Have about 300 miles on it so far, took first 3 or 4 rides to get properly set up, just getting really comfortable on technical climbing & getting back up to speed on descents and big ring stuff. So far this is a great bike for a large range of riding.
4 on the value rating only b/c it's a lot of bucks at retail price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason G
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Downieville & Tahoe Area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Warranty Replacement
Strengths:
Best climbing bike I've ridden, period. Solid descender. Did I mention WARRANTY - SANTA CRUZ CUSTOMER SERVICE ROCKS!
Weaknesses:
Looks like a real Blur on a diet - black is slimming. 2.1 tires RUB ON THE FRAME - poor clearance. Get anodized finish, powdercoat looks sloppy after a while.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC, Original Santa Cruz Blur, Fisher hardtail, Bianchi SISS Single Speed
Bike Setup:
Black powdercoat frame - Fox Float RLC 100, SRAM XO, WTB hubs & 717 rims, Hayes 9 hydraulic brakes
Bottom Line:
Got this as a warranty frame for original Blur that cracked right above the front derailleur. THANK YOU SANTA CRUZ FOR STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT!
I was a little skeptical about the XC version because I had a hard-on for my original Blur - the bike lived to go down hills - an incredible trail bike. That trait made the Blur 1 a sloppy ascender - it would wander and was a little inefficient up hills. Not the XC, though. This bike eats up technical climbs and allows me to sit on the tightest lines. It eats up climbs that Blur 1 would leave me frustrated.
Down hills and over jumps, the XC is solid, but not as perfect as Blur 1. Overall, the XC is a better bike for me and I would recommend to anyone coming from a hard tail. This bike leans a little more towards the cross country than trail bike and is a great all-around bike. One more thing - get anodized finish over powder coat - I ended up with powder on both Blurs and it ends up looking sloppy/scratched after a while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from DE Date Reviewed: August 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fantastic climber and descender, very plush yet quick, no bob, light weight, good power transfer to pedals.
Weaknesses:
Poor tire clearance and mud shedding ability, chain rub on bottom of chainstay in two lowest gears, frequent bearing replacement makes for high maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
Turner Flux
Bike Setup:
Fox RP3 shock in rear, Maintou R7 fork, Speeddream wheels, XT cranset, shifters, and derailleurs, Thomson stem and seatpost, WTB Pure V saddle, Magura Marta brakes, Answer Pro Taper carbon handlebar, Ritchey foam grips.
25 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I really like the way this bike rides - it's allowed me to gain confidence bombing down gnarlier trails and climbs better than my steel hardtail. The rear wheel hooks up on loose terrain and the RP3 shock felt like a big pillow under my a$$. It's a nimble bike and a very good racer.
Now you're probably wondering why I sold the bike. Although the bike has some minor weaknesses, my biggest complaint is that the frequent maintenance on the bearings seemed sketchy. I replaced the bearings once after 6 months and they are vulnerable to water and grit getting in them. The frame was a bit noisy and the rear triangle is also a bit flexy. The thought of frequent bearing replacement and chasing down creaks made me yearn for something more dependable.
I ended up getting a Turner Flux - less maintenance (bushings instead of bearings), stiffer rear end, snappier feel (although less cushy).
Overall, I think the Blur XC is a top-notch bike but one that will require more maintenance given its suspension design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtn kitten
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whidbey Island trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3800.00
Strengths:
Solid over rocky ground Climbs smooth and strong Envious looks from other riders
Weaknesses:
Everyone has the same color!!
