Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from BrisVegas, Australia Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
mtbdirt.com.au
Strengths:
Absolutely awe inspiring confidence, this frame is now 7 years old, yet is still in the best condition, no cracks or dents. Just want to try bigger, better, steeper, you name it, you'll try it (OK, maybe not HUGE hucks, but hey, it's still good).
Weaknesses:
None, I even emailed Santacruz with the frame number to check it's product date. They were amazing with the help they gave. Great customer service.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn Rocket 1, Kona Coiler, Kona Bear, Cannondale Gemini.
Bike Setup:
Small frame with Vanilla RC 6" rear sus, 2002 Boxers, XTR rear mech, XT front dual mech with Blackspire Bashy,Raceface Diablos stem & bars, onone saddle with thompson elite seatpost, 2.7 DH Minion up front and 2.5 Michelin at back.
Bottom Line:
LOVE THIS BIKE - Have set it up for freeriding, however, it handles downhill and jumps no problem, and even peddles uphill without too much of an effort, currently weighs 17 Kilos, which is pretty light for what it can do. Bought this bike after extensive research and reading the reviews on this site, and have been more than happy. Way to go Santacruz. Not having to change the geometry on this bike too much in over 6 years means they must of been on the ball to start off with. My riding has definately improved since I got this bike. My wife even bought a freeride bike after having a go on the bullit. Last word, try one, you'll love it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Pace
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Green Valley/Stucka Springs Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Bomb-proof, pure and simple. This is an indestructible frame!
Weaknesses:
Weight....of course. It's a beast, but that's why it's bomb-proof.
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn 4-Banger, Schwinn Straight-6
Bike Setup:
Full-XTR, Marzocchi Bomber Dual-crown, Hayes Hyraulics.
Bottom Line:
I'm a cross-country rider who is normally a bit scared to go super-fast downhill and take the big jumps; that is, I was, until I picked up this bad boy. This bike can take anything; it's truly amazing. Sure, it's heavy, but the fact that it's bomb-proof makes it all worth while.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Braille
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
Great suspension, solid ride, reasonable weight, bargain (relatively speaking) price.
Weaknesses:
None that I can tell, other than the lack of knowledge of their dealers Mike's Bikes in Palo Alto, CA was the exception. The other shops listed as SC dealers I talked to didn't know squat. If I have to do all the research, figure out what model/size I need via the SC website (and sites like this one), and pay in full when I order, why should I be forced to pay some retailer's markup who didn't do a thing BUT TAKE AN ORDER? That markup is intended as payment for overhead and the value added of product knowledge. Hey Santa Cruz - sell direct! Most retailers don't do a thing to earn their place in the distribution channel.
Similar Products Used:
SC Superlight, Jamis Dakar Team, Specialized FSR Enduro, Specialized FSR Big Hit
Bike Setup:
Psylo SL 5", Avid cable discs w/ 2.0 Speed Dials, Vanilla RC, old school (110mm) XTR cranks(w/ Kooka Crankcase bashguard), Shimano 686 platforms, XT Fr&R deraileurs, XTR 8SPD rapidfires, White Ind disc hubs w/ Sun 0 degree rims, SRAM 11-32 8SPD cassette, Azonic ORC 90mm stem, Bonty Crowbars, Easton Alu post, FSA Pig DH headset.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks. It's got my 42 year old body doing stuff it shouldn't, like wheelie dropping off downed redwoods and jumping off/over pretty much everything that gets in the way. It's a real confidence builder, kind of the same way gold chains & hairplugs are for most guys my age. Also, I'm pretty sure I got my money's worth on the first ride, so everything from here on is bonus points. I normally ride a 19", which would have been a Large in SC Land. After talking to the guys at SC (great company to deal with, by the way - too bad they don't sell direct - see above), I found the standover is the same for M,L, & XL, so I bought the XL to get the 24.5" top tube and be able to comfortably run a 90mm stem (as opposed to the 120mm I would have put on the L). As a side note, the Avid discs work extremely well, and don't require any hydralic fluid hassles. If you're not into full-on DH racing, save yourself the hassle and buy the Avids.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Doyal
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IL Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Orland Park Schwinn
Strengths:
Frame design, components,shocks,
Weaknesses:
price is up there, most people who do not work at a shop won't pony up for a bike that costs this much in the mid-west. It is a little heavy but who cares when you have 6 inchs of travel
Similar Products Used:
98 schwinn s-10
Bike Setup:
stock, psylo, fox vannilla R, LX/XT/XTR, wtb laser disc wheels, Hayes hydros
Bottom Line:
I will start by saying that this is not my only bike, and I know that most people in the mid-west don't want/need 6 inchs of travel, but I wanted it. On the first ride I was very happy with the bike, it soaked up everything, and it climbed suprisingly well. The brakes were unbelevable(this is my bike with hydros)aside from the rear rotor coming off(my fault forgot locktite) I had no troubles with anything, and the best part is after riding I did feel as beat up as I normally do. Would I reccomend the bike, sure if you want a freeride/long travel XC/FS bike don't mind spending alot of cash, and have a hard tail to ride when you go out with the really fast guys/gals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lee
a
from Kingston, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cyclepath
Strengths:
Looks Awsome, Rides Awsome. Practically adjustable to a hard tail, Yet Capable of taking 20 foot drops onto flat Concrete.
