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Submitted by
Jonathon
a Weekend Warrior
from Telluride, CO
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | classified ads | | Strengths: | The bike sails through bumps, roots, rocks, anything. Looks burly. Welds are nice if you care. Strong and reasonably light. | | Weaknesses: | Long wheelbase-but what do you expect, it was designed for FR with a slack geometry. The wheelbase makes it harder to turn 180 degree switchbacks...or maybe I just need to get better at ridin :) | | Similar Products Used: | None. Bikes owned: 99 FSR enduro expert (27lb), 99 S-works FSR (25lb) | | Bike Setup: | 00 psylo sl, xt disc hubs laced to 519's, hayes discs, carbon bars, XT throughout, race face forged cranks (triple ring)....size large: 32lb | | Bottom Line: | Good stuff. I'm not much of a rider so I can't really say. I use this bike for technical XC and trailriding. Very gentle urban stuff (6-7 stair gaps, <4ft. drops). The bike is easier to bunny hop then my FSR s-works. I cannot feel the suspension cons associated with single pivots compared to 4-abar. Climbs well considering the geo and weight. 5, because I'm reviewing the 01 bullit and got it for 1350 in pristine condition. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nikolai hell no
a Downhiller
from Los Altos, California
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | hippity hop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | The bicycle Outfitter | | Strengths: | Accelerates like crazy. Eats up the drop offs. Takes small and large bumps with ease. Jumps extreamly well. Fast downhill | | Weaknesses: | non so far | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Super 8
Karpiel
Giant
SantaCruz Heckler
| | Bike Setup: | x kit. Bomber junior T | | Bottom Line: | Awsom bike. My friends have no chance any more. the bike is plush responsive and it climbs! if you are undecided between The Bullit and something else, definatly go for the bullet. It is a DH bike with climbing capability to get you back to the top of the hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Downhiller
from Sinagpore
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheel Action | | Strengths: | Strong,light and good pivot location. No BOB and feedback. Best for street, jumps and Downhill. (Better than some D.H Bikes) | | Weaknesses: | Set the bike right! (((( N O T H I N G )))) | | Similar Products Used: | N O T H I N G as GOOOOOOD | | Bike Setup: | Z.1 Drop Off, Intense 2.4 tires, Mavic 321,DT Champion, DT onyx hubs, XT Group set, Azonic P.D.W Bars | | Bottom Line: | The Bike is too good to about! Get the bike balance and it will fly. It climbs hill like a XC bike but slower. (weight my friends weight) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethlehem, Pa
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | J.B. Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike is awesome. The bike not only loves to go down, but it also likes tight single track and is a good climber for a bike with 6 inches of travel. This frame is also bombproof, if you look at the headtube with out a fork in it you will see how THICK it is. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not too sure about the bike not having a replacable derailer hanger, but it so thick and strong your derialer will probably go first, and if you look on the SC website they give the reasons for doing this way. So overall I'm not sure if it's a weakness or not. | | Similar Products Used: | Road a friends Specialized Big Hit(Bullits better) | | Bike Setup: | Race face north shore isis(awesome), 2001 Marzocchi Jr.T, Hayes hydro's front and rear, king headset, race face bar, Sun Mamoths laced to XT discs hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!!! This bike is unbelievable it is so PLUSH!!!! If you are looking for a bike for freeriding with 6" of rear travel this is the ONE!!! Don't listen to some of the schmucks below this bike is bomber. I don't know what else to say other then GO BUY ONE!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Hakes
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcipine Rim, Apex | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Werx, Littleton, CO | | Strengths: | Takes everything you throw at it. Bombproof. Goes up hill well, downhill awesome. Strong frame, great dropouts, adjustable head tube angle a benefit. | | Weaknesses: | Due to elevated chainstays, chain sometimes slaps against rear tire (2.3" wide) whilst downhilling. | | Similar Products Used: | Diamondback DB3, yeti ACR, jamis full sprung | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi cr20, hayes F&R, XT deraileurs, lx cranks, | | Bottom Line: | Hell of a machine if you wanna have a bombproof bike. Trashed the rear hub (Real hubs), but not the wheel over 440 miles of fairly rough riding. Recovers when you overestimate your skills. Takes it like a champ. I recommend it very highly. Good bike for heavier riders or extreme riders (drops, etc.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Rogers
a Downhiller
from NJ