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Juliana Old beater Specalized Rockhopper
Bike Setup:
Medium frame- Ano steel blue
Fork: Fox F100 RLT Shock: Fox RP3 Front derailer: Shimano M760 (XT) Rear derailer: SRAM XO alloy Shifters: SRAM XO trigger Brakes: Avid Juicy 7 Cassette: SRAM PG-990 11/34 Chain: SRAM PC-971 Crankset: Race Face Deus 175mm Bottom bracket: Race Face x-type Headset: Chris King Seat post: Thomson Masterpiece Bars: FSA OS XC 190 Stem: FSA OS 150
Bottom Line:
Can't help but want to go riding with this beauty! I just started racing xc, and this bike has lived up to all my expectations. Sharp handling, excellent climbing... I rarely notice any bob while seated. XO shifters and Avid brakes work like a dream. Great bike for multi-hour epic trailrides too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, CO USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
deer creek, CB
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
climbing and descending
Weaknesses:
lower bb, weight (yes I know it is pretty light)
Similar Products Used:
Truth, Racer X, came from a Moots YBB
Bike Setup:
mix of XT, XTR, SRAM, Fox RLT, Hope Pro 2 with DT rims, Marta SL,
Bottom Line:
WOW, I cannot believe what a great climber & descender this bike is. I rode the Racer X and the Truth, and had been riding a YBB for 3 years. I got a good deal on the frame and was influenced by the MTBR reviews and the lighter weight of this frame compared to the Truth & RX. I am just amazed by this bike. I've done a couple of XC races in CO so far and plan several more this season. I can climb stuff I had to walk on the YBB and of course can go down lines I would never do on the YBB. It is 2 lbs heavier and I do plan to get some lighter cranks & h-bars. But so far I am wy faster than on the YBB. The other thing that I can do is steer with body shifting at high speed--I could not do that nearly as well with my older bikes. Overall it is an amazing upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JackSprat
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap/Longridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Sun Bike Shop, Milpitas
Strengths:
What a climber! Superb craftmanship. Damned fine components, light weight package. The anodized steel blue finish is first-class yet won't chip. It simply screams up and down them thar hills.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire clearance. The 2.35 inch Nevagals are a little overkill; could use 1.8 or 2.1 to save weight and maybe get better clearance. Santa Cruz really sucks on delivery (10+ weeks after promising 4-6)
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth and Epiphany, StumpJumper XC, Epic, Enduro
Bike Setup:
Complete XT package, DT Swiss wheels, Fox F100RLT and RP3, Kenda Nevegal 2.35 tires, Thomson seatpost, WTB Stealth seat, Raceface stem and carbon handlebars, Frog pedals.
Bottom Line:
After riding an S-Works hardtail for years at about the same weight, the Blur XC climbs so much faster while offering a lot more comfort and traction. The 4+ inch suspension seems more like 6+ inches. Stay seated and there's no need to lock out the suspension (front or rear). Just point and shoot and off you'll go. All the hardware is blended so well, even the combo shifters/brakes are better than anticipated. One helluva package. Well worth the wait. This baby is absolutely fun! Wow!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Oakland Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Efficient climber and smooth descender.
Weaknesses:
BB clearance a little high rel. to FS comps, affecting cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Blur
Bike Setup:
Fox RLT, Magura, XTR Cranks, SRAM, WTB Wheels...just under 25
Bottom Line:
This bike is extremely efficient and fun climbing, and on flats and downhills. It is now light enough to race and given its pedaling efficincy is a better way to go than most of its peers. For an all-around XC bike its a no-brainer, The Blur XC!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Primacio
a Cross Country Rider
from Guam, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
Hornet's Sporting
Strengths:
Extra small sizing available, VPP in action superb either ascends and descends
Weaknesses:
12 weeks delivery time, chain rub on chainstay frame while on the granny and smallest cog, downtube and fork contacts
Similar Products Used:
Giant ATC, Carbon NRS AIR, Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Xmax SL, SID Team, CKs, Thompsons,SLR
Bottom Line:
Boost my confidence descending realized though I was smilling while going down real fast. Never imagined it could be that great and the fit for extra small is incredibly matched! Now a slight bend of neck to turn and the bike just follow thru. It is still worth the 12 weeks wait, the chain and down tube rubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mare
a Cross Country Rider
from East Brunswick, NJ Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Responds well to my commands and to unexpected terrain, absorbs well, climbs well...does everything well!!
I rode a Klein Attitude hardtail for years and loved the bike. I love my Klein so I wasn’t in a rush to replace it. Besides, I never found a full suspension that topped my hardtail. And then I tried the Blur XC...LOVE AT FIRST RIDE! I was cruising through the trails and going over stuff with such confidence. For full suspension I prefer a softer ride (otherwise again, I would still be riding my Klein all the time) and this is a Cadillac. Forget all this mumbo jumbo... it's just an awesome bike that feels great to ride.
