Submitted by
old school
a Downhiller
from nanaimo canada
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2009
Strengths: tough as nails
Weaknesses: nonw
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike when they first changed to the new style I have had this bike in moab twice hooks up on the rocks and you can launch on flat landings.Some say single pivot is out dated but this thing has taken a beating and after 6 years of thrashing it's still going strong. Gone thru dj3 and manitou flick fork and frame is still in great shape. I like it and will never part with it.
Bike Setup: marz 66 rc2x 721 mavics hadley front dt swiss back 2,5 maxis 3c's
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Submitted by
Lex Cumber
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol england
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Strengths: Versatility, this bike is a fantatstic allrounder, with few weaknesses. I bought the very last of the 'old' models in early 2007 and it has improved my riding and just plain made me go faster. I rode the TransScotland Race on it...blast my local trails...and am currently gettinga little 'Jumpy' on it. If you are a big bloke (I'm 6,3 and 14stone ish) and you are looking for no nonsense, no faff great handling, strength and simplicity then this has to be an option.
Weaknesses: Low bottom bracket (you learn to compensate...but it can freak you at high speeds) Needs to be worked hard up steep climbs in terms of body english and weight.
Bottom Line:
A genuinely great classic full sus bike with a pedigree you just cannot match. It's fast, huge fun and requires very little maintenance. I my opinion the PERFECT all round Long Travel Hardcore XC machine
Similar Products Used: Loads, Marin, fisher, Spesh, Giant, Rocky Mountain
Bike Setup: Fox Talas 130mm, Avid Codes, 90mm Hope Stem, EA70 bars, XT and LX transmission, Hope 2 hubs on DT Swiss 5.1 rims, Conti Verts
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Submitted by
lex cumber
a Downhiller
from Bristol England
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007
Strengths: Looks great (in Gangrene), tough, tracks straight as a lazer. Decents like a lunatic, rips singletrack to shreds. Involving ride, really an all round ride. 100km epic OK, Freeride...OK, Down hill...at a push, just one bike to rule them all baby.
Weaknesses: Low bottom bracket. I clunk my ankle on the beefy chainstays. Struggles on the really steep pitch climbs. Punishes Laziness
Bottom Line:
Fantastic, I've only had it for 6 months but this really could be a bike for life. This bike just gets better the harder you ride it. Rear Sus just does it's job, and with the exception of the steepest up's it climbs well.
It's improved my riding, friends who used to smoke me now can't keep up. Ha say no more. This is the last of the 'Old' models, if the new one is better then buy it. But not sure how they can improve this absolute 'classic'.
Bike Setup: Fox Talas R, Fox Float R, Big Earl wheels, easton finishing kit, Avid Juicy Stoppers (180 rotors)
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Submitted by
Matt Bagalso
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor*Cal
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006
Strengths: Single pivot, simple design, solid frame, fits me right....
Weaknesses: none here..
Bottom Line:
I have used plenty of newer design suspensions and always seems to run into squeeking pivot problems.. (multi pivots design).. then this bike came along.. not an xc race frame but can be built for just about any set up you need.. I should've gotten one of these a while back.. Bike performs suprisinglly well uphill. and of course the descends are awsome, I've been clearing technical sections like I was on rails, eats up bumps and rocks... I feel like I'm cheating when I ride this thing.. Anyways, I dont mind the little weight going up(not that big of deal) as long as it tops it with a huge smile descending..
Bike Setup: my bike is set up for trail riding.. Manitou Nixon plat..in the front. Fox DHX coil on the rear..
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Submitted by
Gabe
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield, NH USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006
Strengths: Solid Frame, Decent suspension design, fantastic on the fast technical downhills.
Weaknesses: Weight - built up 33lbs, suspension design is now outdated but still functions fine.
Bottom Line:
Sweet bike, I whine about the weight & climbing setup a little bit early season but for an all around bike the Heckler was a good purchase for me 2 years ago. Most people could do fine with a Blur which is also a solid bike and much lighter,...or even save a few dollars by getting a Giant Trance or a Reign which performance wise will outperform most Hecklers any day. Overall I like the Heckler a lot for the tough northeast wet, technical riding that I do most often.The fact is if I was buying a bike today, I think their are better values out there on much better performing suspension platforms like VPP or Maestro.
Favorite Trail: S. NH - Pawtuckaway/Bear Brook/FOMBA
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At: Exeter, NH
Similar Products Used: Giant Trance 1 and 2, Giant Anthem, Giant NRS, Kona Hardtail
Bike Setup: XT component package with brake lever shifters and Shimano hydraulic brakes, Fox Talas RL fork, 5th Element coil over, Weirwolf 2.3 tires, carbon fiber handlebars,
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Submitted by
mark nichols
a Weekend Warrior
from aberdeen,scotland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006
Strengths: superb high speed handling on very rough terrainn, the abiility to make you just want to go fast at every oppurtunity
Weaknesses: going up hill after years of hardtailing is just no fun at all
Bottom Line:
After wanting a full suss bike and demoing iron horse, kona and many others the heckler is just plain fun, plain fast and just ope you can hold on to the bars tight enough as the beast propels itself down any scary run you aim it at.
Strengths: Strong, beautiful workmanship, just nice
Weaknesses: Decals and paintjob
Bottom Line:
This bike was the dream build. Built with great, higher end components and coming in hundreds less than some other monufacturers. And it is the ultimate in versatility. I've abused it with more than trail riding and it has handled everything. My 200+ body has taken this thing through quite a bit. The beautiful gunmetal grey is now discontinued but besides an ano, it's the only color I really loved. The build weighs in at close to 35lbs so this is not a weight weenie bike. My riding group has mostly gone over to lighter XC bikes. So with them, I've been riding my DEAN the last several months. Last week, I took out the Heckler again and realized how much I missed her. A bit slower on the climbs but I was flying down hills. It was easier on my body and more stable through all the tech sections of our trail. Nice tradeoff for the weight penalty. I am using a straight Ti bar which catches a lot of flack from my friends. But with the high riding stance of my Mav fork, it balances out. For freeriding, I'd go back to a riser but this setup puts me closer to the XC world. I've seen this bike built up XC, freeride, all mountain, and even downhill. This bike defines VERSATILITY. Again, mine is set up all mountain/trail but I never could resist some reasonable (4-5 ft) drops. This bike will handle anything I can and probably a lot more. Five inch rear travel may seem little by today's standards, but most of the "dream-big posers" never will come close to using all of it. On many trails, my 2.5" travel DEAN is more than enough. This bike is not the best climber, but it does an admirable job as long as you get the shock tuned right. And in the end, What goes up, must bome down. And will you have fun on the way down...
Favorite Trail: on this bike, something with drops
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At: Peak
Bike Setup: Medium frame, Maverick DUC, 5th coil, XT, Juicy 7 w 8" rotors, Holzfeller, Thompson post, DEAN Ti bar, Mavic ex729 wheels, Maxxis Hans tires, Mallet M, Chris King HS.
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Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2004
Strengths: Frame strength. Single pivot=low maintanance. Tall BB height. Trans Blue looks perty.
Weaknesses: Only one--decals. I'd rather pay an extra couple hundred for decals under a clear coat, or lazer etching. I'm anal.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this: If you want the best all-around trail bike, and have no intentions of racing it XC, this is the bike! I have screwed around with buying lighter bikes, but the ride and durability just are not there. The 5th Element Coil is a perfect match for this frame. A seal blew on mine within a few weeks of riding, but since it's quick repair, it has worked flawlessly. It takes a while to dial it in, but once you get it right, it is heanenly. NO BOB--NONE! This bike instills confidence like no other. There is an immediate difference in the rider's ability and desire to tackle the more technical terrain/obsticals that were previously scary. It turns an average rider into a good rider, seemingly correcting rider error. I started out with a Fox Vanilla RLC, but changed to the Z1 FR SL (air) last month. I like this combo better than the Fox. It is stiffer, and the ECC is a MAJOR asset when you have to climb. The fox developed an audible knock and lateral bushing play which uis only repairable by replacing the lowers--not a great design. Back to the heckler...If you are considering one...BUY it. You will not be dissapointed.
Admittedly, I’m breaking the “one review per product” clause here, but I have good reason… I assure you. I originally reviewed this frame (favorably) on 2/15/03. I rode it until 4/15/03, changed the fork, and resubmitted another stellar review. I have since taken this bike to Colorado, Utah, Michigan and Wisconsin. I have ridden badly in all venues, and subjected this poor frame to numerous acts of senseless violence and inept riding. Over the long haul this bike looks and rides as new… albeit the numerous scratches and dings it sustained as I bounced away. We’ve (many good reviews posted) established that this frame is a killer… it’s true. However, this review is really about the top-notch technical staff at Santa Cruz; that returns e-mails in a timely fashion (Thank You Scott), and graciously answers anal-retentive questions about torque ratings and pivot maintenance. If you’re undecided about purchasing a bike from Santa Cruz perhaps the online support will steer you in the right direction.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Joker(Nice Bike) & Trek 8000(My First Love)
Bike Setup: 03 Heckler, Fox AVA Float R, Psylo SL, XT Group, Avid Mech. Discs (I ditched the Hayes Hydraulics... way too many headaches!)
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Submitted by
Jayson Hanelius
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Strengths: Super strong construction. Everything is heavy duty on this bike, no sway, no jitters, just eats up New England trails. Geometry is very comfortable while allowing me to still be quite aggressive.
Weaknesses: Have not found any yet and I've been out on all kinds of rides from x-country, climbs, downhills, roots and rocks, you name it...
Bottom Line:
Being a clydesdale (225-230 lbs) I looked around and collected alot of opinions on a bike. Looked at Ventana, Titus, Ellsworth, Kona, Specialized, Giant among the top choices... decided on the Santa Cruz... best decision I made... this bike is the bomb... it soaks up everything my fat butt drops on it and never even groans. I've ridden 3 times a week for 6 months now and don't have one bad thing to say about the bike. This bike has given me the confidence to try things I wouldn't even consider on the GT... There is very little bob considering what I'm giving the bike and it is stable on both uphills and downhills. I'm riding faster and harder and starting to make my buddies on other bikes a bit jealous. I would most definitely buy this bike again!! This bike is a must have for anyone over 200 lbs.
Similar Products Used: Used to ride a GT i drive... while a great bike for the money I spent on it, its no way near the same league as the Heckler. Got a sweet deal on Ebay though!!
Bike Setup: Manitou Sherman, 5th Element, Hayes disc, XT components, 2.5 WTB Weirwolfs, eggbeaters(the BEST-get these)
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Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Strengths: Wicked smooth pedaler, easy climber, rock solid, plush.
Weaknesses: Chain stays a wee bit long
Bottom Line:
Replaced a busted Joker frame. Got the Heckler and shock new on E-Bay for $900. Built it up at home. This bike is a better climber than the Joker, at about the same weight - 33lbs. Even with the longish and heavy 2003 Z1 fork. 5th Element coil is not hype, it really provides a stable pedaling platform. I don't mind the long climbs at all on this bike. Cockpit is prety short on the large frame (I am 6 ft tall) but I like that for the climbs, and I can slide back as needed on the decents. Very fun all around heavy duty XC bike with enough tail end rigidity for big people - feels very stable on the off camber stuff. I ca keep up with most of my friends on lighter oure XC rigs, except when the going gets really steep. This is a bike to keep for a lifetime. I can not comment yet on the durablity of the main pivot but for $60 you can buy a kit with all the replacement parts for a complete overhaul. Good thing to keep on the shelf just in case.
Bike Setup: Z1 FR/QR20, 5th Element coil, Avid mechs, Thomson and Race Face, XT.
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Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004
Strengths: Strong frame with well thought out geometery. Very stable in any situation, especially when I drop the seat down. Easy to maintain, though it seldom needs it.
Weaknesses: Long wait, but it was over the winter months so who cares.
Bottom Line:
I just started biking again this past spring and wanted a go-anywhere do-anything ride. That's just what I got. I've used for XC out at Moab, downhilling at Big Sky, and "dirt jumping" at the local park (obviously not designed for this, but it can do it-sort of). The only damage I've managed was knocking the rear wheel out of round tailwhipping a tree and that's remarkable given some of the wipeouts I've managed. The nice thing is this frame can be set up cross country or light freeride depending on the build - and it will perform either role well.