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft | | Strengths: | Climbs decent, good design, not too too heavy, rides wonderful, still works with no major defects after almost a year of riding | | Weaknesses: | SC sent some wrong parts when I first got the bike (a 4 inch z1cr and the wrong hayes adaptor), it is a little heavy, the wheels, bars and tires are a joke for freeriding. | | Similar Products Used: | I work at a shop so I have tried a bunch of bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock bullitx, (now changed to correct 5 inch z1), with Monkeylites, Panaracer DH tires, XT hubs, Singlewides, Oury grips, Azonic Shorty stem and Wellgo BMX pedals (the last 2 are for Urban and DH only, the rest of the time I use the stock titec and 636 SPD pedals) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the shiznit for all around riding and freeriding. This is my second review of the bike, the first was given shortly after I bought it. The only part replaced were the wheels (trashed, but what do you expect for a sub 400 gram rim being bashed continuosly). The rest of the parts were done away with when the bike was being built. I can XC, freeride, urban and DH on this machine. The biggest drops I have hit are about 6-7 ft landing on almost flat grass. They put some punishment on but the bike is cool with it. I can do several hours of riding at a time on it and have soooo much fun despite the 35.5 lb weight. In the words of Thurgood Jenkins, this bike is the shiznittlebamsnipsnapsack! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Maybee
a Cross Country Rider
from Salmon Arm
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | KC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Skookum Cycle | | Strengths: | Beefcake frame
Solid Feel
Super-tunable rear suspension
Adjustable head angle
Great seated climbing in granny
| | Weaknesses: | No Q/R for the seatpost? I know its made in Cali, but don't they drop their seats down there? There seems to be some suspension-induced feedback at the pedals in the granny. It feels kinda wierd. My pivot bolts and head tube angle adjustment came loose after about 3 weeks of riding. Keep an eye on 'em. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Slayer, Giant AC2, Norco VPS Launch | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 XCR fork, XT disks, Sram 9.0 drivetrain & shifting, Sun Rhyno Lites, XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike by default, because a Norco, Giant, and Rocky weren't available. I would have preffered a fully active setup, from a CANADIAN company, but I must say, I am happier on the climbs than most of my riding buddies. Around here you ride up to ride down, and this bike does both very well. The total lack of flex feels awesome. I was used to light XC susupension, and this is a dream in comparison. Having the lock down on the front shock makes all the difference on longer smooth climbs. I think there are better bikes for the money out there, but if money is no object, go for it! I hear prices are going up, so act soon, if your gonna do it.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Downhiller
from Olympia, Washington
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Peak, bike shop & race center | | Strengths: | This bike is just pimp. If you ride DH, XC or just freeride it does it all. If you're counting grams, why are you even reading this. This bike is for xtreme riders. You can loft it in the air, climb it, jump it, drop it balance it and just plain ride the SH#T out of it. Skinnies are nothing. Switchbacks are cake. Just lean into any turn and feel it hook up. | | Weaknesses: | WHAT??? | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Evo, Kona stinky, and Norco VPS. All were demo'd only. K2 actually saw some dirt with me on it. | | Bike Setup: | Black medium frame, Black Jr.T, Kooka Razor DH cranks w/FR spider, race face RS headset, rings, riser bar. XT disc hubs on rhyno lites, soon to be swapped for M321s. Avid arch rival Vs. Hayes discs are next upgrade. Kona DH stem. All XT drivetrain.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike is truly beautiful. The Santa Cruz welds are nice and clean unlike some other bike manufacturers, and the reinforced front end can sure take a beating. If you get a chance to look at the frame alone, take a look inside the head tube. BURLY!! The swingarm isn't dainty either. I drop constantly and repeatedly and it doesn't give at all. I've heard of ghost shifting. Well not mine.
I've pounded it as hard as it gets. Measure the housing appropriately and you won't have any problems. I can't say enough about this bike. I guess it's not for a weight weenie named Zap!
Just ride one and find out for yourself.
I give double the flamin chilis. 10 all the way
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TONY
a Weekend Warrior
from TUCSON
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | MILAGROSA, ETC. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | AZ BIKE EXPERTS | | Strengths: | ALL, PLUSH, CAN CLIMB, GEOMETRY, DESIGN, FIT, FINISH, ETC. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | MOST | | Bike Setup: | Z1 MCR, RACE FACE, SRAM. (NO SH-TMANO), THESE GUYS WON'T LET ME PU IN THE "I". | | Bottom Line: | I CAN RIDE OFF OF BIG STUFF, THINGS I WOULD HAVE NEVER ATTEMPTED WITH MY OTHER BIKES. FUN TO RIDE, AND IT CLIMBS, MAYBE NOT AS EFFICIENT AS A HARTAIL BUT THEN WHO CARES, I DON'T WARE LYCRA ANYWAY. JUST WANT TO GO DOWN! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sonja
a Weekend Warrior
from Terrace, B.C.
