Submitted by
Gus Kuster
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, FL Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oleta River Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
Bell Cycle's
Strengths:
: weight, suspension design, simplicity.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
GT i-drive team
Bike Setup:
full XTR, Mavic crossMax
Bottom Line:
have owned this bike for about 3 months and like it better every time I ride. It climbs great, handles well and is great going down the other side. You can't go wrong by purchasing a Superlight. Four inches of suspension at 23 pounds says it all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rusty
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anderson Truck trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lightness, Comfort, everything
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Obed, GT and some other hardtails
Bike Setup:
everything
Bottom Line:
This bike is sick, it seems that everyone is in agreement with the exception of a few people. This is my first full suspension bike and I was skeptical of loosing efficiency, climbing agility and weight gain. This bike shattered all those and any other myths of why you shouldn't get a full suspension bike. The first day I got this bike we went out to Noble Creek Canyon which has some rocky technical trails and this bike out-performed any bike I had ever riden.
My suggestion if you don't already have one and are thinking about purchasing one, quit sitting around and go get one even if you have to rob the QuickyMart or an old lady.
I only wish they had more chilis to give out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Truckee, Calif Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicycle Warehouse, Reno NV
Strengths:
Nice Anodization/color, great specs all the way around, light and smooth.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Other full suspension xc bikes
Bike Setup:
XTR/LX mix, SRAM, SID 100s
Bottom Line:
Best bike I've ever had...well worth the price. Very smooth, light and fast bike! The measurement specs are perfect... I bought the frame to replace my Fisher which cracked... just moved parts over from that and only had to replace bottom bracket, front derailler(xtr) and cables. This bike is for riders who want a serious ride without foolin around with over complicated faddish suspension systems out there. Santa Cruz has the best bike in this catagory right now in my opinion.
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Submitted by
Funky
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, up and down
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
contacts, baby, contacts...
Strengths:
Single, smooth, sexy pivot. Great components.
Weaknesses:
No complaints, except make sure the pivot stays tight - mine loosened up on the last couple of rides - nothing a little loctite won't fix.
Similar Products Used:
Jekyll w/lefty, various hardtails.
Bike Setup:
XL Frame, Santa Cruz's XTR disc kit - Full XTR, Magura Discs, swapped out the Hutchinson tires for some bigger, grippier Conti's. Psylo Race Fork.
Bottom Line:
I'm blown away by this bike. Descends with the downhillers and climbs with the hardtails. The 5" travel on the Psylo combined with the rear travel and discs give me so much confidence on the downhills. I thought I was going to have to reduce the front travel at first - a little wheelie problem on climbs - but then started to lockout the rear on the hills, problem solved. Bonus, the lockout lever is right under the top tube. Happy with the forks so far, not as smooth as Marzocchi's but I feel it's worth the weight trade-off, and gobs of travel. My setup weighs about 27lbs thanks to the fork and discs, still pretty good...never imagined I'd get this much performace and travel from so little weight.
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Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Adventure Bicycle, Mesa AZ
Strengths:
Great handling, light weight, great suspencion action, low mainanence pivot.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
1996 Heckler. Had it for 4 years but it got stolen from my garage.
Great bike! My Heckler served me well for 3.5 years. But I am now very happy with the Superlight. Seems as sturdy as the Heckler but lighter (I've got a lighter fork also). Great ride and a great value.
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Submitted by
Jas
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, Ca. Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
ridability, weight, green anodizing, simplicity.
Weaknesses:
Bent the derail hanger,now I must replace swingarm-$300. less expensive solution needed.
SID, XTR, RACEFACE, Easton, Thomson, mavic, real, fox, ritchey, wtb, chris king
Bottom Line:
Super fun ride and light wieght makes big smiles. I throw a lot at the bike and it eats up all but the big hits. With 4 inches of travel I expect to limit time to time. I would buy the same bike if I had to do it again. Only gripe is the derailure hanger not being replacable. I bent the sh*t on a thumb thick twig in derailure and now look at $300 to remidy. My fault, ya, but this can happen at any time to anyone. The Redwoods are fighting back!