Bike Setup: Progressive 5th element, Fox Vanilla RCL, Race Face NorthShore, E-13 dual chain guide, XT drive train, Avid mechanicals
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Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD USA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004
Strengths: strength to weight ratio, geometry of cockpit, climbing with the 5th Element shock
Weaknesses: None yet.
Bottom Line:
Amazing ride, climbing, and handling. Very easy to throw around and up hills after battling my 2001 Stinky Dee-Lux for a year. Able to easily surmount logs, and other obstacles and descend hills like a champ. A great all around bike. Mine weighs in at a comfortable 30 lbs. You can't go wrong with this one.
Bike Setup: 2003 Heckler, SRAM XO shifters, SRAM XO rear derail, Shimano XT front Derail., 2003 Manitou Sherman Firely, Chris King Nothread headset, Thompson stem, carbon bars, SRAM disc brakes, F219 rims, K-Mart kick stand and bell.
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Submitted by
kevin gray
a Weekend Warrior
from hollywood,fla.
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Strengths: strong,stiff,great geometry,smooth riding. this bike can handle more than i can. it has made me abetter, faster, more confident rider.
Weaknesses: the wait,wait,wait,wait(i ended up calling every dealer from here to california, constantly checking inventory untill i found the frame i wanted and paid for shipping. the frame is worth the wait but it's an extremely aggrevating ordeal dealing with santa cruz's shipping dept. i think they use a ouiji board or some crap like that. they're definitley better at building frames than shipping!stickers are coming off and the powdercoat is a little soft but other than that its flawless.
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks! im 47 & 215 lbs.its firm pedalling on the climbs. it soaks up everything my big a$$ has thrown at it. no bobbing whether im spinnin miles on the road or climbing single track in pisgah national forest. my buddy rode mine once and his will be finished being built by garret at bicycle and fitness in miami this week! the shock is pretty easy to setup. start at the guidelines and tweek in moderation.i ended up pretty much stock with a little more sag to cush it up a little. awsome riding bike! the only upgrade i might consider is a floating brake setup but rear sus/brake locking is very minor. awsome. definitly abig bang for the bucks. simple. clean. effective. good tire/mud clearance. you cant lose!its a great big-guys all around fun bike. xc, epic, urban, i even race in the clydesdale class sometimes!
Similar Products Used: giant a/c;s c blur;c'dale super-v;gt i-drive.
Bike Setup: lg black p/c frame;all xt drivetrain;5th element coil;thomson stem and post; wtb lazer; crossmax xl's; hayes mag plus; hutchinson mosquito/scorpion fr and python rr; easton monkeylite carbon; shim 646 pedals; fox vanilla 125 rlc
Strengths: 5 inches of travel that works great in all the situations I've put the bike into. Frame seems very stout but light for what it can handle. Simple, refined design. inspires confidence.
Weaknesses: very impressed and cannot list any weaknesses
Bottom Line:
I weigh nearly 220lbs without camelback and like to ride rough terrain and consider myself abusive as a rider. I am very impressed with the heckler frame and 5th El. shock combo. With the ETA on my fork and the platform valving of the shock I can climb really steep trails and keep traction with hardly any bob. The geometry feels very comfortable any was easy to get used to. On the descents it is stable and can handle rough rocky trails like it was designed for that purpose alone. I haven't noticed any flex and it hasn't begun creaking at all. one day I can go for a long, rough xc ride and the following day spend time at the local trails. The only changes I make are the pedals to flats and dropping the saddle. As well as it pedals up hills I wonder if I should have gotten the bullit as my do it all trail bike. There other positive things to say which I'm sure I missed that the other owners below have. To sum it up: I'm heavy, I've dropped 4ft to flat(that was due to,too much speed and missing the transition on a landing), prefer rough technical descending, but require a bike that can climb. It's my "trail/xc" bike and it does everything I ask of it. If this is the type of rider you are this may be the bike you are looking for. I'm very impressed with my heckler. And a big thanks to Scott Turner at Santa Cruz for always answering my questions. Great product and great service!