Weaknesses:
Very Costly. Top tube sits a little higher than I'd like, but I've also got a 7inch front fork so it's not the frames fault.
I'd Like to try the Super 8 sometime because I find that I'm bottoming out pretty hard on the 6inches that comes with bullit frame.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher, Specialized, Kline, GT, K2, ...
Bike Setup:
Bullit Frame: It's the Best for my Urban Excursions 7inch Stratos Fork: Just in case I nose dive Race Face Krank: Because It's warrantied for life LX components: Because they're cheaper to replace than XTR
Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line is that it's expensive. We're talking 2500 Canadian dollars for just the frame and that's not including the fork. But if you can afford it, Get it!!! (or at least try it) The rear suspension can be adjusted to be rock solid for a nice ride to work, or loosend off for maximum suspension required for your planed jumps after work.
I would not recommend this bike to anyone that still has there sanity because it would be a waste of money if you didn't do anything crazy with it. What's important for me is not the kilometers that has been riden but rather the amount of feet that has been fallen. $2500 for the bullit wasn't a bad investment for me, considering the fact that I I haven't broken, snaped, or bent it/ !!!yet!!!
Therefore this frame is worth the money, but only if you can really put it's quality to the test. Otherwise stick to something more affordable. What I can see happening is that somebody will go all out and buy the frame and then equip it with forks and parts that the Santa Cruz Bullit will just laugh at.
Note: This bike is to die for Please be prepared for an attack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kai S.
a Downhiller
from F-7230 Lablachere Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Suicide du Roi
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2650.00
Purchased At:
backyard ch
Strengths:
Didn´t manage to destroy it, the Bike which lastet longest!! Hard trails every day, very good performance
Submitted by
Terry Brenton
a
from Arvada, Colorado Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain, WA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Mountain and Road Bicycle Repair, Idaho Springs
Strengths:
Lots of travel, but can still climb. You can have the best of both worlds. A DH bike that climbs. The best free ride frame around.
Weaknesses:
None worth mentioning. Some people don't like the weight, but you can't find a frame with 6 inches of travel, burly construction, and that light of a weight, especially for the same price. I guess you could complain about the bobbing, but that's only if you don't have good spin. The only time the bike swooshes is if you stand up crank hard, and it's mainly my front z1 that swooshes. The tail end pretty much stays put.
Similar Products Used:
Alpinestar frames, built by control tech - I don't think you can get these frames in the U.S. anymore. Other frames tested before purchasing include Specialized, GT, Santa Cruz Heckler, Rocky Mountain. There are a lot of good FS frames out there. But I liked the Santa Cruz best. Besides, most of the bigger name brands you run into proprietary problems, like certain screws you can only buy from Specialized that bolt the derailleur hanger on that change every year. So if you have an older frame and snap off a derailleur hanger, you get to jump through hoops to get parts....besides, who wants to be a clone? It's nice to have a bike different than the one everyone else is riding.
Bike Setup:
Race face,azonics, zokes with vario spring guts, bontrager, no shimano garbage, hadley hubs, DT triple butted spokes 13-15-14, Maxxis 2.5 high roller rear, tioga 2.35 front, most important feature = salsa quick adjust seat clamp. Lets you stretch it out on the climbs, but bring'er down to low rider mode for the DH.
Bottom Line:
When I first rode this bike, I liked it, but something wasn't right. Do yourself a favor and ditch the cross country wheelset. This bike was made to run bigger wheels. Once I moved to the DH wheels, I fell in love with the bike. It used to weigh 29lbs ( XL frame ) with the cross country wheels. Now it weighs 38. I don't even mind because the performance of the bigger wheels negates the weight. Just get yourself some low gears on the rear side so you can slow and steady crank up the hill. I recommend to everyone to try the Maxxis High Roller. Climbing is adequate. The downhill is sick. When I need a more climbing friendly meat, I've been sticking with the conti survival pro 2.35. Climbs better, but it's no maxxis on the DH.
Note that Santa Cruz says you can't run anything bigger than a 2.35 in the rear unless you have the newer model frame ( after 1999 ) or switch out to the newest rear triangle. I run a 2.5 on the back with no problem, just as long as you keep the wheel true/dished. You knock it outta wack, and it'll rub a little. No big deal, just put some thick chainstay tape/guards on. If you do need a new rear triangle, they run @ $250. I've heard some people say they bent the rear triangle. I haven't had any problems, and I'm a big dude, and land most of my jumps sideways.
I also recommend, depending on your size - getting the next higher preload spring for the rear shock from fox. It's only like 20 bucks. I'm 6'4 and 210 lbs. I could tell that I was losing too much travel in preload. The bike runs like a new machine with more preload. Save the travel for the hits-not parking your butt on the seat.
Up front I run the zokes z1bam with 5.5 inches. Same deal here. If you run that shock - get a higher preload spring. I run the vario - works well. With the normal brake stiffener, you can only run a 2.35 up front though. If I changed anything on the bike it would be the front shock. Something with 6+ inches would be ideal.
The hayes disc brakes are necessary to stop this thing, not from the weight, but because this bike is so sweet you don't realize you're doing about 300mph on the downhills. Especially in nasty conditions. I lived in WA, now in CO. The muddy wet in WA didn't affect the braking. We did a snow ride a couple weeks ago - everyones wheels were caked in snow and they had no brakes. Disc brakes not affected. The only thing that is a pain about the hydraulic brakes - bleeding. It's almost a two person job. You have to have a bike stand to do it. And it's messy. But, then you get hydraulic brakes, so it's a love/hate thing.
Who should buy this? Anyone who is more concerned with having fun than bragging about how light your bike is. I raced cross country, I'll never go back after having this bike. It climbs decent, even at 38lbs. Downhill - I can't describe in words just how sweet it is. And going on an urban assault? You gotta be kidding. I never thought biking in the city on a DH bike could be so fun.
If you are deciding between the Heckler and the Bullit - go with the bullit. You won't be sorry.
Best place to look into getting one is Mountain and Road Bicycle Repair in Idaho Springs. Good price, excellent service. Owner Jerry can build you a wheelset second to none as well. I ditched my cross-max for a set of his wheels. Also had a nice wheelsmith set that can't compare to his wheels. I recommend running Hadley hubs or Chris King. The Hadleys weigh about 10 grams more the the Kings, but are mucho cheaper. The Chris King hubs are better though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skinny J Tyo
a Downhiller
from P-Town Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001
None so far. Some might complain its a little portly, but if I cared about that I'd shave my legs and train.
Similar Products Used:
My first full suspension bike. Before it I went through two GT Timberlines, and a Zaskar. May the first two have their guts pecked out every day by some mean lookin' vultures only to re-grow them. I wish only the best for the Zaskar.