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Submitted by
VooDoo Child
a Racer
from TN Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1119.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist Catalog
Strengths:
1) Quality of construction; 2) Design; 3) Weight; and 4) Price.
Weaknesses:
Design is such that shouldering the bike is difficult to impossible.
2000 Sid XC fork; xt and xtr components; Dean titanium seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I have gone from hardtail to softtail and now to full suspension over the last two years. Well, actually, I still have the hardtail but doubt it will be getting to much use. The Superlight is so light, and its suspension is so efficient, that it is almost always a superior choice over a hardtail. I purchases just the frame and built it up with a sensible mix of components. I haven't weighed it yet, but it probably weighs around 24.5 pounds with Panaracer Fire 2.1s and could lose considerable weight with a pair of ultra-light tires. The rear suspension helps in both climbing and descending. The bikes single-track handling suits me just right--not too twitchy but quick in tight situations. I will post again after I have some serious time on the bike.
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Submitted by
Jet
a Weekend Warrior
from townsville, n.q., Australia Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
technical and fun
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
frame local shop
Strengths:
This is an update on previous review. With psylo race now handles unbelieveably.
Weaknesses:
To some extent, cost.
Similar Products Used:
see previous review
Bike Setup:
see previous review
Bottom Line:
I have put rockshox psylo race forks, set to 125mm travel so in some ways this is a fork review. The bike is now unbelieveable. The suspension balance is incredible. The bike now leans stable and easy and still steers at low speeds. I am proper pedaller ( ie I spin NOT push the pedals) so the "problem" of wheel flop and low speed steering weight, ISN'T. I am a born cynic but still finish a ride with a huge smile of pure elation with this bike setup. There was a problem with the Pslyo's which I will report on if mtbrreview gets the forks into the reviews, however WARNING If you get these forks or perhaps any pure damping forks, if the bottom damping adjuster is hard to move , DON"T MOVE IT!!!!!! There is a problem with the manufacture of the bottom retaining bolt being too long and jaming against the nylon adjusting shaft. Bottom line completely superb and for the first time in 13 years of mountain bike riding I have NO desire for any other bike NOR components. WOW!!!
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Submitted by
Jet
a Weekend Warrior
from Townsville NQ Australia Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
technical fun anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
frame at local shop
Strengths:
reasonable light, excellent looks ( not really important to me), very good handling, very well designed suspension, good stand over height, simple and elegant like the energy/mass conversion equation, easy to fit MOST parts( front deraillier EXCLUDED and if it is anything like the heckler I had for four years prior and have now given to my girlfriend ( always get tall girlfriends so you can give them your good bikes when you gat a new one)RELIABLE
Weaknesses:
pedal/chainring clearance is much worse. Chainring clearance mainly due to the stupid 44tooth ring , that's shimano's fault cause they won't make a 40/30/22 set for real trail riders. Front derailler is difficult to mount and adjust cause of swing arm proximity but better than old heckler, Does NOT handle like the old heckler ( unfortunately) a steering bike not a leaning bike ( not a fault as such but I bought the bike specifically cause i loved the heckler feel).
Similar Products Used:
I own at present A santa Cruz heckler(1996), and a KHS Alite 4000 that I built up for XC raceing , I raced a Santacruz super8 last year, And rode the current model super8 ( a much improved beast over 99 model) Plus LOTS of others.
Bike Setup:
Superlight frame 20", Rolf dolomite disc wheels, shimano XT discs, XT splines B/B, Selle italia flight saddle, easton monkeylight lowrise bars, WTB headsset, 636 pedal most of the time and 747 when raceing, XT cranks, Synchros Ti seatpost, 9 speed xt 11/34 cassette, XTR gearchanges, AMe grips( wired),Intense XC 2.2 (60) front tyre Michlen Exper 2.0 rear, XT front deraillier , SID SL and Judy race for race and general riding ( Psylo race soon as available).
