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Santa Cruz
2000 Heckler X
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Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Keyes Loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | parted out from differnet sources | | Strengths: | Rugged, Simple, Works | | Weaknesses: | Pedal bob | | Similar Products Used: | No other full suspension bikes | | Bike Setup: | Fox Vanilla fork, Foc RC shock, Sun Rhyno-lite wheels, XT shifters. | | Bottom Line: | I keep looking at newer bikes and then I ride my Heckler. I can't imagine any of them being worth the price of the updgrade. I am sure a 5th element or Swinger rear shock would improve the rear suspension but this bike rocks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skull
a Weekend Warrior
from dartmouth nova scotia canada
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the fight trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | hub cycle | | Strengths: | simplicity and strength , single pivot with sealed bearings means low maintenance. this is no delicate frame set thats going to fold on you think long term use here. some people would argue that the hanger is a weakness but i have had so many hangers bend on me from minimal contact throwing the shifting to hell that i would argue it's a strength , just get a break away bolt. | | Weaknesses: | the rear end suffers from side to side flex to a certian degree. | | Similar Products Used: | pro flex 857 and cannondale raven come closest, also giant nrs and ac | | Bike Setup: | got a 2002 80mm marathon on the front. fox air shock doing the work on the back. parts are race face , tittec, xtr and hayes in back and avid in front. | | Bottom Line: | this is the secound santa cruz heckler that i have owned the first one had no disk brake tab and a coil rear shock. i am pretty happy with my secound frame the last year of the old style. the air shock gives the bike a better ride , easyier to tune and adjust. one thing that i really like about this bike is it's ability to climb. short steep power climbing is what this bike was made to do. the bike has a short wheel base which makes it very nimble in the slower tight singletrack. also the frame is built tough enough to take some punishment yet at the same time function as an x-country bike. my bottom line is this a great product for rougher riding conditions like we have here on canadas east coast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ojay
a Weekend Warrior
from Canyon Country, CA
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Felcyn Cyclery in Mission Viejo | | Strengths: | 4.25 inches of elegant simplicity out back. Zero maintenance single pivot, NO SQUEEKS, fairly light, versatility, quickness, LONGEVITY, cool old school "tribe" factor from other riders. It climbs like a monkey on crack and descends as well as your guts can take. Oh, and I recently discoverd that it does the jumps well too. I did 2 months of research in '99 before deciding on this bike...the reviews were nothing short of AWESOME. Thank you Santa Cruz! | | Weaknesses: | Not the most efficient rear suspension in terms of no-bob. However, the reality is that the inefficiencies of this design are so frikkin MINOR and mostly imperceptible to 95% of the mtb population that it doesnt matter. Take a look around at the rears of the newer bikes. You'll find a number of them looking curiously like the Heckler's (ie Cannondale). | | Similar Products Used: | specialized sj, cannondale jeckyl | | Bike Setup: | 130mm/5" '00 Marzocchi Z1 CR, Sun Single Track rims, 6" Avid BB7s, 2.1 Tires...and cheap componentry that work exteremely well. | | Bottom Line: | A light do-it-all bike. Will last you forever as long as you dont throw it off a building. Virtually maintenance-free. I've been tempted to get a new bike out of pure consumerism but can't find any other real reason to fork up another 2+ grand for nothing majorly better. SC has taken the Heckler more towards the freeride side since this model but still retain its namesake's mission in life.
If you can find one on Ebay, BUY IT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J Bub
a Downhiller
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | ?????????? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | private party | | Strengths: | Well priced, I bought mine used.
Been burned on used frames but this one is a gem!
Now in 2004, this bike still is one of the best all around bikes you can buy!!