Bike Setup:
Blue Bullit, Judy XLC (just waitin' for it to snap), Magura HS-22's, Race Face cranks,MRP WC1 (I know its incompatible, but I'm strapped for cash), Azonic Bar, Trans X stem ($30 and king), 521 rear wheel, Tioga Factory Dh 2.3f/2.1r
Bottom Line:
I'm lovin this bike. Its so pretty I could just stare at it all day. But I don't. I ride it. I'm goin huge on this thing. The four footer, flat landings I used to hit on my Zaskar that made me pee my baggies every time I nosed 'em up: like curbs on the Bullit. I'm not pushin more than 6' right now 'cause I want to be healthy for this upcoming lacrosse season. The bottom line on this slice of heaven:
Its stonger than a gorilla on creatine and faster than a cheetah hopped up for a World Cup XC race. Portlanders e-mail me if yah wanna ride: we got potential for a burly urban scene. over and out
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donny Vaillancourt
a Downhiller
from Cupertino Ca Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fremont Fire Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Stans Bikes
Strengths:
Frame is built bombproof! This Bike can handle anything!
Weaknesses:
Creaking in Bottom Bracket but thats caused by other purposes.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
AZONIC build kit w/ JR. T marzocchi. Raceface Northshore Spline drive
Bottom Line:
This bike means serious buisness! Im a sixteen year old rider and the only thing I do is beat the hell out of it and the only thing I complained about was the damn flat I got! Up hill is easy but on the downhill you'd leave all your friends behind!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: November 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mix n match wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Stif
Strengths:
Solid frame,way cool looks. Takes hits well, point and go stering.
Weaknesses:
crappy bottle mount position
Similar Products Used:
vertigo comp, rock springs
Bike Setup:
mcr1, d321s, hope, the usual addons.
Bottom Line:
This is by far the best thing i've purchased. Goes down like its on acid, goes up, what can ya say, IT GOES UP.. Have done all sorts of routes, short fat and hairy scarey, and this bike just rocks the Sh*t out of em. Go get one. Beats the pants off my buddies bikes hands down, stop askin can I have go, NO you gimp, get yer own. So its a tad heavy for long leg/lung breakin xc, easy don't do em or get fit. An inspiring ride of a bike, go get muddea.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Orange County CA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Santiago Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Bike Company
Strengths:
This Bike Rocks! Suspension is very plush. Handling is awesome...Point and shoot..Pedals really well, climbs well, no noticable suspension enduced pedal feedback. Inspires confidence. The frame geometry is right on. Laid back, but still steers and maintains a line when climbing.
Weaknesses:
If you set it up so that you have the most relaxed head angle, the bottom bracket is lower to the ground. This causes you to bash pedals at times when pedaling over rough stuff. Otherwise...NO WEAKNESSES
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain DHTO, Ventana El Matador
Bike Setup:
XTR and RAceface components, Z1 Bomber fork. Good stuff, but nothing that is "stupid light". (will be installing a Manitou X-Vert Carbon triple clamp as well as Hayes Disk brakes in the near future.)
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all. Climbs really well. Just get up on the nose of the seat and crank it. Rear wheel digs in. No noticable bobbing or suspension induced pedal feedback. Awesome traction. On descents it is a screamer. Handles drops extremely well. Corners great. Low center of gravity and the bike goes right where you point it. Can be built up relatively light. What's more, the bike does not feel heavy. Rides like a much lighter bike. This is going to be used as a trail bike and sport-level downhill racer. I have a feeling it will do both well. This bike would work well for anyone except weight weenies. I cannot say enough good things about this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
devin bodony
a Weekend Warrior
from kingston WA USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
pope
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
cyclesport NJ
Strengths:
bombproof, super plush. geometry is flawless. a blast to ride.
Weaknesses:
cranks chronically loose. but i built it up. there XT splined.
Similar Products Used:
nothing like it. last bike was specialized fsr
Bike Setup:
full XT. azonic bar, stem. kore post. titec dh saddle. bomber z1 cr. rhyno lite on lx weels. and the odi grips kick ass!
Bottom Line:
this bike rules. super fun to ride. it would have a much nicer feel with a 6 inch plus fork. it doesn't have the super plushness through the rough stuff that it would with a bigger stiffer fork. but this setup rules for urban stuff and medium to hard free riding. prtty light for the travel. mine ways 32.5 punds. kick ass. good for downhill if you set it up hurky. pedals really well all things considered.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frisco Kid
a Downhiller
from Tempe Date Reviewed: September 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$975.00
Strengths:
the most solid bike i have ever felt. very strong, climbs awesome, descends like a crazed savage beast (or is that me?!)