Bottom Line:
This bike handles magnificiently If your are a steerer. If you are a leaner (like me) then it only handles very very well. Even on a flite saddle 8 hour rides in tough country are comfortable ( you know what I mean). Suspension ( fox rc air) is easily and effectively adjustable and reliable. Dont be a macho idiot and please make sure you put a boot or covering on the shock shaft so it will last. Interesting note : the old heckler had a habbit of locking out the suspension to some extent and so did the superlight UNTIL I put the disc brakes on . I had speculated that the higher reverse leverage of the brake reaction point would reduc the lockout AND IT DOES!!!!!!! It is now close to a full isolated suspension under braking ie. stuff all lockout. I have a separate superb hardtail for XC raceing BUT ONLY USE IT OVER THE SUPERLIGHT ON SMOOTH COURSES OR PONY EXPRESSES. If yo are not well off enough to get the superlight, get the heckler. It is as reliable and handles better if you are a leaner , just a little heavier.
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Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder,co Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
white ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
weight,looks,anodized finish(durable)I think their customer service is good,although others seem to had problems.
Weaknesses:
price,but its worth every penny.
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
xtr,etc...nokian dh fat hakka tires(heavy.but the best tires ive ever ridden)
Bottom Line:
After two leadville 100's,and 15 months of abuse and neglect,I love my superlight even more.No flex problems w/180 lb rider.the ride is instinctive,balanced,and downhills are a blast!anodized coating is cool and tough.The only downer is the wait to get one due to too many orders/slow production.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor B
a Weekend Warrior
from Van Nuys, California Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Cabarello Trail Head, Reseda
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lives up to its name "Superlight". Climbs with ease with or without the Fox shock locked out. Superior build quality and anodized finish. Unique on the trail.
Weaknesses:
None with the exception of a pivot squeak after getting wet.
Similar Products Used:
Owned a GT LTS 3000, tried a S-Works FSR XC, Jeckyll, Intense Tracer, GT I-Drive 1500, Gary Fisher Sugar.
Bike Setup:
XTR Cranks, Derailleurs and shifters. Avid Arch Rival brakes. Easton Carbon post and Monkey Lite bare. Titec stem. Bontranger rims, Fox Float RC shock, Manitou Mars "C" fork, Specialized Body Geometry Seat.
Bottom Line:
So much better than my GT LTS it's Indescribable. Of course, it cost triple the price so it should be better. My bike weighs 25 Pounds, a little heavier than I wanted but 8 pounds less than my last bike. It climbs with ease but I have to keep more body weight on the front end or it wants to wheelie. The biggest surprise is how it descends. Superfast and easy to place on your desired line, especially on tight single track. Tremendous brakes combined with lightweight means I can pedal deeper into the most wicked corners. This bike makes me push my personal limits to the next level. I won't need a new bike for a long long time. All the bikes I tried were excellent, but the Santa Cruz offered the best combination of light- weight, simplicity, high quality components, and exclusivity. The price wasn't the cheapest nor the most expensive. If you're not ready to drop $3200 on a bike, look elsewhere. But if you've been riding an "entry level" FS bike for a while (like I was) and you're ready to graduate to something race ready, the Santa Cruz SuperLight is worth your consideration. It's awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave dodd
a Cross Country Rider
from cheshire, england Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
peak district national park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Weighing in at 23.5lbs this is the best bike I've ever ridden. The lack of weight, in conjunction with the rigidity of the back end makes virtually all terrain a joy to ride. Especially bumpy climbs. With being a single pivot design the maintenance is very low, plus it makes it a very quiet bike. I also like the anodised finish, which makes it very difficult to scratch as well as making it look less nickable!!!
Weaknesses:
Only problem I've had is an occasional squeak from the rear end which is sorted with a good clean, and a front light end, but this probably means I need a longer stem.
Similar Products Used:
GT RTS-2, STS-1, STS1000DS and XCR1000 all of which were replaced under warranty when the frames cracked. Especially the XCR.
Bike Setup:
Superlight medium frame with Cane Creek AD10 shock (what a revelation), Pace RC36 Evo Pro forks, XTR groupset with a Cook Bros chainset, Chris King wheelset, Bontrager straight bar plus bar ends and an x-lite seatpost.