It can be built up as a freeride machine or a raging x country bike, I am impressed. | | Weaknesses: | I can't get mine light, I am possibly too cheap to spend big $$ on XTR, they all break the same. Mine weighs 37lbs, yeah... super heavy, However I have heard of people getting that sucker down to 27lbs, that blows me away. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Stinky Deelux, 2000 Intense DH | | Bike Setup: | 2002-DJ I, 2004-Hayes 8", 2002-Mavic D521 w/xt rear, 2003-Mavic F??? w/Chris King front, 2.5" Maxxis Minions,
2003-Vanilla RC 350 X 2.78, Deore/LX/XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!!
As much as it weighs, I still do everything I did on my hardtail on the uphill(just not as fast), but I am able to go way, way, way faster on the downhill. This bike sticks to the trail very well. I had a Kona Stinky Deelux, so I know what a real DH bike feels like and this does a pretty good job of letting me go fast like I did with that bike. If I got a stiffer fork I think this bike would really be sweet... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$945.00 | | Strengths: | This is a great all around XC bike. I usually for XC riding and the handling and climbing are great. I have been looking into a Blur as my next bike because I like the SC so much. | | Weaknesses: | The main issue I have run across is the slight bob when climbing. | | Bike Setup: | Bought the frame seperate and built up using all XT/XTR components, Thompson seatpost, Easton bar, Bontrager Mustang rims, Michelin tires and Titec stem. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet ride. Pick up a SC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Benjamin Haworth
a Cross Country Rider
from Blackburn, Lancashire, UK
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Peckett Well Drop (Hebden Bridge) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes, Bury | | Strengths: | Never had to mess with it since day one. Best design for northern english terrain & conditions (mud & rocks!). | | Weaknesses: | No replaceable rear-hanger (buy a 'break-away' bolt and that's that solved!). Not for small light racers (mine = 26.5 lbs). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR (squeaky & not mud-friendly), Trek Y (good URT design). | | Bike Setup: | Pace RC35 forks, XT, Mavic Freeride rims, Tioda 2.1's, 26" wide risers, flat DX pedals, and stuff. 18" model (me = 6'1"). | | Bottom Line: | You can see my Heckler in action and the type of abuse ot has to put up with at our website:-
http://benjaminhaworth.tripod.com
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
André Luiz Longarço
a Cross Country Rider
from São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mata da Camara | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | A versatilidade do quadro é impressionante. Tanto no cross country, como no downhill moderado, a bike reage muito rápido e é extremamente resistente. | | Weaknesses: | Acho que a bike só deixou a desejar quando foi submetida a muita lama. | | Similar Products Used: | Scoot G Zero FX1 | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z1 X-fly 100mm, Shimano XTR, Shimano XT Disc Brakes, DT Hugi superlight hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Estou montando uma Santa Cruz Bullit e espero que ela seja tão boa quanto a Heckler no downhill! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
main vein
a
from San Marcos, CA
Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | goat | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB Warehouse | | Strengths: | Simple design, low maintenance, good looks, relatively light, very fast. | | Weaknesses: | A bit more lateral flex in the swingarm than I would prefer. Starting to rub some paint off the chainstays, maybe consider going with polished. Easton seat post. | | Similar Products Used: | y2k raven, sugar 2, specialized | | Bike Setup: | Super X kit. Psylo sl. Thompson seat post. WTB saddle. Titec 110mm 5 degree rise. Monkey lite low rise bar. | | Bottom Line: | Bought the bike last July. Never thought I'd own a red bike, especially after trying the color picker on the web site, but when I saw the bike I fell in love. Bright red with black components for the most part. I bought a large after much consideration, had tried a couple of medium Superlights and thought the top tube was too short (i don't like long stems). I'm 5'8" but have a long torso and short legs. The large fits me well. The bike came with a 2001 sid xc which is a more than adequate fork (in fact i swapped it out with a z2 on my hardtail) but i decided i wanted to try a different set up. I bought a psylo sl and set it up at 125mm. I also swapped out my 2.1 mythos for 2.25 kujos. The trails around my house are very rocky and even though i had used the mythos on my hardtail with great success the last two seasons, i started ripping knobbies off with the heckler after some fast descent through various rock gardens. The new set up took some getting used to. My Heckler weighed about 26lbs before i added the psylo and the tires so it was pretty quick and a very viable xc bike. the trade off is well worth it though because even though it takes me a little longer to get to the top, I haven't found a downhill section yet that i really need to use the brakes on. Just pick a line and let her rip. But the best part is that the steering hasn't suffered, in fact it may have improved. I'm considering dialing the psylo down to 100mm so it isn't so awkward on steep climbs but I want to try Nobel or Anderson with this set up first. Good luck. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RazoR