Oh…just be careful with Santa Cruz...they promise you something in 2 weeks and you get it in 6 months. I luckily didn't experience that, but that's what they are known for...false promises. Give them hell and keep on them. Don't wait for your bike store to do that for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
felipe rivera
a Racer
from colima Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
suchitlan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
pin bike
Strengths:
santacruz blur xc
Bike Setup:
kit sram xo and fox f100rlt
Bottom Line:
the best bicycle in the planet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Thornton,Co Date Reviewed: February 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
South Bay Cycles
Strengths:
Climbing and Bombing trails. This whould be one of the top 3 XC bikes made in my opinion!
Weaknesses:
You cant really get out of you seat when climbing! Once you start pounding, your rear wheel starts skipping.....
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Epic, Litespeed Pisgah.
Bike Setup:
Full Sram Xo F&R Derailers & Shifters. Hope Disc brakes,Chris King Hubs & Headset. Fox Talas & RP3 It's loaded......................
Bottom Line:
This bike has exceeded my expectations! It's climbs like a banshee. And rip's down the trails like a freight train. I did not believe the blur hype either. I test rode one then bought one, end of story! If you are curious, get to a bike shop for a tets ride. You will become a believer.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sydewok
a Cross Country Rider
from San Carlos CA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Whittemore Gulch- Purisma
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Cycle City
Strengths:
The degree of confidence that this bike generates is absolutely mind-boggling. Everyone exaggerates when giving their opinion, but in this case, the proof is in the pudding. Ride one and you'll see. When climbing, the rear always stays connected and slip free- even on the most rooted and rocky uphills. Just stay seated, point the front wheel, and roll over it. When descending...well, lets just say that I feel like I'm cheating when racing my buddies down the trail. I have to agree that at 26 lbs, this baby rides and feels light. Steering is quick, but not in an unforgiving manner.
Weaknesses:
Same general consensus as all the other reviews- Tire clearance on rear cross brace. VPP linkage does require a bit of maintenance. Keep it clean!
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 90 for 5 years
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz SPX XC complete kit. Fox F100RLT and RP3
Bottom Line:
Pricing, value , the Santa Cruz lineage and quality aside, this bike is three letters... F U N ! Although it's designed for the XC racer (I do not race) anyone that likes to go fast and be at ease while doing it, this machine is for you. 4.5 inches of travel feels more like six but stay away from the big drops and jumps. Other than that, the Grin Factor is extremely high.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade
a
from Spring Hill, TN Date Reviewed: December 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chickasaw Trace
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2050.00
Purchased At:
MOAB
Strengths:
Light, Plush, Anodized Blue, VPP, Santa Cruz customer service
Weaknesses:
Pedal clearance, 4 month wait
Similar Products Used:
Trek hardtail
Bike Setup:
Sram X9 front/rear & trigger,Race Face Cranks, Avid Mechanical
Bottom Line:
I moved from a 1996 Trek hardtail to this Blur. The difference is amazing. I rode my favorite trail faster the first time out. Great bike for XC riders. I don't do any jumps or downhill, so I can't speak to that. Also, I've read that the frame feels weak, yet I haven't noticed this at all. Ride it for what it's built for and you shouldn't have any problems. The same with the tire clearance. It's not built for oversize tires, it's a cross country race bike. MY only issue is that I had to wait 4 months after initially being told it would be 4 weeks. Santa Cruz stepped up, however, and gave me the Anodized finish at no charge. Also, Murfreesboro Outdoor and Bicycle (MOAB) is the best bike shop in the area, bar none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fred
a Cross Country Rider
from cazadero ca Date Reviewed: December 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
magic carpet
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
another bike shop
Strengths:
light,stable, quick,climbs like a dream
Weaknesses:
low bottom bracket
Similar Products Used:
heckler, chameleon
Bike Setup:
dbx integrated kit
Bottom Line:
the fox fork, shock set up is unreal. 4 inches of travel feels like 6. the bike flies through rock gardens, roots, logs and steep drops. i have only started to realize the full potential of this bike. i had no problem adjusting to the integrated shifters. the low bottom bracket was a problem at first, but i have adjusted my pedaling style on rock garden climbs. the bike is small with 170mm cranks. the bike was worth the wait ( 2 months ). graham at another bike shop was awesome to work with. this bike is perfect match for the trails in northern california.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from Park City, Utah USA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Crescent Mine Grade
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2499.00
Purchased At:
Jan's
Strengths:
Light and agile this is the right bike for me. I love the Fox lockout RL100, climbs great with no bob. I am older rider 190lbs and I am very comfortable on the Blur XC. Holds the line with amazing stability with Kenda's. I have a 2.3 front tire and 2.25 rear. This is a great setup when bombing down the trails. VPP is very smooth and the 4" travel is plenty for Park City trails. Just lock it in and start climbing and you don't feel gassed when you hit the top like heavier all mountain rigs.
