Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Strengths: Price/Performance
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I have owned the 2003 Weyless SP for over a year now and I'm still impressed. I read a few posts here and all I know is my bike is of good quality. If anyone wants to ask me I will respond to friendly emails. I have owned Cannondales and so has my roomate. He broke his frames and no one can say anything about Cannondales quality. Why did his break and not mine...maybe because he weighs 210+ lbs and I weigh 185 lbs. Maybe because his riding style is different...I don't know. I do know of other name brand frames that have broken too. I have read on here a consistant note about the people who broke frames. I believe all said they bought a Santa Cruz? Seems like many are just loyal SC owners.
As for the Blur compared to the Superlight...probably a better choice for a 200+lbs rider. The Superlight and Weyless SP are design for XC race usage. They are light weight frames not designed to handle 200+lbs riders. I doubt anyone owning a MTB rides them lightly. Specially anyone serious enough to lay down $1400 just for a Blur frame is riding lightly or casually.
I really like SantaCruz Superlight but is there product really worth all that money? My opinion is Nope! Specially after riding my Weyless hard for over a year now. I believe what one guy wrote on here...you will bend a rim or bottom out the shocks before you crack the frame. The guy below admits he was over 200 lbs and even SC doesn't recommend there Superlight to people weighing that much.
My frames warranty is for 5-years no hassel replacement. Why they changed the design is hopefully for the better. I really like the newer designed 2004 model and would like that frame. Worst case is I break my 2003 frame and get the newer 2004 design.
Similar Products Used: Canondale, Specialized, GT's
Bike Setup: Custom
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Thor
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Strengths: The bike was fun - really fun. Good price for the components.
Weaknesses: The rear swing arm cracked in so many places the show said they had never seen anything like it. It had litterally dozends of hairline fractures. While I do weigh 200 lbs I do not do any jumps, etc that might cause this.
Bottom Line:
Unfortunately there were SO many cracks that generated in the swingarm that it is clear to me that there was a problem in manufacturing. It is also interesting that they stopped selling the bike for a time. . . . (hmm any connection?) Also they very prominantly tell people the swingarm has been 're-designed' in 2004. If any of you have the 2003 bike - be nervous.
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2004
Strengths: Value, Performance and warranty.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
After reading and talking directly with a few owners of the Weyless SP I decided to try the bike. I was a little concerned because there are a few people reporting frames cracking. I have owned the bike 10 months now and have no complaints. I weigh around 180lbs and my riding style is XC. What I mean by XC is looking for a few good jumps but no big air. Basically 2 foot drop offs.
The bike has held up without problem. I started to wonder if these claims of frames cracking were really true or very wide spread. The bike has a 5 year frame replacement guarentee so what the hell.
I have really tried putting my weight on the bike during impacts. I blew the front fork seal out when I tried a jump with air closer to 4 feet!
To me it seems like the shocks take most of the hard impact away which makes it difficult to crack the frame. From my experience you would have to really hammer and get big air, or, be a clydesdale of a rider!
If the bike is ridden for its intended purpose XC, the frame will hold up without problem.
I noticed bike magazines giving good ratings to the KHS bike which is built in the same Taiwanese factory using the same 7000 series aluminum as the Weyless. Look at the two frames and compare 2003 model years. The downtube shaping, rear swing arm, gussetting near the seatpost and front head exactly the same! Even check the head angles, toptube and chainstay lengths.
To me these complaints are unfounded or not completely being told. A guys wife cracking the frame? I'm really wondering. I have enough confidence in this frame that I took it to Europe and rode some remote places. I sure would not have wanted to break down there.
I'm not stuck on name brand or paying out the nose for a frame. Infact other NAME BRAND frames are made from the same 7005 gussetted aluminum and the EXACT same factorys in Taiwan! There are basically 3 main factorys in Taiwan that make 80% of the bikes being sold. Same goes for major components like cranks, composite handlebars and stems!
I think some disgruntled bike shop owners don't like knockoff's being sold which cut into their profits. Sorry...
Same goes for the major bicycle magazines and reviewers. They have to cater to their cash cow advertisers. It was found many products for bikes did nothing to improve performance. Not many bike mags are willing to break away from telling people..."Hey, seriously, don't buy the Santa Cruz Superlight if your just doing XC riding. If your new to the sport and under 190lbs, just buy a Weyless because its a very similar product. You can even buy the KHS because its also similar to the Superlight."