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury Park, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, fast! proven geometry, everything... | | Bike Setup: | Sid blue frame, Fox vanilla R, Psylo, Avid mechanical discs | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line, this thing is unbelievable! It goes so fast its unreal. I was dropping a steep chute and started modulating the brakes and the bike yelled at me "Let me go!", i did and it just ate up everything. The way this bike takes my lard ass (238, 6'-4")up hills is amazing. I could never jump before, maybe because my dual crown was heavy, this bike with the psylo has me getting air like never before. Today i demolished the trail and even kicked ass on some hardtails... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lincoln Jamrog
a Cross Country Rider
from Mammoth lakes, CA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Moab, porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat Cycles | | Strengths: | Burly frame, simple design, good value, excellent performance in a variety of conditions and terrain | | Weaknesses: | Chain/shifting gets wonky if you go through really gnarly stuff fast, I have dropped my chain and had it jam around the BB spindle, not fun to extract. a bit heavy. X kit cuts corners but thats why it's cheap! | | Similar Products Used: | - | | Bike Setup: | x kit with Z1 CR , WTB motoraptors. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that when I got this bike I went faster than my friends instead of slower. Climbs excellently, and you can give it hell on the downs. I rode Mammoth Mtn for a month on this bike, every DH trail, every XC trail and had a blast. I am excited about it still and I have had it for 4 months. Rode Moab and went really fast over very gnarly stuff. I wanted a bike that I could still ride XC fast but also hurl over whatever I wanted(DH style), and not worry about breakage.Can't wait to go back East and ride the trails there on this rig. Rode today and still love it. Even though it has some crappy parts on it nothing has broken and I have given it what for! Z1 CR is a great fork too. Had a Judy on my old bike and it's no comparison. Caddillac smooooooth. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | East Mesa FR/Indian Creek TL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB Warehouse, San Diego | | Strengths: | Sturdy frame/swingarm. Well balanced suspension. Very precise handling on tight singletrack. Single pivot simplicity. Two bottle mounts. Excellent all-around bike. | | Weaknesses: | Top tube is a little shorter than I'm used to for the size (L) frame I ordered. Would like the peace-of-mind that comes with a replacable rear hanger. The bike didn't come with the wheel lacing Santa Cruz touts in their (on-line) brochure. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode: Aeon Isis, Specialized FSR XC, Schwinn Rocket 88 | | Bike Setup: | Box stock: Mostly Shimano Deore drivetrain (XT Rear), Avid 1.0 brakes, Fox Vanilla R shock (Rock Shox, Judy Race and flat bar options). | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding this bike since April '00, and like it better with each ride. It climbs great and decends even better. I haven't had a single problem with any of the stock components. Does just about everything well. Well worth the wait to get one. Minor weaknesses aside, I would highly recommend taking a look at a Santa Cruz if your in the market for a dual suspension bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Wilkins
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | one I havent ridden yet | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1535.00 | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycles (Canadian $2300) | | Strengths: | the frame is bomber, the rear shock is sweet, clibes like a hard tail of the same weight. SWEEEEEEEEET | | Weaknesses: | could have more room for a larger rear tire 2.0 tioga rubs undere hard loads. you can get chain suck with elevated stays. | | Similar Products Used: | test rode. Specialized FSR, Kona King kik, GT idrive