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Terrace Mnt/Thornhill Mnt/Sawhorse | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | McBike in Terrace | | Strengths: | Frame is actually a 2001; rugged frame, tight cockpit, low stand over height, feels plush, but a different kind of plush than that of a four bar linkage. Feels more like riding a monoshock dirtbike. The Fox Vanilla RC is adjustable on the fly, which I haven't tried yet. | | Weaknesses: | None noticed so far; heard the bike had some chain tensioning issues, but this was resolved immediately before the bike even left the store, by dumping the front derailleur, and the first and third ring and putting a ring god in the front and the back of the middle ring and switching to the SRAM shifter. Have had absolutely no problems with chain tension. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Santa Cruz Bullit (demo'd on trail), Kona Stinky D, Norco VPS, Giant XTC AC1, Cannondale Super V DH (none on actual trails though) | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Super T QR20, Hayes Hydraulic brakes (8" front, 6" rear), Race Face DH headset and BB, Race Face DH crank (splined), Tioga DH Tires (2.3 front, 2.1 rear), LX rear deraileur, SRAM rear shifter, Bontrager XXX DH crowbar, the front fender, SunRhyno rims, Formula Hubs | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Don't go with anything less than a 6" travel fork in the front and definitely get an 8" disk in the front as well. The 8" inch makes you stop on a dime, while the 6" rear allows for a little more modulation. It appears that the double ring god trick that was first applied to my bike, may be setting a trend here in Terrace, thanks to Keb's suggestion from North Van's BSP, it adds a little more weight, suggest going with a lighter ring god on the inside, but at 37 lbs already, what difference is a few more ounces going to make? This bike just wants to go and has saved me more than a few times, where I would have crashed huge on a hardtail. Very solid and the bike feels tight; with the short cockpit, you feel like you're riding in a sports car and you and your bike are one. It's a fantastic feeling. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from Terrace, B.C.,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | McBike | | Strengths: | Plush Travel,Lateral Rigidity,Color Choice,Dealer Support | | Weaknesses: | Chain Stretch During Rear Suspension Travel=Ghost Shifting,Broken Lower Stays Of Swingarm | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky Dee-Luxe,Norco VPS-2 | | Bike Setup: | Kooka Crank,Race Face Headset&BB,Hayes Hydraulic Brakes,Mr.T QR 20 Fork | | Bottom Line: | WOW, What A Bike,Inspired Me With Confidence.Doing Drops At Home And On The North Shore That I Never Thought I Would Even Consider.I Did Crack The Swingarm (At The Weld) But My Dealer Warrantied It On The Spot, The New One Is Gusseted.The Cockpit Feels The Best Of Any I've Tried, Like An MX.This Bike Eats Up Rough Chundery Terrain Like A Ride On The Sea-Wall At Stanley Park, Just Point And Chute. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francesco Corrente
a Downhiller
from Biella, Italy
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | higher mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Local authorized dealer near to MIlano | | Strengths: | Stiffness,plush ride... suck all of the drops I've tried untill now | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes ghostshift after jump | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 1000, Santa Cruz Heckler, Cannondale Super V, Specialized Enduro Expert | | Bike Setup: | Buoght frame only assembled with Manitou X-Vert, Magura Louise, Sram 9.0, Easton, IRC Kudjo 2,25 and Nokian Gazzaloddi 2,6. | | Bottom Line: | First of all I want to say that at the beginning of the last year I've bought an XCR 1000 from GT for doing some freeride. Well I've broken up 2 frame of this bike ( see my comment about this in the XCR page). So I decided to try a Santa Cruz Bullit, but evryone sayd me not to buy it because of its frame flexure and its weight. Well the bike so assembled is not really light, about 33 lbs., but it's really rough and stiff, and now I can say to everyone that the Bullit come uphill better than the XCR. Believe in me when I say those thing and, owever, Bullit really fly in downhill. But the best thing about this bike is its ability to doing drops ( the XCR really don't have it); now I'm doing 5' drops and I'm fast going higher thanks to the Bullit frame. The Fox Vanilla RC easily support mine 185 lbs. body and, untill now, I've never felt any strange frame flexure in jumping or in coming down in really steep sections. I'm really satisfied of this bike and I thik that I will not change it for many years. So if you want a real freeride bike, but you also want to go uphill, buy a Bullit!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john moore
a Cross Country Rider
from canmore canada
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$4200.00 | | Purchased At: | back home | | Strengths: | good all around bike | | Weaknesses: | drop offs yuk | | Similar Products Used: | first full susp. | | Bike Setup: | xt,race face mavic hayes easton etc. | | Bottom Line: | its my second bullit there a great bike but have had some problems with drop off my next bike will have replacable onesso it wont be a sc . It does most of the type of riding i do other than the odd broken part maybe i am to rough on it other than thatits a good bike | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sin-ick kill
a Weekend Warrior
from new bedford mass us
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | lynn woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | authrzd independnt dealer | | Strengths: | burly stiff frame, placement of single pivot, not too much
pedal bob. simplicty, suprisingly light for size. | | Weaknesses: | in all seriousness, i have not found any except, whoever
is repsble for shock set up/ rc vanilla/ did not tghten
oil reservoir cap and oild leaked on run.either fox or santa cruz goofed. warranteed by fox, no prblm. but i was pissed.
