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Santa Cruz
Bullit R Freeride
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Submitted by
dirtdawg21892
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | highland mountain bike park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | incredible all around bike. extremely versatile. good bike for just about anything and it's absolutely bombproof (the suspension pivot is a bottom bracket and guaranteed for life) | | Weaknesses: | it isn't "great" at any one thing, it's too heavy to be a practical trail bike (almost 40 lbs) but not set up to be a downhiller. it's good at both of them, but not great at either | | Similar Products Used: | nomad | | Bike Setup: | domain fork, dhx 3.0 shock, nevigal 2.5 | | Bottom Line: | get this bike if you want to go freeriding on one day and then trail riding on the next on the same bike. this thing can climbs well and descends better. it can get heavy after a long trail ride. i'm not actualy a weekend warior, i ride everyday. i'd clasify myself as a freerider/agressive trail rider, but i'm not competitive, so i dont race i'm convinced this bike was made for me.
there are better bikes for freeriding (driver8), and there are better bikes for trail riding (nomad), but there is no better bike for both of them.
the nomad will be my next bike, it's lighter (by almost 10 pounds) and better for trails, but it just can't take a hit quite like the bullit can.
bottom line:
if you can't afford 2 bikes, get one
or maybe you can, and get it anyway.
ride on! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from pasadena, california
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Helens Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Big burly tubes, single pivot maintenance, 5th Element rear shock provides almost bob-free climbing, great handling. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes too heavy for steep climbs and on group rides you are usually not ahead of everyone. Non-replaceable rear deraileur hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Mountain Cycle San Andreas (long travel setting) | | Bike Setup: | Marz. 66VF 170mm, XT, XTR, Power Tools wheels, 8" Avid discs,
TruVativ componants. | | Bottom Line: | This is my second Bullit. Someone stole my first one out of my garage (thank you, I hope you fkin burn in hell)
I bought the frame in September 2005 as a frame and built it up whenever I had money to burn.
No longer made, the Bullit is still a good ride. Get one on Ebay or wait til Santa Cruz starts making them again but this time in Taiwan. Its a rumor, but who knows, its still a good design and they make the Hecklers, Blur XC, Chameleon and Superlights in Taiwan so why not the Bullits? In fact why dont they move all Santa Cruz operations overseas (those cost-cutting mongoloids) and get it over with. (can you say Kona?)
Regardless, the bike is fantastic and will eat bumps, ruts and drops for lunch. The 5th Element is hard to tune but when you get it right, just leave it alone. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce Shaw
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz California
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | craiglist | | Strengths: | everything, loads of travel, no problem to ride around | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | im not sure of any bike that i have ever ridden is this good | | Bike Setup: | z1 free ride, 5th ele, mavick rims, hayes hydro, raceface cranks, chris king hubs | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike you will ever own. It wil take whatever you take at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryce Shaw
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz California
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | craiglist | | Strengths: | everything, loads of travel, no problem to ride around | | Weaknesses: | nothing | | Similar Products Used: | im not sure of any bike that i have ever ridden is this good | | Bike Setup: | z1 free ride, 5th ele, mavick rims, hayes hydro, raceface cranks, chris king hubs | | Bottom Line: | this is the best bike you will ever own. It wil take whatever you take at it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg jones
a Weekend Warrior
from morganton
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | pee wees bike park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$870.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | suspension, frame, quality, everything | | Weaknesses: | wieght | | Similar Products Used: | haro extreme | | Bike Setup: | jr.t, race face forged, dh tires, hayse hydrualic 8" in disk, (light freeride set up) | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the bomb, i would recomend this bike to any one who is looking for a beefy bike that is versital enough to ride xc or dh. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C.C. Henning
a Racer
from Springfield, MO
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Womble | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Springfield Bike Co | | Strengths: | very simple frame, 5th element shock is really pretty easy to set up after reading dirictons(funny how that works) | | Weaknesses: | whould like to see bulit sl (Heckler 7in.?) | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight,Rocky Pipeline, Jamis Dakar, KHS softtail | | Bike Setup: | WhiteBros VT.3, King headset,XT/LX/XTR drivetrain & shifters, Salsa hoops on Rithey hubs w/ 8in Avid mech disc,IRC Trail Bear 2.5 | | Bottom Line: | This bike tops the scales at about 32lbs. With the 5in travel fork the effective geometery makes for a great trail bike. With little effort the 30lbs mark is easyly met. The local 12hr was really a blast with this bike and makes for the perfect allaround mt. bike. After riding for over one year had to replace pivot bearings. The good thing is that the bearings are very common and can be ordered from someone other than Santa Cruz. Those guys are just lucky they make such nice bikes because they are a pain to deal with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN LEE
a
from San Francisco, Ca
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | vision | | Strengths: | LOOKS,GEOMETRY | | Weaknesses: | HAD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR MY FRAME.3.5 MONTHS | | Similar Products Used: | KLIEN ADEPT. COMP | | Bike Setup: | POLISHED FRAME, RACEFACE TURBINE W/ISIS FR BOTTOM BRACKET, SHERMAN FIREFLY, SINGLETRACK, DT SPOKES, HADLEY HUBS, KENDA 2.5 BLUGROOVE F, KENDA NEVEGAL STICK E RUBBER,THOMPSON STEM AND POST, EASTON CARBON DH BARS, HAYES MAG PLUS W/ 8" ROTERS, WTB LAZER V SADDLE, FOX RP3 REAR SHOCK | | Bottom Line: | DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR AND BUY THIS FRAME NOW. YOU WILL WAIT A LONG TIME FOR THIS FRAME. BUILD THIS BIKE TO DO ALMOST ANY TYPE OF RIDING. THIS IS NOT A DOWNHILL BIKE REMEMBER. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE TRAIL MACHINE.I RAN THIS BIKE TO THE GROUND IN A YEAR AND A HALF. DOWN TO CHANGING THE PIVIOT BEARINGS. ITS WENT THROUGH A TACO ED RIM TO BROCKEN CABLES, TO SMASHED COMPUTER, TO 20 FLAT TIRES TO A BLOWEN 5TH ELEMENT REAR SHOCK. BIG TIP OF THE DAY DO NOT BUY THE 5TH ELEMENT BLEW UP 3 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS. SPEND YOUR MONEY ON A FOX RP3 THIS IS THE SHI_!!! LATER | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Tunic
a Weekend Warrior
from Edgewater, NJ 07020
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ninham | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay and Cambria | | Strengths: | Best bike I've ever ridden | | Weaknesses: | False(?) sense of security | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab Primo | | Bike Setup: | Jr. T up front, 2.7 Maxxis Mobsters | | Bottom Line: | I've only been had this bike on a few trails (Ringwood, NJ, and some NYC urban) but its the best bike I've ever ridden. Another reviewer mentioned he had been afraid of all drops and this bike helped him grow a set. I was not afraid of all drops, but since riding this bike I actually look for them. The thing goes uphill like a hardtail, and downhill just about as well as a Kona Stab Primo with much more throwability. I saw people complain about the paint, but this is a freeride bike, if any paint job is holding up, you're not doing it right. I have the polished model, which is yet to show any signs of use besides a lot of dirt. And thanks to Cambria, I was able to fill in everything besides the frame and front shock for less than $500. Buy one, and if you can't afford it, steal one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Review is for '03 frame and 5th Element rear shock only.
Simple, relatively light weight, effective, stong, durable, easily serviced, single pivot design.
Great cable routing.
Perfect geometry.
Price. You can get a great used frame for very little.
Good customer service.
5th works very well and is super tunable. You can really dial this shock in to use the bike in a wide variety of riding conditions. Progressive has great customer service. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. We'll see how the nonreplaceable derailure hanger holds up. It looks tough and I suspect the derailure would break before the hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Gemini. Also a nice bike but has poor cable routing.
Many other "non-similar" bikes as I've been riding since '92. | | Bike Setup: | 2 setups:
All Purpose: Z1 qr20 with Mavic 519s w/ a Vert and Surviaval. On any real trail this bike will hang, if not beat, any xc or "all mtn" bike going.
DH/FR: Swap the fork out to a DC and put on a DH wheelset and the Bullit is ready to go big. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike!!!
I don't think there is another bike out there that can handle so much so well. This well executed single pivot allows for a tough, durable, easily serviced frame that is still reasonably light for the amount of travel it provides. Built up with a lighter wheelset and fork and it will blow away a xc or all mountian frame on any real trail (By real trail I mean not your typical xc grass sidewalk.). Built up as a DH bike it's more than capable on the slopes. Super FR frame.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gardhafi
a Weekend Warrior
from SINGAPORE
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | local tracks in singapore | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | purchased it 2nd Hand | | Strengths: | very good at handling the hits especially when its equipped with a 5th element | | Weaknesses: | the rear end flex alil...the bolts on the pivot point could easily loosen up(but its managable) | | Similar Products Used: | its ma 1st full susser have been on ma DMR hardtail for a long time.. | | Bike Setup: | small size bullit(find its easy to tweak arnd with small size), '00 MonsterT,hayes brakes(currently running only the rear cuz the front f*8ked up) Mr.DIRT gizmo guides,5thelement,sun double wide rims,point racing bars,MAXXIS TIRES etc | | Bottom Line: | the BULLIT does serve the purpose in the bighit arena..Its a damn cool bike..all the bad pedalling bobs are all set aside by the 5th ELEMENT...the BULLIT is good for those who can't afford a true hucking breed its bigger bro the V10 or the new VP-FREE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Colby
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, Vermont
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | Great design, you will not know you are riding a bike that has this much travel, and weighs as much as it does. Fantastic selection of parts, LBS and Santa Cruz were great to deal with when I hadd the bike built. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! If I read one more complaint about the paint I'm gonna lose it! The paint is fine, as a matter of fact, this is the best I've seen, and I've owned a load of bikes over the years. I bought the trans Red with a Black swingarm. It's had a full year of abuse, including a Vermont winter in the snow and salted roads, and still looks great.....'nuf said about paint. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona, Cannondale, Ellsworth | | Bike Setup: | Full Freeride kit, Boxxer fork, 5th Element, Chris Kind DH headset. | | Bottom Line: | When I bought this bike I had three others in the garage.....Giant NRS XTC 1, Specialized S-Works M-4, and a Specialized P.3......I've sold them all and kept the Bullit. That pretty much says it all. The bike seems to do everything/anything well.......I found myself riding it more than anything else. Hands down my all time favorite, and still is after a year and a ton of miles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mohican DH Course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1635.00 | | Purchased At: | Used frame and fork | | Strengths: | 5th element, frame is very solid. FOr what it is it climbs very very well. | | Weaknesses: | 5th requires frequent maintenance with a single pivot frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Haro Ex3. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 SC Bullit frame with 5th element, Truvative cranks (w/bashguard) Tioga DH wheeels, 2002 Marzocchi Jr. T forks, 8" Hayes HFX-9 HD,Weyless DH 70mm stem, Titec Hell Bent Bars, XT f and r derailers, LX shifters and XT cassette. | | Bottom Line: | A very solid and mature single pivot frame design. With a properly tuned 5th it is awesome. I weigh 200lbs. and have done 6' drops with no problems. I have dirt jumped it too but the 5th makes it hard to launch because it is so efficient at soaking up bumps, even big jumps too. The shock is better for DH racing.
The bike is a blast to ride and I plan to keep this frame for as long as it is functional. I will be upgrading to 04 Super T forks soon but other than that it is a very sold ride. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fermin Baez
a Downhiller
from Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Albergue Olimpico, Salinas PR | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Adrenalina, PR | | Strengths: | - Tough as nails!
- Simple & efficient suspension setup
- Light for a freeride/DH frame
- Good looking | | Weaknesses: | - No clear coat over decals (but on a freeride/DH bike prone to get a new scratch every week, we all know paint is not a big issue) | | Similar Products Used: | First freeride/DH bike. | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Mag Hydro 8" hydraulic disc brakes, Race Face riser bar, ODI lock ring grips, Shimano XT shifter (rear derrailleur only), Truvativ Hollzfeller Crank, MRP world cup chainguide, Mavic Deemax wheels, Boxxer Race fork setup for 7" travel, Chris King steel head set, Race Face BB, Shimano XT rear derrailleur, Kenda stick-e DH tires(2.7" front, 2.5" rear) and Kore platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I built this bike originally for freeride. However I've moved to DH after feeling an urge for more speed. Only change from original setup was making it single speed up front and adding a chainguide. I also installed tires with greater volume (2.7" front, 2.5" rear). The result: Discovering that the Bullit can tackle any DH trail with the same ease as a dedicated downhill bike. Even though I have no base for comparison as this is my first DH rig, I can tell you that the rear 7" suspension does an amazing job keeping me hooked to the ground. I fly over rock gardens and drops and I hardly feel anything. Of course I went through the usual process of finding the correct 5th Element setup for my weight and riding style, something that can take some time but is to be expected. And let me tell you, I've lived throught quite a few nasty crashes, and I look at this bike afterwards, and I can't believe how strong the mf is!!! I just wait for the dust to settle, make sure I didn't break any bones (thank God for body armor!), pick the bike up and keep riding. Nothing gets loose or broken on this frame. You set the limits, not the bike. It can take anything you throw at it... and keep asking for more... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corbin Dallas
a Downhiller
from Kings Be-ach
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail, Martis Peak DH | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | The frame is burly, lots of travel. Chicks dig it. Can be set up as a lighter freeride bike or downhill rig. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | None that compare. I used to have a Trek Fuel. | | Bike Setup: | 2 rings up front, 9" Hanebrink fork, Fox Vanilla rear shock, Hayes 8" Hydrolic, Azonic bars & stem, Trutativ Cranks and doublewide rims w/ 2.7 tires. | | Bottom Line: | Just sold a light xc bike for something more aggressive. I will plan on doing just as much climbing, even though mine weighs about 40 pounds. It will only make me stronger and the downhill better.