this is my first dual squish | | Bike Setup: | deore/lx drive terain, avid brakes, Rockshox Psylo xc, basic for now. | | Bottom Line: | This thing rips!! I was having trouble getting use to it, my first ride was in Moab Utah . . . but it realy sucks up the ruff. the stock psylo is a little soft for my weigth 200lb. The rear shock had the spring switched out for the stiffer one. all in all this is a great bike the ride is awsome. climbs great, decends even better!! 2000 is the last year for the 6160 series frame, if you are over 190lb get one while you still can. the 2001 heckler SL has the same frame as the super light with powder coat paint and coil shock. light but with a 1yr warrenty not 3yr like the 2000. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samurai
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$945.00 | | Strengths: | Weight and design | | Weaknesses: | Not as good for climbing as the hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Heckler w/chrome swingarm, SID XC, XT drivetrain, Thompson post, Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | A plush ride that stays tight in the downhill. The climbs are not as easy, but the extra work pays off in the downhill and air assault. I would recommend this ride for anyone looking for a good XC Full-sus. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sambo
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Texas
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | last one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Bikes & More, Dallas | | Strengths: | Light, Excellent design, Well thought out, Solid and Smooth | | Weaknesses: | ?? | | Similar Products Used: | Ist full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Sid XC, Fox Float R, Santa Cruz superX kit...changed out stem & post for Thompson | | Bottom Line: | This thing is incredible, no bob on climbs, rock solid throught the tight stuff, once I got the suspension dialed in it sucks up everything I've thrown it at (almost)...It came in at 24.4 lbs....We thought the scale must be off but verified it on another one.
I'm glad I took Phil's advice and got this instead of the GF Sugar2, the Santa Cruz is cheaper, lighter and handles better...I LOVE IT!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miek
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Strong climber, Upgrading to Float RC adds lock out for those bad climbs. Great downhills! Plenty of travel on both ends, and very stiff laterally. | | Weaknesses: | I love the cosmetics, but a clear coat over the decals so they don't rip off after your first crash... I know, I know..big deal...:) | | Bike Setup: | LX Bontrager wheels (radial lace), LX HollowTech Crank, everything else XT. 2001 Judy SL, Fox Float RC, everything else is out of Santa Cruz'z X-Kit | | Bottom Line: | This bike is plain and simple the best you can get for the money. With my bike setup, I came in at 27.5 lbs, which is heavier than some, but coming from an old cro-moly Specalized, it's as light as a feather. If you want it lighter, go with the Superlight. The geometry is great. I feel more powerful on the uphills, and more stable on the downhills. If your beginning, or an advanced rider, you will love this bike. If biking is something you really love, and if you need a great cross country bike, but can't afford the Superlight, get one of these! Its the design that makes the bike. And its the same for all of them. 10 flamin turds! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from Ca
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Baldknob | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This bike rides very smooth. Good cranks | | Weaknesses: | I don't like the judy fork it's not the worst but you can do better, thats what upgrades are for. | | Similar Products Used: | ~~~~~~~ | | Bike Setup: | The bike has a judy race fork but if you get it you should upgrade it. you should also get better petles. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very good bike and the price isn't that bad. it's good for a beginer downhill rider. This gets 5 flaming turds | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jesus
a Downhiller
from Ridgewood, NY
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Allamuchy, NJ | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light for a full supension bike. It is fast on flat and climbing. Smooth supension and great paint job. Trans blue is the way to go. | | Weaknesses: | Not the smoothest front shifting. I think that the chain line is just adequate. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox SID XC, Fox Float R, Deore/LX drivetrain, XT rear derailleur, Bontrager Valiant rims and LX hubs | | Bottom Line: | This is a sweet bike that you will enjoy in all kinds of trails. It should be noted that the suspension works as advertised by Santa Cruz. Almost no bob! The fact that you can ajust rebound is great. If you are looking for an XC full supension that can handle anything; this is the bike. In addition, this bike can be race because is fast and light. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shagrug