Bottom Line:
After thinking I was going to be on GT's for the rest of my life, this bike has transformed my riding. I was getting racked off with expensive bikes sat in the shop being fixed all the time. Not happened once since getting the superlight. It is a delight to ride, quite inconspicuous to any potential thieves, and a brilliant all round all day bike. There can be nothing better. Well done Santa Cruz.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iRVIN sEVILLA
a Weekend Warrior
from sAN fRANCISCO, CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very easy to maneuver, especially on steep downhill trails. Very fast on long fire roads. Quick and nimble on tight singletrack trails. Even without the lock out rear shock it doesn't bob on hard pedaling.
Weaknesses:
Need good brakes to slow you down...
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale super Vee
Bike Setup:
Full XTR (9-speed), Syncros (stem, seatpost, skewers and headset), LP Carbon riser bars, Hayes disc brakes, King disco-tech hubs, WTB veloceraptor tires, SID XC front shock, Rockshox Air float rear.
Bottom Line:
It's worth it...all $4,500.00 invested. I used to be a cannondale fan til I test rode a Santa Cruz Heckler. 2 weeks later, sold the Super Vee and bought a Super Light. Now I'm able to conquer trails with ease and confidence that I never could with a Cannondale. A sure head turner too, so watchout...be ready to thank everyone's praise for having a nice bike...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Barnes
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Co Date Reviewed: July 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
wilson mesa trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Ease of use, this bike must have been designed by someone with a good understaning of what it means to be "one" with the trail.
Weaknesses:
The fact that you will never experience chain suck again. I just love chain susk and miss it so much.
Similar Products Used:
I made the correct choice the first time.
Bike Setup:
CrossMax with Huthinson python gold and green tubes."99 sid 80mm, Full XTR, chris king HS, syncross stem, titec ti flat bars,raceface xyz post,time plasic case atb pedals
Bottom Line:
At 25 pounds, this bike is unreal. The frame is a XL. And fits me very well at 6'2". with a 120mm stem. The bike is very easy to ride because it tells you so well where its center is. I feel so confident on this bike. It begs you to make new lines on things you have ridden many times. This bike is really hitting the target, thats the fun target.I am faster and my smile is wider, and I thank Santa Cruz for making this bike. And congratulate the young lady who won the UCI Worlds in sierra Nevada spain, On a Santa Cruz.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Berkshire,UK Date Reviewed: June 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
How long have you got? It takes anything you throw at it, it's super-plush at the back but zero flex and rides like a dream in single track - I'm never going back to hard-tails. Bearings are superb - 12 months riding in everything from gloopy mud to sand, coupled with jet washing (naughty!) and they're as perfect as the day I bought the bike.
Weaknesses:
None whatsoever - even the shock has worked perfectly with zero maintanance!
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher Sugar 1 & 2
Bike Setup:
Raceface bars & chain set, Pace RC38 Airforce (just breaking her in, was Marzochi Z2 Bams),
Bottom Line:
This is without a doubt the best I have ever ridden - it looks the business and rides the business! Its great for cross country with a hint of downhill - I've not raced it (getting too old for all that) but I'm sure it can take on the hard tails and short travel types - it certainly does on fun rides, or would if I was a bit fitter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
m j
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, light, light - handles, handles, handles
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Spclzd FSR XC Pro
Bike Setup:
FUll XTR, Marz Z2 X-fly (great fork -much easier to dial in than a SID), Avid Arch 40's
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. I'm 6'2" 210lbs and ride the XL frame -Santa Cruz Does a very nice job specing out this bike Full XTR - carbon post- carbon bar - nice wheelset. Climbs well w/ no noticeable bob in lower chain rings. I use the shock lockout only for long uphills or on the road. Very predictable smooth handling w/80mm fork. CHECK OUT all the other reviews everyonr who has this bike loves it. You really can't go wrong. While it is expensive you are getting alot for your money--If XTR is too much $ --- buy a superlight X and upgrade over time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from TN Date Reviewed: February 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fontana Village, NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lightweight, Lateral Stiffness, Simplicity, High swing arm so no chain slap, Fox shock w/lock out, Distinctive looks.
Weaknesses:
Cable routing isn't the greatest.
Similar Products Used:
Gt Lts,Klein Mantra Carbon,KHS Softail.
