Submitted by
David M
a
from Eugene, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Too many to narrow
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Paul's Bike shop
Strengths:
Still rockin and rolling and prettier than ever after 5 years of hard riding all over the US/Canada. Keeps a licken and keeps on giving more and more and more.
Weaknesses:
None! It's an incredible all mountain machine.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Stinky(have one), Gary Fisher hardtails.
Bike Setup:
All the best, you know. The Fox 125 coil fork makes the bike. The Fox air float RC is amazing in the back. All XTR, Easton, King, Avid Juicy's, ya know.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an incredible all mountain machine that can keep getting better with your riding and not let you down after years of hard use find one of these used somewhere. The four inches of travel is more than enough for rough outback all day extreme cross country riding like we have out here in Eugene, Oregon. Does light/occasional medium free riding, 4" log drops and things good, climbs amazing, decends great and is so tough. This frame is built beefier than the Superlight, is about .50 pounds heavier because of it, though much stronger. Guys I know have broke their Superlights on drops though my old school heckler just keeps on going. I've had zero issue with the pivots or anything else on this bike. The lack of a replaceable derailer hanger has been no issue. I'm posting this because you can find this frame out there on occasion and if you want a great all mountain ride this bike is incredible. I have ridden very hard and long over the last 5 years and this bike to this day just keeps getting better and better and better and I'm still learning it's many charecteristics even after all this time. I'll probably be buried with this thing. I have a Kona Stinky all pimped out for free riding, but for all mountain/cross country this thing rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from addison, tx Date Reviewed: October 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
emma long park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
individual
Strengths:
excellent climber. sweet jumps, soft landings. xc, moderate dh and freeride capable. very strong for the weight. awsome balance.
Weaknesses:
weight...but only for those of you who are scraping decals off your rims to save half an ounce
Similar Products Used:
psycle werks, wild hare
Bike Setup:
polished frame. easton stem and monkeylite bars(uncut so they're like wings) chris king headset, raceface crank, mavic rims, kujo dh meats for those urban assaults..panaracer fire xc for the dirt. xtr brake/shifting components. fox rear and marzocci z1 bomber up front
Bottom Line:
the bottom line is that this machine is bulletproof for a 160lb rider. i have punished this thing. we have been through a dislocated shoulder xc riding and a broken pelvis freeriding at an espn extreme zone skate park together. urban assaults are my fav's 6,8,10 ft drops, no problem. out on the trail, you just point the heckler where you want it to go and it's like one of those slot car racers man. it feels hooked up out on the trail. this heckler has been to big bear, ca and brundage mtn, idaho, but we like to swallow up these rocky ass fast tight texas trails. it's an agile, tough, soft tail machine. not the lightest out there but if you are weight aware then you go get yourself a spinning machine. for those of us who ride agressively and need a bike that will be competitive in all areas than this bike is for you.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris 'KING
a Weekend Warrior
from Holland Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Leogang Austria
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
all american bikes
Strengths:
allround freerider you can throw anything at it
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super v sx with Lefty.Custom built hardcore freerider.
allround bike, I use it for xc, freeride and downhill. Never had any problems with it, it will outlast me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RG
a
from pleasanton, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the whoops in santa monica
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2300.00
Purchased At:
mtbreview.com, helens, supergo
Strengths:
everything, no weaknesses
Weaknesses:
It was tough to find the serial number in order to get my bike licensed in California. Other than that, my bike couldn't be destroyed by a terrorist.
Bike Setup:
xtr, Psylo SL/ mavic 517 with xtr hubs,easton scandium bars, shimano xc petals, chris king head set, kawasaki green with black swing arm and black shocks.
Bottom Line:
no problem climbing, can't be stopped downhill!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony Segarra
a Cross Country Rider
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Monagas
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Adrenalina
Strengths:
Muy Bueno!
Weaknesses:
Ninguno!
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
XMO fork, XTR combo, Easton bar & seat post, Crossmax/Specilized Rockster Pro & Selle Italia pro link.
Bottom Line:
This is the best bike you can buy! Last week I raced a survivor challenge, road for 10 hours crossing all kind of montañas & this bike road just exelente!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Rose
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything in Clayton, baby
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Budget Bikes
Strengths:
Good all arounder, extremely durable, great for uphill or downhill, awesome customer support from Santa Cruz.
Weaknesses:
Yeah, right.