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever's not underwater | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Solid feel, good ascending, great descending, killer looks | | Weaknesses: | Seat, riding position might be too far back? | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Manitou XVert Super fork, Time ATAC pedals | | Bottom Line: | I'm a lovin' this bike! Most of my riding on it has been in Colorado and New Mexico while visiting friends and family. I love going on epic rides with lots of uphills and technical downhills, and I think this bike will greatly increase the comfort factor when compared to my hardtail. I always used to ride my hardtail (Trek 8000) with my friends who typically rode full suspensions. Now, I've found that I can still keep way ahead of the group on climbs and I'm starting to kick their asses on downhill sections too. The overall feeling of "connectedness" with the ground at high speeds gives a great sense of confidence (that has sometimes lead me to ride way beyond my skills). The only thing that seems to be a problem is that the front of the bike rides really light. If I don't really pay attention to my riding position, the front end will hunt around on climbs (if it doesn't just pop right off the ground). The WTB saddle kinds sucks, after a week of riding it was shedding stapels like a dog sheds hair. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Bend, Oregon
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The one without Horsesh*t | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Simple,proven frame design copied by many, color and componet selection, the ride, the ride, the ride, Santa Cruz company support | | Weaknesses: | None that I have experienced | | Similar Products Used: | Tested GT, Klein, Specialized, Fisher, Rocky Mountain | | Bike Setup: | Heckler frame with Marzocci QR20, Fox Float R, XT disc's, WTB Laserbeams with QR20 thru axle front hub and Panaracer Fire's | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike and I picked the right one! Point and shoot tracking downhill and I'm learning not to use the brakes. Just let it flow and the Heckler sucks up everything in a confidence inspiring way. I'm looking for logs, rocks and jumps, (Freerider?). I,ve had no problems with the frame which is stiff and simple with only one sealed bearing pivot. It climbs well enough even with 4+ inches of travel front and back, just sit and spin. With the XT Discs providing instantaneous stopping power the overall handiling of this bike is precise. Bike total weight is 28.5 pounds and though not a lightweight it weighs the same as my buddies GT 2000 and I have discs and a super strong front end. I will lighten it by a pound or so with drivetrain upgrades, bar/stem/seatpost replacement and eventually a highend wheelset. That's one of the best things about this bike, it's worth upgrading and won't be outdated by next years model. Buy it if your are a XC rider who wants to add new life to old trails or to ride that trail you used to avoid. You might start to call yourself a freerider. Dont worry, it's not a bad thing but you might have to buy full finger gloves. Thanks to Fat Tire Farm for the great build and to Scott at Santa Cruz for the great support. My girlfriend rode mine and want's one for herself. I'm going to buy a S.C.B. Roadster for training. Five road flares for value and overall excellence. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G-Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, Alaska
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Alaska | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Everything! Super Stiff, Ultra Plush, This bike has it ALL. | | Weaknesses: | None, except I had to wait a month for it. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Fisher Sugar | | Bike Setup: | All bargin basement stuff for now. | | Bottom Line: | Props to Santa Cruz for building the funnest bike out there. This is my first FS bike and I only wish I would have bought it years ago. I have a hard time getting off of it now, all I want to do is ride. The rear triangle is so stiff you can carve any turn. You don't steer this bike you ride it, and you ride where ever you want. You don't have to pick a line, you just ride right over or through what ever you want. It is a blast to ride. There is nothing this bike can not do. I have taken a ton of time off all my personel bests and had more fun while doing it. I think it climbs better then my hardtail and coming down is like nothing I have ever ridden. You will not find a better bike for the money. Oh yea, and you can pick the color. Santa Cruz rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Obiwahn