My bike is set up as a downhill rig but I put 2 rings up front so I can climb it- my main concern is that I didn't want to have to rely on a shuttle ride or chairlift everytime I want to ride.
If you are considering getting a Bullit, do it. The bike can be easily customized for your riding habits and its a proven frame design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Bagley
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO USA
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | CyclePaths | | Strengths: | Stiffness of frame. 5th element hasn't been an issue. Dealing with Greg from CyclePaths made it all easy. Bike is just an incredible deal for the money considering the upside. Making the rider that much more confident. | | Weaknesses: | None, and I don't forsee any. | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrive 4.0 Giant NRS2 | | Bike Setup: | Truvativ Holzfeller cranks, Marzochi Z150 QR20 Mavic 321 with Kenda Kinetic 2.6. Easton riser bars with the Avid mech. disks. | | Bottom Line: | I rode the 29-30lb GT up until I got the Bullit. I could definately feel the weight difference that first ride(about 10lbs diff.). But amazingly that became only a memory on the way down the hill. The fork is awesome and has bailed me out on some pretty sketchy terrain. The bike is just an inspiration and makes all other bikes mere mortals. The Bullit dwarfs my buddy's Blur. I would reccomend this bike to anyone who is looking to upgrade in any way. This is an all around bike that is soooo versatile. Talked to a guy who spec'd his with a lot of XC stuff and had it close to 30lbs. Just know the kind of riding you want to do and make it happen. You can't go wrong with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Oahu, HI
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler, Bootleg,Moab, St Louis | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Barnfields | | Strengths: | BullitProof, Versatile..... | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Trek Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Size Small, 5th Element, Psylo, RF North Shore Dh 165's, FSA Pig, Answer Pro Tapers, SRAM R. Mech, XT Frt Mech, Hayes Hydros, Psylo, 5th, RF n. shore dh 165's w/bash,22/34 | | Bottom Line: | This bike does it all! Pedals uphill, less bobbing than my FSR xc 4-bar bike. Flies DH and stunts like crazy.
If you want to go huge, just slap on a DH fork. If you want to ride XC, slap on a lighter single crown. It does it all! When I travel to Whistler, on goes the Super T, when I go to Colorado, on goes the Psylo........ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | The BIke Shop, Billings, MT | | Strengths: | everything, she is amazing! | | Weaknesses: | besides the paint coming off where several cables are rubbing against the frame, she has been perfect! | | Bike Setup: | z1 fr QR 20 front shock, 5th element rear shock, mostly XT components, Easton 90mm stem, Easton riser handlebars, mavic D321 rims, weirwolf 2.5" f and r tires, truvativ holtzfeller cranks, big fatty Kore pedals, Evil e.13 DRS chain guide and bashguard | | Bottom Line: | I do mostly trail riding and I haven't had any complaints thus far. For a freeride/downhill bike, the bullit climbs fairly well. I previously rode a xc, hardtail bike so on the downhills and drops this rig outperforms anything I have ever had previous experience with. The 5th element is nothing short of amazing. I am a large rider (6'6" 255lbs) and it has soaked up everything I have thrown at it. I currently have a marzocchi z1 fr QR20 on the front and it has performed well also, however, I'm going to replace it with either a boxxer team or super T for the added travel. Before I purchased my bullit I was deciding between several "all-mountain/trail" bikes (specialized enduro, trek fuel, and others). I am very, very glad that I went with the bullit. I didn't think I would need that much bike, but after riding it a couple of times I found myself doing things on a mountain bike that I previously thought would have been out of my league. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Montana
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Rite | | Strengths: | Ultimate all-round bike. It soaks up everything and inspires mucho confidence. | | Weaknesses: | I got the '03 Bullit with the '02 5th element. Had barely 8 hours on the shock and it puked. Sent it back to Progressive and they replaced the o-ring and re-tuned it. Night and day. I used to loose air every day but now it holds forever. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Dee-luxe, RM Pipeline | | Bike Setup: | 03 Bullit, Z150(steel), 321's w/xt, pig dh, Raceface Diabolous stem(highly recommended), XT cranks(need DH cranks)RF NS or Diabolous, Tioga 2.5's(good all around)want Minions, Hayes 9, Titec Berzerker seat, ODI Ruffian lock-ons, Shimano tranny. | | Bottom Line: | Who should buy this bike? Anyone who is tired of counting grams and just wants to have a blast every time they get on their bike. From going to the store to any trail ride, you are a kid all over again.
Who should not buy this bike? I can't think of one. I rode a hard-tail for ten years and wonder what I was thinking. Every downhill that was difficult is cleaned while laughing. Evey rough XC course is now like a ride on the sidewalk.
Other reviews complain of price. No way! Compare Bullit to Foes Fly, Inferno, Uzzi SLX, etc. At least $1000 less.
The only thing you have to think about is the color and what components to buy.
I am 200 lbs. so XC components will not do. Bent my cranks some how at Fernie and need DH cranks. Wheels are Bullit-proof. So I over built the bike a little. It's 40 lbs. I still take it on the same trails I rode my hard tail on except it's more fun.
Hayes HFX-9's. Don't get them unless you are on a tight budget. They have a plug instead of a screw in the bleeder valve(on handle). These fall out. Yes tape will hold them in place, but it's the point. Peformance is still great.(unless you loose the plug).
Most important choice for bike is fork. Very impressed with Z150. Good match for bike(6"-7"). Keeps geometry right for DH but you can lock it down for climbs.
Don't worry about the 5th element. I read alot of bad reviews on this shock. They have fixed the problem and it is so plush. Set it up and you don't have to worry about it again.
No question that I would buy this bike again. Even with the VP-Free out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fatcat
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Built very burly, heavy-duty gussets, yet frame is only 7 lbs.
Climbs well and descends with confidence. Made in USA and has good customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Curnett shock would have been better than the 5th Element.
No replaceable rear deraileur hangar--so what if they think the triangle is 'indestructable' that's
not going to change the fact if you rip off the thing, you have to get the hole heli-coiled or get a new triangle.
Also---what's up with the other moronic reviewers and crying about the paint job? This ain't no damn Rolls Royce, its a mountain bike for crissakes--just ride it. | | Similar Products Used: | Mtn Cycle San Andreas (real nice bike)
Mongoose Pro NX (actually not bad w/ 700lb spring)
Kona Stinky 2002 (nice bike)
| | Bike Setup: | I don't ride to impress---Mostly Shimano Deore parts, Z1 fork, Diamondback flat pedals & used generic parts taken off other bikes that still work.
Weighs in at 31 lbs though---not bad, man! | | Bottom Line: | Perhaps a Romic rear shock might be more reliable,
but the bike pedals nicely and goes down singlepaths and fireroads so quickly that you have to make sure you
have your wits.
The single pivot is more active than my 4 link Stinky -Goose ever was, so the ride is more bumpier, but we
don't ride Cadillac Escalades, we're riding bikes.
Great bike for my aggressive XC and it may do some light Downhillin' with proper forks and cranks. (But I don't like shuttling because I need to lose weight)
Highly recommend it and resale value is great--I probably can sell it in a couple of years
as fast as my Stinky. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Aussie)
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiara & Hulu Yam | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4800.00 | | Purchased At: | West-U-Cycles (US) & Bike Pro Centre (Malaysia) - self built | | Strengths: | Well balanced bike - plush suspension, strong quality frame... just a great all round trail bike (xc, general trails, freeride... whatever). Enjoyable to ride everytime - confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | The "trans red" is a beautiful paint... but scratches easily. Although after 7 months and a lot of riding, the bike still looks great. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Trek Fuel 100, Marin Indian FireTrail | | Bike Setup: | 03'Bullit Trans-red large frame with 5th Element titanium spring. Black Maverick American forks, Rohloff Speedhub gearbox & chain (14 speed), Rotor System Ti crank, Mavic D3.1 Rims, Hayes HFX Mag disc brakes, Maxm carbon bars, SDG Bel-Air saddle, Thompson stem and seatpost, Crank Bros Candy SL pedals, Continental VerticalPro 26x2.3 tires (with Stans), ChrisKing headset and ODI Ruffian lock-ons. (6'1" and 190lb... bike total weight 34lb). | | Bottom Line: | Simply a great mountain bike. I use it for weekend trail riding, xc and a little freeriding. With the 3.5lb Maverick 6 inch inverted forks up front and the 5th Element rear end, the suspension is plush, predictable and comfortable on long rides - yet it soaks up everything, stays glued to the trail and steers where you want it to go. Awesome suspension that performs!
For those who can accept a little weight penalty, the Rohloff 14 speed internal gearbox (+1lb) and the Rotor System crank (+1lb) make this bike the ultimate "big suspension" trail bike. Originally I had the Z150 forks, but the Mavericks are exactly half the weight with noticeably less unsprung weight, very stiff and very plush! With a few carbon and titanium components... 34 lb is a respectable weight for the Bullit.
You only need to read a few of the Bullit reviews and you will quickly understand why people love this bike. This bike is a joy to ride... just ride it - single track, uphill or downhill... the Bullit is a hard-core trail bike that performs. Great bike Santa Cruz! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sweaty Crack
a Cross Country Rider
from Boyne City, Mi
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anytrail USA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Richards bike | | Strengths: | Can be ridden cross country, and Downhill. Can huck just about anywhere. Fast for a boat anchor. Dont see very many of them in the midwest. Chick's love it. Guys wish they had one.. Looks killer mounted in the back of a big american truck. | | Weaknesses: | 1. The sticker's suck. There real cheap quality, and poorly applied. Use some decal remover and take them off as soon as you get your bike. It will look better.
2. The 5th Element looses air after each ride, so you have to carry a shock pump with you all the time. Progressive say's you have to send the shock in for service after 200 hour's of use. Hmm... Lets see.. 5 hour's a day, 5 day's a week. That means I should send the shock in every two months..?
3. The dropouts on the swingarm are getting torn up by the threads on the rear axle cause they use axle's that are too short. Buy a longer axle and that should solve the problem.
4. Jealouse guy's on lesser bikes allways try to show you up...(Product Strength..?)
5. Santa Cruz website has to much flashy crap on it, and is slow to load.
| | Similar Products Used: | Nothing else really compare's. But I have a Klein palomino, and a attitude race, plus a fisher, and some specialized bikes that are rusting away in the basement. | | Bike Setup: | Super X Disc setup... | | Bottom Line: | Dont get me wrong I like this bike. I can do anything I want to it. And will most likely hurt myself befor I hurt this bike. I am not satisfied with the fact that I have to send the shock off for service after only 200 hour's. And because the dropouts are getting torn up the swing arm will most likely be the first thing I have to replace. Having read many horror stories about Santa Cruz' poor customer service. And shipping delay's. I wonder if I should order it now durring the winter. Planning on buying another bike at the end of next year's season. Dont know for sure if it will be another Santa Cruz.. Mabye.. But I just dont know.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TOE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Sarasota Schwin | | Strengths: | Solid, controlled feel. Glued-to-the-ground rear wheel. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V, Cannondale Kekyll, Giant VT1 | | Bike Setup: | Medium Frame, Marzocchi Z150 FR SL (2004, 6"), Mavic CrossMax XL Disc, Hayes Mag Hydro, Race Face / Titec / XT. | | Bottom Line: |
This is just my first impressions after a couple short rides. I'll come back in a couple months with a follow-up to see what time has to say.
After the miserable experience I had with my last ride, I wanted to be absolutely sure I had a quality frame that would be (nearly) unbreakable for someone like myself. I do mostly hard-core trail riding, with a bit of Jumping and smaller free-ride stunts (the balance kind, not the throw-yourself-off-a-cliff kind). I weigh 175, and am 5'10"
My goals in building this bike were:
1) Reliability, especially in the frame (no first or second year products, and a time-proven suspension design)
2) Lots of efficient travel
3) Weight
So, how'd I do?
-----------------
The frame feels like a rock. It tracks very well, and I can get up and go when I need to. The little bit I got the wheels off the ground so far has been confidence inspiring. If the frame continues to perform like it has thus far, I couldn't be happier.
Travel on this bike is amazing. The 5th Element, combined with the new Z150 is magical. Really, really plush, but not sloppy. Again, the word Glue comes to mind in both the front and rear. This fork also seems to feel like a perfect match for the frame. I know this isn't a fork or wheel review, but damn. That fork, with a CrossMax 20mm... hard to describe the connected feeling you get with the ground. And, yes, the 5th element really works as advertised. I normally ride clipped in, and decided to try street shoes for the first time with the new bike. What can I say? My feet stayed on the pedals, even over the fast and nasty stuff. To me, that's the best proof of a good suspension.
So, how heavy is it? Try 33.1 lbs, total. That's with "normal" cranks, bars, post, seat, Lock-on grips, and full-size pedals (Crank Bros. Mallet C). No carbon or expensive stuff, just regular parts for the drive train and cockpit. Granted, the Fork and Wheels were 1/2 the total cost of the bike, but I wanted to have a do-anything trail bike, and that's just what I ended up with.
If you are looking for the ultimate, no-compromise, hard-core trail bike, then I'd say look no further. If you are willing to throw down some coin, you can do as I have and mike it quite light (for 7"/6" travel bike). Then, when you want to start going crazy, you can throw on some DeeMax wheels, Triple crown fork, and pull just about any drop you can find.
For the experience so far, I have to say this bike is the stuff. 5 chili's.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benny
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Paths, Tahoe (Ask for Greg) | | Strengths: | - Darn-strong frame
- Huck it, jump it, have sex on it...it does it all!
- Sh!t-hot geometry
- Suspension is very plush...and a true 7 inches :)
- Looks porn * (and chicks dig it!)