Similar Products Used:
Y-33, LTS, Cannondale, etc.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR / Race Face w/ Bomber Z1. Orange frame and fork.
Bottom Line:
My bike is actually a '98. Too bad Santa Cruz discontinued the Heckler, my bike has seen some serious off-trial abuse, urban assaults, sick drops, high-speed crashes, jumps, and has been the victim of drunk negligent riding on a few occasions. This is the best bike I've ever owned, period. After three years, it still rides great and I've never serviced the pivots / bearings / or even the fork (yeah, it really needs it).
The only reason I'm buying another bike is 'cause I want disk brakes and a few more inches of travel. Because I've had so much luck with Santa Cruz and Marzocchi, I've ordered a Bullit w/ XTR and a Jr. T fork, all in black. I'll keep the Heckler for a backup / loaner bike, since I can't stand to sell it.
Any of you considering a Heckler (I guess It'd have to be a used one by now): you can't go wrong with this bike. Set it up for freeriding, urban assaults, or even a lightweight racing bike if you want. The rear end seems bottomless, and the handling is awesome.
This bike gets 5 smokin wolf turds b/c it's cheap for a (semi) custom bike and because it is reliable as hell w/ good customer support. Those of you who have screwed around with poor product design and lame customer support know what that's worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Schroeder
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Morain - Lake Geneva WI
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Irvine Bike Source
Strengths:
Bombproof;adjustability of ride. nice to have for a 6' 1" 220lb. rider
Weaknesses:
cockpit can be cramped for large riders on a large frame, but nothing that a little tweaking of parts can't fix.Weight. I can't trim much weight and I'm at 27.5 lbs. Not exactly raceable.
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RC (w/lockout), Marzocchi Z.3 lite w/heavy springs,xtr,raceface lp cranks, thompson layback post, thompson stem(really cool if you havn't seen it)Rolf Dolomite wheelset,flite gel, 747s, Lime green front with polished rear.
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny.But if 4" of travel is not nessesary I would try the sugar for weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Oregon Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
How do you narrow it down to one?
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$3200.00
Purchased At:
Pauls Bike Shop off 5th.
Strengths:
Great suspenion, sturdy, bomb proof. I have had no trouble at all with this bike dispite riding it hard, getting big air, hard decents, everything. Soooo nice, my best friend!
Weaknesses:
None, I've gotten exactly what I wanted and so much more with this bike. Not only does it never let me down but it continues to surprise me, every ride!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized M4 full bouncer stump jumper, Cannondale, Klien Mantra, others.
Bike Setup:
Vanilla RC float race shock, the only way to go. Marz. Z-2 Bam, all XTR and the usual goodies.
Bottom Line:
This bike amazes me every ride. I can trials over logs, climb almost anything, tear up the single track, decend like a mad man and get nice air and land with safty, plushness and confidence. At 190+ pounds these feelings don't come easy. I am still so stoked about this bike even after nearly two years of riding it. The only problem with it would be that my new wife is somewhat jealous. She is the reason I'm home writing about my bike because I told her I'd take a night off from the trails and spend some quality time with her. So, gotta go. Coming honey!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Horner Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Union City Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the ones with dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
frame is light strong will not flex can handle climbing sprints and singletrack and downhills with no prob a all around good trail/race bike
Weaknesses:
only one i wish the head tube was not so tall
Similar Products Used:
1998 cannondale super v freeride , 1998 gt avalance ,1998 gary fisher zo ,1996 specialized rockhopper ,huffy 12 speed
Bike Setup:
1999 heckler xl 24.0 inch top tube 1999 marzocchi superfly chris king wheel set with sun xc rims torelli extralight tubes panaracer 2.1 fire pro kevlar front michelin comp s kevlar 2.1 rear shimano xt 11-30 cassette 8-speed sram plasma 8-speed shifters avid ultimate levers avid archrival 50 f/r brakes race face 120mm 10 degree rise silver race face low riser bar silver lp briad bar ends yeti hard core red/black grips chris king head set red race face red anodized lp cranks shimano xt bottom bracket shimano xt front derailleur shimano xtr rear derailleur shimano 535 pedals tompson silver 27.2 330 mm seat post titec berzeker titanium rials kevlar sides seat salsa quick releases for wheels and seat post sachs pc-68 powerlink chain cane creek ad-10 rear shock frame weighs 5lbs 14 oz
Bottom Line:
this bike rocks im 6'1 and 180lbs and the bike is a bit over 25 1/2 lbs not bad for a extra large 24.0 inch top tube full suspension bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, GA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tower Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No bobbing under heavy pedaling. Bombproof frame Its ability to turn from an increadible cross-country machine to a downhiller that can handle almost anything
Weaknesses:
Hmmm....not sure I have found any.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Y-33
Bike Setup:
Spinergy Wheelset, Avid 5.0 brakes (yikes they are strong), X-Fly Shock, Crane Creek AD-10
Bottom Line:
This bike is such an improvement over my old Trek Y-33. My Y-33 may have been much lighter, but I feel like I can go up hills faster on my Heckler. My riding has improved dramatically because of this bike. I felt the difference the first time I rode it- better control, more agility, and it sucks everything up with almost no loss in power.