Weaknesses:
Pedal clearance you have to pay attention or you will get tossed! Shimano Deore XT dual brake and shifter is kinda funky.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Slayer
Bike Setup:
XT, Deore with Fox Rl100 and Fox Pro Pedal, Monkey lite bars, Hayes dics/ Kenda's pretty much stock from the shop. It was a demo bike in Vegas
Bottom Line:
I had been riding a Slayer for the past 3 years. Great bike, but the lockout and set up always made me struggle when climbing, the bike was probably to heavy. I could never get my weight over the front where I felt I was climbing efficiently. I also struggled with tight climbing switchbacks. I probably bought the wrong bike for what I really wanted, a light weight, cross country machine that fits my body frame. I would recommend the Blur XC to those who love to climb and bomb the established trails versus hucking off jumps and big downhills. With VPP you can ride with speed and comfort without worrying about getting tossed, but I would get those Kenda's for an amazingly stable ride.The bottom line is I love to ride the Blur and I just can't put her away as long as the trails hold up before the snow. Oh yeah , the guys at Jan's rock. They know bikes and they are always willing to go the extra mile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David tree_magnet
a Racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch - Comfort TX
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1677.00
Purchased At:
Ride Away Bikes
Strengths:
Light (23.8 lbs w/pedals), quick, no bob-in fact, a tremendously stable bike once set up correctly; however, no where near as idiot proof as my original Blur (e.g. no where near as stable on steep and/or rocky descents). That said, this bike climbs so much better.
Weaknesses:
Quality control, as the rear triangle was not formed correctly and had to be replaced before my LBS delivered the bike. Don't know if the LBS or Santa Cruz is responsible for the creeking, but the FS frame pivots make constant popping/cracking noises. AND, they are the same noises that my 2003 Blur has been making since it was 8 months old. My 2003 frame has had the pivot bearings replaced 4 times!!! However, the noises won't go away and it is impossible to enjoy a quiet offroad ride. This is something that both totally annoying and absolutely inexcusable for either frame, considering the price range!!! The Ano Blue color is okay, but was willing to pay a BIG....REALLY BIG....premium for an Ano Citrus XC (like my 2003). Too bad Santa Cruz said no, which almost nixed the deal (definately would have totally blown the deal, had I known the frame was going to sound like Jiffy Pop from the git-go.
Similar Products Used:
Original Blur & Seven Teres(softail)
Bike Setup:
Med Blur XC, Fox RLC 100, Fox RP3, Chris King headset, Full XTR 965 drive-train/brakes, Stans NoTubes Wheelset, Continental Supersonics, Masterpiece Post, TITEC 118 Ti(Terra-Logic is BRUTTLE on 49 year old joints), Selle Italia SLK seat, EC-70 Stem, and triple Ti Crank Bros.
Bottom Line:
The bike works and climbs ver well, but the workmanship and bearing engineering are suspect. I love my original Blur and it's amazingly idiot-proof ride. Regardless, I would never have purchased this bike had I known the VPP suspension would immediately make more noise than my frickin' body's old joints or if the XC's handling would be this different from my original Blur. I love the way this bike climbs, but not at the expense of the noise and more radical/less forgiving handling characteristics.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, CO, United States Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
East Burke, Vt, Kindom Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great Climber and descender. Light and responsive!