Weaknesses:
none what-so-ever
Similar Products Used:
pipeline, rm6, fsr (with 6" link kit)
Bike Setup:
2000 Z1 QR20, full XT including discs, d321 rims on hugi/hayes hubs (14g spokes), monkeylite bars, raceface stem, thomson seatpost, 36 lbs.
Bottom Line:
i had a tracer before the bullit. i liked it a lot but the bullit rides so much better. i am even climbing stuff i couldn't with the tracer. it has 6" but doesn't bob all over the place. climbing is a breeze. on the down hill the bike is amazing. it is like riding bigfoot. it is so strong and stable. i have never descended like this before....effortlessly but ripin the s**t out the trail!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
UNABIKER
a Downhiller
from The Wild Kingdom, WI Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Thou Shalt Suffer
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire
Strengths:
Very strong, nice and heavy, totaly active suspension, adjustability
Weaknesses:
None - quit crying and get an SRP break-away der. bolt and a 113mm BB spindle!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing "similar"- everything else is garbage compared to this rig.
Bike Setup:
Stratos MX-6, Purple Hayes discs, Tioga/ AC DH wheels,SRAM 9.0, RaceFace DH cranks, stem, HS, Seatpost, KORE Strictly D bars and pedals, Kooka Crank Case bash guard Tioga DH tyrs, Intense tubes, custom "General Lee" decals and a 113mm RF BB!! Total weight-40 lbs.
Bottom Line:
For bashing over rocks, vertical rock slab, ladder brige, log-ride, big-drop, drop-in type DH riding - this is it! Why would you even consider anything else? Not good for nice, safe IMBA-approved XC riding, but if you're into that then you've got other problems. Also great for jumping stairs and loading docks. Bottem line- this sled is EVIL!! I give it 5 burning churches!!:(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Red Hot Cherry Bendover
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Solid, plush, easy to ride.
Weaknesses:
Very shiny.
Similar Products Used:
Fisher Joshua, Obed.
Bike Setup:
XL full polished frame, Z3QR20 5" polished fork, Magura Louise front disc/Quicksilver rear, Race Face stuff, XT/XTR.
Bottom Line:
Just went from an Obed to this. To be honest, I don't really notice the weight (32.5 lbs) on the climbs. Middle ring all the way in singletrack. First ride was an 1.5 hour downhill - I was grinning after the first 5 minutes. Just took it on a "real" ride with 45 minutes of steep climbing to start with, and never had to get off and push. Didn't notice any bobbing at all. I was reluctant when I was putting this thing together because I didn't know if I'd like it, or need it, but I can honestly say that I will not be parting with it any time soon. Great bike. The only problem I've had with it was when commuting to work on a sunny day. When I looked down I was almost blinded by the reflection coming off the frame. Oh well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Scullion
a Downhiller
from Surrey Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sidewinder
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
2975
Strengths:
Any one want to buy my Bullit call 1-800 U-B-LUCKY! I love my Bullit, the frame is a beast, and I also like the fact that there is a number of substitutes hat you can change when you buy the bike whole. The bike is so easily chucked around corners. To me I think the bike is a bargain, it seems the bike shound be in a much higher price catogary.
Weaknesses:
The faults I found were: the paint job, I find it shows up scratches too easily. I also found that geting a chain divice to fit the frame, (I don't know if it is the same for a medium or large) but not all divices fit and you have a limited option of what one's you can use due to the chain stay. Where the swing arm attaches to the main frame (pivot) some divices hit this which is a problem.
Similar Products Used:
GT Lobo, Orange Patriot LT, Kona Stab D'lux, Saracen Addition.
Bike Setup:
Red Small Bullit, Pace Monsters, Hope pro 4 pot, Mavic 321's on Hope Bulbs, 24-7 bars and stem, BlackSpire cranks, Roox Roller Coaster chain divice, Tioga 2.3's, FSA Pig headset,
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks arse! If you got the money don't even consider any other bike, this is the one, it suits going up or down-hills very fast. It isn't a heavy bike so pushing (or riding) up hills isn't a chore and doesn't make you feel nakered when you get to the top. I love my bike more than my girlfriend and so when it comes to deciding what to do on Saturday, it's no contest, riding to my girlfriends house wins hands down!
