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Submitted by
Lex Cumber
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol england
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Depends on my mood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | 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. | | 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 | | 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 | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lex cumber
a Downhiller
from Bristol England
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | So many ....so many | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | 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 | | Similar Products Used: | Marins, Fishers, On-One | | Bike Setup: | Fox Talas R, Fox Float R, Big Earl wheels, easton finishing kit, Avid Juicy Stoppers (180 rotors) | | 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'. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Bagalso
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor*Cal
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Demo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$650.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay.. | | Strengths: | Single pivot, simple design, solid frame, fits me right.... | | Weaknesses: | none here.. | | Bike Setup: | my bike is set up for trail riding.. Manitou Nixon plat..in the front. Fox DHX coil on the rear.. | | 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.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gabe
a Weekend Warrior
from Deerfield, NH USA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | S. NH - Pawtuckaway/Bear Brook/FOMBA | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Exeter, NH | | 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. | | 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, | | 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. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark nichols
a Weekend Warrior
from aberdeen,scotland
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | fungle | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | bothy bikes | | 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 | | Bike Setup: | Pike 140mm U turn, saint cranks, v8 pedals, big earl wheel set, easton carbon high riser bars lx shifters | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | on this bike, something with drops | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Peak | | Strengths: | Strong, beautiful workmanship, just nice
| | Weaknesses: | Decals and paintjob | | 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. | | 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... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 19, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any technical singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | 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. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus Loco-Moto, Rocky Mountain Element TO, Santa Cruz Bullit, Ellsworth ID, Specialized FSR, and a bunch of hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | 195 lb rider, '03 Size large, 5th Element Coil, 321/King wheelset, '04 Marz Z1 FR SL, Thomson, Easton, WTB cockpit, RaceFace North Shore DH crankset, '03 XT/Sram Rocket shifting, Look 4x4 pedals for a total weight of 30 lbs. | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Hanyzewski
a
from IL
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Joe's Ridge: Fruita, CO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1070.00 | | Purchased At: | Johnny Sprockets: Chicago, IL | | Strengths: | Bombproof & Reliable | | Weaknesses: | None Whatsoever | | 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!) | | Bottom Line: | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jayson Hanelius
a Weekend Warrior
from Avon, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Nepaug, Soapstone, Nassahegan | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1626.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | 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... | | 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) | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Willy Wacker | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Wicked smooth pedaler, easy climber, rock solid, plush. | | Weaknesses: | Chain stays a wee bit long | | Similar Products Used: | Joker | | Bike Setup: | Z1 FR/QR20, 5th Element coil, Avid mechs, Thomson and Race Face, XT. | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Madison, WI
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat.com | | 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. | | Bike Setup: | Progressive 5th element, Fox Vanilla RCL, Race Face NorthShore, E-13 dual chain guide, XT drive train, Avid mechanicals | | 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. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockville, MD USA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Lahoma | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | assembled | | Strengths: | strength to weight ratio, geometry of cockpit, climbing with the 5th Element shock | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | 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. | | 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. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin gray
a Weekend Warrior
from hollywood,fla.