They would much rather have you blow mucho dollars on something that you really don't need and isn't worth the extra dollars! And the bike mags don't want to piss-off their bread N butter advertisers!
I have swapped rides with all my MTB buddys bikes, Even rode my friends Santa Cruz Superlight and it feels comparable to my Weyless. All my friends said the same and were really surprised by my Weyless. They are all cheering me on in my attempts to debunk the frame cracking.
Bottom line is...I'm still trying to crack the frame...I really like the 2004 frame and wouldn't mind getting one of those as a replacement!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Lefty e700, GT iDrive, Specialized Rockhopper
Bike Setup: Custom
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004
Strengths: Great Price and Value
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Your wife broke the frame??? Uh Huh!
I have been riding this frame hard for over a year now. I ride at least 2 rides per week, 10-30 mile rides. I have had ZERO problems and I weigh 190 lbs! I hit 2 and 3 foot drops, rock gardens and anything I can get air from...not one crack...nothing!
I have ridden many So Cal trails, Sycamore Cyn, Kanan, Romero, Santa Cruz, Chumash and Hummingbird etc...and not any problems.
My only problems were normal wear and maintenance. BB needed lubing and tightening, rear cog needed to be removed, cleaned and greased, chain replaced. All this was done at about 600 miles. I have since logged another 500 miles without problem.
I will admit as Weyless has since...the rear suspension gets about 3.75" of travel and not 4". I have verified this and so has major MTB magazines. I checked my frame on a digital scale and its correct weight.
Now if your 200+lbs this frame is not for you. Serious if you freeride or look for anything over 3ft drops this frame is not for you!
I'm not saying people are not breaking this frame but most people are BS'ing and thrashing the hell out of it. I'm talking trying to break the bike.
If you XC or even aggressive XC and do not weigh more than 190 lbs this bike kicks. Even SC does not recommend there Superlight to riders over 190 lbs.
Strengths: Customer service, Warranty. Cheap frame, used it for 18 months and got my money back.
Weaknesses: See below
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my post below. I called Supergo after not hearing anything for a week after returning the frame. The CS guy took my details and confirmed they had refunded my money in full as that model was no longer current. The check was waiting in the mail box when I got home that evening, I didn't even have to hassle them, great CS. I guess this worked out well in the end. Added some extra cash and ordered a Locomoto for the wife, I will transfer all the sweeet bits from the Weyless. 5 flamin' chillis for value. 3 overall because it broke under light usage, and innacurate advertising.
Strengths: Cheap introduction to FS. Frame felt stiffer than a SC superlight(probably due to extra weight). 5 year warranty.
Weaknesses: A little truth in the advertising would be nice. The weight was over 1 1/4 pounds greater than claimed The travel is claimed to be 4 inches, the most I could get was much closer to 3 than 4. The frame is cracked at the downtube/pivot-mount weld after 18 months of use by my wife!!!
Bottom Line:
I bought this as a starter FS bike for my gf (now wife) thinking it would be a good starter bike, it was built up for under $2400 with top components. The bottom line is it broke after 18 months and about 500 miles of use by my wife, she can just about hop over a 6 inch log. The frame has just been returned to Supergo for a warranty replacement (I hope) , I will post again when they let me know what is going to happen. The advertisement claims were basically untrue and the comparisons with a superlight not really valid. The SC has a true 4 inches of travel, and is well over a pound lighter. Given the chance again I would definately spend the extra money on something else. I have since bought a Locomoto for myself, and love it. This is probably what I would buy given the option to do it over. Your choice to buy depends on your mainly on your budget. My advice, if you can afford the extra go for a brand name with a lower parts spec, you will appreciate it in the end. 3 chillis for value, as it is difficult to find another FS frame for the same money.
Similar Products Used: Tius Locomoto, Scott Octane FX1, SC superlight
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Easton bars, Thompson post and stem, King hubs, Revolutions, DT Swiss rims (Nice!), Hope minis, Black air Elite, 26 lbs
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Submitted by
j cycle
a Cross Country Rider
from southern California
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Strengths: Single pivot = less maintenace Price - alotta bang for the buck! if built right ends up being light
Weaknesses: stickers clearcoated over, welded on pivot bracket is a dirt collecting bucket it needs to be re-designed with a cover or something.