i have not heard that this is a normal occurance though. | | Similar Products Used: | for all you guys wondering, between joker and bullit. the bullit is way more plush, superior shock,, vanilla rc is
the best freeride shock in my opinion. the joker was 250.00
more and weighed 1/2 lb less. but bullit felt as light if not lighter than the joker. both great bikes, but bullit
has more freeride attack feel. joker has more xc feel. stiffer on climbs. but the bullit is totally adj. | | Bike Setup: | xtr drive w/ raceface tubine cranks. z1 qr20. magura loise
discs/ azonic stem and bars. panaracer 2.0. | | Bottom Line: | set up this bike is 30lbs. single crwon kept weight down.this bike climbs just fine// so many cry babies wining abt weight. do not belive the hype. the is the most fun bike i have ever ridden. my rocky mtn elemnt race weighed 32 lbs with an air shck. i thght that i was going to really like this bike, but i had no idea that i would totally love this friggin bike. i just wish they hadnt cost a week and shipping costs with the goof on the shock set up.but seriosly, the fox shck is the real clincher on value. this shock is 350.00 alone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daryn
a Weekend Warrior
from Lake Worth
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Strengths: | adjustability, weight, suspension travel, value | | Weaknesses: | seems to ghost shift, probably due to travel of rear swingarm | | Similar Products Used: | Giant DS-1, Intense Tracer, Intense UZZI DL,Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | 5" 2001 Marzocchi MCR fork, FOX FLOAT rear, Michelin Wildgripper HOT S tires, SRAM shifters,short neck, Hayes hydraulic discs frt & rr, XT-LX combo | | Bottom Line: | From an intermediate riders view, this bike rocks!!! Due to the adjustability, I set it up nimble for our usual tight, technical courses--then longer for more open/downhill fun courses. Surpisingly agile in tight areas for an extended bike. But I was most surprised by the climbing. On all other fully suspended rigs on long steep climbs I would have trouble spinning the rear on ascent. On this thing I can stand up & grind and it just digs in & grunts with you with no slippage, possibly due to the long swingarm pivoted far foward of the cranks. People tell me this bike is too heavy at 30 lbs., but it rides like 27. I'm very happy with the versatility of this bike, and would recommend it to any one for all-a-round riding. It also gets alot of looks and comments, and I'm proud to say thanks to all who do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
shai magen
a Racer
from israel
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | carmel | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | moto ofan | | Strengths: | both rears are great eating everything, frame amazing,
no bob so you can climbe everything and go down fast as you want. | | Weaknesses: | truly none | | Similar Products Used: | kona stub | | Bike Setup: | xt disc kit(hayes,z1 xlight 100inch....) | | Bottom Line: | great bike strong you can do anything xc,dh ,fr,go up hill
go on all terrain just perfect
try it and you'll fall in love!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy B
a Downhiller
from Bay Area, CA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything.... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Through Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | I am reviewing just the 2000 Santa Cruz Bullit Frame set. Extreamly well built frame, fox shock could not be better, good thickness on the headtube, nice welds, just allround a hela nice frame. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I can find I just want to know that the deal is with the front mounting of the shock? Can you slide it? I have not really scewed with it yet to find out. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn 4 Banger blew the shock in no time, Karpiel Arrmageddon, Intense M1, plus many others..... | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Santa Cruz Bullit (Scuba Yellow), Straots MX-6, Mavic D321's w/Hayes hugi hubs, Hayes Hyros with 8", Azonic Hammer stem, Azonic Chubby double walled DH bas, XTR rear der., MRP kit, Tioga DH tires, Race Face cranks, Azonic A-Frame pedals, Titec Seatpost, Azonic Hot Seat, and Oury Grips. | | Bottom Line: | I work at my LBS and I had the chance to order any bike I wanted really and I chose the SB Bullit, so that is saying a lot for this bike. It is just a awsome all around bike. I have ridden the best bikes and the most expensive bikes and I love the feel of the Bullit. I would highly suggust this frame/bike to anyone looking for a bike that they can hang on to for a long ime to come. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARK
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN DIEGO, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | EVERYTHING | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2270.00 | | Purchased At: | RIVERSIDE BIKES, Tn | | Strengths: | THIS BIKE WILL DO ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO! | | Weaknesses: | XC SETUP FOR A NON XC BIKE | | Similar Products Used: | THE USUAL | | Bike Setup: | JR T FORK, MAGURA BRAKES, AZONIC BARS AND SHORTY STEM, 2.4 MOTO RAPTOR FRONT, 2.35 EL GATO REAR, XT AND STUFF | | Bottom Line: | I RIDE MOTOCROSS AS WELL AS DOWNHILL AND I CAN'T DECIDE WHICH SUSPESION IS BETTER. MY CRUZ OR MY YAMAHA? SOME OF THE GUYS AT THE LOCAL MX TRACK COULDN'T BELIEVE IT WHEN I CLEARED THIS DOUBLE ON MY BULLIT WITHOUT A PROBLEM.
