Submitted by
Chris King
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2007
Strengths: Simple, Clean design that performs well
Weaknesses: Paint, Not all THAT light
Bottom Line:
I purchased this used from the 2nd owner after drooling over my friends' full-squishy, disk-braked bikes on a long winter ride. The first ride took a few hours to dial-in the suspension and get used to the new riding style. Once I eased off the rear damping, the back end came alive and stayed glued when it needed to but lively enough to bunnyhop over rocks, roots, small children, etc. I noticed that the back-end does flex enough to notice, but that it didn't affect the bike's ability to track through turns or accelerate. Other reviewers have commented on the need for a lockout, but I've found that fork lockout assists in out-of-saddle climbing and sprinting more than the rear. The paint has chipped/is chipping in a number of areas, but it certainly doesn't impact the ride quality and it's actually fun to pass guys on shiny papmered bikes on a "beater". The frame (I think it's a '03) could use hydraulic-specific cable guides, but this is a minor gripe. The fork is noce, but I still prefer the feel of the Marzocchi Marathon I use on my hartail. Definitely not for the freeride set (that's what the Kona is for) but really makes long XC rides a pleasure going up and instills confidence going down. All in all, a plush, well-balanced ride with little more maintenance required than a hardtail.
Similar Products Used: Mantis, Ibis Szazbo, Intense Tracer, FSR,
Bike Setup: Fox RL 100, XT, Mavic 221 on Onyx hubs, Hayes HFX w/ 6" rotors, Easton CF post, Monkey lite bars
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Tannock
a Cross Country Rider
from Cherry Hill, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2006
Strengths: Probably the last MTB frameset I'll ever need. I bought the framset and components and the shop allowed me to build it in their shop with their guidance and accasional assistance (like installing the headset). I built it in May of '02 and have ride it often. As parts wore out, I replaced them with upgrades and now the only original parts still on the frame are the fork, rear shock, bottom bracket and crank arms. The bushings are original and solid. Not a bit loose. The bike handles like a hardtail, climbs way better than my legs will allow and like the Energizer Bunny, it keeps going, and going, and going...
Weaknesses: None from my point of view.
Bottom Line:
I haven't found one thing with this bike to be unhappy with. Notta. Nothing. I'd ride it to my grave. Maybe even have it buried with me. (;>)
Similar Products Used: My first FS bike so none to compare to. Although, I have been told that if I rode a Blur, I'd not like the Superlight as much. So, I've resisted riding a Blur. What I don't know....
Bike Setup: Marzzochi Xfly 100/Fox Float RC, Avid Mech. Disc brakes, FSA bars and stem, Mavic 223 Disc wheels/XT Hubs. Scram shifters/XO rear derauiler, XT front Derauiler, Race Face cranks/rings, WTB tires with Stans NOtubes setup, Oury Grips, XT seat post/Bontrager seat. Did I forget anything?
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from carlsbad, ca, US of A
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006
Strengths: simple/ strong design, sharp and predictable handling, light for a full suspension, good service from SC.
Weaknesses: needs a LOT better rider!
Bottom Line:
a dependable, do anything (within reason) trail/XC bike that's easy to ride. What more do you want? An outstanding deal I found in the MTB Review classifieds. Thanks! 5 nuclear powered chilis for the last bike I will ever need!
Bike Setup: Xtr, Paul, FSA, Marzocchi, Thomson, King
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Lakeville CT
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003
Strengths: Very well built. Light. Snappy acceleration and climbing, yet plush on the downhill. Reasonably priced for the outstanding quality. SC service.
Weaknesses: A little flexy in the rear. Some pedal feedback in the granny.
Bottom Line:
This review is for my year 2000 frame.
I retired this frame a few weeks ago after over 3 years of riding, the last few rather hard riding. It is still in rock solid condition. Very scratched and worn looking, but completely true, and the main bearing is as solid and smooth as the day I bought it. I've done everything, including trips to the ski lifts, with this frame. It has outlived 2 wheelsets, and components too numerous to mention. This frame may be light, but it is well made and incredibly tough. FWIW, I'm about 180 lbs.
The Fox Float RC has never lost a pound of pressure. I bought the rebuild kit a year and a half ago, but I've never seen the point in using it. I have had to replace the reducer bushings that mount it to the frame twice, and DI inserts once. I don't think I paid more than $20 for all of this.
It is a high/forward single pivot design, so all of the pros and cons are pretty much true to some extent. The biggest advantage I noticed was the solid acceleration and climbing. The semiactive nature can work to your advantage in these situations. However, on granny gear climbs the feedback through the pedals on big bumps, such as roots, is anoying.
I ran my rear shock pretty low, and it was a plush ride, yet efficient. With the 70mm Superfly on the front, the bike was killer on tight singletrack. Going to the 105mm X-vert took some getting used to , and for the first year or so I had it reduced to 93mm. Over the last year I began riding more agressively, and I went to the full 105 for both the extra travel and the slacker head angle.
This bike has done it all for me. It rules for epic rides. I've used it at a DH area where I did not want to pay for the lift. The bike was awesome both up and down. The frame handled the abuse of DH'ing, although the geometry is not too condusive for that sort of stuff.
The frame has survived countless crashes, and outlasted most of the components it started with: numerous broken rear derailleurs, broken shifter, fried hydro disc brakes, two wheelsets, broken seat, broken seatpost, and 2 entire drivetrains. I did bend the deraileur hanger once. I got it straightened and it has been fine since then.
There are more sophisticated frames out there now, three years later, though I am interested to see how the new platform shocks work out with regard to single pivot bikes. It seems that they may breath new life into them. I just bought a Heckler, and the single pivot issues I had with the Superlight have been adressed between the pivot placement and the 5th element shock. I don't think the Superlight would be my first recomendation today (for xc the blur would be), but I highly recomend Santa Cruz as a company. Thier bikes are all well built,well designed, and reasonably priced (they are always being compared to bikes costing much more). I have been pleased with the service as well. Whenever I have had questions, they get back to me within the day.
The rear end was a little flexy, but I never found it that big of a deal. I hear the newer ones are a little better in that regard.
I always liked how quiet the bike was in rough terrain. No lingage to creak or rattle, and the elevated chainstay eliminated any chainslap.
Similar Products Used: Lots of XC FS bikes. I currently ride a new Heckler.
Bike Setup: It changed over the years. Started with `99 Superfly, RPM Lite wheels, Avid V's, 23" flatbar. Ended with X-vert super, hugi 240/VXC wheels, avid mech discs, hellbent riser.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
SWISS
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003
Strengths: Amazing climber Fantastic descender Great Santa Cruz customer service
Weaknesses: narrow rear tire clearance (no more than a 2.1) inconvenient pivot bolt location cheap decals & no clear coat peeling paint at dropouts after 1 ride Fox Float RL shock is horrible twitchy DH handling with less than 100mm of front travel no rear disc brake cable routing guides no replaceable derailleur hanger
Bottom Line:
This bike has converted me from a hartail-only retro-grouch into a firm believer that FS/XC is the way to go. First, the purchasing experience from Speedgoat was top-notch. One telephone call, free shipping, $950 for the frame and shock total! I first built the bike up with an older 80mm Zoke that I had used on my Gunnar hardtail for a couple of years, but after 2-3 rides, I realized that I needed something plusher on the front end to equal the nice plushness of the back of the bike. About the same time, I started having problems with air loss from the Fox shock. Took the bike to Moab in late March and was amazed at how well this bike climbs - I climbed more stuff, faster, and better than I ever did on a hardtail down there, and of course the downhills were faster and more comfortable too. The Fox shock has been returned once for the air loss problem, right after Moab, and seems to keep air pressure now, but now the lockout does not work on it. However, that's OK with me, because I never use the lockout - it climbs better with the shock activated. This bike is SOOOO fast on the downhills that I had to upgrade from rim brakes to disc brakes after the first months of riding. Various issues I have with the bike (which include the peeling powdercoat paint around the dropouts, the lack of a replaceable der. hanger, the narrow rear tire clearance, the need to tighten the pivot bolt every month - which requires removal of the crankset to get to the bolt, the lack of any cable guides for my rear disc brake) are far outweighed by how great this bike climbs and descends. I HATE the Fox shock (poor worksmanship and quality), but it will be replaced soon. A great first FS bike for me.
Similar Products Used: '98 Trek SLR hardtail frame, '00 Gunnar Rockhound 853 steel hardtail frame
Bike Setup: '02 powdercoated Superlight frame, '02 Fox Float RL shock, custom-built '01/'02/'03 Psylo XC fork, King headset, Race Face riser bar, Kore Elite stem, 410 Thomson post, Selle Italia Genuine Gel saddle, Race Face Turbine LP crankset and RF taperlock BB, Avid Mechanical disc brakes, XT/317 disc wheelset, Panaracer 2.1 Fire XC tires, Time pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
andrew schank
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, CA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003
Strengths: This bike is very impressive in many ways. As its name implies, it is very lightweight for a full suspension bike, several pounds lighter than others I tried. The ride quality is just right--not too squishy and not too harsh (when set up as recommended). I don't get any bob at all with the shocks set at 135 pounds front and 165 rear (my body weight)Climbs better than any bike I tried including hard suspension. I was able to ride up sections where I used to have to walk the bike. feels very strongly built-stable. Brakes well, corners well
Weaknesses: original seat was marginal-had them swap it out for a fantastic WTB Rocket V. Original tires pretty useless as well (Mosquitoes) swapped those out as well.
Bottom Line:
This bike exceeded all my expectations. Can't say too many things I've purchased in the past years have done that. I am able to enjoy going places my old hard suspension bike was miserable to be on. A 3 hour ride on this bike leaves me with energy left over. All the guys that work at Solano Ave Cyclery ride these Santa Cruz bikes, and that's what convinced me to give one a ride. It was $500 over my budget, but after several test rides, I scraped together the extra cash and I am glad I did. Highly recommended for cross country and single track riding.
Weaknesses: To afford frame, I built up with lower-end components (r-kit). Parts work well, but heavier, and will never impress component geeks
Bottom Line:
First FS MTN Bike, so reviewed extensively, and rode numerous bikes including Epic, Blur, Stumpjumper. Wanted the Blur, but couldn't find it for under $2,000. Rode the Superlight (I had overooked it in search for the newest and coolest), and realized this was the perfect bike for me. I use the lockout frequently, as I often ride on the road to my trailrides, and it is no harder than shifting a gear. I also use the lockout on many smooth singletrack climbs, but go to suspended mode as soon as I get to sections with railroad tie steps, rocks, roots, or sharp drainage berms. The Superlight lets me stay clipped in and pedalling on a whole series of climbing sections I used to have to dismount and push on on my hardtail. The first time you conquer a technical climb that you have never successfully ridden before is worth the price of admission! I join the chorus of those 1st-time fully suspended owners who will never go back. With the lockout, you have a hard tail when you want to beat your best time up your favorite climb, with the Superlight in suspended mode however, your descents will be fast, fun, and in control. You may find your fingers more tired from braking effort though, as momentum builds very quickly. A physical price most riders will gladly pay, I'm sure. The thing I hadn't anticipated about the Superlight, however, is how much less effort you expend on fast, more or less level but bumpy rocky sections. As you transition from these sections to a climb, you will be snappier and fresher, since your legs haven't been building lactic acid working as shocks. In addition, you will be grinning from the experience of hearing the bumps, but not feeling them. This bike will make you faster and happier. That's good enough for me. One personal decision is to switch out the riser bars I was talked into for flat bars with bar ends. I am so wide on the risers, that I resent my 20 minutes of increased wind resistance as I ride on the road to the trail. It's just too different from my road and track bikes, and I don't care if risers are what "everybody is switching to". If the flat bars feel much better, I'll write a new review. We'll see. I give the Superlight 5 value chilis for a race-able fully suspended for under $2,000. Overall 5 chillis for excellence in all the things I care about in a mtn bike- weight, climbing ability, handling in singletracks, descending predicibility and control. A great bike for long-time hardtailers, racers or serious recreational riders who like to drop their buddies on climbs but also want to keep up with them on the descents.