- Adulteration; everyone wants a look | | Weaknesses: | What the heck are you goin on about. This frame is totally flawless. I cannot flaw this frame. Sure the paint is a little soft but who really gives a sh!t > your frickin soft for complaining bout it! Darn ramblers... | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Gemini (very nice bike also)
Specialized FSR
GT Ruckus i-drive
Giants AC2 | | Bike Setup: | 03 Trans Blue Frame, 04 Z150 QR20's, Romic Twin, XT drivetrain, Race Face goodies and Sun rims > thats what im talkin... | | Bottom Line: | On a serious note, this bike is worth every dollar, and i consider this bike an investment as its worth more than my car!
Strong and Stiff...
When you ride this bike you notice that every bump is soaked up by the suspension, the true sign of a good frame. This frame is light, but don't let this fool ya; it be darn strong and can handle anything you throw at it.
Superlative Suspension
This is a single pivot design that behaves unlike the crappy competition; the suspension is soooo smooth like butter that when you run over large rodents you don't even feel em and they walk away unharmed. Some have been complaining bout brake jack but keep in mind the bike was designed for freeride, not racing (so shut ya traps complainers!).
Genius Geometry
I totally agree with one guy that wrote "you sit in this bike rather than on it"...mate, your a bloody champ. He was spot on; when you ride the bike you feel like your in complete control. Decending..no problem, dropping..yeh baby. For me there was one thing that stood out about this bike; i found myself with time to trim the bike in the air when jumping. Don't know why, but it's totally the bike, not me.
There isnt one good review here that i would say 'yeah right'; every one of those good reviews is gold. Trust us all and buy this bike. I promise you won't be dissapointed. And also keep in mind that this bike is quit expensive, but you are getting 100% value as this bike outperforms anything in this class.
Your Tops...
Just want to give Cycle Paths a big wrap. Greg is the man behind the customer service and he's a top bloke at that; cheers mate. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. Archer
a Downhiller
from Ketchum, Idaho, U.S.
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all and any | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | bicyclewarehouse.com | | Strengths: | tubing is large, gussets are plentiful, and overall frame weight is acceptable for climbing. frame is unbelievably strong! | | Weaknesses: | none, other than its... nope there are none | | Similar Products Used: | gemini, giant ac, v10 | | Bike Setup: | thomson post and stem, race face cranks and grips, singletrack rims, xtr shifters and derailleurs, z1 bomber qr20 fork, xt 8"disc brakes, power v dh saddle | | Bottom Line: | worth every penny, can't foresee ever buying another bike unless something were to happen. vp free not worth getting rid of my beloved bullit, maybe but why? bullit is bulletproof!!! i've shot my bullit off of a lot of small to medium drops (too scared to off the large drops, although my bullit calls me a sissy), crashed it numerous times and the burly tubed beast still begs to be beaten hard. the tubing is large and thick, and we all know the bettys love that... you know - strong bikes!!! buy a bullit and you'll think you're a genius for buying it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Angelo Root
a Downhiller
from Deerfield Beach, FL USA
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Indestructable, Fat Kid Friendly (Strong). | | Weaknesses: | Makes me feel like I can go bigger than I really can. | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, Older Bullit, Yeti, GT, Trek, Kona | | Bike Setup: | 02' Bullit, Monster T, Race Face North Shore cranks, Hayes 8", Sun Double Wide, Fat Tires | | Bottom Line: | I've broken every other bike I've ridden, Examples: Yeti, Kona, GT, Jamis,(including bikes that weren't mine). This bike so far has broken me. Just a GREAT Downhill/freeride/dirt jump bike. This bike may cost a little more than usual, but It's worth every penny because you don't have to keep fixing or replacing your "other" bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bigstonz
a Downhiller
from Swain,NY
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Swain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds, thanks Leo | | Strengths: | Takes abuse, no nonsense, forgiving, weight not bad -40# total | | Weaknesses: | Stickers? | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Bullit, Jr. T, D321s. 2.6 tires etc | | Bottom Line: | There's a reason these frames are so popular. It's probably more bike than I'll ever need. It's pricey if you buy it new, but you won't regret spending the $. It even pedals OK with the 5th Element. You can pick up a nice used frame for under $1000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
El Jeffe
a Downhiller
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on Elden Mountain in Flag, Barton Creek greenbelt in Austin | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bikes | | Strengths: | Solid ride, frame is just beefy, eye-candy | | Weaknesses: | paint scratches easier than it should, 5th Element a pain to setup | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC DS1, KHS Dominatrax | | Bike Setup: | Trans-gold Bullit, 888R, X.O rear, Thompson post, Chris King headset X.9 triggers, Hope M4 stoppers, RaceFace Prodigy DH cranks, Azonic A-Frame peds, Mavic Dee-Max wheels | | Bottom Line: | After 1 weekend I can say this bike rocks. Solid and smooth, eats up the nasty stuff on South Mountain w/ease (the 888 doesn't hurt either). Don't need to search for lines-just point, roll, and drop. Going up not near as bad as I had envisioned either-very little bob. Just an all around bad-ass ride. Did graze a rock going up which did a number to the paint, but I really can't complain about that. Will probably take a handful of rides to get the shock dialed in but that was expected. So far worth the small fortune invested in the setup. 4 Chilis each b/c haven't had long enough to give it 5. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tulip
a
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TheNextOne | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | LostTrackOfIt | | Strengths: | - Simple & strong.
- Versatile, depending on the choice of parts and frame-size.
- 5th element, great.
- Lots of (good) references. These kinds of bikes are rare here in the flatlands therefore no test-rides can be arranged. Good references are key if you don't want to screw up your bank account only. | | Weaknesses: | - Main pivot bearings went after a very average trip in Belgium. I guess those bearings were made of butter-like American mild steel. Off course it was not my fault. Digital service of those Santa Cruz lads was comforting and my frame supplier helped me out with some bulletproof German ball bearings. Anyway, everything-is-well that-ends-well.
- Pedal feedback while pedalling the granny ring at low speed. New VPfree might solve this issue but I don't really care about it. | | Similar Products Used: | Gemini. The rest of it was all non-comparable XC-only stuff (Netherlands means Flatlands; that's my excuse). | | Bike Setup: | - XL, dull blue. I am 1.92m (6'4') 90 kg. For me the geometry of the frame is OK from hard-XC to freeride to Downhill. However geometrically, the fork restricts the whole downhill set-up.
- Z1FR QR20
- Wheels&Brakes: DoubleTracks on XT/DT Onyx & Gustavs
- etceteras: TruVativ, Azonic, SDG, RooX, ODI, Maxxis, Schwalbe, Shimano | | Bottom Line: | The frame is up to doing anything if you have the legs (XC) and guts (FR/Downhill) for it. The only relevant restrictions at the moment are the Z1 QR20 and a tripple-ring up front. The latter is to be solved for future freeride adventures by a single ring-bashguard-chainguide set-up. Concerning the Z1, a double crown (SuperT I figure) would be more appropriate for heavy freeriding and downhill. Both induced travel and strength justify a twin fork suite for my Bullit. I prefer those Marzocchies so I'll opt for a 2004 SuperT, spec'ing a 2,7" tire clearance, what were they thinking before?!
noshownogo | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The One I Am Riding On | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Junkie - Bethpage LI | | Strengths: | Simplistic Design...Tough as Nails...Can ride DH/FR/XC All On this Bike...ENOUGH SAID!!! | | Weaknesses: | None...the paint but that is minor. | | Bike Setup: | White Frame, X Freeride Kit w/ Marz Z150 | | Bottom Line: | Since owning this bike the only thing I can complain about is my abilities not being able to live up to the bikes ability. The one thing I immediately noticed about this bike vs other bikes I've ridden is that it feels so solid...like you are behind the wheel of a tank. I ride this bike on DH trails and then take it out on the XC trails with no changes to the parts/geometry/etc. What other bike can you say that about?? The only problem now is that my other Dual Suspension XC bike now sits in the garage collecting dust...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R B
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago,IL
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bumpy Ones | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Slick Willies Bike Emporium | | Strengths: | Reasonable cost for an American Made frame, good design and cool color selection. | | Weaknesses: | Poor Customer Service, Poor Customer Service and did I mention Poor Customer Service. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ASX, Ventana El Chamuco , Ventana La Bruja | | Bike Setup: | XT Drivetrain, Crossmax XL, Avid Disc. | | Bottom Line: | The bullit is a reasonable value and it is fun to ride. Not sure that I would purchase from Santa Cruz again purely for the lack of customer service. When the bike was ordered it was "in stock" but took a pitiful 3 weeks for it be shipped. If they are people who love to ride then you would think that they would understand that when you purchase something you would actually like to have it in a reasonable amount of time. Other than the wait it is a good bike. Bottom line is that I'm afraid to think what the RMA time would be if I actually have to send the bike back for a warranty repair. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Redondo Beach
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | P.V. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Helens | | Strengths: | Very strong frame. Two pivot swing arm. No creaks no rattles, just smooth sailing!!! | | Weaknesses: | A little brake jack. | | Similar Products Used: | heckler, rm7, yeti asx, gemini | | Bike Setup: | manitou dorado, 5th element, hayes hydraulic, race face cranks , WTB laser disc dh | | Bottom Line: | This is a great free ride bike. 39lbs of fun and adrenaline. Just point and shoot. This bike can take it. Also pedals up hill!!! If your looking for a fun all around free ride, get one if you can. You wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kim torres
a Weekend Warrior
from tarlac, philippines
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dueg | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | facomponents | | Strengths: | everything. don't you see those burly tubes. they are there for strenght | | Weaknesses: | nothing....maybe a little bit.... the 5th element shock's bad oil seal | | Similar Products Used: | i-drive4.0 | | Bike Setup: | with 5th element, fox forx vanilla125rlc, xt gruppo. xtr crankset. | | Bottom Line: | ive been riding it and i am not complaining but unfortunately, i got the 03bullit with an 02 5th element(you'll know it with the old sticker. it leaked oil with just 3 months of usage.
good thing it was fixed by the pips of progressive (after 4 weeks before turning it around). now i am enjoying the 7inch travel. bobs slightly but i ain't complaining when things get rough. ahhhhh the wonder of negative travel. so better set the shock right and get ample amount of sag.
i also take it with me riding with roadies using continental town and country. unlike my i-drive, i don't get left behind now | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tre Johnson
a Downhiller
from SLC, Utah
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any trails, anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | bicyclewarehouse.com | | Strengths: | very burly tubing, strength to weight ratio is phenomenal, strong core allows for set-up versatility - from cross-country to downhill, freeride, or just about anything you biking needs demand. once again am flabergasted at such a piece of machinery that exudes strength without being a complete pig and also its simplicity. the refined single pivot point is ridiculously simple and through trial and error with past bullits has been perfected and matched up well with the fifth element. i would imagine a romic or another type of shock would excel as well. | | Weaknesses: | none, well perhaps the paint if you're that anal, but it doesn't bug me, besides it keeps sc's cost down so no it doesn't bug me at all. maybe santa cruz should offer paint anodizing as an option for the anally inclined. | | Similar Products Used: | cannondale gemini, fisher sugar, specialized hard rock, giant ac | | Bike Setup: | king 20mm hub, rear hub, headset
easton dh bars
marzocchi z1 2003 bomber dropoff
singletracks 32h
thomson post
wtb power dh seat
weirwolfs
shimano xt 8" discs f & r
| | Bottom Line: | worth every single penny
don't need another rig
light enough to tackle cross country
loves to hammered
a year of utter abuse and not one squeek, leak, or creak
it almost seems flawless
choose your components wisely
santa cruz reached perfection with this one
vp-free seems to be the ultimate freeride machine right now but i still won't part with my bullit, the bullit is a simple, refined piece of machinery. i would buy another if my wife would let me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hayato Suzuki
a Downhiller
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mountain Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Get Outside Bike shop | | Strengths: | The Bike rocks, It is a light frame and very easy to handle.The 5th Element shock is unreal. so tunable and easy. | | Weaknesses: | None on the frame. Just had a problem with a lemon rear Hub | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Six, Cannondale Gemini, KHS Fetish | | Bike Setup: | Got the frame size small and built up from there. Marzocchi Jr T Fork, 5th Element shock, Hope hydro disc, Mostly Race Face components cranks, stem, seat post, handle bars. Chris King head set. Azonic Big Drop seat, E-13 Bash set, Bombshell rims are great but the rear hub is weak. Azonic pedals, Maxxis Mobster tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is really versatile. Awesome for downhilling and freeriding, not too heavy. It is not reccomended for XC trail rides, but can be used. I love this bike and will probably continue to ride with Sant Cruz. a good bike for all level of riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke
a Downhiller
from Henniker, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Souhegan Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Light compared to others, stiff, huckable, nimble, and rides very very well | | Weaknesses: | None, except maybe stock tires and paint | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing with this much travel | | Bike Setup: | Stock with MRP LRP guide, and MoJo BoXXer Cartridge, and new tires of course! | | Bottom Line: | Great ride for the money, and especially what I got it for. This handles amazingly, and takes drops like no other. I've been beatin on it for a few months now, and its still working great. The paints a bit easy to scratch especially by the headtube where the cable routing rubs. Besides that, the bike is a blast to ride, and is very fun!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Prince George, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hell's Highway | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | barely used from McBike | | Strengths: | Unbelieveably plush travel. Absolutely silent. Takes big hits better than anything. Perfect balance in flight. Pedals great while seated... and weighs under 40lbs to boot! The ultimate confidence boost. Beautifully crafted frame as well. | | Weaknesses: | Bobs quite a bit with out of the saddle sprints.... pretty picky for a 7 inch freerider. Gotta cough up some major $$ unless you get a crazy deal. | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, Brodie Diablo, Stinky, Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Jr.T, Hope Minis, Excalibur DH rims, Hussefelt cranks, XT derailer, Envy chainguide, Intense rubber and lock on grips. | | Bottom Line: | If there's a better feeling bike out there I have yet to encounter it...and I've been on a lot of bikes. Eats up everything in it's path. Want to go ride urban, dirt jumps, Whistler, even medium cross-country.. this bike can do it. Best $$ I ever spent. If you have the means, I'd highly recommend picking one up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MoudinBiker
a Downhiller
from Algonquin, IL
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2699.00 | | Purchased At: | RichardsBicycles.com | | Strengths: | This is the best bike I have ever owned or ridden. The simple single pivot design is flawless, especially when paired with the 5Th element progressive. The bike keeps up with all but the lightest XC bikes, and excels on the downhill sections. Mike at RichardsBicycles helped me out a lot with changing parts after I had purchased the bike. | | Weaknesses: | The bike is a bit heavy from the factory, but is easily lightened. The paint isn't the best, but for the price, you can't beat it. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek-Y, Ellsworth Dare and ID, Foes FXR, Intense UZZI SLX | | Bike Setup: | Mavic 312 rims, XTR Cranks, Hayes HFX Mag brakes, Easton bars, Thompson seatpost and stem, Atom Lab pedals | | Bottom Line: | This bike is simply the best riding bike I have ever owned. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new longer travel trail bike/ freeride bike. It can be built up super strong or rather light. Mike at Richards helped me out a lot with choosing a bike. I was undecided and he helped me out and gave me pro's and con's to bikes he didn't even carry. I would recommend giving him a shout if you are looking for a new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Hollenbach
a Cross Country Rider
from Anacortes, WA
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whistle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs in oak harbor | | Strengths: | frame, wheels, tires, disc brakes, shocks, cranks | | Weaknesses: | me | | Similar Products Used: | G. Fisher Paragon (hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | Avid Mech. 8's, Rock Shox Boxxer, Prog. 5th Element, Truvativ Holzfeller crank, Mavic D321 Disc rims, White Industries front hub, Onyx rear, Deore/xt shifting (40 lbs exactly, matches my 6'3" 235) | | Bottom Line: | First ride, bike looks at me and says, "See ya fatty" and takes off down the trail without me. Later that week I caught up to it buying ice cream at Food Pavilion. This bike is so far above my ability. Day one you'll be tackling obstacles you never thought possible on your hardtail. Within 2 weeks you'll be useless at work dreaming about the hits you'll be taking at the local park. Your friends may tire of the little move and noise you make when trying to explain what it feels like when the 5th Element soaks up some terrain. Even non-riders are impressed with the beauty and craftsmanship of the Bullit. Buy this bike, you won't regret any penny spent. No weaknesses, just strengths in every component. Thank you Santa Cruz. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything that's downhill now | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Strengths: | Strong. Super smooth. Can be ridden on or off ANYTHING, up or down, for however long you want on a ride. | | Weaknesses: | Yeah right. Well maybe next years V8 but lets wait and see | | Similar Products Used: | Sorry nothing matches a Bullit | | Bike Setup: | 03 Bullit, XTR, Z1 SL, Hope M4s and bulbs, F219s etc etc | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up post after about 6 weeks of a transformation to my mountain biking courtesy of this bike.