ABSOLUTE BOTTOM LINE:
THIS BIKE ROCKS!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Strong frame with plush travel
fine tuning of the Fox Vanilla RC
High pivot prevents bob and lets you climb
Adjustable geometry | | Weaknesses: | None so far! | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Uzzi SL, Titus Motolite, Raven, FSR | | Bike Setup: | Z1 QR20, XT discs, Race Face XY, Race Face Headset, 636 pedals, Monkey lite, XTR shifters etc..., Rhyno Lite rims | | Bottom Line: | If you can only have one bike, this should be it! It does it all. Set the geometry steep, throw on an xc stem, seat,and tires and hang with your buddies throughout the entire 3 hour ride. Set the geometry slack, throw on a shorty stem, dh seat, and some honky treads and enter your local beginner/sport downhill and win!
this bike actually climbs very well. The frame weighs 8lbs and the front is rather high but the high pivot cancels out bob and allows you to climb. One of my riding buddies couldn't believe that I could still hang with the group riding this bike rather than my old SWorks FSR (which broke). Anytime lost on climbs is easily made up on the descents. Wave to them as you go by. The handling is exceptional. I have found no faults on this bike and have been riding it extensively on many types of terrain for the past 4 months. All other bikes I have ridden have flaws that you have to learn to live with, but not this one.
Bottom line: BUY ONE! It is the most fun bike you will ever own. Period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from OR
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Super strong, looks killer, sprints awesome, bunnyhops really nice....and fairly light weight | | Weaknesses: | come with crap rims/bars/stem/seat | | Similar Products Used: | fsr, ellsworth, san adreas | | Bike Setup: | Z1qr20, azonic bars/shorty stem, sun mammoth, club roost flats. | | Bottom Line: | Killer bike....I had never really rode a FS bike for an extended period of time before this. I rode trials for a few years...and wanted a bike I could bunnyhop, manual, downhill and ride up hills. Tall order?? Well I have to admit this bike does it all....I can go bunnyhop higher on this thing than I could on my Mod trials bike believe it or not...I was hitting like 3 foot loading docks on my mod which r pieces of cake on this thing....5 foot drop offs trials style, piece of cake....I was just really really impressed. I dont have alot to compare it with, I had rode some other FS bikes before but just around in circles and down a couple sets of stairs....and they all felt like crap. This thing feels solid...and u dont even notice the rear shock until you hit something big...it doesnt soak up all your energy. One hard run downhill toasted my valiant rims....so I got some mammoths, you'll need a shorter stem and if your tall some taller bars too. But I would recommend this bike to anybody, and would by another one in a second, I wouldnt even have to think about it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
magnus consiglio
a Downhiller
from montreal canada
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | n e thing fast and fun | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | ya this bike is incredible
i only bought the frame but i put on a z1cr and most of the components that are on the bullit x so its all the same
it rides so well i cant believe it my speed factor has increased alot | | Weaknesses: | i busted the vanilla rc in the back and now there is no dampening. but overall this bike is incredible the head tube angle is increased so as too have good turning radius but beware GET A DOUBLE CROWN FORK for it because of the headtube angle any single crown forks will flex alot more
getting a double crown will solve that problem | | Similar Products Used: | stinky, kona munimula, klein mantra | | Bike Setup: | z1cr lx crank xt deralier that kinda stuff
| | Bottom Line: | this is a chainmuncher so beware but damn it is a nice bike
i love it so much
santa cruz did such a good job that i have to give it 5flamin turds because it is soooooooooooooo good
(put a dual crown fork on it)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but the value is expensive so try and get it on a deal | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fisher Creek - Stanley, ID | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikesource | | Strengths: | This bike is awesome! I like to ride all over the place and, for general thrashing (with a slant toward the downhill side), this thing is perfect! The bike is an absolute joy to take downhill. I like to pedal up for the workout and have all my fun coming downhill and, for that, the Bullit is perfect. Had a Y-22 prior to this and can't believe the difference. Although the Bullit is heavier, I don't really notice it when going up. Am able to come down twice as fast and plow through stuff that used to scare the crap out of me. Buy this thing....you won't be dissappointed.