I bought this bike used over the internet. Before I bought it, I called the Santa Cruz guys and had a long talk with them about sizing and components. They were probably the most helpful company I have ever delt with. I give their customer service 5 chili's alone.
The bike: the design may not have changed too much over the years, but there is a reason. It works. Plus, riding it here on the east coast, people notice it because it isn't just another Trek or Specialized. This is a great bike!!! You won't be sorry buying one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Brito
a Downhiller
from Fairfax, CA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gold Lake down to Downieville
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Durability/Design
Weaknesses:
None found to date.
Bike Setup:
Full XTR drivetrain, Hope disc brakes with Hope Tech hubs, Kooka stem, DHO shock with spring upgrade, Ti White Bro. handle bars, WTB Velociraptor tires, Serfas grips, Raceface offset seat post, King headset, WTB SST saddle, THE front fender, Shimano clipless platform pedals and Cane Creek AD10 air shock. WOW!!!!
Bottom Line:
I have been mountain biking for over 15 years. During these 15 wonderful years I have been blessed with the opportunity to ride numerous bicycles (rigid to full suspension). This bicycle (Heckler) has brought me great joy. This bicycle has become one of my companions. Yeah, REALLY!! Everytime I ride this bicycle I put my faith in this machine. And have trusted it on many death defying rides.
I guarantee my Heckler will one day hang on in my home as a token of my respect.
Santa Cruz Bicycle Company thanks for giving all of us an opportunity to relive live our youth. KUDOS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julian
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: April 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Simple,reliable and strong.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale SV1000 and Marin Mountvision
Bike Setup:
Vanilla r XTR Pace Hope 521s Race Face
Bottom Line:
At the price the frameset is excellent. You can build a bike with a spec way above ordinary, without spending the silly money you see some cutom builds going for. The simple pivot design gives a predictable well damped ride and you can tear around,jump and climb without thinking about the bike, just the trail. Thats all I need it to do and it does it. If your thinking of getting one, go ahead, you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Newhall California Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Nature trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Solid & Rugged frame. One single pivot eliminates maintenance. Great downhill frame if set up correct. Durability of this bike is awesome. The only bike that has never launched me over the handlebars.It corners beautifully and holds well its path. It saved my life a couple of times. Untouched on single tracks.
Weaknesses:
Weight. You really have to decide what you want and how you want to set the bike up. I would like to have gone for he superlight but at 210lbs it would be difficult. Dual suspension will not allow you to cross shift - too much pressure on the rear derl.
Similar Products Used:
GT, specialized, trek, cannondale.
Bike Setup:
Rock Shox DHO, 4" travel, double triple clamp setup for exceptional added control. The rear is a Rock Shox super deluxe, with coil adjustment, rebound and dampening knobs. The components on the bike are: Shimano XTR V brakes (front and rear), Shimano rapid fire shifters with XTR shifter pods and XTR brake levers, Shimano XTR rear derailleur, DX front derailleur, full Shimano XTR wiring and silver/grey cabelling sytem throughout the bike, Shimano IG 90 chain, Kore Headstem, World force handlebars, Control tech seatpost, Sun Rhyno red anodized red rims, Onza pedals, Serfas Kevlar rear tire 2.1, WTB Velociraptor 2.1.