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | oleta,amelia,q.w.,pisgah n.f. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | cal to fla! | | 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. | | 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 | | 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! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
blake
a Downhiller
from Los angeles
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail N. Idaho&Beacon hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | 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 | | Similar Products Used: | Turner XCE | | Bike Setup: | heckler with coil-over 5th element, Marz Z1 freeride, E13 Dual Ring Security, X9 shifters and deraileur, Truvativ XC cranks, RaceFace BB, Weyless stem, Easton EA bars | | 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! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Cheltenham, UK
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Lecky Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$590.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Very strong bike that doesn't weigh too much and loves going down as much as up | | Weaknesses: | Chain stays are very flared and if you have big feet and use SPD's then your heal will rub the chainstay - but a minor niggle | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, Spec FSR, S-Works | | Bike Setup: | Hope Mini's, 5th Element Coil on rear, XT, Zochi MX Comp (105mm) on the front | | Bottom Line: | This bike replaced my dear old specialised FSR which I had thrashed to death. I saved up for months for the frame and was nearly put off by the review in UK magazine (MBR) which was poor due to the use of 5th element air on the test bike. I am so glad that I ignored the article as this bike rocks. It is really not much heavier than the Superlight that my friend used to think was the best, but the 5 inches of travel from the coil shock is just bottomless and I am riding stuff that I never before dared to touch and at speeds that mean I have to wait for my mates! I have no regrets about this bike - if you want an amazing go-anywhere bike and can afford it, just do it!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jj
a Weekend Warrior
from ca
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | everything so far | | Weaknesses: | not free | | Similar Products Used: | kona coiler, c'dale, s'ized | | Bike Setup: | heck 5th ele, d321, 8"hayes f/r, rf north shore, evil guide, intense/ wtb tires, fox van 125rlc blah blah blah | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is that i love this bike. it fits perfectly, is plenty plush, rails corners, takes staircase after staircase and asks for more. i hadn't tried too many other fs's before getting this one but one test ride is all it took and so far i'm stoked. would definately reccomend for anyone looking for something more than plain xc but not willing to get a 45 pound dh rig to haul around. when i start dropping 15-20 footers maybe i'll get the v10.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donovan
a
from Oak Harbor, WA. USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that flows well | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | Simplicity, looks, price. | | Weaknesses: | None worth mentioning...I like my bikes to look ridden, so less than perfect paint is not a weakness. | | Similar Products Used: | 97 pro flex beast (LOL). specialized fsr (99 model,the good ones). Intense uzzi slx | | Bike Setup: | 5th coil, vanilla RL, full xt, Hayes hfx-9, Hopey dampener. | | Bottom Line: | Had I had another 1000.00 or so dollars laying around I would not have bought this bike. I would have bought a Turner or something like that....But I really didn't have the 2200.00 for this one.
That being said. I could not be happier with this bike, it climbs unlike any other I've owned, it shreds trails with the best of them....
Downhills? Well it's not my Karpiel....Dut it does pretty darn good....Like the Karp, it likes to be ridden with the binders off...Let go of the brakes and the rear end comes to life.
I would recomend this bike for anyone on a reasonable budget...Pound for pound it's as good or better than anything in it's price range...And just as good or better than bikes with frames that cost as much or more than my whole bike.
Make sure you give proper break-in time for the shock it is awfully stiff at first.
This bike has renewed my desire to just go out and pedal the trails....I can't get enough.
I would also like to thank MTBR.com for providing this sight. I have bought 3 bikes from here with no troubles, and countless little parts... all for a great savings. I also like the trail, and product reviews. All very helpfull. Thank you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Vic Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shack (frame only) | | Strengths: | Built like a tank but reasonable weight, perfect geometry for agressive trail riding & "light" downhill (ie. for me), teriffic climber, unbelievable rear tyre hook up w/ 5th Element coil, control on fast and/or technical decents. | | Weaknesses: | None yet (rider only). The 5th Element coil SPV loses around 15-20psi over a week - is that normal? | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 800 - similar only in that it's a full bouncer. | | Bike Setup: | Med frame, 5th Element coil (steel spring), Vanilla 125RLC fork, Chris King hubs, Mavic 819 UST rims, Specialised Enduro Pro 2.2 tubeless tires, Shimano BR-M555 hydraulic disk brakes (faultless), Thompson Elite seatpost & stem (5'9" w/ 100mm stem is OK - 110mm may be better), Easton Monkey Lite carbon riser bar, Race Face grips, WTB Rocket V seat, LX cranks, Time Z-Pedals, XT/XTR F/R derallieurs, XT shifters, XT cluster/chain, Avid Flak Jacket cables. Some of the lower spec. bits were off the Cannondale. All up weight 30lbs. Everything that could be black is black - even my wife went ga ga when she saw it. So far haven't touched the recommended setup for the 5th Element but run the lower end of the SPV pressure range (110psi for 170 lb rider). | | Bottom Line: | Although I've only owned one full bouncer previously, this thing climbs incredibly well - it feels lighter than 30lbs, no bob at all in the saddle, and the ability of the 5th Element shock to keep the rear tyre on the ground is simply amazing. The Vanilla fork seems more flexible when steering through tricky rock gardens than the Cannondale Lefty DLR I had, but it's a way better performer as a suspension unit. So far this feels like the perfect bike for agressive trail riding - blasting through rock gardens is a joy. I wanted a bike that would last forever & handle anything within my riding ability - and got it plus a lot more. It's freakin' marvellous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theran