P.S. - Thanks to all the posters here....I read all your reviews and got the polished frame...no need to worry about the crappy paint job and looks awesome! | | Weaknesses: | Mine came with a crappy headset that blew up on my first run down Sun Valley. Also, if you are a serious downhiller you probably won't want the Z1-CR I have....the fork works fine but gets a little flexy on the big stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | RM-6, Uzzi SL, Titus Quasimoto | | Bike Setup: | Typical Bullit-X. Ditched the seat that came with it | | Bottom Line: | Not another bike in the world I'd rather have! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sean
a Downhiller
from nevada city, ca
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | downieville and other local trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Strengths: | strong as hell frame, high bottom bracket, adjustable geometry, 6" of travel, zooted out marzocchi fork | | Weaknesses: | crappy python air tires for a freeride machine. why????
| | Similar Products Used: | heckler, fsr enduro, fisher joshua | | Bike Setup: | kujo dh 2.65(barely clears fork arch)odi rampage grips, otherwise stock bullitx setup | | Bottom Line: | awesome, confidence inspiring rig. great component pkg for the $$$. silly tires and saddle for hardcore riding. love the travel for a bike that can cruise uphill as well as bomb downhill. ride a bullit for a couple of months then get on your cross country bike---you can't help but become a better rider with this bike. yeah, i'm starting to sound like a santa cruz ad--so what, this bike rules!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Taylor
a Downhiller
from Edmonton, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bedframe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | RVC | | Strengths: | Very plush suspension on the big hits, handles great and the adjustable geometry is cool. | | Weaknesses: | Paint doesn't hold up very well and bike ghosts shifts a little when flying down real bumpy stuff. NEEDS a replaceable dropout. | | Similar Products Used: | RM 6, Stinky, Stinky Dee Lux | | Bike Setup: | 6" Hayes front and Back, Z1 QR20, 321 rims, XT rear hub, XT and LX components, Easton monkey bar, Race Face cranks, Gazzi Jr and tioga 2.3 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a great freeride and a heck of a DH bike too. I primarily use mine for freeriding, but I do the occasional DH race on it also. The suspension is very good, but not as active on the smaller stuff as a four bar linkage (doesn't matter though because this bike only sees the big drops with me and that is where the suspension shines). The bike climbs very well in middle ring, so it can be rode up the hill and used on the occasional XC ride, but take the truck or chair up because its more fun to ride this bike downhill. I've only had my Bullit for 6 months and I'm already doing stuff I'd never thought possible and this bike is a big reason for that. If you want a kickass bike, then this is it.
Two complants about the bike for SC are
1. Start selling this bikes in Canada as full bikes and not just frames please
2. This bike Needs a replaceable dropout. The XC bikes can get away with not having a replaceable dropout, but this bike will be thrown around so it needs one.
4 for value since its a little expensive in Canada, but 5 for overall because this is the best bike I've ever owned and I buy another in a second. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA USA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ANYWHERE ON DIRT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | SAMPLE ROAD BIKES AND MOPEDS | | Strengths: | VERY SMOOTH VERY PLUSH GREAT PAINT(MET. GREEN) AWESOME REAR SHOCK (YOU CAN'T TUNA A FISH BUT YOU CAN TUNE THIS FOX) | | Weaknesses: | WILL GHOST SHIFT WHEN YOUR REALLY HONKING ON THE PEDALS OTHER THAN THAT NONE AT ALL. | | Similar Products Used: | UZZI SL (RIDES TO HIGH FOR MY TASTE)Y-5 K2 DAKAR | | Bike Setup: | X-KIT Z1 CR HAYES | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE KICKS! HANDLES ON RAILS, YOU CAN LAY THIS THING OVER AS FAR AS YOU WANT AND IT WILL STAY PUT. I WAS DEBATING BETWEEN THIS BIKE AND AN AEON JOKER BUT THE JOKER IS NOWHERE NEAR AS PLUSH. THE SC GUY'S WERE WAYCOOL TO DEAL WITH THEY PUT ME ON WAITING LIST IN CASE SOMEBODY CANC. OR THEY DOUBLED AN ORDER. THEY SAID IT TAKE 4-6 WEEKS AND THE BIKE ARRIVED AT THE SHOP IN TWO WEEKS, TO COOL! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Downhiller
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail that is fast, techincal, or a trail that you can hammer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | pretty light for what it can do, althought it has alot of travel it can still get you to the top of the mountain without the use of a car of lift. Very plush, fun freeride bike | | Weaknesses: | None on the frame takes awhile to brake in the fork Z1 CR. | | Similar Products Used: | Uzzi DH | | Bike Setup: | Z1 CR, hayes, mammoth rims, full XT | | Bottom Line: | The bike kick some ass and handles great going up and going down, but alittle better going down. Good bike for urban assualt, soaks up hits and drops very well, and the rear is very smooth | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Racer
from Gilbert, Az
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail, Phx AZ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Unbreakable Frame, plush suspension, pretty light for 6 inches of travel! | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one except for having a cross country stem on it. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky, Kona Uhu | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disk brakes, LX cranks, XT derailler, Mr. T fork, Monkey Lite bars. | | Bottom Line: | I got this bike to downhill race on. It came with a Z1CR, but I swapped it out for a Mr. T for the added stability of a triple clamp. The stem was way too long, but I put a downhill stem on it. I like the way it downhills!!! Super fast and stable at high speeds!! It can take some severe punishment, and sick dropoffs!!! I really like the setup with the triple chainring up front. I can climb most of the hills I climb with my hardtail, and then smoke everyone down the hills!! A great all around bike for the Adrenaline Junkie!! the price is quite reasonable for the components. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Rogers
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain Lakes NJ
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Good suspension, decent spec, good price (for me), great parts all around, can descend like mad and climb pretty decent | | Weaknesses: | SC sent me the wrong fork (a 4 inch instead of a 5 inch travel z1cr) and the wrong caliper adapter. It is heavy but I knew that when I bought it. The spec is wierd because they set up the parts for general XC use even though the frame is definitely not for that. Why do I want ultra light weight tubes and light tires as well as a low rise carbon bar? That is just stupid. | | Similar Products Used: | I once rode a K2 Animal for one day, my other bikes are a hardtail and a road bike- neither are similar but I work ion a shop so I have demo'ed a bunch of bikes | | Bike Setup: | BullitX as it came (red with a polished fork), hayes discs, Panaracer FireDH Pro 2.3 tires, EA70 Monkey bar 2 inch rise, an old set of Shimano 636 pedals | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. Althought SC sent me the wrong fork and caliper mount, they corrected the problem quickly. Although I was stupid enough to install the fork anyways (and hence cut the steerer tube, making it unreturnable) becuase I just assumed they lied when they said it was supposed to be a 5 inch, they wanted to send me a shirt and some random swag, I was pleasantly surprised. They also sent my caliper mount out in less than a week and I am happy about that. The spec on this bike is solid. There is no one particular area (except maybe for the cheap headset that had to be replaced because the cups were bad) that they gip you in. The usual gip-prone areas like bottom bracket (a mid level Shimano), seat post (Thompson Elite), seat (Giro Fizik) and so on. I was delighted to see that almost all the parts are XT level with LX models on the cranks and shifters (2 areas that are not too critical, in my opinion). Performance is great. Climbing is pretty good (better than I expected) as long as you stay seated or only stand in the middle ring. It's not even that bad on roads. Sprinting is even pretty good. One way I think that you can always tell what is good and what is not is by seeing what people ride who work in a shop. The store I work in has a good share a Jekylls, a Raven, a Homegrown Pro, and a few Santa Cruz bikes. Bottom line- this bike is awesome. The suspension works and has no really wierd side effects. The brakes stop you and the derailluers shift. Replace the tires, tubes and the bar and you're ready for some serious action. Plus, with the polished fork, polished hubs, impeccable paint and a really cool looking seat, this is one beautiful bike. Hey, it even comes with a fender. Minus one chili for odd spec on some parts and SC screwing up a few times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Collin
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford, bc, CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodlot gold | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Incredibly capable bike. Strong, fairly light, good value, good climber for a 38 pounder. | | Weaknesses: | NOT BOMBROOF, I cracked my headtube in three places and not from bailing, just repeated hard riding. I do a lot of bigger airs and really step rock faces. Watch for ovalized headtubes also. | | Similar Products Used: | uzzi dh, rm6, rm9, super eight etc... | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer, 521's, race face NSXS Cranks, 2001 Race face DH headset, and almost race face everything else. | | Bottom Line: | This is a quality bike and is a sweet ride but it isn't indestructible. Alot of ten foot airs to sweet transitions will eat this bike. The boys up here are destroying front and rear ends of these bikes. I don't know what the answer is to this problem but I hope the bike industry finds it. There's no way we're going to stop riding the way we do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E B
a Downhiller
from SLC
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Great control, beefy frame, plush rear. | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Similar Products Used: | Uzzi DH(Intense) | | Bike Setup: | XT components, Bomber Z1 CR, Hayes hydraulic discs. | | Bottom Line: | Best Santa Cruz that I've ridden so far, but I expect the Super 8 to be a great bike too. If you want a nice freeride bike, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk Berger
a Weekend Warrior
from Reston, Virginia, USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | I love this bike. It is lighter than i thought. Great for going down and ok for cross country. Awesome for urban assault. | | Weaknesses: | Not too many really, other than the kit it comes with. I made many changes. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stab Dee-Lux, Rocky RM9, Kona Stinky, DBR X-10 | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer, Azonic Bar, Pedals and Stem, Sun Doublewides, Hayes, IRC 2.35 Kujo Tires, Raceface DH Headset, ODI Lockon Grips, | | Bottom Line: | The best bike i have ever owned. Being the owner of a shop, I can have anything I want, and I am very happy with the Bullit. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Gretchen
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame, rear shock, simple single pivot design | | Weaknesses: | none to speak of | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain RM6 | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Xvert DC, Hayes | | Bottom Line: | I just bought one of the last large frames that was available in Victoria and had my local shop (The Bike Cellar) build up the bike from parts swapped over from my RM6 frame, which is now just a heap of junk after it broke for the second time. I have only been out for two rides, but I am very impressed so far... seems to be a more capable singletrack handler than the RM6 and climbs well. Fast or technical descents are not an issue for the Bullit, it handles well and I love the lateral stiffness of the rearend, which for a big rider (235 lbs) is what I need. I am stoked on this bike, and will provide a long term review after I spend more time in the saddle.
P.S. I have a used (albeit only 3 months) RM6 frameset for sale (with a brand new swingarm)... :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kuzn J
a Downhiller
from L.I. New York
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Kuzn's Loops | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | PLUSH. PLUSH. PLUSH. Very strong. Very stiff. The faster you go the better the bike handles. | | Weaknesses: | When I find one i'll let you know | | Similar Products Used: | SCHWINN | | Bike Setup: | Hayes Disc, Z1 QR20, Azonic shorty deluxe, Easton monkey bars,Race Face North Shore cranks, Race Face rings,bb,headset, sunn rhyno lite rims, hugi rear hub, maxxis 2.3 tires | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is the sh*t. You don't even have to pick a line the bike will make it's own. Just point and shoot. at 34 lbs. the speeds are incredible. Like i said before the faster you go the better the bike performs. On the uphills it's good. A 10ft. drop, no problem. The suspension sucks it right up. Whatever you throw at it, it takes. It is worth every penny i spent and then some. This bike is an animal. Enough said. BRING IT ON PUNK!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe V. --------
a Downhiller
from Williamstown, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever scares normal riders | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | BOMB-PR00F! very beefy, giving it a solid feel.OOHHH SOOOOOO PLUSH! soaks up HUGE HUCKS!INCREDIBLY STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS THROUGH THE TOUGHEST SECTIONS! | | Weaknesses: | NO replaceable derailleur hanger | | Similar Products Used: | xcr-3000, LOBO STS | | Bike Setup: | HAYES discs, JR.T, AZONIC bars and SHORTY stem,RHINO LITES, REAL HUBS,RACE FACE CRANKS, MRP WORLD CUP 1 CHAIN GUIDE,WILDGRIPPER 2.1 DH tires | | Bottom Line: | awesome freeride/DH bike. If what you have now can't handle it, the bullit can! This bike comes with a huge set of balls! Absolutely nothing is too big or too sick for this bike. PICK ANY LINE YOU DAMN WELL PLEASE! 10 and 15 FOOT DROPS ALL DAY LONG! SO PLUSH , IT'S LIKE RIDING DOWN A HILL ON A BIG COMFY COUCH WITH WHEELS! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BikinCO
a Cross Country Rider
from Keystone, CO
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Travel, Strength | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 4-Banger, Fisher, Schwinn S-Carbon, a lot of different bikes | | Bike Setup: | LX/XT Drivetrain, Real Hubs, Valiant Rims, Z1 CR, Hayes Discs, Chris King Headset, SPD 747, Monkey Lite Risers | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It climbs, it bombs the downhills, and it really motors on the flats. It takes a little getting used to the slack geometry and the high BB, but once you do you could not ask for a better bike. This is a great trail bike. Buy it. People don't like the Valiant rims for this bike, but at 205 pds. these rims are plenty strong for me on the trail. If I were to DH race it I would get bigger wheels and tires. Why lug around the extra weight on the trail? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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