Submitted by
jt
a Weekend Warrior
from new york, new york Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain Reservation
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1700.00
Purchased At:
Toga Bike Shop
Strengths:
Simplicity Low-maintenance Overall Balance
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSX
Bike Setup:
LX-XT, Fox coil-over rear shock, Marzocchi Atom Bomb
Bottom Line:
Bought this bike in 1996. In 1998, the original Indy SL shock was replaced with a Marzocchi Atom Bomb. Upgraded to V-brakes at the same time. Everything else is stock. Only maintenance has been replacing the chain, chainring and cassette.
Zero maintenance on pivot. Even the original stock wheelset has held up (LX/Weinmann red/radially laced)!
Everything on this bike has held up remarkably well considering the conditions I've ridden it in and the absolute neglect I've shown it. The only way it's shown its age is that the rear has developed some lateral flex and the bottom bracket is creaking.
It's not the plushest design around, nor the most active under braking. But its design has withstood the test of time. If you want a low-maintenance, reliable and balanced ride, look no farther.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Alan Grau
a Cross Country Rider
from toostoned AZ Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
your front yard
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
mtbr classifieds
Strengths:
Climbs like an escalator. Takes big hits nice. Very comfy in fast descents.
Weaknesses:
That rear tire clearance might suck in sticky mud.
Super deal on a extra clean bike from the classifieds. This one's nice with yellow FT/black RT, if you're looking to get into an FS bike, skip the mainstream TREKS and other gimmicks and shop smart. I take some pretty rough hits, and this rig has really saved my As* while feeling like butter afterwards. Super maneuverable, and goes up like an F16. Great jumper as well. Wonder how the new ones are...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia, PA, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Simplicity, cool looks, balance, climbs well
Weaknesses:
Wheelbase is a bit short for high speed descending. Hard to clean gunk out of front derailleur area.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
I found my 1998 Heckler on ebay, barely used off-road, with all sorts of goodies (full XT except Race Face cranks & BB, Syncros post, King headset) after about a year of looking. Black with polished rear triangle, RS Super Deluxe (which I've blown) and a Judy XC long travel up front (which I haven't, but the bushings are now pretty worn). After six months of racing and riding, it's got a few scratches etc., but hey, that's racin' as the NASCAR boys say.
Bottom Line:
As I said above, I looked for this bike on e-bay for a long time...I didn't want the Superlight because of the weight limit warning and the fact that I couldn't get the color combination I wanted. It's only 1.4 lbs heavier anyway. After riding and racing hard, the pivots have held up (while I've broken or worn out just about every other part, but that's normal) The wheelbase is a bit shorter than I'm used to. I've got a medium frame, which fits me well, but I probably would have gotten a large had I ridden and compared both. Having said that, I love the way it climbs and descends (except for high speed fire-road style, see above) and it seems to be well balanced front-to-rear. The design has become a classic (10 years in production) and I suspect that I'll have the frame for many years. I'll give it a 4 for value (but I bought mine used) and a 4 overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarasota, FL Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
it's all good!
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Planet Z
Strengths:
Low maintenance, great for just about any trail conditions.
Weaknesses:
Not the plushest on sick downhill rides.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Total custom build, Fox Twin Clicker, Z-1, Hope hubs, Velocity rims, Azonic DH Bar, Race Face Cranks, etc.
Bottom Line:
Anybody who was looking for a good price to value fs ride should've have bought one before they started making the gay Superlight version. Buy the Bullit instead, because any bike that has a recommended weight limit (like the Superlite) should be steered clear of. It's mountain biking and the frame is going to get some serious abuse if you live to ride. The old school Heckler frame was solid enough for some serious abuse and mine is still going strong after 3 years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Colonia, NJ Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kennerdell, PA
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Strengths:
I LOVE THIS BIKE! After researching for two or three months, I found the best for your money, all-around bike. I use it for XC as well as DH at ski resorts. Value for your money. This bikes climbs and descends so sweetly.
Weaknesses:
front derailleur screws are difficult to reach non replaceable derailleur hanger
Similar Products Used:
Softride Contour
Bike Setup:
XT gruppo, Judy T2 fork setup climbs much better but I swap it with my Z1 BAM when I go for serious DH.