In this time I have gone from XC weight weenie (budgie smugler for you aussie types) to full on freeride looney, complete with multiple bruises all around the areas that are not covered by my body armour!
Note: This bike will make you do stuff you never thought you had the guts to try - even if you don't yet have the talent to do it perfectly first time - but if at first you don't succeed. So far I've managed full-on downhill courses in pretty respectable times, dirt jumps (small ones so far) and 6 foot drops into running river beds (just for a laugh and to see if I could ride out the drop - which I could thanks to the bike)
But yes I still use it for XC and, having got used to it, I can pretty much match my old times on the various regular rides I do (45 mins to 4 hours)
No matter what you want to use it for I can recommend this bike.
(I also highly recommend purchasing body armour and taking it down a proper downhill race course if you really want to know what it and you are capable of) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott A.
a Weekend Warrior
from Marblehead, MA
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Simplicity w/ all the form and function of a great bike. | | Weaknesses: | 5th Element is a ticking time bomb. Stay away. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Jr. T, Chring King equipped, Stratos El Jefe, XTR and XT, Maxxis Highroller | | Bottom Line: | The frame w/ 5th Element: The frame is absolutely amazing. It chews up anything I throw at it. However, the 5th Element blew up after two weeks of riding. What a POS shock!
It is now handles even better with Stratos El Jefe.
My next bike will be a Bullit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob
a
from vancouver
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | built like a tank, 5th element shock, simple but effective design, great paint. | | Weaknesses: | 5th element shock, pedal feedback | | Similar Products Used: | kona stinky and stab, cannondale gemini, giant dh | | Bike Setup: | R freeride kit, but with chain guide and single gear up front, 8" hayes hydraulics. | | Bottom Line: | the bike has actually been a pain in the ass because i'm having lots of component trouble (r/s boxxer fork, drivetrain, hayes brake levers, headset, etc). but as far as the frame itself goes, its amazing. compared to the other dh bikes i've tried, this is by far the fastest. i can't explain it, but it just wants to fly, and it laughs at anything i can throw at it. laterally stiff, super plush, solid. there is some pedal feedback during compression on flat rooty/rocky trails, but this is expected for a single pivot design. there is zero bob with the 5th element, and it handles big and little hits with ease, but it has a very sluggish feel which is starting to bug me. even with the rebound dialed right out it's pokey. it hugs the ground like nothing else though. get one. its awesome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
justanotherrider
a
from so cal for now
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | A Better Bike Shop (SLO) | | Strengths: | Cable routing, simple design, stout fraim, versitility, rear disk option, 5th EL, gssets, colors, botom bracket height, tracks well. | | Weaknesses: | ?...can't ride it as much as I'd like to. Afraid to leave it where I can't see it. Have to turn my hard tail into a single speed just to remain humble. | | Similar Products Used: | Hoo Koo E Koo, Heckler. | | Bike Setup: | '03 M frame, Trans Blue, FSA pig headset, Avid 8" front and rear, Mavic D321 disc 36's w/4 cross double butted, Ritchey Moto Vaders (F-2.4/R-2.6)White Indusries Chub 20mm, XT rear, Holsfeller 170's soon to be w/22/34/bash, Team Gigapipe DH BB, Deore/LX drive, Z1 Freeride QR20w/ETA/ 5th EL, and some love. | | Bottom Line: | I ride to have fun. In doing so I need to climb montains. This setup lets me climb aneything I could have on my hard tail. And when I piont my nose down and throw my ass back, it all comes togeather.
If you like fast and big, this is a really fun ride. Don't get your self wraped up in something you don't really need though. If you don't want to go bigger than you're wife ore mom would like to hear about, stick to the Blurr. In any other case ride this rig and smile until it hurts.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zeric
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones its scary to walk up | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Another Bike Shop sick place | | Strengths: | The Alumnimum its putted togeather from.
Let me tell you they got the gussets in all the right places.
- IT WILL go as FAST as YOU WANT!
- it goes fast
- it's fast
- it dont break like the last 5 bikes i got
- it's really speedy
- you could ride off the top of a 150 foot redwood tree and
not feel the landing (slight exagerating)
- it rockets down hills | | Weaknesses: | it didnt come with any streamers on the handle bars damn it! | | Similar Products Used: | D12-N Caterpillar Bulldozer, Santa Cruz V10, Speed | | Bike Setup: | Laserdisk DH, RaceFace North shore DH cranks, Azonic pedals, EMRO Chain cage, (with the orange spinny things), Azonic solid shorty stem, hugeass motocross dirtbike grips, Hayes 8inch hydraulic brakes, tubes with NORMAL valve stems not those gay WEENIE metal ones that snap off. Held up by a Sherman Flick up front and a Vanilla RC in back. | | Bottom Line: | IT WONT BREAK DAMNIT!!!! I got a special Fox Vanilla RC shock on my bullit cause i hated how the 5th element hucked off stuff. the Sherman Flick fork went phsyco on me once and lost all its rebound damping, giving me a harsh ride all the way home until it came back from lala land and worked again. ??? dunno whats up with that Manitou. But it hasn't done it again.
this bike feel great, its like climbing into a tank when you ride it. unlike most bikes that you SIT ON ,, this one you sit in.
this bike also can do almost everything. except be a road bike but i would have to smash it and incinerate it to hell if it even considered it. but anyways i can jump up on to big planter boxes on this bike and ride along the edge, or i could go hit the jumps, or i could race across town, (without forgotting to drop off everything in sight), or i go bust the downhill lines. this bike does it all. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wild Thing @ Keyston | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Shark in STL | | Strengths: | Burly, Awesome polished frame, little to ne pedal feedback
Extremely adjustable with 5th element | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Uzzi SLX | | Bike Setup: | Med Bullit Polished Front and black rear triangle
Hayes 8in rotors Easton Bars Thomson post Marzocchi Super T Azonic seat and pedals | | Bottom Line: | This rocks, I switch out the front end and stiffen up the rear for mountain cross. Soon going to a Dorado up front. Handles 10 footers with ease. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rogue _
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Chi Mai Wan | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3700.00 | | Purchased At: | Flying Ball | | Strengths: | Strength of Frame - burly
Single pivot
Color (Trans Red - looks killer!!!!)
High bottom bracket - avoid those rocks
Elevated chainstay
Cable routing seems quite clean
Geometry
Cost - u could spend a lot on a good fram
5th Element - control is amazing | | Weaknesses: | ???
No Clearcoat | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F600, Cannondale Jekyll, Specialised FSR | | Bike Setup: | Large in Trans Red, 5th, 03 Super T Pro, Mavic 3.1 UST, Hope Bulb, Hope M4, Hope headset, XT shifters, XT cranks, XT rear der, XTR front, 11-34T XTR cassette, CN7701 chain, 646 pedals. Big tires, Answer Protaper, fi'zik seat, Thomson Elite post | | Bottom Line: | Mine is built up fairly heavy as I have another trail bike (Jekyll), so I built the Bullit a bit stronger... weighs around 38-39 pounds. Considering its weight it climbs very well, its really the shock that does it, not harsh or anything and doesnt feel like your wasting energy. By the way so people say climbing doesn't matter, well i guess if u live next to a chairlift / have a friend to drive u up / or like walking then good luck to you. In the real world most of us have to ride up the hills / mountains at least some of the time, hence this bike can do it, but as stated below in other reviews you wont win any races.....
Regarding the 5th setup, just used the Santa Cruz Bullit default settings and have done very minor adjustments... its seems to run very well already :-)
I'm 88kg or 196lbs and use the 350lb spring with 100psi. I check it before every ride.... no probs yet... fingers crossed
On the trail the first thing i noticed was how controlled the 5th was, just keeping the rear glued. I liked it. No need for a lockout here. It seems a bit confidence inspiring with this much control.
When it was really steep (ascent) and steps were involved you really notice the weight (which is mostly in the fork), but you will be rewarded on the decents :-)
The high bottom bracket takes some getting use to as my Jekyll is quite low. You can live with it though and i didnt bash my pedals or cranks once (very rare) for me.
In summary this bike seems quite versitile, u could put a lighter fork to on it and make it a bit faster in the tight stuff and easier to carry, but my logic was to match
the front with the back (Super T has almost 7 inches).
If you are a larger rider this bike may suit you more | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dennisd
a
from Eastern Ontario
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | -virtually indestructible
-dialed in geometry
-versatility
-extra beefy dropouts with no flimsy hanger attached
-more fun than a barrel of monkeys
-nice high bottom bracket
-5th Element shock
-a U.S. made frame for reasonable $$$ | | Weaknesses: | -where's the clearcoat?
-Ummm. Nothing else. I tried. | | Similar Products Used: | Last bike: '01 Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | More of an "all mountain" set-up. Z1 Fr fork, Mavic X317 rims, Xt everything and Hayes Hydraulic disks | | Bottom Line: | I just got back from another mind-blowing trail ride and this is my promised update.
Firstly, this bike almost defies adjectives. Riding a Bullit is like seeing the burning bush or something: pure revelation. It's been a long time since I've ridden a bike that exceeds my abilities to a such an extent. When you climb on board, it's almost as if the Devil climbs on with you. This bike KILLS fear.
I have to agree with a couple of the other guys here (especially with Paul from London) when they say that if you're a heavier rider, this is your rig. With the amazing 5th Element shock, this bike when pressed into trail duty, knows no equal. Santa Cruz has refined the single pivot design to within an inch of its life. And yeah, that's a good thing.
Equipped with a single crown fork, going uphill was tough at first, but then I learned to stop being a dumba$$ and keep my butt in the saddle. Gear down and the world will be yours. Going over tough technical sections with a lot of roots and rocks demands speed. This bike loves it. You can really just blast over everything on this bike and it laughs at you like the geek that you are.
And that's the thing about the Bullit. This bike has almost a real personality. It taunts you and cajoles you, it even likes to abuse you and it'll almost laugh afterwards!
My bike weighs around 33 pounds with six inch rotors. Yet, it feels like a bike weighing much less. It pedals like a dream, better than a four inch travel bike. It handles amazingly well and with the high bottom bracket, you can clear anything. This bike, when you ride it, erases all doubts, kills all fear. As the Brits say: this bike is the dog's bollocks!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MVRIDER
a Downhiller
from NOR CAL
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Dogbone, Boondocks, SDF | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2799.00 | | Purchased At: | Reeds | | Strengths: | Made in USA, fairly light yet bombproof frame. 5th element is a definate plus, makes the bike a great dh/fr that can pedal like there is no tomorrow. This bike can do everything from huge hucks to super fast dh and even take some short climbs...no mine's not set up for xc! | | Weaknesses: | None so far! | | Bike Setup: | 02 Bullit, 02 Shiver DC, D521's E-31 chainguide/bash, Truvativ cranks, Raceface bar, XTR rear der...the whole gang is here | | Bottom Line: | This bike rocks. I've used it on some hair raising sh*t, it acutally makes trails unchallenging and no fun anymore! 7" travel in the rear and 7.5 in front, I'm launching it off of things that I would have slowed down and gone around on my last bike! Get this..all that travel and weight and it will still man handle small climbs! The bike just does not stop! Who should buy it? Anyone really, I've seen it setup with small single crown xc forks (kind of a waste)all the way up to Monster's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eduordo
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleighwood, NC - US of A
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Vitamen P | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | Burly Frame Construction, Single Pivot Design, Geometry, BB height, Rear Derailleur Tab, 5th Element (in terms of performance when working) | | Weaknesses: | 5th Element Shock (in terms of reliability), A little rear end flex. | | Similar Products Used: | Dump truck... | | Bike Setup: | Fox 125 R, Rhyno Lites, Easton Bar, King Headset, XTR cranks and BB, Egg Beaters, Thompson stem and post, Avid 6" Meckies, 0.50 Browning Machine Gun, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Well the fine chap from London stole much of my thunder, but I'll throw in my belated two euros anyway...
Ummm...Just imagine riding a 2000lb (or 909 kg for our Limey friends :) Bramha Bull down single track and you've basically got the idea...I've also only been riding this beast for about 2 weeks, so I may still be under the influence of 'mad bike syndrome' (notice how I smoothly rolled in another Union Jack quip? Smooth I tell you!) Anyway, I've also been riding hardtails and most recently a short travel FS bike all of my limited biking career, so obviously the switch to the BULL-it (sorry about that, I'll stop now)has been nothing short of revolutionary for me. Actually, I originally ordered a Heckler 18 years ago (i.e. 6 months ago) and finally got tired of waiting; especially after riding my friend's new Bullit - a Bullit, mind you, that he received within about 2 weeks from the day he placed the order. I was worried that it would be too heavy, too slow, too slack tubes, etc...Then , it happened...I rode a Bullit in Pisgah...Changed the order the following Monday...
So here goes: I have MUCH more confidence of jumps and big drops. I'm doing stuff that I would not have even considered on my GF Sugar (no real surprise ther I guess). But if you know what kind of pu$$y I am when it comes to drops and such, you would further appreciate what this bike can do. If I'm willing to do 5-6 foot drops, then the bike is a miracle machine. Obviously going downhill has become surreal nowadays (I have disagree with the Aussie who doesn't like the BB height...With the heavy sag of the 5th element, you drop that height quite a bit...Plus, you don't clip your freaking pedals on everything...I wouldn't want a 3 inch BB height on a DH race rig quite frankly)...The thing really goes too fast for my limited skill level quite frankly. Once I got used the added weight and spongy feel of the 5th Element, I can get over mega death unramped logs with easw now. Even climbing isn't that bad ...Like the fine gentlemen below said, you climb stuff by carrying speed up and over rather than sprinting up and on the actual incline. I've also been real happy with a 5 inch fork on the front as I do not feel like it has compromised the geometry and keeps the weight somewhat reasonable. It clearly doesn't climb like my Sugar (and I can induce some pedal bob if I really stomp on the pedals, although you may be able to tune that out), but it climbs well enough for me to drop most folks going uphill. The only thing I really have a hard time on is steep uphill, tight switchbacks. But those weren't exactly easy on my Sugar either. The 5th element has been a fantastic product in terms of performance, but I've seen chain link fence hold air better than this thing. It loses at least 20-40lbs of air per ride. In fact, I usually bring a shock pump with me to add air during the ride (prolly not an uncommon practice I suppose). I'm now thinking about getting a Romic and keep the 5th as a spare. Overall, while I do notice the increased weight of the bike, it has not been a real problem - but I do have some fairly lightweight XC stuff on the bike which may need to be replaced if I keep doing drops. As of now, it weighs in at about 33 lbs. Not bad at all for what this bike allows you to do. Although, I can definitely see how a dual crown fork would be a nice thing to have for doing big drops (>6') and real rocky DH.
In summary, the main thing about this bike is that it will increase your confidence level - in a BIG way. You start to feel like you can run over anything, drop anything, destroy small trees and skinny XC geeks, it's really quite liberating...So if this bike can help me grow a pair (prolly gone from raisins to small apples now...Hopefully, I'll get to full blown watermelon sized in the future), then it can work for anybody. Further updates to come (I hope to be chasing village idiots through the streets of Barcelona next year at the running of the Bull(it)s) .
And a big THANKS to Kinesis and Santa Cruz for delaying the construction on my Heckler...Worked out beautifully for me...
Cheers... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Coed y Brenin (probably Morzine soon!) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Stif and Evans (built it myself) | | Strengths: | Can be ridden XC easily as there is no bob from the rear provided you stay seated. Stif and strong. Looks the muts nuts. Turns downhills into a dream. | | Weaknesses: | None yet | | Bike Setup: | 03 Bullit in stunning Trans Blue. Marz Z1 SL. XTR Drive. Hope M4 8" rotors front and rear. Hope Bulbs with Mavic F219 rims and Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1. Thomson post, Kore stem, King headset, Easton Monkeylite bars SDG bel Air saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I have ridden a Specialized Sworks M2 hardtail that weighs nowt for 8 years and decided to go for a full susser.
I'm 6'4" and weigh about 225 lbs and was originaly looking at something with about 4-5" rear travel (anything less is just not worth it for someone of my size). After many visits to this site and looking at other reviews I thought stuff it for the extra 2lbs in bike weight (against a Turner or such like) I'll go for a proper long travel bike that can be used XC and so chose the Bullit. Mine weighs about 29lbs with pedals on.
Set-up of the 5th is easy. First of all go to the TF Tuned Shox site www.tftunedshox.com. Go to the 5th Element page and print off Tim's 'My Setup Tips' page. Now setup the shock using Tim's tips, the 5th Manual and the Santa Cruz Quick Start guide. If you get stuck call Tim himself. He is very happy to help and really know's his stuff (he tuns Steve Peat's shocks) he also rides a Bullit.
I have had the bike about 2 weeks now so here are my first impressions and comments.
The bike looks fantastic. The first day I took it out - just tooling around town - people were coming up to me and asking me what it was etc. 5 chillies for ego massage.
I have been out on a couple of my usual XC routes - comments on the ride are:
1) On flats it can be ridden at almost the same speed as a hardtail (slower to accelerate but easy to keep momentum up). You learn to ride by gaining speed rather than sprint acceleration
2) On long grinding climbs it is noticably slower (about 2 sprockets lower (2-3 kph) at a reasonable cadence for me)
3) On downhills it is amazing. Without any previous experience or practice on a bike with this amount of travel I am roughly twice as fast downhill. I can take more direct routes through obstacles that I could not even dream of before. I also look like the Cheshire cat at the bottom
4) Front and rear end wash outs, slides, skips off routes etc that would have been over the bar or high side dismounts on the hardtail are just soaked up. In fact the best way to deal with most of these appears to be to accelerate
5) Cornering is a revelation and again I can take tricky corners at roughly twice the speed I could on my hardtail. On any type of bend just sit in and accelerate through the apex - mind blowing.
If you are 180lbs plus just forget about going for a 25-27lb 4-5 inch full susser, go all the way with 7" or more. After all the 2-4 lbs extra bike weight is less than 2% of your body weight. You will loose this much in fluid in a 3 hour ride!
I have bought a full face helmet and some body armour and am going to my first downhill course this weekend. I will post another review after I have gained more experience and guts to push the bike closer to its and my limits.
I cannot recommend the Bullit more highly at this point. As Josh Bender says "Gotta go big. Life's too short not to go big." I wish I'd done it years ago!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAN
a Weekend Warrior
from LA jolla, CA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | noble | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | costco | | Strengths: | Excellent frame, nice shiny paint, swingarm is super strong and compliments the holy grail 5th element.
Takes a mad beating | | Weaknesses: | The paint is inferior to other high end brands like ellsworth. It chips and I can see the stickers coming off.
Uhh when it says Large its pretty large. Tech support is kinda busy with 100s of calls but that means their bikes are selling. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT PRO, FOES DHS TUBE, TREK DH PRO Issue | | Bike Setup: | Ferrari Red 03 bullit w/ titec hard knock stem, Thompson seatpost, SRAM shifters and XT crank and derailer, RACEFACE chainring, STRATOS S7 (rebuilt to 03 spec), Karve seat (coming in on sat) | | Bottom Line: | kicks ass frame and great deal for a 7" travel bike. Beautiful made in USA freerider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tank
a Downhiller
from Pine Valley, Ca
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | no-bull can-yan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | bicyclewarehouse.com | | Strengths: | strong looks kick a$$ rides like a frickin caddy downhill, oh did i mention strong. eye candy!!!
san diego swat team called me asking to let them borrow my frame to bust down doors, and they returned it with just scratches. not convinced yet at how strong the frame is... just ask the airlines... they're now using santa cruz bullit frames for front landing gears on all airplanes. tough as nails!!! | | Weaknesses: | what? jaaaa-right! | | Similar Products Used: | a tank, hum-vee, amphibious assault vehicle | | Bike Setup: | everyone's different... | | Bottom Line: | tough as nails, and strong as fizzuk... it'll cause you to want to bust a$$ downhilll... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan barry
a Downhiller
from san rafeal
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | northstar single tracks ne of them | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | santa cruz.com | | Strengths: | perfect no complaints, i love this bike | | Weaknesses: | i cant think of any | | Similar Products Used: | big hit dh | | Bike Setup: | i only demo'd it it was great | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike its great no buddy has ever complained about a bullit that i know of | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan barry
a Downhiller
from san rafeal
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | karpiel | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | santa cruz.com | | Strengths: | perfect no complaints | | Weaknesses: | i cant think of any | | Similar Products Used: | big hit dh | | Bike Setup: | jr t's and 5th element | | Bottom Line: | i love this bike its great no buddy has ever complained about a bullit that i know of | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Welden
a Downhiller
from Kenmore, Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 76 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | DOWNHILL ZONE | | Strengths: | Great bike! the 5th element is excellent and single pivot provides less pedal bobbing, also i like how santa cruz lets you have color choices, and i like the noise the 5th eley makes when i compress it. Havent found all the strengths yet... | | Weaknesses: | frame's 1200 MSRP so if you build the bike up with a dual crown fork and some hydros it can get a bit pricy, none other than that yet | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Bullit (trans red), 2003 5th element, Marzocchi Junior T, sun rims, profile design- ultra fr bars, hayes hfx 9 HD, mostly shimano lx stuff, sealed hubs, hand built wheels, 8 inch rotors... etc. | | Bottom Line: | this bike so sweet, downhill zone set me up with a spring for my weight so its plush as anything, barely feel it when im goin down stairs or on roots, great bike, if you have the money, buy it, like i said ive had it under a month so i havent found all the strengths yet, its great for dirt jumping and downhill. bottom line: 5 Flamin' Chilis for this mofo! BUY THIS BIKE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Cerrato
a Downhiller
from Santa Clarita CA
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Viper | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance Cyclery | | Strengths: | KICKS ASS! Beefy and light, go fast down and make it back up(slowly). 6-7 foot drops, dirt jumps, rough downhills, and absolutely no problems for the past 8 months. Super stable in the air, at speed, and corners like a mad man! | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Cove G-Spot | | Bike Setup: | 2003 junior t, raceface bars, shimano 8" discs, sun-ringle 20mm hub, northshore cranks, XTR front derailleur, Sram 9.0 SL, Nokian Gazzalodi dual tires, rhinolights, 5th element. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best free-ride bike in the world. I'm glad RANDY K has one too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Boombalata
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Strengths: | Fast, 7", plush, no bob, bottom out control. | | Weaknesses: | 5th element shock- works well when it works, but tends to leak a lot, requiring long stays at the shop.
Geometry- steep head angle and high bb feel bad at speed.
no iscg mounts
brake jack
no through axle | | Similar Products Used: | Giant AC's, Oranges, DH comps, Bighits, Stinkys, Stabs, Vps's, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Boxxers, 8" Hayes, 8spd XT shifters, 105 derailleur, 11-28 cassette, A-frame pedals, Titec bar, stem, post, King headset, 321's, northshores, Aireal guide- Fast. | | Bottom Line: | The bullit is a good bike. Not a great bike though. It's too heavy for trailridin', too sketchy at speed for DH, too heavy to jump well, too underbuilt for hucks.
On the other hand, it excells in fast choppy rock gardens and is one of the few rideable big bikes. The high bb reduces the ability to corner, but means that you can pedal in sections where you can't on bigger bikes. The lack of chainguide mounts means that the chainguide is less secure than it normally would be but it is a minor issue. The lack of a through axle is just a minor gripe- it would add to the dh potential. Now, brake jack is chronic. on most of the big bikes i have ridden, you can drag the brakes through sweeping rocky corners. On my first trail ride i nearly killed myself when i got sideways dragging the brakes. A floating brack would cure this!
Finally the major flaw of the bike- the shock. It works really well until it spews oil and loses rebound. I'm looking forward to a fox dh upgrade so i can ride my bike most days!
In all, it's horses for courses. This ain't no DH bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy Kerlee
a Weekend Warrior
from Olympia, WA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Power Bikes- Manila, Philippines | | Strengths: | Frame is light-double crown fork makes it heavy. This bike pedals smoother than most XC/FR bikes I've ridden. 1st huck was 4 ft after not ridding for 3 months....smoother than a baby's butt! I dont get allot of noticealbe BOB when pedaling up either. High clearance at the B/B makes it nice for clearing obsticles. | | Weaknesses: | It is a beast to climb with (long ascents) but gets the job done but if you want climbing power get a XC ride!
Not a weekness but get with a pro/semi-pro ridder to help set up your 5th element shock. It takes about 5 good tune in adjustments to really get it working right but then-!!!!! sweet! | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-drive, Intense Tracer & Uzzi, Foes FXR | | Bike Setup: | Personally built/assembled 2003 frame with: Azonic DH bars, SRAM 9.0 shifters, ODI lock jaw grips, Avid mech disc (upgrading to Hayes 8" next week) Shimano LX front derailer, SRAM 9.0 rear derailer, SUN/RINGLE SUV rims and hubs, Race Face DH 5 bolt ISIS crank with small/medium rings & Race Face bash ring, Race Face ISIS BB, Azonic Flat peddals, Azonic Hot Seat, Thompson seat post & stem, Cane Creek head set, Marzochi JR-T with QR drop outs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike performs like every product review I have read. If you just starting to huck or drop things this bike can take the punishment. If your already there and moving to bigger and better drops it will move you along with complete confidence. I am really happy to have purchased this frame. Santa Cruz rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fermin Baez
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Susua's Forest, Guanica's Dry Forest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Adrenalina, JensonUSA, Xtreme Bike (custom built from parts bought from this stores) | | Strengths: | - Extremely strong: I've seen RM7's frames, described as "monster bikes", with broken swing arms. I still haven't seen a broken Bullit. The pictures found in catalogs doesn't do justice to the Bullit. Seeing it for real is a different experience. Thick tubing, simple but efficient design, very nice looking. This bike can take abuse and look great at it.
- Excellent suspension: Rear suspension is super plush and responsive. 10 years ago a single pivot full suspension frame with a "high" pivot location (like the one found in the Bullit) would have been prone to bobbing. However, rear shocks have come a looooong way with the 5th element. You can hammer the pedals, and feel virtually no bob at all. The suspension activates with road bumps, not your pedaling. Really amazing.
- Relatively light: You can configure this bike for whatever you want, X-country, freeride, downhill. It can do it all. Mine is setup for freeride and I can still pedal my way up to my favorite X-country uphill trails. | | Weaknesses: | Quite honestly, the only two things I consider could be improved in this bike are:
- Decals are not clear coated: Those stickers will peel off as soon as they rub against something! It would be very desirable to have Santa Cruz develop a better way to show off their brand name.
- Tire clearance: More tire clearance in the frame would be a plus. From observation I believe tires over 2.5" would not work properly due to lack of clearance. | | Similar Products Used: | First freeride rig. Been doing aggressive cross country with my Gary Fisher Sugar 2+ but the Bullit is my first bike for that specific purpose. | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer Race with 7" travel setup; Hayes Mag Hydro 8" disk brakes; Holzfeller RG crankset; Shimano XT derrailleurs, shifters, 11-34 cassette; Shimano HG93 chain; Azonic Fusion pedals; Mavic Deemax wheels; Hutchinson Octopus 2.3 UST tires; RaceFace Diabolus 70mm stem; RaceFace riser bar; Thompson seat post; Azonic Love Seat saddle | | Bottom Line: | When I decided to build a freeride/downhill bike I wanted the perfect combination between price and quality (a $3,000+ bike was out of the question). After carefully analyzing virtually every alternative out there, I decided for the Bullit. Checking it's reviews in this system surely helped (when I made my choice it had over 4.75 out of 5 after more than 40 reviews!). Now that I have spent a few weeks testing my new bike I have to say that I had never been so excited about a bike eversince I was 15 yrs old and got my first BMX bike. This Bullit is a true pleasure to ride. You feel you can tackle any obstacle. Drop offs are a joy. Going downhill you suddently find yourself pointing your bike to the part of the trail you used to avoid. You are not deprived of your uphill workout if that is what you want to do as well. Is pure fun. And it is so simple, and so easy to tune and maintain that you can't really ask for anything more. I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Marks
a
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Willow Springs Forest Preserve | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2599.00 | | Purchased At: | richardsbicycles.com | | Strengths: | Super cool. Great freeride bicycle, and with the progressive shock, its easy to pedal. Easy to climb hills. Awesome shock setup. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, specialized | | Bottom Line: | Great freeride bike. I would buy another down the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mong choi
a Downhiller
from HK
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1234.00 | | Purchased At: | pat shop | | Strengths: | the bullit is like a bullit.....it so fast and light....easy to ride......no bob because of the 5th element...............plush.......beeffyyyy.........feels strong.........cheap for its strengths... | | Weaknesses: | the rear hub use a small axle so that kinda sucks......the paint chips offfff......if the 5th element is broken your dead(so fu.cking expencive..) | | Similar Products Used: | super 8.........kona but bullit is faster...... | | Bike Setup: | super T.....MRP....azonic double wall handle bar......XTR gears......ameaba stem | | Bottom Line: | um.............I donno | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerrod L.
a Downhiller
from Darien, IL
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon, San Diego | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Broken Spoke | | Strengths: | absolute solid feel, soaks up bumps, ruts, and all trail imperfections "like a sponge" gussets are intimidating | | Weaknesses: | how do you delete this box, this is a ridiculous. come on what moron complains about paint jobs. my bullit's covered with dirt, dust, and dried mud. who care's what the paint looks like, good lord... if your bullit's not filthy you ain't ridin' hard enough... | | Similar Products Used: | specialized hardtail, any hardtail | | Bike Setup: | xt | | Bottom Line: | first full suspension i've owned after swearing by the hardtail. i've tested other full suspension rigs before buying the bullit. none felt like the bullit in suspension performance. i felt like i was on my 250 when i got on the bullit. absolutely burly feeling. climbs almost as well as my hardtail. i love my bullit | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom B
a Downhiller
from Redondo Beach, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3300.00 | | Purchased At: | South Bay Cycles | | Strengths: | Frame geometry, 5th Element, constructions quality, pretty much everything...this frams screams quality. | | Weaknesses: | Paint is lame, rear tire clearance | | Similar Products Used: | GT | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock for now, 8" Avids, XT, King HS, Super T Pro, Kona Jacksh!t Primos, Truvative DH Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | I have to say, I am nothing but pleased with this bike. I smile just thinking about riding now. I considered many other bikes and was concerned about getting into something as expensive as the SC. As soon as I had that first ride, I didnt care at all. The Bullit pedals well uphill, very little bob but dont buy it for pure XC use. The downhill is just plain buttery plushness. If you have the need and the $$$ I suggest the bike. The only thing that will stop you now is the size of your "balls".
Thanks Jon, Diego and Ken from South Bay Cycles, you guys are the Sh!t. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Wallkill, NY
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat.com | | Strengths: | The frame is truly bullit proof. The feel of the bike is complete butterliciousness. | | Weaknesses: | None other than getting a tad heavy on long uphill hauls | | Similar Products Used: | Many, Jamis, Klein, GT, Fisher | | Bike Setup: | Running full XTR,Gripshift half pipes, 5th Element,Z1 Freeride,Hayes w/ 8" rotors, Mavic D321 Disc Rims | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. I've had my bullit for just about a year now and the bike is still impressing me. You can take lines that would make most riders cringe with fear. This bike is truly grace under pressure and gives you the ability and confidence to take 6' drops with effortless ease. Thank you Santa Cruz for making such a sweet ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wade b
a Downhiller
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | random acts of dropage | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop Fayetteville,NC | | Strengths: | Outstanding geometry, great customer service, Progressive 5th element, and nice welds | | Weaknesses: | My 5th element was leaking upon arrival of my new frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized bighit 01 02 03 they suck, cannondale gemini, and another 03 bullit | | Bike Setup: | 03 bullit frame 01 monster t mosh platform pedals truvativ downhill crank set xt rear derailure mrp system 1 chain guide | | Bottom Line: | I rode my buddies bullit a couple of times and I sold my big hit. This bike is a little pricey for a single pivot setup but you get dependability and super frame geometry this is the best bike I have ever ridden. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Weekend Warrior
from mass
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | foxboro + boarderland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Strengths: | handles great, strong enough for my weight (225-240), light enough. pedals good for 7" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | paint, other than that none. | | Similar Products Used: | early 02 bullit with a fox and a romic. | | Bike Setup: | 03 super t, hayes hydro. brakes, sun ryno lites w/c.k. hubs + headset, thomson, xtr, raceface, nokian tires. | | Bottom Line: | this one replaced my 6" travel bullit. the 5th element shock is great. big difference over both other shocks. it just feels and handles better. i just got this frame and fork but i had my other one for a little more than a year. both handle drops great with me on it, not super huge ones but 4' ones. goes downhill nice and fast. i even run a triple chainring set up front. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a Weekend Warrior
from mass
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | foxboro + boarderland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Strengths: | handles great, strong enough for my weight (225-240), light enough. pedals good for 7" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | paint, other than that none. | | Similar Products Used: | early 02 bullit with a fox and a romic. | | Bike Setup: | 03 super t, hayes hydro. brakes, sun ryno lites w/c.k. hubs + headset, thomson, xtr, raceface, nokian tires. | | Bottom Line: | this one replaced my 6" travel bullit. the 5th element shock is great. big difference over both other shocks. it just feels and handles better. i just got this frame and fork but i had my other one for a little more than a year. both handle drops great with me on it, not super huge ones but 4' ones. goes downhill nice and fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George N.
a Downhiller
from San Diego, California, U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | bicyclewarehouse.com | | Strengths: | strong and solid | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | nothing is similar | | Bike Setup: | custom set-up | | Bottom Line: | this review is to offset Neil's down below who admittedly put his review under the wrong year. my bullit takes everything like a champ. best rig i have ever had or ridden. Ellsworths' are junk as is their customer service | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crumble
a Downhiller
from Dresden, Germany
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all going down | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Cruz (Velocity Berlin) | | Strengths: | 8" brakes compliant, heavy tubes, for forks with up to 178mm of travel, 5th Element rear shock, etc etc etc | | Bike Setup: | 03 black bullit size M, 03 JrT QR20, 8" XT-Discs, MRP-Worldcup, BIGBoy saddle, Tioga Surefoot MX Pro pedals, Nokian Gazzaloddi(26x2.6)/Michelin C24 (26x2.5) (tires),see pic @ http://www.inf.tu-dresden.de/~rf799888/images/machine_big.jpg | | Bottom Line: | hmm...tasty ;) I love riding this bikes since I got it. You can even climb some hills other XC-biker have problems and do jumps other FR/DH-bikes wouldn't survive *lol*.
First time riding the bullit I thought the rear shok would have quite a slow rebound but progressive told me that this is a special setup for santa cruz bikes. Go downhill and you'll love it.
Best regards
crumble | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trail Monkey
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Show No Mercy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Burly, Stiff Frame, 5th Element + Single Pivot done perfectly
| | Weaknesses: | Paint job is not at all resilient | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth
Karpiel | | Bike Setup: | XT, Hayes, Super T Pro, Race Face | | Bottom Line: | This is the first free ride bike I have owned and I have fallen in love with it. With this bike I can climb the same trails I do on my XC bike and make descents I only use to dream about.
This bike is like the Ellsworth Truth in that the manufacturer has improved it over the years to where it is a near perfect bike for its intended purpose.
You will not regret buying this bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Downhiller
from Placerville,CA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Aubrun | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Golden Spoke Bike Shop | | Strengths: | 5th Element,burly frame,kind of light,huge tire clearence,no bob on fast pedaling sections | | Weaknesses: | not to good of paint | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale gemini | | Bike Setup: | 2003 black bullit,2003 Boxxer race,Mavic D321,Hayes mag 8",LX drive chain,Maxxis and Intense tires | | Bottom Line: | So far no problems.I cracked my Gemini after about 2 months of riding.I'm currently riding a 2001 Stratos S-8 as my front fork,but the Boxxer's commin soon.This Stratos is huge!Not even one problem with that big of a fork.6 foot drops,Northstar,even some XC.This bike can do anything.Even at 46 pounds!Only gripe is the paint.Who cares?It's a DH bike anyways.I didn't want one because"everyone had one"I was wrong.This bike rules.Go buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trig
a Downhiller
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Les Gets II, France | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Yeah, Bullits do everything these other reviews say. It really rocks. | | Weaknesses: | Frame isn't heavy enough to balance Shivers - boo-hoo! | | Similar Products Used: | Loads of DH bikes | | Bike Setup: | Boxxers, DH | | Bottom Line: | Bullits are ace and I have given it 5 overall, don't get me wrong, but.... don't get one for XC for F**k's sake. Why does everyone keep saying that just 'cos it pedals well you should ride in in 24hr races? Mine's 38 Lbs and that an average set up. Ride it hard, downhill and "off stuff", but not uphill. If you want a heavy XC bike that "pedals well" (god I hate that expresion) get a Yeti DH9 or a V10, they pedal amazingly and weigh even more!
My other gripe is the price. Here in the UK they retail for £1350 and if I'd have had to pay that I wouldn't have bothered. There are too many other better bikes for about the same money. Make sure you're mates with a dealer first | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Rodgers
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson truck trail(world cup) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | bicycle wherehouse | | Strengths: | super plush 5th element, handles 25 foot drops, also a great trailbike | | Weaknesses: | none!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Jr T w/ hayes and xt components | | Bottom Line: | The bullit is a great bike for downhill and trailriding. The frame is light for a freeride bike and I can feel free to pedal up almost anything. If you are a trailrider and seeking some downhill action the bullit is the choice frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Arvada Co. USA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3186.00 | | Purchased At: | mojowheels | | Strengths: | perfict bike for almost anything. | | Weaknesses: | get ride of the avids and get hayes. | | Similar Products Used: | Big hit, straight 6, Stinky. | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup with hayes breakes. | | Bottom Line: | If you only have enough money for one bike buy this one it is great for downhill mountaincross and will eaven ride up a hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hoyt
a
from Greensboro, NC
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hick Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | IMBA Ebay auction (Dec. 2002) | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything. In the past I have DESTROYED a Schwinn hardtail as well as a Giant NRS. Not a single thing has gone wrong with this bike, even after SEVERE abuse. | | Weaknesses: | Paint is chipping around the rear wheel mount. | | Bike Setup: | Candy Apple Green Santa Cruz Bullit frame with Super X Freeride Kit (Super T, Truvativ Holzfeller cranks, XT rear, WTB rims, Intense tires) | | Bottom Line: | I can't say enough great things about this bike. I ride cross-country, downhill, freeride, jumps. This bike handles everything!