Bottom Line:
I feel obligated to write this review because I have owned this bike for such a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed it. This bike rocks. Unfortunately due to financial constraints I sold it yesterday. Today, I just got back from riding my friend's hard tail on La Tuna Canyon, and man it was the worse ride of my life. To be honest, it is always good to go back and really appreciate what you had. I really appreciate my Heckler now. This hard tail beat the living crap out of me. I could go on a Heckler for hours on end and still be able to talk afterwards. The Heckler has got one of the most unbelievable geometry set up that some of the other bike manufacturers are imitating now. Look around...have you noticed lately the Sugar by Specialized? The Heckler has not changed its basic design although it has made more refinements. Once I am back in the money I will be in the market either another Heckler or a Tracer. I really can not knock the Heckler because I have not ridden anything better....but what if there is a more superior bike out there with more exceptional performance than the Heckler? Well......I am still looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arthur Coleman
a Weekend Warrior
from Walnut Creek Date Reviewed: February 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
My Secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Extremely durable, simple design (the hell with linkage!), handles good on the technical stuff and does ok on the screaming fastrack, climbs fairly well.
Weaknesses:
None with Frame. Works as advertised. Bad geometry setup with my 5 inch Marzocchi Z1 when climbing. I may buy a new rear end to upgrade to disc down the road (mine's older).
Similar Products Used:
GT, Specialized, Schwinn
Bike Setup:
Custom Build: New Hollowcore XT Cranks (very cool!), Marzocchi Atom Bomb (70mm) for regular use, Z1-5inch for the steepstuff. Mavic 517's with XTR hubs, XT Rear and Front Der's, XTR Shift/Brake combo, Avid Ultimates (also quite cool), Fox air, Synchros, WTB Velo's (which ROCK)
Bottom Line:
After a year, I finally have this bike completly dialed in. Newest addition was the 2000 XT hollow-core crankset (same as XTR at almost a 1/3 the price). This bike was built for singletrack maddog downhilling with the ability to climb out the same trail. This one is about 26 pounds give or take an OZ. Everybody always whines about weight which is crazy. Yeah you can go with an SL and a SID.....pay much more, and the bike won't take the punishment. Believe me, if you're hittin it hard, stay with a Heckler and a Marzocchi. It's bullet proof. I just wish I could climb out better with my Z1 on......guess it's the tradeoff for all that plush. RIDE ON!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Meisner
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene Oregon Date Reviewed: January 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to choose in Oregon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Oh my God, I love this bike. My friends are jealous and tired of me talking about how amazing this bike is, my girlfriend thinks I'm having an affair, my cat is ignoring me due to lack of attention and my goldfish are dead. Yah, its an amazing, amazing, amazing, did I say amazing bike?
Weaknesses:
I suppose it should have a rear derailer. In a perfect world, heaven mabey, it would weigh 2 pounds lighter but in this one a Bam Z2 and Vanilla RC, rugged XTR all around don't allow this. Who cares, 27lbs is great with this performance. I had the best ride today on this bike, 30 miles of technical trail, tough climbs, great decents, does it all and begs for more.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale Raven, Specialized FSR M4, Some other stuff.
Bike Setup:
All the good stuff, especially the Bam Z2, Fox Vanilla RC, all XTR, time atac carbon pedals.
Bottom Line:
There just aint enough room here to even try, really!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from Cario, Egypt Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
National in PHX AZ
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Price, durability, maintainability. Awsome and forgiving handling.
Weaknesses:
Still cant find any!
Similar Products Used:
FSR, XR-6, LTS, Joshua, Super V, XCR, Uzzi SL, Quasi-Moto.
Bike Setup:
XTR, Race Face, Crosslands, Z-1 (5"), and Risse Jupiter 5.
Bottom Line:
The suspension is simple and effective and for a low cost high quality FS frameset you cannot go wrong. You can put that $1000 you saved into some quality componentry. Loads of potential with this bike that can do everything well. A good bike to develop skills and push the envelope on as it is very forgiving. For me weight comes in a distant fourth behind performance, durability, and comfort. I ride farther and faster on the Heckler and though it weighs 27lbs it rides like 24. It climbs anything: extended jeep road to combat rocky goat trails where no hardtail dares venture. I am often amazed at what I climb and decend with the Heckler. Short of 6" + travel bikes it eats up downhills with the best of them. The Heckler is ultra tough and durable. I live and ride daily in the third world and it has only been to a bike shop once in two years to get some cables and a lube job. Buy one if you can't afford a Quasi-moto or Uzzi SL (they are the best, but not by much). I cannot justify up grading to one of those because the Heckler fits the bill for just about everthing and it refuses to break or even creak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Loyd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mt View, Ca Date Reviewed: January 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
After over three years on this bike I'm still amazed with the suspension performance in such a simple design. Extremely smooth in a wide range of riding situations. Combined with the radial spoked wheels, the bike provides a very responsive, tight ride - just like it did on the first day.