Bike Setup:
Black powder coated frame,Sid 100,xtr,Sun RPM,Monkey lite riser.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion this is the best full suspension frame made for the terrain that I usually ride. It climbs like a goat,accelerates out of turns very well,handles roots and rocks with ease,no flex,no bobbing,lock out the rear shock and ride the road to my favorite trail,can't wait to race this puppy......I could go on for a while. It comes down to this, I could have spent twice as much money on a frame and not got half as much performance. 5 flamers for this boy! I will post another review after I spend more time on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry G
a Weekend Warrior
from San Mateo, CA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Flume
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light,Plush,no bobbing,Looks cool,handles great
Weaknesses:
honestly none in the year I have been riding it, the top tube could be a little longer.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR, Klien Mantra numerous hardtails
Bike Setup:
Med superlight grey anno. Sid 100,Easton carbon post & bar's,lots of light stuff.
Bottom Line:
I have been riding this bike for over a year now, I am very impressed with the quality of workmanship and the quality of the ride. I am always looking at the new bikes that come out and I have never entertained the thought of riding another bike, even with money not an issue. Bottom line is that this bike handles great, I have both the fox vinilla and the cane creek shock, I like the fox better but with the cane creek I get 1/2 inch more travel. My bike comes in at 23 lbs. with a 4 inch travel front fork ! This bike is plush and is the perfect combination between a XC race bike and a freeride bike. I love it !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SnakeBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Qld, Australia Date Reviewed: February 7, 2000
Only hardtails - Merlin FatTi, Trek 8900, Giant MCM-1
Bike Setup:
Bomber Z2-Atom 80 forks; King headset; XTR sifters, brakes, rear derailleur, casette; XT 00 cranks, bb, front derailleur; Bontrager Race Lite wheels; Time ATAC pedals; Easton Monkey Bars, EA70 stem, CT2 seatpost; ODI lock-on grips; SSM Bontrager Palhuber saddle;
Bottom Line:
I did a lot of research before buying this bike - magazines, mtbr.com, emailing & talking to people. I've got to say that I'm completely satisfied with the result. This bike rocks! I've only ridden it for about 7 hours so far, but the ride is awesome. After riding one of these, it would be real hard getting back on a hardtail - it's light, it doesn't bob going up hills, and it smokes on the way down. Anyone looking for a high performance, all round cross country bike should look no further than one of these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Foothill Ranch, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any Orange County single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price compared to other high end frames. Light weight frame ( less than 5 lbs for small size). Anodized finish and Laser engraving. Very scratch resistant plus the logo won't come off like powder coating or decals. Rear Shock lockout option. Nice to have although you probably won't need it. Short top tube (21.5" small frame) for guys like me (5'7"). Chainstay above chainline (no chainstay clanking on downhills).
Weaknesses:
This is a minor point but the position of the rear shock on the top tube makes some bike rack mounting difficult without an extension bar. Same problem mounting it on a bike stand since you must mount it by the seatpost which is not as stable as a top tube mounting (especially when you have a carbon seatpost). Plus you have to remove your seatbag everytime.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper M2, Stumpjumper FSR-XC
Bike Setup:
XTR brakes and rear derailler XT front derailler (required for RaceFace chainrings) RaceFace LP Next crank/rings RaceFace titanium BB RaceFace stem Chris King headset/hubs Bontranger rims IRC Mythos tires (2.1 front, 1.9 rear) Terry TI Race saddle Shimano 434 pedals SID SL fork Easton CT2 Monkey Lite Lo Rise bar Easton CT2 seatpost Salsa titanium skewers Spin Skins tire liners ( I hate thorn flats).