Bottom Line:
It was time to upgrade my 8 year old amp. I already had lots of great parts to build up a new one. This frame is awesome for the price, i couldn't justify spending 1000 bucks more for a name. I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money anymore on something that was ultimately going to be beat on. I mean really whats the put, once your on it who cares what sticker you got on the bike. Its rolling and your having fun right? I built this bike up weighing in just under 27lbs. About 4lbs heavier than my old amp but with the increased lateral stiffness and the lockout on the fox shock it climbed much more efficently. Very predictable and confidence inspiring on the downhill stretches. I love this bike, it was money well spent. This bike is great for agressive XC people, i wouldn't kid yourself and call it an all out downhill machine.
Weaknesses: when shifting from small to middle chainring the chain comes in contact with pivot part of the frame, my XTR cranks with 24,34,46 chainrings, can be adjusted out far enough to clear, but then my shifting sucks. So I either need to buy new cranks with 22,32,44 rings or send the frame back.
Bottom Line:
Except for the chainring dilemma, I really like this bike and find myself going quite a bit faster on the rocky downhill trails here in Sandy. This is a great frame to buy if you ride a high-end hardtail and want to switch your parts over. (warning old XTR with 34 tooth middle chainring not compatible)
Bike Setup: all top o line off my XC hardtail race bike.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003
Strengths: Performance, weight and value!
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I noticed someone recommended the Jamis Dakar XLT-1.0 over this bike and would disagree. Its my opinion the frame geometry and elevated chainstay is better on this bike. Chainsuck was a constant problem on the Jamis no matter how clean the chain. The Jamis is a noisey bike with chain rattle. I still have it as a backup bike. It served its purpose and was a great first suspension bike for me. But after trying a friends Santacruz Superlight there was NO turning back, Oh except CASH...way over priced!
After riding the Weyless its at least comparable, if not better than the SantaCruz. You could not build a comparable SantaCruz Superlight for the price of my Weyless.
Bike Setup: Built the frame up with Fox Float 125 RLC Fork, Hayes Hydraulic Disks, Tru-Vativ Stylo Team Crank...other wise stock build with XT components.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2003
Strengths: Price, Performance, Quality and Weight
Weaknesses: NONE!!!
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks Axx!!! I have the bike dailed and the Duke fork kicks (replaced black spring for 180lbs riders, also used all 5wt oil).
My friend use to beat me up hill and downhill...not anymore! I'm on his axx or passing. I upgraded the tires from stock WTB 2.14's and switched to a WTB 2.5 Weirwolf race 730gm(Front) and WTB 2.4 Motoraptor race 775gm (Rear) on a recommendation from 2 different bike shops. Its like a new bike again and my friend had to replace his tires to keep pace. Doesn't matter if your aggressive rider or moderate XC'r these tires make a difference to the bike and they will fit the Weyless SP with a Duke SL U fork. Love this bike!!!
The tires add a little weight and bike now weighs 27-lbs. The bike feels like it has 4-5" of full travel with this setup. I run the air pressure at 35psi and I weigh 185-lbs.
No complaints after more than 5 months of riding. Pure grins and fear level has been elevated!!!
Similar Products Used: Specialized Rockhopper, Cannondale FS and Hardtail, GT LTS...
Bike Setup: Modified see my previous response...added Sette Ti skewers (Pricepoint 93gm for $13 a pair, get a friend to buy a set and save money and shipping). Also added Ti screw kit to the list.
Strengths: Great price, AWESOME shock, Perfect geometry. Beautiful welds. SuperGo even sent me an extra rear derailleur hanger plus extra touch-up paint FREE!
Weaknesses: None, Zero, Nadda!!!
Bottom Line:
I just bought the frame because I had everything else. This bike rocks, and for the price, you can use the extra money to buy parts that will rock too! I bought the Red frame w/ the Fox RL. I thought it would be a difficult change (from my Giant hard tail) but this bike made the transition easy. It tracks like a hard tail as well as climbs like one. The teeth jarring hits associated with riding the trails in Texas are gone! Forget the $2,000+ F/S rides, this is the bike you want! You can't find a better deal on a F/S bike w/ a Fox RL rear shock. Believe me, I tried. The customer service was OUTSTANDING too. Good going SuperGo, keep it up! I wished I could've left 6 chili's!
Bike Setup: Marzocchi X-fly fork, XT components (all), Rolf Dolomite wheelset w/Hugi hubs, Flite Ti seat, Easton Monkey bar, Thomson Elite seatpost and stem and ODI Lock (Yeti) grips. This bike is a work of art and weighs in at 27.2lbs; impressive for a F/S bike with over 3" of rear travel!
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Submitted by
Digital Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich, Ct, USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003
Strengths: Well balanced, light, incredible bike for the $ !