Weaknesses:
I suppose at 26 lbs it could be lighter and ride even livelier. I've been through three rear Rockshox delux shocks and now my Air Fox RC is beginning to clank.
Similar Products Used:
This is the only dual suspension bike I've riden.
Bike Setup:
XT group SRAM Attack 8 speed Judy SL with long travel kit
Bottom Line:
When I switched from my hard tail I realized that on the Heckler I rode about 40% longer on my normal effort ride with about the same resulting fatigue. (2.5 hours vs. 3.5 hours) More riding, same effort, less soreness. I'd buy another one immediately if this one rode off without me one day.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Meisner
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene Oregon Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all difficults
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Hard to know where to start. I reviewed this product back in October and love it even more now. No mechanicals despite pushing the bike very hard. I can peddle through very tough, technical rock sections that all the hardtails must walk. After reading all the Specialized FSR problems and talk of lawsuits I love my Heckler even more. Just an amazing bike!
Weaknesses:
I only wish that my Heckler was a little lighter but wouldn't give up performance for it. All decisions are a comprimise.
Similar Products Used:
Special.FSRm4(Too stiff)cannondale Raven many others.
Bike Setup:
Marz. Bam Z2,full xtr, Mav. 517rims,time carbon peddles, thompson seat post, ti bar, king headset, profile stiffy.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, every ounce of it. I love the ride and durability. I thought of a Superlight but am 195lbs and ride hard and willing to take the extra weight and have the BamZ2 up front. This frame is solid and an extra 2 pounds is nothing for any trail I've ever done. Wt is 27lbs. You will have more fun on this maintinance free bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Gibson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
estes trail network
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stable and rugged. Carves turns beautifully. At 24 lbs plenty light.
Weaknesses:
None that I can discern. This bike takes all I can give and comes back for more.
Similar Products Used:
FSR, X8R
Bike Setup:
SID XC, FOX Float R, 9.0sl rear w/XTR front Derallieurs, high end SantaCruz suppled wheelset, Easton Monkeylite carbon rise bar and seatpost, Avid Arch Rival 40 brakes with Sram levers, XTR crank and bb, IRC Mythos tires, XTR cogset and chain round out the package.
Bottom Line:
Very solid performer, easy to service. I couldn't be more pleased with this bicycle. Jason Lombard of Santa Cruz made the process of buying this bike a dream. Excellent customer service. Nuff said!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gortnipper
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, Wa Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
St. Edwards
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
PLUSH!!! Corners great, climbs great, big air lands smoooooth...
Weaknesses:
heavier than I would like - but hey, so am I.
Similar Products Used:
Cannon-stale Specialized M4
Bike Setup:
Z-2 BAM Cane Creek WAM Hope Disks Fox Vanilla RC Race Face ad nauseum XTR shifters
Bottom Line:
Mmm...mmmm...Good.This is an awesome bike. I have it dialed in pretty stiffly, with heavy springs front and rear as I ride hard and am ~200lbs. Very little chain suck. I had some initial problems with ghost shiftin on the top two gears with the 9-speed cogset, but moving the BB over a couple mm'w to the non-drive side cleared that right up. I do not ride my hardtail anymore - despite it being several pounds lighter. 4 chilis, due to the heavyish frame weight (but make no mistake - I would buy again in a heartbeat!).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: October 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Woodcutters
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Indstructable Great Build Awesome handling
Weaknesses:
Toss up bewteen this and my Spot SIngle Speed
Bike Setup:
Maz Z1 Bam XTR drivetrain Avid 50 brakes Chris King Hubs Sun Rims Tioga x-cty Cane Creek shock
Bottom Line:
Great bike... climbs well and descends great. Never had any problems apart from normal wear and tear. Only issue has been with paint peeling off around bottle cage.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene Oregon Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
larison creek, Oakridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great ride. Little to no pedal induced bobbing. Climbs anything. My friends sit back and say, I can't believe he made that and I'm often thinking the same thing. I have had to learn to just keep on pedaling, the bike will do anything I can push. Great ride all around.
Weaknesses:
The only weekness is the rear suspension connection to the middle of the top tube underneath. Makes it more challenging to carry bike through extended snow drifts and over blow down.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale 98 Raven Specialized M4 Klien Mantra Some Gary Fishers
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 Bam Mavic 517 full XTR all Chris king Head Thompson seat post Flite saddle and other stuff.
Bottom Line:
Great bike. It cross countries and downhills great, climbs and pushes through anything in its path, great looks, very comfortable ride, unique here in Eugene Oregon still.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Boyd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Noonan, Canada Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Backyard Noonan
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Near flawless design Beautiful craftmanship Makes you a better rider
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose 8.5 GT LTS Cannondale Super V
Bike Setup:
XTR,Race Face,Avid,Ringle,Azonic,Z1, 26.5lbs
Bottom Line:
Over a variety of terrain I believe this bike can out perform anything on the current market.Having riding buddies with different brand dualies and swapping rigs once in a while, makes them question their purchase.Customer service second to none.Thanks Scott.Santa Cruz deserves these five sizzling, slightly used tampons.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vu
a Cross-Country Rider
from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
n/a
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
LG
a Cross-Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
durable as all hell
Weaknesses:
uhhh... none so far
Similar Products Used:
alot
Bike Setup:
xtr cranks,ders, brakes,bb,hubs,monkey lite riser,sachs shifters,fox float rc, 517s Marz z1 ...oh yeah I added a WTB 98 sst awsome!!
Bottom Line:
2nd post: about 200 miles now and it's only getting better. swaped the 105 stem for a 130 w/5 degrees and flipped it upside down wow!! what a difference. Durable...! huge falls tons of skin on the trail... not a dent or a scratch on the frame! climbing is actualy fun on this bike! handeling is even better since I changed the stem. Oh yeah I smacked the rear der and scratched it pretty good, I thought maybe i bent the hanger. Brought it to my lbs he put the der streightening thing on it, it was'nt even a bit tweaked. Either the hanger is sooo thick, or I'm just lucky? rocky 35 mile an hour downhills no problem! point and shoot! I'm definitely happy with this purchase!! If I drop a few LB I would even consider the superlight? For now I will enjoy this ride for many years to come!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crusty
a Weekend Warrior
from Dirt Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Great all around do anything play bike, as good as they come! Frame is a great bargain at $899
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Played around on all most everything at one time or another
Bike Setup:
Heckler with XTR, Fox Vanilla RC, Z.1 Bam, Pro Taper bars.
Bottom Line:
This is a very strong, durable, low maintenance bike that you can take anywhere (literally) and be capable, from a haedware standpoint. Great bike for jumping around and abusing, it will take anything you can throw it at (again literally). I've been converted to a full on Santa Cruz lover, the only other bike I would consider getting is a Bullit, Oh yeah, six inches just like me! Five ice cream flambeys!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross-Country Rider
from Daly City, CA Date Reviewed: July 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
El Corte Madera
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Single bearing pivot for easy maintainence, strong climber and good descender. Rear shock is out of dirts way unlike the Specialized.
Weaknesses:
On the pre 99 Hecklers the rear derailleur hanger is too thin and will break if a branch gets stuck in the derailleur or if you cross chain too much. Mine broke and had to replace the rear swingarm $250.00 direct from Santa Cruz. I now have the 99 swingarm with disc mounts and ovalized brake stays which flex less.
98 Heckler 18in, full XTR, Chris King/517ceramic, 99 SID XC, Cane Creek AD-10 rear shock
Bottom Line:
At about 24lbs this bike is hard to beat, climbs fast and takes rough descents very solid unlike the Heclker Superlight which feels pretty tinny due to the thin tubing. I wanted a solid bike that would handle a good thrashing. Don't get me wrong, the superlight has it's place but I prefer to thrash.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lou
a Weekend Warrior
from Armonk NY Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
non-existing pedal induced movement
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Z0 Mongoose HT
Bike Setup:
xtr,z1,fox rc w/ lockout 517/xtr,kore elite stem & seat post,monkey lite riser, flite ti sadle.
Bottom Line:
I've only had the bike for 1.5 weeks,I have been on three rides for about 30 miles. This bike is everything I wanted. Very quick and responsive, light for a dualie 26lb's. Killer in tight rocky decsents. The only issue I have right now is that we picked the wrong length stem and rise, because of the z1 the bike sits up pretty high, The kore stem is 105 with a 10 degree rise. I'm changing it for a 0 dgree unit. That should help on the steep climbs. I have to say this bike is so easy to flick around for a dual boinger, It's nothing like my GF pogo master. More to come. Going for a ride now! Happy Trails!!!
Overall Rating:
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$ 3135.00
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