Bottom Line:
The only maintenance that I've performed is overall cleaning and replacing the cables. I admit that I may be neglecting maintaing the Fox Vanilla shock but it seems to be working fine after over two years. When I scrunge up enough cash for a DH bike, you can bet that it'll be a Super 8. Santa Cruz rocks! You should buy this if you are strapped for cash but have enough to get what you pay for. Second thought, you get WAAAAY more than you pay for with this bike. Buy this if you're looking for a phenomenal all-around bike that's comfy even if you've had a spinal fusion like me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kore Khon
a
from OZ Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mine Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
JT Cycles in Sonora CA
Strengths:
Because I can only afford one bike. I love hearing, "So, your Heckler climbs pritty good, hun? Jumped in the XC race at Mammoth in 00 to mix it up with the bar-end, weight winnie crowd and finished 24 out of 60. Loved riding the stuff others were walking. It's solid and Santa Cruz is a company that stands behind their products. Even if the city only offers candy-ass trails. Chicks dig it.
Weaknesses:
Limited to four inches in the rear, but who cares?
Similar Products Used:
My first full spank though I've jumped on rode some other sp horses.
Bike Setup:
Answer X-Vert up front, Fox Binally with lock-out in back. Race Face, LX, XT, XTR a real yard sale.
Bottom Line:
It all started with one Heckler in our group, now there's 7 or 8. I'm not gona lug a bullet up any climb and I don't have a chauffeur (most of the time). The horse is made for the Sierra not the beach.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jo Toner
a Downhiller
from York, England Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ramsgill, Patley Bridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
My Mate
Strengths:
good all rounder, i do mostly downhill and particully dual and it is a very good performer for dual as it is light and you can throw it about quite easily. As for downhill, it has a very stable ride downhills and is good for technical sections.
Weaknesses:
None really. I have the 1998 heckler with the rock shox super deluxe rear shock and when i bought it off my mate i seemed to be bottoming the shock out. Since then i have put a 300lb spring in and it works a treat.
Similar Products Used:
Jamis short travel bikes Specialized FSR
Bike Setup:
the ultimate heckler, MRP (real) Slalom, goldtec downhill hubs, on D521 CD's, Hope disc's front and rear, XT rear mech and cranks, DMR V8 pedals, Tioga tyres and seat, azonic stem and yeti hardcore grips.
Bottom Line:
A really good buy, i needed a good dual bike for next year and i think i have got one. I bought the frame for £300 and built it up with all the stuff i had previously on my hardtail. It runs really nice and it will also be good for downhill in the coming season. A brilliant bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morf
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Oregon Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Firelane 7
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Simple, sturdy design with lots of features. This bike climbs great but you can still huck off pretty good drops. Looks cool (mine has a polished aluminum rear triangle).
This bike is plenty stiff laterally and I do not experience any significant bobbing. I handles wonderfully in technical sections up or down.
Weaknesses:
Mine was equipped with a Judy XC. I busted the crown after just a couple of months and I only weigh 150 and I'm really old. The greatest weakness in my Heckler, however, appears to be the appendages that connect my intent with the pedals and bars.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y, Fisher Sugar and lots of other stuff by the big names. Every time, I am delighted to get back on my Heckler.
Bike Setup:
XT, Hugi 240s (cool)and some other stuff that works.
Bottom Line:
What a great bike for the typical cross country rider! For the price, there are a few comparable bikes like the Sugar. But this is a Santa Cruz, which means your yuppie friends won't recognize the name.
I note that mine is actually a 1997 frame. But the design has not changed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Strong, good geometry, can do anything if set up right.
Weaknesses:
Little weak on the uphill.
Similar Products Used:
not many
Bike Setup:
Heckler frame(duh), full XT down to the bottom bracket and headset, Judy XL, Fox Vanilla X, Rhyno Lite rear rim, Mavic 138 front(gonna buy a Rhyno Lite for the front, too), Bontrager Crowbar, Syncros stem, no-name seatpost(used to be Bontrager, but it got bent) WTB seat.
Bottom Line:
With these shocks, stem, and bars (they're risers), the bike is not set up to go up, so right now it sucks at that. I might lower the shocks for this purpose. However, it does go down hills exceptionaly well. There is quite a bit of pogo in the rear shock when pounding up a hill, and that's annoying. I like the simple design of the swing-arm; it seems pretty stiff. This bike is great for someone who wants to be able to do it all, but is best for going down, depending on how it's set up. It's worht the $2000 new, but is best for $600 used. 4 turds for value cause it's expensive new, 5 turds for overall cause it kicks ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blair
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Climbing, Simple no maintenance pivot, bomb proof design.Stiff and no chain slapping. Great all-around bike. Do everything kinda ride. Danny (nose first)L. from calgary took forever to break his!
Weaknesses:
Some brake jack under downhill braking (as apposed to uphill braking!) and a some ghost shifting when really rough. Not much rear tire clearance for DH tires.
Similar Products Used:
First full-suspension owned but have tried a few others. Enough tried to know what works for me.
Bike Setup:
99 frame, Z1 QR20, XT drivetrain, RaceFace headset/stem, Easton CT2 DH Riser, Thompson Layback post, Giro Saddle, Tioga Factory DH 2.3 front, Kujo DH rear, Rhyno-lites front and rear.
Bottom Line:
I've been waiting to put this review in until I've had a good test period. Now I'm ready. I have tried to set this bike up to do everything. I put XC tires on it and go XC'ing and put the big meats on and go DH'ing. With the tall 5" travel fork the steering isn't too swift due to the slack head angle. This fork's not for everyone anyway. Not exactly a race setup either. But with the tall front end it goes through the nasty stuff very well. Sit back and hang on. Also due to the tall fork and riser bars you've gotta crouch to climb. A fine trade-off for me. Mine is not light. with DH tires it weighs 32 pounds. But the bike has crashed hard (repeatedly) and their is no damage except some scratches. You don't feel the weight while riding it though. If you peddle this up a hill and then switch to a Stinky De-lux you will see the diference. If you can only have one bike this is the one. Set it up for your tastes and off you go. I would buy this bike again in a second. O wait, Maybe a superlight with a sid 100 and buy a Bullit frame and swap my parts. Ahhh the never ending cycle (no pun intended)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Peters
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas TX USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mr. Toads Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Simplicity, Price, Looks, Company behind it, All around capability, Ride, Ride, Ride. Price is what you pay and value is what you receive. In the case of the Heckler you get way more value for your money than any other bike in any class. This bike will almost double the amount of time you can spend in the saddle if your coming off of a hardtail.
Weaknesses:
Yeah, Yeah, the replaceable der. hanger is a replaceable swing-arm. I'm sure everyone is sick of reading this one. My question is what is S.C's response to this perceived problem?
Similar Products Used:
Superlight and Trek Y
Bike Setup:
Fox float R (no need for a lock-out, everyone that I know that has one used it three or four times and stopped), 2001 Judy SL, King wheelset (so fine), Race face Cranks, Avid brakes and levers, LX pod shifters, Easton EA 70 post, Titec stem, Azonic riser bar, 535 pedals, XT der., Bezerker Saddle (embroidered), un 52 bb, ahead head set and lx cassette. The last three items will be replaced as soon as possible.
Bottom Line:
The best bike I have ever ridden hands down. Have not had it long so I can't address the longevity of the thing. But, I bought a Heckler over a Superlight because I am confident this will be a minimum of a 10 year bike. I bought a Bontrager Race over the Race-lite 5 years ago for the same reason.
I must address the review from Aptos, your favorite trail is fall creek? It is not open to bikes. You just told the world that you are an _____! And you based your opinion about the Heckler on a old used one. If I bought a ferrari that never had the oil changed and it broke down does that mean that all ferrari's suck? These are not intended to be insults or attacks but rather observations based on fact.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Spruell
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Highland SP
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Everything. Handles like a dream, somehow managing to be both stiff and plush as necessary. Well built and low maintenence.
Weaknesses:
Negates the need for some riding skills -- you're going to have to find harder trails.
Similar Products Used:
FSR, Trek Y, Cannondale V,
Bike Setup:
XT group, Z1 Bam, Crosslinks, Time pedals
Bottom Line:
This is my third year with this bike and I'm still as happy with it as the day I got it. It does everything well -- climbs like a mountain goat, descends like Franz Klammer, sturdy as an old oak desk. It works best as an all around trail/singletrack bike, but could be outfitted for all but the most stringent single-use riders (ie downhill or slalom), but then I don't figure them to be reading this anyway.
Looking at other reviews it seems as though everyone loves their own bike, no matter what brand, making it hard for any one to stand out. Santa Cruz has really done a great job with this bike, though -- it seems to pull out benefits where other bikes find compromises. No wonder they haven't had to change the design in years. What other manufacturer can say that about their full suspension bike?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jools
a Weekend Warrior
from london Date Reviewed: June 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Sorted proven ride
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla R, Pace EVO2,Race Face post and stem,azonic bars,XT shifts and Mechs,Middleburn Cranks,Hope Bulbs, open2 pros,521CDs Azonic pedals, S5 headset.
Bottom Line:
The Nuts. A classic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David G
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Romero Canyon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Suspension action rules, With firm springs in my Z1BAM the balance is perfect. This thing cruises up & down, especially down. Takes huge jumps in stride, lots of standover clearance and manouverablility is so close to hardtail, when its not, bomb down the middle. Reacts to body english very well, this coming from a 220lb rider, I'm not gentle either. I roost all, often including downhillers in all their gear, handling over mush.
Weaknesses:
Bobs a bit in climbs but I like the feel of the suspension holding the ground, standing or seated. Smooth pedal stroke steadies things, that your crank up the preload.
Z1BAM, RaceFace LP, RS disc front, XT V rear, Race Face XY post, Shimano clipless (535 & 636), XTR rear derailer, LX front, XT rapidfire combo, Specialized body geometry seat, 517, 217 chris king 32 spoke F&R, Easton riser & Kore 135 stem. Large frame, Fox Vanilla R. Switch from DH tires (missle & Kujo) to IRC notos & Panaracer Mach SK combo.
Bottom Line:
This bike rules, I think I'm just in need of some new bearings, or maybe just a repack. I'm thinking about switching to a cane creek AD10 to dump some weight, but then maybe I'm just a parts junkie. I love the feel of the coil and the rebound adjustments are enough for me. With the laid back post and 135mm stem w/risers, my 220lb 6'4 frame is happy and comfy. I've tried and been pleased with a great number of tires, however I find the best overall balance comes from the ones I'm using now, low rolling resistance has made up for any suspension power loss, I'm kicking a.. on the flats and the downhills have always been mine, I just use more body english now. DH rear can overpower the rigitity of the rear a little but I still have good success at Big Bear. Looks great in black with polished rear & stem. I put in @50 miles a week and the only ones who take a beating are my bro's. I love it. I would only consider an Intense Uzzi SL over it, although I've come to appreciate the simplicity of the design, nothing goes wrong, no squeeks or stickyness, just smooth and reactive. No parts breakage here, just a new headset, blownforkseals, and a new bottom bracket now and again (220lbs can be hard on drivetrain & forks).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Ulrich
a Racer
from California,U.S. Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Back Breaker
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Everything is great on the bike because I got it custom made from Santa Cruz. I got bomber front suspension, fox float RC, and a super x kit put it on it because they messed up the order at first.
Weaknesses:
NO weaknesses
Bottom Line:
This bike is great all around. Get rid of the Judy Shocks and get Bombers you'll enjoy the bike more my friends. For the money you pay for it you get a lot for your money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, Ca. Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Backbone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
buttery downhills over big and small objects Vanilla float RC's rule attractive great geometry for all around riding
Weaknesses:
Warning: liable to make you feel overconfident on screaming downhills
Marzocchi Z2 Bam, Rolf Dolomites, Race Marzocchi Z2Bam, Rolf Dolomites, Race Face cranks and stem, XT/XTR, Monkey Lite Riser, Chris King No-Threadset
Bottom Line:
If you weigh under 200lbs and love the adrenaline rush as much as the endorphine high, get this bike!! I love my climbs and the Float RC's allows me to lock out the rear and climb everything I used to top with my hardtail. My enjoyment of getting dirty on two wheels has instantly doubled with this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
?Tåz²¿
a Cross-Country Rider
from Calgary, AB Date Reviewed: November 29, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very sweet in Climbs, sticks to the ground! On single track very responsive, never rode anything better.
Weaknesses:
Non Replacable hanger
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Mach somethin'-I rate Specialized 1 Star, they suck so bad!!
Bike Setup:
Silver Heckler frame, Manitou X-vert 98'-still had the 3 of travel. Rock Shox, coupe deluxe. Azonic Riser handlebars, Titec Seatpost and Stem. XT components. Fire XC pro Rear Tire, IRC front. Avid Pro Brakeleavers Basically, the bike was completely custom Built
Bottom Line:
The 98' Heckler I have is GOD!! If I'm going down a hill and feeling a loss of control I let everything go and the bike handles itself and usually comes out of it without leaving me behind. Before I got the bike it had the Manitou X-Vert TI, I had it changed to the X-vert(non triple clamp) With the Triple Clamp, I found when I came out of the saddle my knees hit it, the bike is an 18 frame. So I had it switched, the geometry is better, and my knees have healed!! I e-mailed Santa Cruz and told them all of this, they sent me a bundle of free stickers!! I will by Santa Cruz again!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Clarke
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999
Rear shock bushes wear in no time, non replaceable mech hanger (??), swingarm flexes when pedaling hard
Similar Products Used:
Marin
Bike Setup:
Vanilla R shock (top!), Manitou X - vert Rs, XT gears, Gustav disc / HS22 on rear, Kore stem,tomac bars, big tyres...
Bottom Line:
I've had one for nearly 3 years now, the first one cracked around the rear dropouts and the swingarm pivot mount on the frame after 7 months but Santa Cruz via Stiff got me a new '98 frame with no hassle - surprise its been re - designed in both places maine cracked. New one has not shown any signs of distress despite numerous downhill races in Scotland, big jumps and a few big crashes. The non replaceable mech hanger is a bit dodgy - mine bent after i accidently fell off a 15 foot cliff whilst still attached to the bike - 5 minutes with a big adjustable spanner had it straight again so no worries if it ever breaks I'll just machine it to take a replaceable hanger off another bike! A great all rounder if you only want one bike - DH, jumps, trails, expeditions - you name it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel
a Cross-Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail, Wilder, Fort Ord
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Sticks to the ground climbing or descending.
Weaknesses:
Frame shock failed after nearly 3 years, but was very easy to replace.
Bike Setup:
18 frame, Judy SL front, Fox Vanilla frame shock (replacement)
Bottom Line:
Many of the reviews are after a couple of months of riding. Here's one after three years. The Heckler lasts. I am lazy when it comes to maintenance and the only part that failed was the frame shock after nearly 3 years. So the ride was soggy until I popped a new shock in without any trouble. I've flipped and crashed plenty of times and all I've lost was decals. For 3 months I was without a road bike, so the Heckler got slicks and I locked-out the frame shock to ride the weekly roadie training ride. It climbed with the front road bikes. So, it's plenty good on climbing. When I borrowed my friend's Bontrager Ti hardtail, I could tell the Heckler gave up something on the quick turns. But the Ti lost rear traction on a reverse camber descending curve, wouldn't let me use the rear brake much on a fast washboard descent, and even slipped a bit on the rear climbing on moist and rooty Enchanted Forest. The Heckler has never done any of these bothersome things. If my 1996 Heckler ever dies, I will get another one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Suntop, WA, Pipeline - North Shore
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff laterally, is the tool to clean the hard drops, eye candy, strong, light, LOW MAINTENANCE, easy to adjust travel rebound, great customer service.
Weaknesses:
(with a 5 fork) slow turning reaction due to slack head angle, won't mount on my Swagman bike rack, ; worst: hee of right shoe hits XT V brake cantilever at back (running wide Sun Rhino Lite rim)
Similar Products Used:
GT LTS, RTS,
Bike Setup:
fox coilover, Z1 dropoff; Race face risers, lx/xt/xtr rear mix,Panaracer fire XC Pro's.
Bottom Line:
I LOVE this ride. I know now the older technology was holding me back. great ride, great design, I'm a very pleased customer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, S.C. Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah National Forrest, N.C.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rigid, bomb proof frame, no flex and no feedback from the rear shock
Weaknesses:
None found yet.
Similar Products Used:
Mountain cycle, Schwinn Homegrown,
Bike Setup:
XTR and XT componets, Marzocchi JR-T fork (whish is awesome), Cane creek AD-10 rear shock (just as awesome and light), Mavic rims.
Bottom Line:
After riding several D/S rigs and reading all the material I could I was pretty sure this was the bike I wanted. Then I got to ride one and it was a no brainer. The only drawback is the weight but it's a trade-off for a bombproof, trouble-free machine.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dino
a Weekend Warrior
from Derby Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
conistion old man
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Build Quality, Ride (up & down hill)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Marin - pants
Bike Setup:
Hope discs, Z1 bommbers, x-lite everything
Bottom Line:
This frame is the best around frame on the market at present. it can take a bashing and it doesn't complain. You can not spend your monet on anything else !!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zombie
a Weekend Warrior
from Land of the Dead Date Reviewed: October 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Plantation Trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low Maintenence, Great suspension travel
Weaknesses:
No replaceable hanger
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Ocoee FS, Specialized Stumpy XC
Bike Setup:
'Zoke Z-1 Alloy Full XT Cook Bros. e Crank Kore Stem/Seatpost
Bottom Line:
This bike rules - Only had it for a month but wouldn't trade it for anything. Some bob when granny gear climbing, but staying light on the bike makes it barely noticable. Brakes do lock out some under hard braking but not enough to affect my opinion. Customer service @ Santa Cruz is great - they answered my questions and spent alot of time dealing with my concerns. Frame is very stiff and travel is very plush. Would highly recomment it even for those still alive!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: October 17, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
weight, simple design, choice of colors, price, etc.
Weaknesses:
none!
Similar Products Used:
Turner, Chuck, FSR, Titus,
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla R, Z-1 Bam (130mm)fork, all XT, LP riser bar, Cane Creek head set, Mavic 517.
Bottom Line:
The best real full suspension bike on the market. It performs just as well going down hill as it does going up. My bike is set up @ 28lbs with lots of travel up front but you can easily make it 25-22 lbs if that is your choice. Best bike for the money!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Weight, versatility, stiffness, color options, durability, exclusivity, looks
Weaknesses:
None inherent in the frame.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Element Race, Fisher Joshua, Cannondale Super V.
This bike is one of the best bikes available. It climbs like a dream, and is relatively light. My bike weighs 26.4 lbs and I could easily cut it down to under 25. There is no pedal feedback whatsoever, unless I am on the granny gear (who needs i-Drive?). But the reason it climbs so well is because of the pedal feedback, which actually pushes the rear wheel down (barely, but it does). The only actually problem, if you could call it that, is the ghost shifting that sometimes occurs over rough bumps. That, I think, is more due to the lack of tension in the 9-speed drivetrain than the frame design. Not a real problem, but it does come up (rarely). Also, the rear end stiffens ever so slightly under rear braking, but it's hardly a drawback...just learn to go faster. This bike rules.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Carrboro, NC Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Pretty much everything. It's not going to fall apart on you, that's for sure.
Weaknesses:
Maybe the non-replaceable hanger?! (but I don't know how I'd break it before the flimsy XT deraileur). It's not the lightest bike around
Similar Products Used:
Klein Matra, Y-22, DB v1.2, (test rode most everything else)
Bike Setup:
Marzocci Z2, Cane Creek AD-10, XT (except for LX cranks and front derailuer), Chris King Headset
Bottom Line:
I test rode many different bikes (Schwinn, GT, Trek, Specialized, etc.) in shop parking lots, and rode the Klein, Y-22, and DB on real singletrack, but decided to order the Heckler sight unseen after reading all the positive reveiws (BTW: Speedgoat did a great job with the bike - they're a terrific shop. The folks at Santa Cruz are very helpful, too). Technical/rocky sections are now a breeze compared to my old Stumpy w/Mag-21 (big surprise). It tracks well and seems very stiff laterally. No problems with peddling induced suspension action (or vice-versa) when on the trails. The stock IRC tires are iffy on the technical stuff, and I still need to work on the Z2 compression damping, but otherwise this bike is great. The weight (28.5 lbs with large frame) isn't especially noticeable when riding, but weight freaks should get the Superlight, anyway. In short: I love this bike. Before buying a Specialized FSR, GT I-(gotta ask why?) drive, Trek, etc., try and check the Heckler out; you won't be disappointed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike D
a Cross-Country Rider
from Menlo Park, CA Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff and simple frame design, cool name, a piece of art. The relatively short top tube makes getting off and behind the saddle a snap.
$ 2360.00
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