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs,CO
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | PIPELINE/JACKS/CHUTES/PALMER PARK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | BoutiqueBikes.com | | Strengths: | The frame is stout as hell, the 5th coil kicks a$$! Truly a bike made for whatever! | | Weaknesses: | None worth griping over, like others who complain of paint. Who cares it is gonna get scratched and come off! Water bottle mounting, what the hell is that if you have to mount a water bottle on this bike you got the wrong bike! Maybee a light kit battery I could see complaing about, but a freakin water bottle! | | Similar Products Used: | None really this is my first F/S bike. I was a hardtail hold out! | | Bike Setup: | L gunmetal grey and black frame,5th coil,all XT driveline minus cranks which are Truvativ Stylo Teams,Race Face Evolve FR bb,Avid Speed Dial 7 levers hooked up to Avid 185 mechs,Easton Carbon low rise bar with Yeti lock on grips, King headset, FOX Vanilla 125RLC, Thompson post with WTB Rocket V race saddle, Atom Lab DHR's laced to King disc's all black with Intense system 4 rubber | | Bottom Line: | It took me awhile to get this rig because I was deployed to Iraq but i finally got it! I took it on its maiden voyage yesterday at Palmer Park. Man oh Man was I impressed. I have the shock almost dialed in I think but even with out it totally dialed in, it tracks the trail like a blue tick hound looking for a convict!!! No bob that I could tell, the couple drops I did attempt, it ate it for breakfast! I have been wanting this bike since they brought it back out. I have thought about this damn bike for over a yr. And the funny thing is I never test road it once! I read what everyone here had to say and some other places and people and I knew I was getting the right bike. I debated with myself back and forth between the Heckler and the Bullit, which I am sure a ton of people do. But For my style and skill lever now I could have not made a better choice. I highly reccomend this bike to you hardtail holdouts considering F/S or you hardcore trailriders like myself that want a bike that will rip the trail to shreds. I will post more as I get some more saddle time, but they say 1st impressions are the lasting ones. And this bike blew me away on it's 1st impression!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Culpepper
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ga
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Power Lines | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Mikes Bikes | | Strengths: | Progressive 5th Element shock "real strong", the whole frame | | Weaknesses: | The decal is coming off.Put clear coat on it as soon as you get it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big Hit comp | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1FR, Mavic 321, Intense DH tires, Easton monkey bar, Truvativ, Shimano XT, Azonic love seat | | Bottom Line: | If your 14 and doing 14 foot drops "like me", or if ur the size of a 14 year old, or if you are just lookin for a good all around bike this is it.I would Recomend a dual crown fork for it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Glastonbury, CT
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Vernon Cycle | | Strengths: | Suspension quality, simplicity, solid handling, component package, tire clearance, reliability, value. | | Weaknesses: | Paint, shock bushing, limited sizing. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing similar really, but a variety of lighter FS cross country bikes, including Ellsworth Truth, Specialized S-Works FSR. | | Bike Setup: | 5th Element coil, Santa Cruz Super X (not freeride package) with Fox Vanilla 125mm fork, Conti Vertical 2.3 tires, ODI lock on grips, Cane Creek S-Pro headset. | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a FS XC bike on the burlier side for the more technical rides we all seem to be doing, and the Heckler really does the job for me. At 56 and having had 2 back surgeries, I'm not about to start hucking big drops, but it handles the rock gardens, twisty singletrack, and short steep hills that prevail around here with ease. The 5th Element is a must despite adding about a pound over the air shock options, providing solid pedaling and great traction. Don't kid yourself and pretend it will go up smooth climbs as well as a lighter XC bike, but it seems to find traction on the steepest, roughest grades and will climb anything as long as you have the legs. The Fox fork is equally capable and reeks of quality construction. Handling is perfectly balanced, on the stable side for the downhills without giving up anything in the twisties. I noticed some complaints about tire clearance in the other reviews, but I picked this bike over a Blur partly because it would fit my favorite 2.3 Contis with ease and the Blur couldn't, so I'm not sure what the problem is. Hope brakes are faultless as usual. The SC super X kit is a great combination of reliable, reasonably light parts. The LX drivetrain stuff is holding up well. Particular kudos to the very comfortable Titec Gove saddle and the Easton carbon bar and seatpost. The only problem I ran into was the headset crapping out after one season due to inadequate sealing, replaced by the Cane Creek.