Similar Products Used: Specialized Epic, Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: R-kit, with Deore cranks, LX shifters, XT Rear Deraileur, Avid SD-7 brakes, WTB saddle, Bontrager rims, Easton EX-70 Riser Bars, Rock Shox Duke fork
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
chris morse
a Cross Country Rider
from Pine Mountain, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003
Strengths: The Super Light is exactly what the name says, light. It handles like no other and can rail through corners like the big guys do. There is very minimal pedal bob.
Weaknesses: The bottom bracket is kind of low and sometimes your feet will hit rocks. Howeveer, raising the bottom bracket will take away from the cornering ability.
Bottom Line:
The Santa Cruz Superlight is an awesome trailbike that can be used competively while racing. If you want quick handling and snappy acceleration, the Superlight is for you.
Bike Setup: FOX Float RL100, FOX AVA shock, Hayes Hydro Brakes I run the shock at a higher pressure than recomended for my weight. This way, I can mash at the pedals while keeping bobbing down. The shock still soaks up all the hits.
Strengths: Zero bob, light, handles well, cool color, and fast
Weaknesses: Took a while to get comfortable.
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks a**. I purchased the frame and built the bike. My only complaint is it took a little while to get the bike set ip where I was comfortable on it. The final step was a riser bar. This bike flies down the hills, climbs like a billy goat, even when your not locked out. Zero bob. I only lock it out on long flat solid streches. The bike is expensive but, you want the best, you have to pay sometimes. Now of course, you must get the blur.
Bike Setup: Avid mechanical Dbrakes, all xt drive train, Fox vanilla 125 RLC front fork, Fox Float RC rear shock, easton EA50 stem and seat post, rhino light rims, xt and hubs
Strengths: geometry, construction, fit and finish, reputation, butter smooth ride.
Weaknesses: Flex in bottom bracket area, but if you learn to pedal circles and not herky jerky squares, it is a non issue.
Bottom Line:
Far better than expected, I have 8 friends that ride Santa Cruz's, everyone is devoted and convinced that this is the best ride out there. I raced hardtails and felt the life drain from me on rides, I am smoother, more energized and far happier with the superlight.
Bike Setup: LX, XT, Kore Stem, Easton bars and post, DT Swiss hubs, Selle seat, Tioga Rims, Specialized Rockster Rear and Tioga terrafirma upfront.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Calaycay
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Strengths: Lightweight versatility,set up for race or trail riding. Simple design, one of the best looking bikes out there!
Weaknesses: Can be expensive
Bottom Line:
This is my first full suspension and I don't know why I waited so long...yeah I do, its a lot of money to shell out. But, after doing so I won't go back. I did alot of looking around and tested other bikes and decided on the Superlight because it was simple and versitile enough for my riding. After a month of riding I can already see that I can go harder and longer without being beat up. Improved confidence and I enjoy riding more. Can't wait to get out on some all day epic rides. Large Frame is perfect fit for me;5'11" 185. By all means get a SL if you want a great bike that will make you want to be out on the trails more often. Fox did a great job with thier Float fork...stiff and plush.