The ride overall is very smooth, this is very much due to the chain stays because the chain hits it very rarely compared to other bikes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hong
a Downhiller
from Vancouver, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
My girlfriend's treasure trail...eeewww! That's gross!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I really like the color! It goesssss with my tight shortssss. This bike has some solid rear suspension(oximoron)(Ha!), but I think I would like to change the X verts on the front...they busticated! Damn chopsticks! This bike is real fast, real cushy and easy to handle at high downhill speeds. I seem to have problems in the speed department going uphill though...what? Oh! I guess that would be the so called " high speed Quad " pfff! Lazy ass!!! Hayes disc front and rear help slow you down when MOST needed-thanx Hayes...you're grrrrreat! I also like the vetta gel extra large seat cover (cures the roids). But in all serioussness this bike is great, heavy, but remember " terminal velocity "? Heavy is faster going down! Just hope you can handle it----CHOWDER!
Weaknesses:
Like I said the X verts suck! They broke man...in two! Get it man in two ...Manitou! Ha! The weight of this bike is a little heavy, but who is going to ride this thing x- country ,so nevermind!
Similar Products Used:
I used a KDX 250 once. Take out the 2 stroke and there you have it...Santa Cruz Bullit!
Bike Setup:
Hayes brakes (hydrolic), Shimano XTR front and rear derail, , Manitou X verts, mavic cross max disc max, race face crank set and headset, and an Easton carbon fibre DH handle bar. I know there's more I am just sick of typing.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that, well... I love you Bullit!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GREGORY WESTBROOK
a Downhiller
from HOLLYWOOD Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
STILL LOOKING
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
BIKE IS BUILT TO GO,SOLID,FAST AS ****,EATS UP ANYTHING IN ITS WAY,CLIMBS WELL, AS GOOD AS OR BETTER THAN MOST HARDTAILS RIDDEN.HOLDS ITS LINE AND IS VERY FORGIVEN,WILL MAKE YOU GO FOR STUFF YOU WOULD NEVER THINK OF DOING.
Weaknesses:
PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT AND TIME INTO THIS BIKE,WHAT EVERYONE SAYS ABOUT PAINT JOB BEING WEAK IS TRUE,THIS HOWEVER DOES NOT AFFECT BIKES PERFORMANCE.IS A LITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE BUT MAKES ON WHAT YOU GET IN RETURN IN BIKES PERFORMANCE.
Similar Products Used:
SEVERAL,KNEW WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR FOUND IT IN THIS BIKE.DOSNT REALLY MATTER.
Bike Setup:
Z1 QR 20,RACE FACE ALL THE WAY,HAYES DISK,SRAM 9.0,WTB MOTO,SUN RYNO LTES.
Bottom Line:
BOTTOM LINE IS THIS BIKE ROCKS!!! ITS THE TED NUGENT OF BIKES.LIKE I SAID PUT ALOT OF TIME IN DECIDEING WHAT TO GET.THIS BIKE CAME OUT ON TOP AFTER TONS OF RESEARCH.THIS BIKE GOES,HAVE TO SAY ITS SCARY HOW FAST IT MAKES YOU WANT TO GO,STILL LEARNIG HOW TO HANDLE,RODE MAMMOTH FIRST DAY I HAD IT, COULD NOT BELEIVE HOW WELL IT GOT ME THRU SKETCHY SECTIONS AND THE CONFIDINCE IT GIVES YOU TO GO FOR WHATEVER.ALSO STARTED RIDING AROUND TOWN DOING STAIRS AND WALL DROPS OR ANYTHING ELSE BIKE DOES NOT LET UP MAKES YOU WANT TO RIDE EVERY THING.RIG CAME IN AT 33.5 PNDS. SET UP BUT RIDES LIKE A MUCH LIGHTER BIKE.WILL WRITE ANOTHER REVEIW AFTER I GET IT WIRED,IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A ALL AROUND FREERIDE DO WHATEVER ONE BIKE FOR EVERTHING CONSIDER THIS BIKE AN OPTION.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Woody
a Downhiller
from Hampshire, England Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Penshurst
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Wicked frame, plushest back end ever, does anything you want it to
Weaknesses:
Creaks a bit
Similar Products Used:
B17
Bike Setup:
Manitou Millennium forks, XT, Race face
Bottom Line:
I'm a lucky man, I snapped up the Millenniums and they really compliment the frame-stiff, plush and sexy looking with the black frame. UK downhills are eaten for breakfast, I plan to take it to the Alps soon. Little heavy for XC work but I have a Klein hardtail for that anyway. BUY ONE. Hell, buy two...
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Submitted by
Thad Carey
a Weekend Warrior
from Hawley, TX, USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Manitou X-Vert DC, Hayes discs, WTB tires, Azonic riser bar & stem, Cook Bros. cranks, Mavic/Hugi wheels.
Bottom Line:
There may not be a better freeride bike when all factors are considered. When money is no object, there are some other good candidates too. This bike is quite useable as an all-around bike despite how good it is for the really scary stuff. It is pretty hard to knock it off its line in rough terrain. For a relatively simple design, it really works in just about any situation. I thought this bike would only get used when I was specifically going to ride some really gnarly stuff, but it's a whole lot of fun to ride just about anywhere on anything. I've got mine down to 30.5 lbs. without any really stupid-light stuff on it. If you ride frequently in rough terrain, this is the bike.
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Submitted by
Frederic
a Downhiller
from San Jose, Ca Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Simple Design. Beefy, but light tubes. Good geometry. Confident feel. Plush.
Weaknesses:
No break away rear derailer hanger, unlike the super 8.
Bike Setup:
White Brothers UD150 fork, Hayes disk brakes , XTR components.Hayes hubes. Sun rhyno lite wheels. Kujo DH 2.35 tires.
Bottom Line:
Super plush. Stable feel on down hills and jumps. Fast. Good climber on uphills for a bike that weighs as much as this one does. Made the transition from a 23 lb. Zaskar to this. Middle ring it on all my favorite rides. Like to do interval training on it. Actually pass rides on there hard tails much to there suprise. Also looks great. Gets lots of looks. Just remember to wear you body armor with this bike.The speeds you will be going, you'll need it.
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Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
offchurch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Ride position, looks, point and go, takes all the hits and just kicks ass. Will do XC, stop moaning and get fit.
Weaknesses:
Needs bottle mounting position that aint gonna get destroyed when using bike full on. Only thing i could think of, cause the bikes that good.
Similar Products Used:
Marin rock springs, Univega flyte, Scott vertigo
Bike Setup:
Mar CR1, Hope sport discs & hubs, Mavic 321
Bottom Line:
This bike does it all, it aint light, mines about 35lbs, but it still climbs better than any other bike i've ridden, even ones that are alot lighter. Just blasts downhill, handling like a scream, you will ride better. Takes the heavy stuff to, blew away my mates Marin on the Redbull, he's still waiting for em to send him a new rear shock . If youve got the money, get it.......
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Submitted by
CRL
a Weekend Warrior
from Anaheim, CA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Marshall Canyon or Aliso & Woods Cyn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very strong & BEEFY! Great for Downhill. This bike is a bargain compared to Intense, Ellsworth, & others...
Weaknesses:
Stickers look a little lame. A little heavy, but can't complain too much for being such a great downhill bike.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Z.1 QR 20 Fork; Race Face - bars, stem, grips, cranks, bb, headset; XT dr, V Brakes, hubs; Mavic 517 rims; WTB Moto Raptor 2.4 (great tires); Thompson seatpost; WTB saddle; the Front Fender;
Bottom Line:
The bike is so much fun to ride & it is awesome downhill. It is so plush like everyone says. It will make you faster. Climbing is possible, but not as easy as Santa Cruz describes. My bike weighs 31 lbs, and I find it a little difficult on climbing steep technical singletracks - steep fireroads are not that bad.
I have been riding this bike everywhere lately and have not touched my cross country bike. This bike is so much fun to ride! Go out and buy one!!!!!! 5 chilis!
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Submitted by
mental
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Woodlot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Absolutely bombproof, low maintenance, super plush, decent climber, fan-freaking-tastic descender, and just plain fun to ride.
Weaknesses:
Needs a replaceable derailleur hanger and hydraulic cable guides.
$ 2650.00
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