Weaknesses: On my second ride one of the shift cable housings exploded. I replaced the housings with shimano.
Bottom Line:
Basically this is a generic Santa Cruz. If you want an XC bike that performs for a lot less, THIS IS IT !!!
Bike Setup: I upgraded to Avid mechanical disc brakes, replaced the cable housings with Shimano, and use a gel seat.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Simi Valley
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003
Strengths: Price and Quality.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I tested this bike against the Santa Cruz back-to-back and liked the Weyless better. The sizing is slightly different on the Weyless and so is the frame geometry. The frame feels like a breed between XC and DH. My friends have commented the bike inspires confidence because of the rider position and suspension. You don't feel like your going over the bars. The Rockshox Duke SL U is GREAT!!!Much improved over last years model and very adjustable. My bike sits a little high in the front but the fork can be adjusted lower during climbs and again re-adjusted for DH. I don't need the FOX shock lock-out much because its not really needed. The rear suspension handles excellent without wheel hop. I will probably add the Crank Bros SS pedals and maybe a Weyless carbon fiber bar like others on here. Not enough can be said about this bike. For the price your getting a bike that should cost much higher!
Bike Setup: Std. setup except added Hayse haydraulic brakes.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003
Strengths: Bang for the buck! Light, Excellent Frame Geometry, Nice Welds and Components.
Weaknesses: I upgraded to Hayes Hydraulics Comps and the levers were loose and rattled on rides. Installed some teflon washers and problems gone.
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical of the bike because some people had mentioned cracking of the frame (I have heard its the rear swingarm at the hollow cutouts). I then looked at other frames from major name brands and found their frames crack too. All depends on the abuse of the rider and maybe defects (This is an XC frame, not DH). Anyways the Weyless comes with a 5 year no hassel replacement. I tested my friends SantaCruz Superlite and couldn't feel the difference. My bike is lighter 26.7 lbs 18" frame. I just could not cough up another $1000 for a bikes name without feeling an improvement. I'm 6ft. and 190lbs. The bike handles like a dream, soaks up the trails both small and large hits. I do not use the rear lockout much because bob is not too bad. The bike brakes excellent in fast rutted downhills and rear suspension soaks nice. I consider myself agressive XC and ride 2 to 3 times a week. I recommend the brake upgrade to hydraulic disks. If you want to shave a lot of weight the carbon Weyless products are great(Very strong, rigid and good price). I would also recommend the SS Egg Beater pedals over the stock Wellgo 301's. I got a deal on this bike because they were missing some of the std. build parts and agreed to upgrade. I have been seeing more and more of these Weyless bikes on the trails. My bike is blue and silver. Looks great and I get many questions and compliments. Bottom line well worth the money!!!
Similar Products Used: GT LTS, Cannondale Jackel, Specialized Rockhopper.
Bike Setup: Added: Tru-vativ Team XC Cranks and BB, Crank Bros. SS Egg Beaters, FOX Float RL, Hayes Hydraulic Comp Disks, Carbon Weyless-Bars, Seat Post and 100mm Stem. Also replaced the Duke SL U-Turn Std. Blue Spring for Black (Over 180lb Riders). I will probably switch the MTB Motoraptor (R) and Velociraptor (F). Great fast DH tires in loose dry dirt. I prefer Panaracer Fire XC as better all around tires.
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Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from north carolina
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2003
Strengths: Price, light weight, components. Purchased this bike for my wife as her XC race bike. I have ridden it a few times and the bike performs outstandingly. Very little bod and the lock out is a great added feature. The wife loves it as well.
Weaknesses: Non-name brand.
Bottom Line:
The 16" bike weighs in (with upgrades) at approximately 23.76 lbs. It is agile and very fast. For the money you can't beat it! Currently under $2500 invested for a bike this light and of this high quality is not a bad deal! Compare cost for a Santa Cruz and is what you get...
Similar Products Used: Cannodale Scapel 1000, Gaint NRS1 - the Weyless 5.5 blows these bikes away
Bike Setup: The bike has had major upgrades to include XTR cassette and rear derail, Magura SL front disc, Avid Mag rear brake and lever, EPX carbon h-bar, Easton EC90 seatpost, Specialized seat, Kona grips, Maxxis Highroller 62 eXception 1.9's, light weight tubes, fiber optic shifter cable, Richtey WCS stem, SRAM PC-99 Hollow pin chain, Rockshox Sid Race, Avid rollamajig, Eggbeater pedals, Kore titanium skewers