Similar Products Used: 1st full suspension: other bikes Cannondale CAAD4
Bike Setup: Large Frame, Fox Float Forx 100mm front and Fox Float back, Thompson Stem/Post,XT/LX components
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Zuke
a Cross Country Rider
from Draper, UT
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003
Strengths: Great climber, precise handling and low maintanence.
Weaknesses: None, if you use it for what it is intended for.
Bottom Line:
Now that I've had some time to really ride the bike I'm even more impressed than I was with the demo. As I said in my first review, the bike climbs better than anything I've tested including hardtails. The bike goes exactly where you point it. It's not the cushiest ride but none of the plush bikes I tried where able to handle anywhere near as quick which is a big deal on the technical single tracks that I like to ride. This is the perfect bike for people who like technical rides more than fire trails or downhills. It is a little nervous on tight corners at high speeds (over 40 mph) but I've had it over 60 on the straights and it was rock solid. It's not a downhiller it's an X/C. It's not a freeride either but I've yet to bottom it out and I am 200lbs. One last note; never buy on the internet, you can find just as good a deal at a good specialty shop and you'll have service and no setup. If you're near Salt Lake City TNT is a great shop.
Strengths: Overall great bike. Simplicity of design. Value.
Weaknesses: None. Or: soon to be lost in the glare of the Blur?
Bottom Line:
I'm just writing in after another long day's ride to say once again what an incredible bike this is. I know a million people have already reviewed the Superlight (in fact, I may have an old review down there somewhere), but after having my Ellsworth Truth stolen, and having owned a number of very high-end bikes, I am still amazed every time I ride the Superlight by its general excellence, efficiency, light weight, and value. Originally I thought the Superlight was good "for its price", but now I would say it easily holds its own against any $5000 bike out there, even with the Super-X, $2500ish setup. Great handling, amazingly efficient climbing (astonishing for a single pivot bike, and close to the best 4-bar linkages), low maintenance, light weight, durable anodized finish, and good customer service are all part of the package. In short, an amazing accomplishment by Santa Cruz.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Truth, Intense Tracer, Specialized M4 FSR XC, Ventana El Habanero
Bike Setup: Large Superlight w. Psylo SLs, XTR
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, Colo, USA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003
Strengths: So far this bike has raised my level of riding when I thought it couldn't get any better. I ride 3-4 times a week for the last 15 years in the mountains of Colorado. Raced XC expert for 3 seasons in the early 90's. I was the typical skeptic on full suspension. I will never go back to a hardtail, ever. My Stumpjumper pro now has a baby seat attached to the back.
Weaknesses: None yet! Except for friends jealousy and belly-aching because I'm kicking there asses.
Bottom Line:
The front range of Colorado has some awesome trails. One in particular is the Dakota Ridge hogback. It is major league technical. My buddies and I ride it up and down. There are some sections that just weren't doable on the hardtail. On the Superlight, I have cleaned the whole thing up and down. Including the stairs. If you've rode the trail, you know what I'm talking about. People brake bones on this one. This bike climbs superbly. Downhill is cush. On the technical, It's the master. Bye this bike!
Similar Products Used: Specialized stumpjumpers that have been modified with all the best giblets.
Bike Setup: Anodized blue, full xtr, easton bars and seat post, King head set, avid ti brakes, Fox fork Rl w/ lockout, Fox Float rl shock w/lockout, 959 pedals. all in all 23.5 lbs.
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Hey guys,
I am about to pull the trigger on a bike upgrade. I am trying to decide between a Santa Cruz Superlight R AM and a Heckler R AM. I live in Florida so it is pretty flat, Read More »
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The past 11 years (minus a few long breaks in between) I've had only 2 bikes--a Specialized Hardrock coverted to SS with air fork, and recently a rigid Salsa Ala Carte/fork combo s Read More »
The past 11 years (minus a few long breaks in between) I've had only 2 bikes--a Specialized Hardrock coverted to SS with air fork, and recently a rigid Salsa Ala Carte/fork combo s Read More »