Bottom Line:
Fully loaded this bike weighs about 23 lbs. Coming from riding mostly on my M2 hardtail I was apprehensive about buying another full suspension bike (expensive one at that) without trying it first. My selection was based on three factors. First, my experience with the FSR-XC which was definitely better than my M2 going downhill but a little worse going uphill (slight pedal induced bobbing). Secondly, after studying the dimensions of the SC SL (Top tube length, standover height, BB height) I decided it was a good fit. Third, the January review in Mountain Bike Action convinced me it was a good risk. After going through the usual tweaks and adjustments required for any new bike(i.e. rear derailler adjustment, needed longer stem, ocassional chain suck),I am very comfortable with the bike. Coming from a flat bar/bar ends background, it took me a couple rides to get used to the lo rise monkey bars especially on climbs. I missed the bar ends on steep climbs especially since the lighter SC SL front end can unweight very easily so I had to lean forward more and the shorter top tube and short stem made me feel a little cramped. Moving the seat back and installing a longer stem fixed this problem. Now I don't miss the bar ends any more. This bike can climb like a mountain goat (I've never locked out the rear shock) and going downhill...what more can I say. Pure ecstasy. The only other sound you hear on a long downhill, besides my sounds of glee, is the familiar buzzing sound of a Chris King rear hub. I think this bike is a excellent choice for a rider making the transition from hard tail to full suspension. No mushiness at all when transitioning out of the saddle. It's as light as a hardtail, climbs better on rocky climbs, and on bumpy downhills doesn't chain clank or give you tennis elbow or butt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a Racer
from Destin, FL, USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light...Light...Light Economical - the bike should cost almost twice what you pay. Fast Stiff - as stiff as my hard tail. Anodized Finish & Laser Engraving. Best Designed Suspension System Available.. Dosen't Bob. Swing arm is ellevated so chainsuck won't mess up the bike. Climbs like a goat. Hand Crafted.
Weaknesses:
haaaaaaa heeeeeee ... you're joking right?
Bike Setup:
Full XTR, Easton CT2 Bars and Post, ChrisKing hubs, Valiant Rims. Coustom Fork built with Enguland Air.
Bottom Line:
Regardless of other reviews... this is ranked as the best FS XC bike by many people. The bike is extremly stiff, lightweight, and can be configured for any ride you want. If you are serious about riding, then i would recomend this bike. It's a great economical value and can be configured to be in the 22.5 lbs range if your smart about it. The suspension is the flagship of what all systesms should be measured to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommaso Gomez
a Cross Country Rider
from 17 Green Hill Rd. Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hermosa Creek, CO
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This bike is incredibly stiff laterally and is very plush. Although it does have a lockout, on the Float RC, it climbs so efficiantly that I never have to use it. The craftsmanship of the frame is superb. 5 lb.!!!
Weaknesses:
Its to sweet looking to ride. I hope I never scratch it!
Similar Products Used:
Dekerf Team ST, Rocky Mountain Elemen TO, Specialized FSR XC
Bike Setup:
Race Face, Sram 9.0SL, Manitou SX Ti
Bottom Line:
4.9lb frame w/ Float RC, superstiff, climbs like a banshee, incredible descender, sweet anodized paint finish, gauranteed to kick any FSR ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian Palmer
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pinetop, AZ Date Reviewed: January 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Los Burros (AZ), Mekenzie (OR)
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lite only 23.25!! (med frame) Ano Blue is sweet The geometry makes the best xc bike out there Simple pivot less maintance
Weaknesses:
None... except I had to wait one year to save up to buy the bike of my dreams
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR's Schwinn 4 Banger Kona Rocky MT element to DeKerf Moots Mt Cycle ect ect nothing is or comes close to the SC Superlite.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi ZX 2 fly... this fork ROCKS!! Race Face LP Next cranks/rings 9 spd Race Face Seat Post XYO and System CT2 bar and LP braid jrs ends CK headset Mavic X Max wheel set... these are sweet too!! Race Face CrMo BB 858 SPD's Selle Itallia Gel Saddle You get the idea... cost means nothing
Bottom Line:
So its been about 3 weeks and I am in love with my SC Superlite. I had some Bontrager RE1 pedals but after fallin over still locked in about 10x I took em back and now ride on the new 858's which are a 1000x better. I rode some Ritchy pedals for 5 yrs and I only fell over once still locked in when trying to learn how to ride clipless, so take it from me and stay away from the RE'1's, they are way too inconsistant with lockin in and gettin out.Other than that I have put nearly 100miles on my new ride... from smooth single track, sand, technical stuff, and broken rock. I live in AZ now and dont ride much in the rain like my old home... Portland,OR. So that means only sun and no rain or mud. I did ride in snow up on MT Baldy here in AZ... FUN!! So this bike can do it all .... climb up sick steeps and decend like nothing else. The rear suspension never pogos it just keeps you glued to the trail. It loves to fly fast on the down hills and it feels better when you let her run wide open. I rode a MB1 with an M4 fork and never thought I would convert to FS... I used to think that all FS bikes would never be as good as my faithful hardtail. Well I am never goin back!! Its 3 lbs lighter than that old piece of steel.... I dont have to lower my saddle on really steep loose rocky stuff cause I can get back enough not to feel like I am going to endo. On really steep climbs I just sit and power up... the bike never looses traction. Basically I only cry when I put new scratches on it. I you buy the XT or the XTR with a ZX2 Fly shock you wont have any regrets. Oh, I have never ridin on a better sock then the ZX2... except the ZX1 which has 4 in/ 100mm of travel. Its too much for the front end of my setup, around here 3in/ 80mm is enough. So the Bottom Line is every penny you fork out will be paid back 10 fold!! It was definitly worth the 1 yr wait. Oh if you live here in AZ go to Adventure Bicycle.... they are the best shop in the valley if not the state. It took them 1.5 weeks to put together my custom bike and their customer service is top notch. Unlike some shops they actually ride and/or race... so they know their stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weagle
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
lynn woods boulders
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Damn fast everywhere Pretty Light Looks nice on top of my Vehicross Easy to blast wheelies on Relatively stiff laterally
Weaknesses:
annoying creak from the main pivot (undersized pivot) no replaceable derailluer hanger
Similar Products Used:
Specialized FSR M4, Klein Mantra race, K2 Razorback, Heckler x, AMP B5, K2 4000, Ibis Bow Ti, Various Cannondales,Some GTs, and a partridge in a pear treeeeeee.
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z2 BAM Fox Vanilla Float Hayes Full Hydrau Discs all around Chris King Full XTR driveline (5 leg XTR cranks) 18frameset with a really short stem Answer riser bars sweet snowmobile grips Mavic 521s with DT Hugi Hubs and really thick spokes that will never break Specialized Evil Twin HC syncros seatpost serfas dual density seat Brake therapy (junk) THE fender
Bottom Line:
The bike's rear geometry doesn't inhibit climbing one bit, I've ridden it locked out and with suspension, the lockout is useless except for road huffing. The Z2 BAM and Hayes discs make this bike. It wouldn't be nearly as awesome without them. I can honestly say that the Marzocchi forks are the best I have ever ridden, with White Brothers a close second. They are soooooo stiff (flex wise). In my opinion, If you run a SID, you are just ruining this bike. The long top tube / short stem combo is really nice too, I dont like other Hecklers I've ridden with the shorter frame and longer stem. I smashed up the thin downtube when the bike fell over once. The air shock is nice, and its a big imporovement over past generations, but I'd trade it for a RCR T-3 or Fox Vanilla coil over anyday. Disc brakes are here to stay, and they will ALWAYS be better than any rim brakes in any riding situation, no matter what stubborn die-hards say. Soon I will have a 2000 Heckler swingarm on it, which will allow me to sh*tcan that piece of junk useless brake therapy adapter, a product that nobody should ever use on a bike they give a rat's ass about. While I'm at it, the tech help guy was really rude to me on the phone. He thinks he is a really smart guy I'm sure. All in all, this bike inspires confidence in all who have ridden it, I love it. I really wish I bought a Bullit or a Titus Motolite though. Get one. Thanks to the guys at InternationalBikes in Brighton for hooking me up with a sweet sweet ride and a lot of good info, You guys rock. I send all my friends there to get their pedal fix now.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Winston
a Cross-Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
handling, quality, weight, looks
Weaknesses:
uhm... hi!
Similar Products Used:
proflex 955- similar high pivot, very dissimilar performance!
Bike Setup:
Z1's, Cane Creek shock, 9.0SL, Crossmax
Bottom Line:
Couldn't be happier. I'm faster than I was on my Easton-esque hardtail. And way more comfortable. I'd recommend Speedgoat Bikes (www.speedgoat.com) as a builder.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Wilson
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pasadena CA Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
$ 3330.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating: