Submitted by
Animal Walshly
a Cross Country Rider
from Dorchester,MA,Good old US of A Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
R3,R9/wompatuck
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Strengths:
This is a great bike! The middle chain ring is I where the supension works the best. It makes me ride faster up hills and in general.
Weaknesses:
XT frnt brakes, so I upgraded to XTR it was quiet for 3 months and now the squeal is back! No replaceablerear derailer hanger. No disk brake tabs. THE FRAME I hate scraching,scraping, or getting it muddy. It looks sweet when it's clean!
Bike Setup:
I just upped my wheels to king/517. WOW there fast and stable at speed! they are lighter than my XT.
Bottom Line:
Fast,stable,comfortable,light. Going up hill gets easier every time I ride. This bike handles much better at speed,if your not afraid to push it to the limit. This bike won't let you down! All you have to do is pedal and let the bike do the rest!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Weekend Warrior
from Seaside, CA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sea Otter course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Bobcat Bicycle
Strengths:
-Light weight -Lateral rigidity -Fit and finish
Weaknesses:
-XT front brake (Baaad Shimano)
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale m-series (the old stuff)
Bike Setup:
XT deraillers and brakes, LX cranks/rings, Avid levers, LX shifters, Bontrager Valiant rims, White (fr) XT (r) hubs, Psylo SL fork, Fox Float RC shock, Easton CT2 bars, Easton EA70 seatpost, Fizik saddle.
Bottom Line:
A solid performing XC bike. With full suspension I expected lateral flex and a buttload of maintenance-- I have experienced neither. The single pivot design is effective for XC riding and does not require constant attention. The machine is light and rigid. SC produced a quality product here. The welds on the frame are uniform and the finish is immaculate. I did not care for the shrieking XT front brakes (since replaced with Sram), a hit on Shimano, not SC. I am absolutely satisfied with this bike. Always buy the best you can afford, and if you can depart with $3000 and still eat, get a Superlight. But stay away from those $#!@ XT brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jose dos santos
a Cross Country Rider
from caracas, mir, venezueka Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
el consejo-colonia tovar
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
wheel center
Strengths:
simple desing, very light weight, climbs great very confortable for any ride
Weaknesses:
little nervy when decend, apart this none weakness
Similar Products Used:
marin nail trail
Bike Setup:
group XTR/XT, SID SL, Fox Float L, Rims Bontrager Valiant, Panaracer 2.1 Tires, XTR Crank, Monkey Lite Handlebar.
Bottom Line:
I just can say:
IS THE BEST BIKE I'VE EVER RIDDEN!!!
I didn't see or prove any bike like this...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra Australia Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The 'Pines'
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Sports Oakland CA
Strengths:
Makes you wanna keep on riding, my riding just gets better and better, that is it's very forgiving, it has some lower grade parts but you can easily upgrade, you buy it for the frame right.
Super X kit, but swapped easton carbon risers for flat bar with carbon bar ends and time pedals which are very nice.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ever ridden and probably will ever ride. I'll upgrade it as I go but as it is truly awesome this will be when I get around to it. Test ride one and you'll probably wanna buy one, not too cheap either but worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen Walsh
a Cross Country Rider
from Quincy,Ma,USA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Spilt Rock
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
International cycle
Strengths:
Light,Light,Light........OH did I say Light Fast,Fast,Fast Light,Fast,Light,Fast
Weaknesses:
This bike rocks! No replaceable derailer hanger (breakaway bolt works great)
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Rockadile W/ Mag21 XTR rear derailer,shifters &V brakes Chris King headset Hand built wheels White Indisters hubs Bontger Rims Flite saddle &747 pedals Haro V3
Bike Setup:
XT shifters brakes hubs crank XTRrear derailerW/ breakaway bolt Chris King headset Hutchinson Python lite black tires 747 Fox RC float Sid xc/100 & a Flite saddle
Bottom Line:
I scored when Santa Cruz made this bike. It was just what I was looking for. A light 23pd good climber and stable at speed. What an awsome bike. Everyone should buy this bike. It builds confidence like you wouldn't belive. When you make a mistake the bike eats it up. and you look like a star. All my riding buddies are all looking to buy this bike. Iwill tell you it is the best purchase I'v ever made. One other reason I bought this bike I could not find a bad article or a negitive word about this bike! Just look at the ratings they don't lie. 5 Chiles and 5 more for value! OH YEAH IT'S LIGHT TOO!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freddie Fender Grass
a Cross Country Rider
from Anytown, USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The one that starts from my driveway.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Single-pivot simplicity.
Weaknesses:
Single-pivot simplicity.
Bike Setup:
If people really read this section...XT/XTR, SID SL (fr lockout), Fox Float RC (rr lockout), King Headset, Easton stem, CT2 handlebar & seatpost, Sram RocketShifters, Avid SD Ti's /levers, X517/XTRs, Conti VertPros, Speedplay pedals, Selle Italia Ti Flite, Ciusse(sp?) Elite h20 cages.
Bottom Line:
This SantaCruz Superlight rocks! Light, great handling and climbing ability, comfortable, impressive fit and finish.
Single-pivot simplicity ensures lower maintenance and more ride time.
If you have miles of asphalt before you get to your favorite trail, might I suggest that you spec yours with fr and rr suspension lockouts.
The 2001 Bicycling Magazine's Buyers Guide stated that the SL has a "dated" design. Let me just say that I place my SantaCruz Superlight up ther with other "dated" designs such as the Porsche 911, Bose 901, TAG Heuer timepiece, and Parker fountain pen.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Mann
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Dukes Cycle
Strengths:
Immacualte fit and finish. Option of a lockout for the long paved roads to get to Graceland, baby. Anodized paint, that speaks for itself. Great geometry for tall riders who don’t want a 21 inch frame. The frame is shot peened to releive stress. Need I say more. The list is endless…
Weaknesses:
None that I can tell at this point.
Similar Products Used:
There isn’t a similar bike in this price and craftsmanship range
Bike Setup:
Front D is an XT, rear D and crank are XTR. XT Brakes (they squeak and drive me crazy, try Avid). Rockshock Sid SL. Mavic 517’s on Stout hubs. Assorted everything else.
Bottom Line:
If you are crazy enough to see the logic of spending big dollars on bicycles for the forests, as I have, than stop your search. The Superlight is the last bike you will ever own. To tell you its dialled into me means nothing to you. To say that it is possible to reach a higher state of happiness on this bike, as I have, will only make sense when you go to test ride one. This is the Porsche of bicycles. Fast, forgiving, strong and light. I bought the Gun Metal Grey colour (it sells the most, by the way) and for good reason. This is a Stealth looking bike with the enhancement of Red Mavic rims. Absolutely a visually stunning combination. A bike that you stand back to look at, and say wow. How does a 911 handle? Use that as an analogy to describe the Superlight and what it makes you, as a rider, capable of. It instantly pushes your limits because the Superlight is so forgiving that your confidence is increased. And shouldn’t a bike that costs $4,000.00 CDN do that for you? I believe, brothers and sisters, that I have seen the light. Do you? Do you see the light? Do you see the light?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Corona, CA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Strengths:
Best overall bike for the money! Very light and a proven suspension system. Just look at all the copy cats out there.
Weaknesses:
None so far. All the drawbacks to having this type of pivot point are known and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by far.
XT Groupo, Chris King headset and hubs, Mavic 517 wheels, Raceface stem and handlebar, Marzochii Z2 fork, Fox Air w/lockout, Thompson Elite seatpost, Specialized Team Dirt Control tires.
Bottom Line:
After riding a lot of other bikes (short list above), this is by far the best of the lot. It handles everything thrown at it and screams for more. The handling is awesome and the climbing ability of this bike is better than a hard tail. As a matter of fact, I use my bike to convert hard tail advocates all the time. One ride up and down a nice hill and they want to ditch their hard tail! This is by far the best bike for the money. If you can fork out a couple of grand for a bike then this is the winner hands down. If you can't afford it, buy the Specialized FSR XC which is probably the closest you'll get to this nice a bike at half the cost. I'm sure there is a bike I haven't ridden that compares also, but not at this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leonardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, Italy Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Short track, Bad track,
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Ligth- you would'nt look back for a Front anymore, Stiffness -were it's needed but smooth when you want, easy to ride -forgive you almost every bad treatment
Weaknesses:
anodized finish scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
C'DALE Jeckiil used for a week-end
Bike Setup:
XT build kit. Fox Float Vanilla RC. Manitou SX Ti Carbon. Flat handlebar, with barends climbs better. CODA crunch Magura brake (HS-33)
Bottom Line:
It's like driving a Rolls Royce, why looking for similar product, they still remain "just similar". It not cheap, but let me know if you can by a cheap Rolls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike kirsebom
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ord
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Simple Design, robust construction, light Weight, Good Quality welds and paint, easy to clean
Weaknesses:
The standard component package limits you if you want all Xt or all XTR component groups
Bike Setup:
Combo LX/ XTR, Fox vanilla Float R (No Lock out), SID 100 Rock Shox
Bottom Line:
I now ride much faster and smoother than before, technical riding is much more forgiving, and this bike is lighter than my previos hardtail. Overall, I am fully satisfied and would buy another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Chilliwack, BC, CANADA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Den
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-light -good geometry for climbing and downhill -go anywhere bike -plush with no bob
Weaknesses:
-could be lighter -ano finish scratches easily -99 model doesn't have disc mounts on rear triangle
Similar Products Used:
-FSR XC, Heckler, Raven, Rocky Element Race
Bike Setup:
-RaceFace everything, XT derailleurs, Hayes discs, SID 100, Fox Air Float RC
Bottom Line:
-great bike....I totally love it. It is a do everything, light bike with tons of suspension. I upgraded the fork to the 2000 SID 100 (big improvement over the Marzochi....dropped a pound and increased travel by over an inch). Recently traded my 99 swingarm for the 2000 version so that I could upgrade to discs. Swapped out the Avids for a set of 2000 Hayes stoppers. Now this great bike is nearly perfect. My only wish is to shed another couple of pounds.....This great bike gets my rave review along with raves in MBA.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light as hell with 4 inches front and rear. Very Nice spec. for the money. I'm impressed with the wheels. XT/White Industries with Bontrager Valiant Wheels. Easton monkey lite riser EA2 seatpost. Santa Cruz's product manager could give a lesson to the bigger boys on the block.
Weaknesses:
None that I can think of yet. My gear OGD broke on the first ride. That's Shimano's fault not Santa Cruz's.
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Joshua, Kona Mako Mako, Proflex/K2
Bike Setup:
Superlight, with Super X Kit, SID 100. I swapped out brakes for AVID Arch Rival 50's and put on a Specialized Body Geometry Sport Saddle(worth all the extra weight) in leiu of the racing up your ass saddle.
Bottom Line:
Climbs as well as my Ritchy Soft Tail. The faster I went the smoother this machine handled. Big hits got swallowed up by the Fox and SID. This bike makes you haul ass. The SID 100 won me back to Rock Shox. I was a die hard Marzocchi Fan, nothing but Z.1 or Z.2 in my life. The SID 100 is over $200.00 less and weighs 4 oz. less than the Z.1 X-FLY. We'll have to see how long the seals last. For now, it's exactly what I had been waiting for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommaso
a Weekend Warrior
from Pistoia Date Reviewed: February 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the dirtest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It's light, comfortable, as fast as your legs could do. What do you want more?
Weaknesses:
Still not found, price apart.
Similar Products Used:
Scott fx tested.
Bottom Line:
I think this frame is great and the best FS available, here in Italy we should learn from SC boys how to develop a good Full Suspended bike (for hardtail we don't need lessons). Try it is a good climber and a better downhiller. I have a 80 mm manitou sx-ti fork, but I think that I could achieve better vibrations with a plush 100 mm fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Longino
a Racer
from Greenville SC Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
quality of the product quick acceleration light weight
Weaknesses:
A little on the expensive side ,but I would do it all over again tomorrow
Similar Products Used:
Marin Mountain Pro Fisher Sugar
Bike Setup:
XT Drive Sid on the front, and Fox air rc on the back
Bottom Line:
I Love this bike!!!!! Do yourself a favor and ride this bike You'll be happy you did If you ride hard several times a week and need a bike to last this is the one for you. I have a friend with a very semilar santa cruz. Almost 2000 mountain miles on it in less than a year with no problems. I have been very impressed with my new santa cruz. Give this bike a try :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pigrider
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rigid, smooth, fast, precise steering, plush, great climber
Weaknesses:
$$$$$$ very expensive... for the money you should get at least XT components all the way around
Similar Products Used:
gary fisher joshua Z2 1997
Bike Setup:
santa cruz super X build with marzocchi z2 x-fly
Bottom Line:
I only have 70 miles on this bike so far but it is amazing!!! I know that it doesn't matter how much you spend if you are a crappy rider an expensive bike isn't supposed to make you a better rider. Well guess what?? For me so far this bike has made me a much much much much better rider. I am still way out of shape but this bike is a delight to climb up hills with and even more fun going down. The most amazing part and I don't know if it is attributable to the riser bar, the shock, or the bike geometry is the surgical precision with which I can choose a line and stick to it. On my fisher I always thought my reaction time was too slow because more often than not I wound up brutishly plowing through rocks and ruts. With this bike you really do go exactly where you want to go. I can pick my way through gaps in the rocks that are only an inch or so (maybe less) wider that the tires. I will update this review after more extensive riding but I just had to comment on the amazing handling and climbing characteristics of this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Chin
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mandai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
climbs great,nice ano.blue colour,plush,very comfortable,a dream to ride on downhill.
Weaknesses:
annoying creaking noises coming from the XT-5-arm crank,slight clicking noise in the pivots around the shock area.
Similar Products Used:
trek oclv 9800,GT backwoods,cannondale f2000,specialized fsr dh and many more......
fast,light,plush,comfortable,expensive,creaky noises.Please e-mail me to advise me on how to solve the stupid XT-5 arm creaking problem.Also,fill free to give any advice on my setup.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chilliwack, BC CANADA Date Reviewed: December 5, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Den
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
See my review below
Weaknesses:
anodized finish scratches easily
Similar Products Used:
See below
Bike Setup:
See below
Bottom Line:
Since my last review, I have put 300 miles on this baby. It took a few rides to get the set-up right. If you like to ride everything, and go everywhere you will not ride a better machine. Sweet riding position for the climb and you can smoke on everything downhill. The 4 inches of travel eats everything and just makes your confidence level soar. My only beef is that mine weighs in at 26 lbs. which is respectable but not Superlight. I can live with this because it is still lighter than my 28 lb. hardtail and the ride is Supersweet. I plan to lighten it up as parts wear and need replacing. Will ride like a hardtail and looks like a hardtail for those who poo-poo FS, and can ride with most downhill rigs for those who crave mega-travel. This bike is has it all. Oh ya, No Bob!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tsunami a wanna be
a Racer
from Mars Date Reviewed: November 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Feels like a hardtail when climbing even if not locked out. Bombs on the Downhills. Nice anodized paint job. Light for a full suspension bike, mine weighs less than 25 lbs. Get to choose your own fork.
Weaknesses:
Hurts your heart when it gets scratched. You always ride alone because your friends are way far behind. Too pretty to ride in mud. Makes you possesive because the SuperLight looks just as good as Lateitia Costa, Jenny McCarthy, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Cannot go to work and be productive because your day dreaming of the SuperLight all day.
Similar Products Used:
Rode a Hardtail for 10 years till now. Tried friends GT LTS, Trek Y, and Specialized FSR. GT was cool on the downhills but too heavy, feels big and bobs when climbing..FSR was same..the Trek Y bike just sucks.
Bike Setup:
XT build kit. Mavic 517. Fox Float Vanilla RC. Marzocchi Z2 xFly 2000. Flat handlebar w/ barends to climb better.
Bottom Line:
This bike just kicks ass! I never considered buying a dual suspension bike till now. I got this bike because it's light and I got to test ride my friends before I bought mine. I was surprised how good it climbs, but was really surprised how fast, smooth, and in control I was going down! The suspension system on this bike must have a brain because the suspension works when you want it to. Those of you who think Hardtails will not be obselete are high state of denial! The faster things go the better suspension you'll need. Look at Formula One and GP Motorcycles, they always had great engines, but lap times did not improve until Suspension Technology improved. This bike will lose to a full downhill bike going 50+ downhill, but will beat any hardtail! That means you will be in front if you have this bike because the downhillers will walk their bikes uphill and the hardtailers will walk theirs downhill. The xFly fork that I got w/ this bike also kicks ass! It is the smoothest, stiffest, and best looking xcountry fork you can buy. I paid $250 extra for this fork and it is worth at least three times that much!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chilliwack, BC CANADA Date Reviewed: October 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
the dilemma
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
-light weight -simple & durable design -low maintenance suspension -life time, no fault warranty on frame
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Mountain Element Specialized FSR-XC Santa Cruz Heckler
Bike Setup:
Fox Air Float RC, Marzocchi Z2, RaceFace cranks/rings/BB/stem/bar/seatpost, SG Ti saddle, XT derailleurs/hubs, sun rims, Geax Kevlar tires
Bottom Line:
I just had this bike built recently and love it now. I will report back on my findings after I have logged some miles.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Stoke-On-Trent, England Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Karrimor, Coed y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Superbly Stiff, light as feather, Fox Float RC shock
L SL Frame (ano Blue!), Full XT, Rond Quake Comp Pro 105, Fox Float RC, Icon & Bonty finish kit, Mavic X517's
Bottom Line:
Only had this machine for a week and never owned a full susser before I know wonder why I ever bothered with Hardtail's, It climbs, descends, hops, skips & jumps like nothing else I've ever ridden, my bad back has now gone! First class bit of kit!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lake Forest Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything in O.C.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent climber. Single pivot design. Light. Simple. Quick. Easy to toss around on the trail. Light. Strong. Agile. Can bomb downhill or uphill. Light.
Weaknesses:
uhhhh...NONE.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR Extreme & ground control & many others
Bike Setup:
Superlight with White Bros SC90's (with Englund air cartrides)
Bottom Line:
Well, I've waited a few months to review this bike because I wanted to give it a few months in case something happened. I can't wait any longer -- this bike has awesome since day one. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING ON THIS BIKE. It can be ridden anywhere, anytime. Is more plush than my FSR Extreme. The superlight has a plush (if you set the FOX V air shock up correctly) 4+ of travel. I have a RACE FACE pkg. and it works great. Stand up and climb and it doesn't flinch. IT has a lockout but you'll probably never need to use it because the rear susp. design is so efficient and simple. Super simple single pivot design. Who woulda thought? If you have the cash or if you don't (you can always put it on a credit card) you should get one. By the way, why are there never any reviews on this bike in MBA or MTN BIKE mags. Because Santa Cruz doesn't need those fat losers to promote their product. Why give a free bike to those loser publishing companies anyway. The word will get out that this bike kicks ass. I just hope the $2500 price tag prevents the mass population from buying it because the only other one I've seen on the road is my buddy's that he bought at the same time as me. Would like to give it ten stars but I guess 5 will have to do.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from chico,ca Date Reviewed: September 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in MOAB
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This rig handles anything you can throw at it! Climbs like a hardtail, but decends better than any other bike I've ridden. Fast, smooth and sexy.
Weaknesses:
None noticed yet.
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super V 2000, Marin B-25
Bike Setup:
Shock is a fox float vanilla RC. Fork is a '99 Judy XC (long travel), full XT with sram 9.0sl in the rear as well as 9.0sl shifters. Atac pedals to complete this package.
Bottom Line:
This bike is the complete package! If you still love the climb to the top, and also like to rip downhill then this is the bike you've been looking for. Bar None!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miggy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Poway, CA Date Reviewed: July 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, Smooth Suspension, Good Climber, No Po-Go-ing, Good Descender. Single pivot, low-maintenance/simple design. Balanced front and rear suspension. Just an awesome trail bike.
Weaknesses:
Serious chain slap on the rear triangle. Invest in a Lizard Skin to protect the chainstay. Other than that, there aren't any weaknesses as of yet.
Similar Products Used:
STS-2, Y-22, M4
Bike Setup:
XT Bike, SID, Cane Creek AD-10, (Standard XT SC Setup), Azonic Riser Bar.
Bottom Line:
This bike is sweet. Very responsive and made for hammering. It climbs, descends, accelerates and handles like a dream. The only thing better is a Superlight with XTR. If your'e looking to spend $2,700, seriously consider this bike. You can't go wrong with this bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Etheridge
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lancaster CA Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Five Deer
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, Strong, climbs like a goat, smoooooth descender.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Schwinn S-10, GT LTS, Heckler, Cannondale Super V's (Raven,1000,2000)
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla Float RC, Zoke Superfly fork, custom 517/XTR wheelset, Terry Ti-Race saddle, Azonic risers, Oury grips, 99 9-Speed, XT 48/36/26 five arm crankset, Santa Cruz XT build kit except as noted.
Bottom Line:
Best bike I have ever owned. 98% as good as a four-bar linkage. It is 100% creak free with zero pivot maintenance required. If you like to climb and descend at high velocities this is the bike to get. EXTREMELY STABLE at all speeds. Oh yeah, my 20 framed example weights in at 24.5 pounds.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edward
a Cross-Country Rider
from Sherman Oaks, CA Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
The ability to lock out the rear end is a huge plus when climbing. Although, the Superlight climbs really well with an active rear end.
Bike Setup:
The Marchozzi Superfly B.2 fork coupled with the XT drive train makes for a great 25 lb. XC-Racer.
Bottom Line:
Having come from a Cannondale hard-tail, I now know what've I've been missing. The Superlight is a great fit for someone who likes to climb, but doesn't want to get beat up on the way down. Your endurance level will rise above your wildest dream!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from VA Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999
Bottom Line:
I will never go back to my hard tail! I work in A bike shop, and get to ride a lot of bikes. By far this is the most enjoyable ride I have ever had. The Fox V is great, it trully locks out not like most other rear suspensions that claim they do. My confidence level went through the roof the first time I took it for a spin.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane W
a cross-country rider
from Traverse City, Michigan Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I think I found the perfect bike! This is my 16th mountain bike (I work in the bike biz!) and my 2nd Santa Cruz. They ride awesome..just read all the Heckler reviews... The new 99 Xt stuff is flawless.. SID is the best yet. and cheaper now! The AD-10 shock is simple and light, way better than the RS SuperDlx I had on my 97 Heckler. I put on a pair of CrossMax whls w/XC Fire tires (that are heavier than the stock set-up) and w/bar-ends, cage and computer my size large is 25.5 lbs or so... this bike is an absolute blast to ride! Take my advise..... Go to your local shop (or go to BrickWheels.Com !) and just buy one! Worth every penny and way lighter than a hell of a lot of others in the same price areas.... If you are near TC,MI just let me know if you want to test-spin mine!
Overall Rating:
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