Weaknesses:
Pedal ground clearance and rear tire verticle clearance with oversized rubber.
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
XTR, Crossmax SL, Fox 100 Terra Logic 2006.
Bottom Line:
This bike climbs better then my superlight, and is much, much better downhill. It's a true XC racer with the added bonus of being strong on the downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagan Date Reviewed: October 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Santa Cruz
Strengths:
Great suspension. lightweight. Great handling characteristics.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Blur original, Trek Fuel 90.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Cane Creek, Bontrager Race Light, Race Face.
Bottom Line:
Bike was a warranty replacement. Like the other reviews have stated, Santa Cruz has the best customer service in the business period. Willi took care of me, and fast. I also had a cracked frame at the front derailleur. I had also broken the pivot piece, which is now titanium and the new frame has many geometry improvements on a great bike design. I could care less about a broken frame when this is how they back up their product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott williams
a Cross Country Rider
from carlsbad, ca, usa Date Reviewed: October 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lots
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1677.00
Purchased At:
richards
Strengths:
Weight,fox rp3 easy to set up,great climbing,quick handling
Weaknesses:
less than beautiful welds,sometimes too quick handling a little twitchy,chain rub on pivot in granny gear
I usually wait longer before I really form an opnion,the bike is great, not what I expected,but great nonetheless.I say this because I expected it to be a bit more plush of a ride, but 4in. of travel is 4in. of travel. It is a little twitchy in high speeds, but in tight singletrack it works very well. climbing is where it pays off.It is one of the best for climbing I have ridden,this is my first vvp frame, and I had a different idea of how it would ride. It is a great design, but my yeti asr-sl is just as good, even better in some situtations. I think that all the top designs out there work well, it is just a matter of preference. But I am very happy with my blur, no problems with pivots,easy to set up,very light, I dig it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Elk Meadow
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Denver Spoke
Strengths:
Climbs great, very nimble, yet still handles downhills great. Shorter chainstays and longer top tube per size make this a much better cross-country rig than the original blur. Better lateral tire clearance in back. Steel blue ano color is great. Nice and light. Best mountain bike I have ever had, and have been riding mtb since '84.
Weaknesses:
Pilot/motor, but that is a product of A.G.E. Tire clearance at the "brake bridge" of the seatstay on swing arm is marginal with high volume tire like the Spec. Roll X Pro - Santa Cruz should do a running change to give a half-inch more clearance. Plenty clearance with Conti Escape Pro.
Similar Products Used:
Ellsworth Truth, K2 Razorback RSL, Original 2003 Blur
Bike Setup:
Med Blur XC, Fox RLC 100, Chris King headset, hubs, Avid mechanical on rear, xtr v on front, FSA compact cranks, Easton post and bars, Thompson stem, xtr shifters, deraileurs.
Bottom Line:
Awesome XC/Trail bike. Fast, point and shoot, light. Santa Cruz finally crafted their Blur into a real FS race bike. Would not recommend for big hit/big jump - if that is your style get a Blur LT.
Willi at Santa Cruz was great - this was a warrantee replacement frame. Quick turn around and very understanding.
Denver Spoke was great too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Hamden Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Extremely Light and Fun to ride. Everything was perfect on the one I demo'ed.
Weaknesses:
Like A person said before, Once u start riding on the bike U'll notice immdeatiely that the frame seems very delicate.
Similar Products Used:
TreK Fuel 90
Bike Setup:
Specialized P2 with Shiver SCs and Rhino Lytes Rims
Bottom Line:
It is A extremely Light Bike, The one I used weighted a mere 22lbs. It's very fun to ride or push uphill compared to my 35lb Dirt Jumper. It seems delicate when u ride it, but if U just ride it like an Xc bike and don't go too hard on it, it'll be a very good bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Daniel Batchelor
a Racer
from Roswell, Georgia, USA, Earth Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, fast, agile, smooth, no bob, downhill, responsive, beautiful, anodized steel blue does not scratch. My Trek Fuel 100 is now my beater bike.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 100, Gary Fisher hardtail, Trek Fuel ex9
Bike Setup:
All XTR, Crossmax sl, Maxxis highroller UST
Bottom Line:
Its a work of art and rides like a dream. If your momma won't buy you one, sell a kidney and get the bike.