I could rant about the weight at 29lbs. and change with relatively light components, but that's the price of a stiff strong frame and 5 inches of coil sprung travel. My only real gripes are that the black paint seems soft and dulls easily (seems to be a problem for everyone, get yours anodized or polished); and the rear shock bushing develops play. It was remedied by cranking down extra hard on the bolt, but I'll be looking into a better solution. It would also be nice if Santa Cruz offered at least one additional size, as at 5'9" I seem to on the cusp between a medium and large. I went with the large because I'm more used to the stretched out position, but a stunt oriented rider of the same size would probably be better off with the medium and its 22.5" top tube.
All in all, I think the Heckler is a great bike at a fair price given the quality parts and US- built frame. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M b
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin Ca.
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | Solid frame and frame geometry | | Weaknesses: | Lots of chain slap w/o a lizard skin but I'm really being picky here because it's been so good. | | Bike Setup: | Set it up w/ an abjustable fork | | Bottom Line: | I'm told this bike can be built to 27 pounds. I don't see how. I built mine w/ heavy WTB dual rims and 2.5 tires and a talas fork and 5th ele. It's 36.25 pounds but suprisingly pedals w/ solid effeciency. I'm 5'8.5" and a medium w/ a 110mm stem fits perfect. The geometry is so good that asending and decending is easy and makes you a better rider. I took my 30 lb c.c. bike up a 5 mile 2000' climb and then this bike the next day and there was only a 3 min. difference. I notice that I use more glutes on the c.c bike and more quads on this bike. Credit the Santa Cruz engineers for this. If you are looking for a bike to do almost everything, this is it. I've enjoyed mine. Best if you set it up w/ an adjustable travel fork though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trailslayer
a Downhiller
from Rohnert Park
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Water Tower | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Rosa Cyclery | | Strengths: | Built like a tank.Very little rear end frame flex. Stable steering geometry, just a damn solid trail bike.You can stand and climb with little to no bob . | | Weaknesses: | Nothing yet. This bike will let you push yourself, so make sure your running some big tires, and youve got enough brake juice i ran my WTBmutanoraptor2.4s thinking it would be enough traction, but no way- I flew off the trail with these and broke both ulna and radius bones in arm off at the tip-ouch.Just now after 2 months my arm is better and I can ride this sick bike some more. | | Similar Products Used: | Just about evrything- seriously. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi z1 freeride 130mm. MRP minime.Xt 9sp rear Chris King disc hubs, King headset, velocity cliffhanger rims Hayes 8"/6" | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding trails fast and hard for 20 years,and finally found my dream trail rig. No its not light, and yess you can peddle it up hills. Mines built for super aggressive technical trail riding, and nothing else. It's not a huckster really, and its no xc full suspension, its a solid, dependable, predictable, stable trail slaying weapon.I've got just under $4000 in mine, but you can build it up much cheaper. I can no longer afford to keep my single speed a full suspension and a xc bike so I said f-it, sold them all and put together a serious tr |
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$ 2200.00