NOTE TO "NEIL" WHO GAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW BELOW:
So, how can he review a 2003 bike that he has used for 2 years? Sounds like he picked the wrong year. Sure wish someone could refile that review to bring the 2003 Bullit back up to a perfect 5 flamin' chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Texas,USA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All with DH and FR!! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | SCB | | Strengths: | Everything!! Nice Frame, Nice Paint, 5th Element, lots of color choices, strong, craftmanship! Its sweeeet looking!!You see how capable this frame is, check out the Redbull Rampage! Any Questions? LOL :) | | Weaknesses: | Yeah, Rt!! Its A SANTA CRUZ!!! Decals could be clearcoated over.. | | Similar Products Used: | GT Zaskar Le x3 in the early 90s, GT RTS Team, GT STS-DS 1000 carbon, 02 Ells Dare, 02 Ells ID. | | Bike Setup: | 03 Trans Red Med. 03 Marz Shiver DC, R. Face NS DH cranks, R. Face Diabolus stem, R.Face Risers, King red H.Set, King ano red rear hub, on Sun Mag 30 rim, 20mm front Ringle hub and Mag 30 rim, WTB Weirwolf 2.5 tires, WTB Laser V DH Ti seat, XO rear Der, XT front der., XO Shifters, R.Face Seat post sil,Tioga MX PRO flt pedals, Yeti Lock ons, Magura Gustav DH Hydros 8 in front, 6 rear.. Love this ride!! | | Bottom Line: | So, far this bike is Sweeeeeeeeet!! As soon as i can get some more time on it, i will post another review!! I think, it is going to rock, when i go to Whistler BC this summer!!
Post again later!! BUY this frame if you can find one!!
Happy Trails!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Downhiller
from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anyone | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Strengths: | WHEN THE BIKE WAS IN OPERATION IT HANDLED FINE | | Weaknesses: | FRONT TRIANGLE BROKE OFF OF 5 FOOT DROP. REAR TRIANGLE BROKE OFF OF 4 FOOT DROP. CONTACTED SANTA CRUZ AFTER FRONT TRIANGLE BROKE AND REQUESTED TO HAVE REAR REPLACED AT THAT TIME. SANTA CRUZ REFUSED AND REAR TRIANGLE BROKE 3 MONTHS AFTER NEW FRONT TRIANGLE WAS RETURNED. WHEN TRIANGLE RETURNED I COULD HAVE PAINTED IT BETTER WITH A SPRAY BOMB. IT WAS COVERED IN OVER SPRAY. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS WEAK...BY THE TIME YOU SEND THE FRAME BACK AND IT RETURNED THE SEASON IS OVER. FOR THE DOLLAR IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MOVE DURABLE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE SHOULD BE FASTER. | | Similar Products Used: | ALL TYPES | | Bike Setup: | XTR GROUP, 2003 JUNIOR T, MAG 30 WHEELS | | Bottom Line: | I AM AN AVID RIDER BUT NOT ONE THAT IS SO AGRESSIVE THAT PROBLEMS LIKE THIS ON A FRAME THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE "ONE OF THE BEST" SHOULD HAVE. SANTA CRUZ ALTHOUGH WILLING TO REPLACE PARTS (FOR AN FEE OF COURSE) TAKES THEIR TIME IN DOING SO. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE BULLIT FRAME. IF YOU WANT TO SPENT THIS AMOUNT OF MONEY THERE ARE OTHER FRAMES IN THE INDUSTRY THAT ARE MORE DURABLE, BUILT BETTER, ARE FINISHED BETTER, AND WILL DO THE JOB FOR YOU WITHOUT THE HASSLES. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Downhiller
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | my secret | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This is a follow up to my previous post...after 6+ months of riding my Bullit, i still smile every time i get on it. The bike truely eats up any thing you can throw at it and it gives you the confidence to go bigger. It also holds its owne on the xc stuff. i beat 3 out of 4 xc weenies up a climb the other day...the looks on their faces was perfect!! | | Weaknesses: | not enought hours in the day to ride it!!! | | Similar Products Used: | see below | | Bike Setup: | well i decided not to get the Z150, and am waiting for Romic to release their BoXXer upgrades and red stanchions (perfec for my trans red frame!). I have some Deemaxes on order and am debating on which headset to purchase at the moment. | | Bottom Line: | If you consider any other bikes but this if you are looking for a sick fr/dh bike then your dumb. I have too much fun riding this bike every day..GO OUT AND BUY ONE!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Arvada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake arbor | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Mojo Wheels | | Strengths: | This bike has many strenghts such as the 5th element and boxxer race. The wheels are perfict for raceing free riding and dirtjumping. This bike is set up perfictly for downhill and free riding. | | Weaknesses: | Once you buy this bike swap the Avid brakes they suck because they don't have alot of ajustability. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti ASK | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best all around bike made | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Cornwall, Ontario
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bicycle World | | Strengths: | -the frame is the incredible Hulk, nothing can stop it
-can be set up for agressive xc, dh, freeride, just about anything under the sun
-5th Element performs like it was biult for this bike
-nice, high bottom bracket
-looks absolutely killer | | Weaknesses: | -strange seatpost size (28.6mm) had to use a shim because no parts company at the LBS carried this size...
| | Bike Setup: | More for aggressive XC: Psylo SL fork, Mavic X317 rims mated to XT disc hubs, Hayes Comp Hydraulic disc brakes, XT crankset, shifters, rear mech. Titec stem, FSA bash guard and Pig headset. Continental Vertical 2.3 tires, Profile FR handlebar | | Bottom Line: | This is a "first impression" review. I bought the '03 Bullit frame and had my parts transferred from my old '01 Enduro (an excellent bike on its merits, to be fair). Honestly, I wasn't sure if getting the Bullit was a good idea. However, any doubts were soon eliminated after the first few pedal strokes. The 5th Element really does live up to the hype: there is no detectable pedal induced bobbing, period. But once you start taking the hits, the suspension becomes active, big time.
I would also have to say, that anyone who claims that you just HAVE to run a heavy double crown fork with this frame is just full of it. A Zokie Z1 or a Psylo SL (with a heavier spring) will do just fine for agressive trail biking, The good news is that if you want to run a double crown for more extreme stuff, you can. (something you probably wouldn't do with a Heckler) I know guys who routinely switch out their forks, a double crown for DH and a single for XC. Not hard to do.
I am also one of those guys who was bouncing around between the Heckler and the Bullit. I couldn't decide. The Bullit won out in that the extra (minimal) weight is worth the versatility, Just motoring around on this bike, you get the feeling you can do anything. And since the Heckler and the Bullit are very close to each other in price, I would very strongly reccommend getting the Bullit unless you're into serious xc racing. If you like to bomb around like I do, even doing mostly xc, then the Heckler almost becomes a moot point. Trust me, get the Bullit, you will never regret it.
I will post another review in a few months, But if you want something special, and you're willing to take the hit in weight (is that really an issue outside of xc racing anyway?) then this is the bike you want.
It is also worth noting that pictures simply do not do this bike justice. Seeing something like this; industrial design in its purest form, really is a revelation. Santa Cruz really does know what the he!! it is that they're doing.
This is THE uber bike. Price-wise, the Bullit isn't any where near out of line. Kudos to the bois at Santa Cruz. This bike deserves at least five chilis.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jerry G.
a Downhiller
from Scompton
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | im not given them up. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | super beefy frame,fifth element does rock,can run up to 2.7 tires,santa cruz's great customer support | | Weaknesses: | had trouble running a triple chainring. | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain rm7,giant ac1,trek liquid,tricyle. | | Bike Setup: | z1 freeride,grimeca hydros,xtr bb cranks,mavic 521 wheels,azonic shorty and bar,and a horn. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks,you can use lighter parts and make this the ultimate trail bike or you add the beef and do hucks all friggen day long.fifth element shock is alwasy suprising me with how great it is.great adjustability too.if you like to go up hills fast tho,grab a heckler or a superlight.me i like long downhills with tricky technical stuff,thats why i bought a bullit.and santacruz is a great company. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Downhiller
from Valley Forge, PA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Beans Bikes | | Strengths: | This Bike is awesome!! | | Weaknesses: | Nothing Really | | Similar Products Used: | Crap Bikes
| | Bike Setup: | Root Beer Bullit with R Freeride Kit, Kona Jacksh*t Pedals, and Marzocchi Z1 Fork with QR20 Axle | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the way to go!!! I was thinking Heckler over this awhile ago, but now Im so glad that I went with teh Bullit. The Heckler is just a weird bike that dosent even have a category is a light freeride but heavy XC bike so why even consider it when you have hte Blur or Bullit to pick from. This bike does everything, XC, DH, and Freeriding!! I Love this Bike so much and will keep you updated sometime soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Junebug
a Downhiller
from Fort Bragg,NC United States of America
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bicycle Shop Fayetteville,NC | | Strengths: | 5th element
| | Similar Products Used: | bighits rockymountains giants | | Bike Setup: | bullit frame 01 monster t xt components | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridden. This bike made me a better rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tres Wilson
a Racer
from Park City, Utah, U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fireswamp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Jan's | | Strengths: | Lots of travel, strong, fun
Jan's rules. Thanxs to Kev for the setup | | Weaknesses: | Boxxer race fork seel rubs. No big deal still works fine | | Similar Products Used: | Chevrolete Trailblazer, like a rock | | Bike Setup: | Mrp,standard | | Bottom Line: | This bike kicks @$$. Ive ridden lots of freeride trails and it held up great. Definetly consider it for a good race/freeride bike. Rides way smooth.Don't buy it if you want it for alot of xc. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Portsmouth, NH
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Power | | Strengths: | Plush, accelerates quickly, pedals (you won't believe it's got 7" until you need it), 5th element rear shock, Super T!!!! (I call it Super Plush), and the trans red is a sweet color | | Weaknesses: | A little bob when you really mash the gears | | Similar Products Used: | Gemini 1000 | | Bike Setup: | XL Trans Red w/ R Freeride kit and Super T Pro and Kona Jacksh*t pedals | | Bottom Line: | The classic dilema.... Should you buy the Heckler or the Bullit???? I literally lost sleep over the decision and changed my order three times from Heckler and back. I couldn't be happier with my decision. I will caution you however, if your primary purpose is trail riding go with the Heckler. Personally, I like to hit drops and punish the sh*t out of the bike. It is a bit heavier than the Heckler (approx. 38 pounds w/ Freeride kit) but this thing will literally eat up everything I have been able to throw at it. I already can tell that this bike will change the way I ride mountain bikes. Anyways, it's a great all around bike ( I even ride urban with it) If you have a spare $3,000 kicking around BUY THIS BIKE!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Stackhouse
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha NE, US
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | downtown urban | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Way | | Strengths: | lots o' travel, very strong | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bike Setup: | super t pro, hussefelt cranks, stock | | Bottom Line: | Awesome! handles anything you can dream of doing on a bike. Maybe inspires a bit too much confidence. You can't ride if you're hurt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mads Jensen
a Downhiller
from Svendborg Denmark
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Hell | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The tubings is very strong, Long travel, cheap, It is easy to handle. | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn.... | | Bike Setup: | Raceface Northshore crank/Sram x.o derailleur/DMR bashguard/Protaper handlebar/Rockshox Psylo SL and so on.... | | Bottom Line: | When im doing 6-9 foot drops im very glad that im sitting on my bullit!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RichardsBicycles.com
a Downhiller
from Palos Heights, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 ravines | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Richards Bicycles | | Strengths: | Bike is balanced excellently. 7" in front and back lets the bike take big hits very well. | | Weaknesses: | Boxxer Race bobs a bit too much on climbs, but that is easily fixed with a firm or x-tra firm kit. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth ID and Dare, Uzzi SLX, Trek Y-300, Specialized big hit | | Bike Setup: | R Freeride kit with avid full metal jacket cable housing and Ultimate levers. UDI rogue grips, WTB power V seat, ballistic platform pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I have owned many bikes over the past years and this bike is by far the best. It handles better than any XC or DH bike I've ridden. It is flawless on the downhills, but the fork bobs quite a bit on climbs. The 5th element shock takes about an hour to set up perfectly, but once it is, it is perfect. It sags about a half inch, but then is as stiff as a hardtail until you take a hit. The components package is excellent for the price. It has an XT rear derailleur and hussufelt cranks. I would recommend this bike to anyone, it is an excellent all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Denver Spoke | | Strengths: | Burly, very well balanced, 7 inches of rear travel, looks waaay cool. Excellent design, single pivot. | | Weaknesses: | None. A little on the heavy side | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Kona, Cannondale, Specialized, etc | | Bike Setup: | 03 bullit, 'zoch Z1FR QR20, Race Face triple crank DH, Mix of XT and XTR, Hayes 8 inchers (R-Freeride kit). | | Bottom Line: | For those that love XC and want more travel, BUY THIS BIKE! I had a Specialized M4 FSR S-works, and wore it out. Things always felt a bit squirely on the specialized. I get this bike and I am up to 36 lbs. At first I thought I bought a brick, but after riding it a few times, I will never go back to light weight bikes. I use the Bullit as a Front Range Bike. This means you pedal uphill, and then turn around and bomb downhill. I can out climb my friends on their lighter rigs due to the extra travel. Chics dig the bike, other guys wish they had it. You have absolute control on the downhill with the 7 inches in the rear. I climb better, descend better than any other bike I've ridden and owned. Even better? Its not that expensive! You'll see me passing other bikes up and down hill in the Front Range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Hopkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfield, CT
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1025.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | bullit proof, 5th element, kick ass looks | | Weaknesses: | that's an insult | | Similar Products Used: | broke the mold with this one, so it's tough to find something similar | | Bike Setup: | Jr.T, Hayes, Raceface, Sram, Cully's, King/Mag30, Gazzi Jrs. WTB, Thomson, ODI, Etc. | | Bottom Line: | I rode all last year with an '01 Bullit/ Fox RC combo and thought that it was the best bike out there. Bought an '03 and my opinion has'nt changed. This bike rocks. Up-hill, Down-hill, Hucking... Anything you throw at it the Bullit chews it up and spits it out. If you are on the fence cuz everyones ridin one, well theres a reason! Get off the F@#%in fence and get on this bike. The only regret you'll have was waiting this long to get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Las Vegas, Nv
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bootleg Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stuff Boulder City, NV | | Strengths: | This bike totally kicks A*#!! The frame is BULLITproof!!! | | Weaknesses: | is there such a thing on this bike? | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Deluxe, Tomac 6 Shooter, Yeti ASX | | Bike Setup: | R-Freeride Kit, Marzocchi Z1FR-QR20 | | Bottom Line: | This has to be the best "all around" bike that is in existence. I can go bombing on the downhills without fear of destroying anything, yet I can pedal this bike cross country all day if I choose. I was in a similar situation as a previous reviewer in choosing between this bike and a Heckler. Well, after getting impatitient waiting for a Heckler (3 months, then told at least 1 more) I got a Bullit instead. I have never made a better decision! This bike, equipped with the R-Freeride kit, weighs in just a little more than the Heckler equiped the same way. With the extra 2 inches of rear wheel travel, what is there to think about? The Fifth Element provides very efficient pedaling! The only "bob" i get is if I have to stand and mash on the pedals. It's no light nible XC bike, but it can be ridden like one and tortured on the DH's all in the same day!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ma
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | strong, badass looks, 5th element | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | khs dominatrix, kona stinky 6 | | Bike Setup: | super t, hellbent bars, odi locks, hayes hydraulic, xt derailleurs, raceface prodigy cranks w/fr bb, wtb lazerdisc wheels, 5th element | | Bottom Line: | Best bike i've ever ridden. Other bikes were destroyed under my fat ass (250 lbs) but the bullit has not had one problem. suspension is great, no bob unless standing and really mashing. can smoke my friends on all downhills and even on some of the uphills on their little xc bikes. this bike takes away all fears from riding.