Dr. Dan Batchelor 270 South Atlanta st Roswell, Georgia 30075 http://home.aol.com/DrBatch
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Watts
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, OR, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Warranty replacement for 2 year old original Blur
Strengths:
Light responsive climber, virtually no bob, Precise handling on single track, stable descender
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Similar Products Used:
Original Blur, Specialised FSR-XC
Bike Setup:
Fox float AVA rear, Manitou 100mm air fork, XTR disc groupset, Mavic wheelset, flat bars
Bottom Line:
I really like this frame a lot and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, light and responsive cross country bike. The frame does feel fairly delicate though so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who habitually gets a lot of air. I rode an original Blur for two years and I thought it was great but I much prefer the Blur XC frame. It is noticeably lighter than the original and feels stiffer in the back end when climbing. With the forks locked out it responds well during uphill surges and the traction is fine. The single track handling is sharp and precise. Going downhill it feels more stable than my original Blur did. I guess something about the Blur XC suits my riding style because I immediately felt comfortable on it.
I would also like to say that I have been really happy with the warranty service from Santa Cruz. I dealt with them twice and both times they were fast and fair. I got the Blur XC frame as a warranty replacement because my original Blur cracked at the weld just beneath the front derailleur. About a year ago I also had to replace a cracked shock link. I doubt either of these problems are relevant to the Blur XC because Santa Cruz have eliminated the weld from the Blur XC and totally redesigned the shock linkages. It is nice to feel covered though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Climbing, going down hill, a very well made bike, well balanced.
Weaknesses:
None the only issue some riders may have is the tire clearance in the rear. I run a 2.0 tire so it does not bother me.
Fox 100mm inertia valve fork, Xt drivetrain and disc brakes with XTR cranks, Mavic whells laced to Chris King hubs, Thomson seatpost and stem, Easton monkeylight Sl carbon bars, Maxxis Ranchero tires
Bottom Line:
I would reccomend this bike to anyone who wants a bike that can race one weekend and then turn around and ride a 40+ mile trail ride. I bought this bike to exactly that although I have not raced it yet I have taken it on epic trail rides and it always comes out smelling like a rose. I have taken down nasty rock gardens, up and down miles of single track, up many of fire road climbs and this bike has not shown any signs of a weakness. Climbing on this bike is almost fun, The VPP design and RP3 shock really make climbing on this bike almost effortless. And the 4+ inches of travel is perfect for the downhills in my opinion. The only weakness some one might have with this bike is the tire cleance in the back. Other than that this bike is perfect for the rider who does not need 5" of travel and is looking for that trail bike on Saturday and that race bike on Sunday.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ric Scicc
a Weekend Warrior
from North Texas Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
overall ride, suspension, Weight, strength, ano colors
Weaknesses:
5th element tricky to set
Similar Products Used:
epic Comp, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup:
xt, disk, king, mavic sl, pythons, candy Ti
Bottom Line:
makes you a better, faster rider. Phrases like: point and shoot, climbs like a scolded monkey, are not just cool marketing tag lines..this bike actually does. 'dang frame just cost too much. The rest was my fault. 5th element is tricky to get the right pressure stabilized, but once set, it's the deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B.
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
www.corythebikefixer.com
Strengths:
Plush Efficient Hard anodized finish Weight Tire Clearance
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Intense Spider Trek Fuel Fisher Sugar and Cake Ellsworth Truth Giant NRS Cannondale Scalpel Original Blur
It took a few rides to really be sure that this bike was as effeiceint pedaling as other, not really full suspension designs (Fuel, Scalpel) because it is so plush. But my lap times have gone down even on courses with lots of climbing. With the shock set right, the bike is almost 100% bob free yet still soaks up the bumps. I can get any bike to bob if I'm out of the saddle and pedaling squares. But, unlike the Fuel and Scalpel, this bike eats the chatter and stutter bumps.
This bike is totally raceable against any FS frame. The only trouble is finding them in stock! Cory's got me the first one to come in did a great job having it built up for me the day it arrived. If you're looking for a Blur XC, give them a shot, they do a good job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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