this bike runs slightly large i think. I'm 6'4" and i have the large which seems to fit fine. thought the high bb was going to be hard to get used to but it helps riding uphill over large rocks (pedals don't hit as much).
great all purpose bike for bigger stronger guys who might worry about breaking a puny little xc bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a Downhiller
from Pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban/FR | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Employee dicount from SC | | Strengths: | Wow this is a tough question because there are soooo many! The trans red paintjob is sick and worth the xtra money, the 5 element is just as good if not better then every thiing you have heard about it, 8" rotors in the front and back, NO BOB, handles extremely well, does not ride like its a big fr/dh bike at all! | | Weaknesses: | The cable rub, but just throw some tape under the contact areas to keep the paint frm rubbin off, but not really a big deal. Oh all the road and XC wheenies in my city laugh and poke fun at it but who cares. | | Similar Products Used: | Santacruz Heck, V10, Blur, and S8 | | Bike Setup: | BoXXer race (soon to be 6" travel Z1), hayes 8 inchers, full XT, MRP system1 World cup system, Race face NS crank ISIS, Intense lock on grips, azonic love seat, thompson seat post, titec stem, easton scandium riser bars, WTB dh wheelset, soon to be King hubs and headset!!! Oh and 5 Element! | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike i have ever ridden! i would deff recomend this bike to any one who loves to drop off stuff, ride urban, DJ, DH, DS, any thing ou want to do you cant prety much do on this bike (except serious XCing) SANTA CRUZ IS AM AMAZING COMPANY TO DEAL WITH, THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS OUT OF THIS WORLD, AWESOME JOB SC!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Downhiller
from Germany
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | You name it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush, easy to accelerate, great design, great craftmanship, great price=quality | | Weaknesses: | Are you kiding???? | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz S8'01,RM7,BE ONE | | Bike Setup: | Black Bullit'03,Shiver'02,Hayes 8",Double Track,Magura Gustav M Hubs,FSA,DMR Chieftrain,Mr.DIRT Gizmo,Hurricane Stem,Gazza 2.6,Thompson Seatpost | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike I have ever ridin. This bike accelerates like an cc-shooter and sucks hucks like a Super 8. This bike shows outstanding performence in every situation if u know how to handel it. I can highly recommend this Bike!!!. CHEERS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy
a
from Canada
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Dutch Cycle | | Strengths: | Huge tubing, Great colors to choose from, Great geometry, The small looks great with the straight top tube, I like the solid derailleur hanger. Not a complicated fully. 5Th Element | | Weaknesses: | Not yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing compares, that I have used | | Bike Setup: | Trans gold small Bullit, Race Face NS DH cranks, Jr.T, Blackspire DH Headset,Diabolus stem 50mm,RF riser, Mavic 521's, Intense DH 2.7 fr, Gazz 2.5, Hayes orange 8 in fr, 6 rear. | | Bottom Line: | This Frame is Amazing! I am still amazed at how it has no pedal bob when seated. The 5th El. is fantastic once you get it set up. Well worth the time you put into it. I haven't felt a smoother plusher ride. It is insane how well this shock works with this bike. I drop 10 feet to a mediocre tranny and it feels so smooth. The rear end sticks to the ground like glue. It's simply amazing; my words cannot give this bike and shock the Props it deserves. I would recommend a 275 instead of the 250 for a spring if you are 150 -160lbs and do drops to fairly flat. This bike is so well balanced it blows my mind, and everyone who has tried it out so far. This is the best investment in a bike, ever. If you have thought about this as being your new fully, get it. You will not regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Miller
a Downhiller
from PG, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nucklebuster | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | ABS | | Strengths: | Looks good, strong, reliable frame, 5th element makes it easy to climb (no bob suspension), plush, Etc... | | Weaknesses: | Yeah right, this is a Santa Cruz mtb... | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RM7, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | 2003 boxxer teams, Intense Mag 30's, Nokian Gazzaloddi's, MRP bones combo, Azonic, Titec, WTB... | | Bottom Line: | Awsome bike... its lighter than your tipical DH bike, but will go just as big or fast... plus way cheaper than one, it will go up or perferably down, slick, not way to exotic, just like Santa Cruz says "simply advanced", and thats the bottom line... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SinStar
a Downhiller
from Denver CO
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Burly frame burly swing arm and Progressive 5th element shock | | Weaknesses: | None so far!! I think stickers should be optional!! | | Similar Products Used: | 01 Bullit | | Bottom Line: | Freakin awsome frame tough as nails and the 5th Element suspension is bomb this frame is great on the dirt jumps urban assult and on the trails awsome all around bike could even use it for leg shaver XC but who the hell would do that!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Teal
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS - North Rim Adventure Sports www.northrimadventure.com | | Strengths: | Lightweight for the bike it is. | | Weaknesses: | Ummmmmm..... still looking. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS-1, Giant, Specialized, Gary Fisher | | Bike Setup: | XTR/LX r/fr, Sun Single Track rims, Chirs King headset, Easton Monkey Lite carbon bars, Thomson seat post, Z1FR | | Bottom Line: | Just a recap of my last review a while ago. Now after riding the Bullit for several months, it has changed me. Instead of looking for the best line, I look for the most challenging. Instead of worrying about the bike breaking (like my LTS ALWAYS did) I look for what I can launch off of. I never thought urban riding would be so fun, but launching off of staircases, planters, and other lofty places seems to have given me another breath of life into my riding. In short:
The Bullit handles great. Suspension soaks up everything and when dialed in right, almost completely gets rid of bobbing (except when standing and mashing). I take the Bullit cross country riding all of the time. Usual rides consist of about 8 miles of uphill on lavarock and then the fun downhill switchbacks onto a fireroad. So it sees a little bit of everything. Last week we rode down from a small town in the mountains into the valley and climbed 6 miles up a steep road (Honeyrun if anyone knows it). My friend on his Blur was only a little in front of me and he's in better shape. He averaged 12.9mph and I averaged 13.2mph, so the extra weight of the Bullit isn't that great of a concern, just lock out the front fork and pedal away. Goes up anything, and down EVERYTHING!
3 month review, all 5 chili's across the board. Not one problem with it and I HAMMER it. My friend's Blur has to go into the shop for a blown bottom bearing on the pivot, that's what ya get for trying to keep up with a Bullit!
I've had several people email me asking whether they should go with the Heckler or the Bullit. I say now, go with the Bullit, it's almost as light and the extra bike and travel is there when you need it. I'm hitting the 24 Hours of Adrenalin again this year in Monterey and I plan to blow away last year's times. I always feel kinda funny on a Freeride bike when everyone else is on a XC rig, until I round the first corner and they all pull over for me to pass! (Of course, I eventually have to let a few of them pass going up hurl hill!)
Verdict: Get one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a
from Sarasota
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | TOE | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 800 | | Strengths: | Single Pivot, its less plush than a 4 bar but far more rigid, the 5th element is the best cc/fr rear shock I have ever used. | | Weaknesses: | None really, could use a slacker seat tube angle maybe | | Similar Products Used: | OutlandVPP5 best bike ever and when it wore out I was pissed then the Cove G-Spot elsucko energy waster but strong and a slew of others. | | Bike Setup: | Hope 4 piston, Chubby bars, Cube stem, Chris King H/S, Thompson S/P, Profile Crankset, Cliff hanger/Hope bulb wheels, Maxis 2.7's Front N' Rear, Azonic Flats, Marzocchi Super T, XTR F/R De's, Gore Cables. | | Bottom Line: | If there is a bottom line? I have had 6 full suspension frames and of all of them 2 really stand out as the best ever. Outland VPP5 was killer!!!!! Up until 3 weeks ago I had basically given up on finding a bike that could ride that well again. Ah then enters the Santa Cruz Bullit Single Pivot w/5th element, this bike pedals like the Outland with alot more travel and its much stiffer due to the single pivot and the major meat that they put into the frame and swing arm. What a killer climber/decender and I even like the color. Cheap strong beautiful & eficient. What more could you want. Its better than an Outland because: you can get parts? It is way better than the Outland and the Outland WAS the best F/S frame ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
htank73
a Downhiller
from Escondido, Califor n i a, Estados Unidos
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I love my bullit | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bicyclewarehouse.com | | Strengths: | herculean strength, burly tubing, intimidating swingarm, precision welded gussets exuding strength only seen in grizzly bears during mating season. the inflexible, unbreakable derailleur hanger out back. every time i see an article on the bullit and they review and praise it for its perfection, all the reviewers state they wish they had a replaceable derailleur hanger. what a bunch of idiots. i cannot believe those idiots are getting paid. the rear derailleur is so strong and eliminates ghost shifting which are prone with replaceable derailleur hangers(replaceable derailleur hangers, consist of two thin pieces of metal bolted together, much thinner connection as opposed to a solid, thick hanger.
elevated chainstay, eliminates chainsuck
i love high bottom bracket set up, to compensate for the unbelievable suspension travel. | | Weaknesses: | none! wait - santa cruz please change that stupid S logo of a dude riding, it looks really dumb and looks like you spent not even a minute thinking what your logo should be, dam-it, take pride in everything from a to z. look at intense bikes and their frame badges. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 3+, Specialized Hardrock, Giant NRS 1, AC1, and my old trek 820 antelope with elastomer bumper front fork. oh yeah, i had a SE Racing P.K. Ripper, and a sears single speed blue bomber with state of the art coast brake. | | Bike Setup: | santA cruZ "lethal projectile" loaded with Mr. King's components, sun single tracks with dt swiss 14 straight gauge, cheap ass tubes, weirwolves, xt disc, westoff monkeylite dh bars, tom's son post | | Bottom Line: | greatest bike ever made!
sure, santa cruz is developing the VPF (Virtual Pivot Freeride) just to keep themselves ahead of the game, however the bullits are a line that is flawless. the bullit is so good, they just need to eliminate the heckler which is literally pointless in having since the bullit does everything and more.
greatest bike i have ever ridden!
there is not enough flamin chilis to rate | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tman
a Downhiller
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Celllar | | Strengths: | Burliness of the frame, geometry, 5th Element rear shock, overall sweet frame design, low maintenance with relatively simple design that has been proven to work | | Weaknesses: | Bike seems a little tall, not sure about the BB height, maybe I just don't have enough sag setup with the 5th Element | | Similar Products Used: | RM7, Switch, Slayer, Kona Stinky | | Bike Setup: | Super X FR, 03 Super T Pros, RF NS Crank and BB, Hayes Comp 8" sweeeeet | | Bottom Line: | Amazing bike, 5th Element does seem to provide a stable platform yet soak up all the small and big hits you can throw at it. Rode if for a month in all sorts of conditions on Vancouver Island, excelled at everything I could handle. With this bike I really get the feeling the only thing holding me back from doing anything is myself. This bike will take my riding to a new level..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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