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Trail from H@ll | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush, Stiff, Built to Last | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Various Hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Vanilla R, Manitou SXR, Synchros crank, XT/LX/WTB bits | | Bottom Line: | I've ridden for 19 years and finally decided to take the FS plunge. Main reason: My back had been bothering me alot this year, and this was affecting the joy of riding. Well, after waiting for 8 weeks for delivery I got the Heckler frame in metallic green (sweet paint job) and built it up myself last week. The Heckler lets me ride longer and farther, and that's always a good thing. I did an on/off road ride of 56 km, a road ride (on my road bike) of 55 km and a 21 km off road ride in the last three days, mostly thanks to the Heckler, since I am no longer getting beat up by the trail. I ride a lot of roots, rocks and ruts. This bike tracks straight, doesn't flex and absorbs all the hits. It helps you clear difficult trail sections you wouldn't have tried before. Okay, it is about 3.5 pounds heavier than my previous bike, but that is less than 2% heavier when you factor in the total weight of bike and rider. I don't notice the weight, even when climbing, because I have more energy due to the plush ride. Okay, there is a bit of "bob" in the granny, but if I concentrate on pedalling circles it doesn't seem to matter - I have been able to climb all the steep, slippery hills with no more difficulty than on a hardtail. Okay, maybe it is a bit expensive (in Canada at least), but it looks to have been designed and built to last for a long time. I'll post another review in 1 month or so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott scudamore
a Cross Country Rider
from dumfries
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Reddish Knob VA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Solid ride, single pivot. Is not any slower uphill than my hardtail but scary fast on the downhill. Loves to get air, so much that you really need to be careful. Recommend this to anyone wanting to go fast in technical terrain. | | Weaknesses: | The lack of a replaceable hanger but so far that has not been a problem. I am not real crazy about the AVID brakes but they can be replaced when they wear out. | | Similar Products Used: | tested Specialized FSR, Raven and Sugar | | Bike Setup: | standard X setup with Judy Race and LX. I added XTR RR to the rear. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has really given me incredible confidence on rocky technical singletrack. I did break my collarbone because it is so responsive that I jumped off this waterbar so much farther than I ever did on my hardtail and hit a tree. But I am healed and I really love this ride. 5 big chilis!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy R.
a Racer
from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | building it | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Awesome orange paint, stiff frame/swingarm, handling when the going gets rough or steep, plush landings on big hits, ability to beat guys on hardtails, no numb ass after long rides, tracking while railing around fast turns, strong/simple frame that will withstand any abuse you can throw at it, unless you are a gorilla who routinely does 8 foot urban drops. | | Weaknesses: | Non replaceable derailer hanger, yes, I tweaked mine, but that was shimano's fault, not Santa Cruz's. It straightened out o.k., and I haven't had a problem since I put on a sachs chain. Otherwise this bike absolutely rips, no weaknesses whatsoever! | | Similar Products Used: | Brief stints on various FSRs, Chameleon, junky old hardtails | | Bike Setup: | poor man's groupo, (LX-works good), Judy race (100mm mode, very plush), Rhyno Lite wheels, short stem, downhill bar, Jones tires, Vanilla R shock, Time pedals | | Bottom Line: | I'm not a racer, I'm not a downhiller, and I hope I'm not a weekend warrior, so I must be a freak! I ride a bit of everything, so I need a versatile bike, and versatile is the word for this bike. with the current setup it rides cross country smoothly and quickly, but can rock when the trail points downhill and gets rough. With the seat down I would ride this bike down almost anything, it feels like a plush BMX. Jumps very well, and looks like it can withstand years of abuse with very little maintenance. This bike is responsible for pushing me to do some pretty stupid stuff, and so far it has rewarded my newfound courage with solid, reliable handling in all situations. Today I rode a drop that would have left me for dead on my old bike, and it was fun, not frieghtening. So far I give this bike high fives all around, if you are thinking about getting one, just put the money down, and wheelie drop the front steps of the shop on your way out, you will instantly be happy with your purchase. This bike is more money than some, but it's worth every penny. Five burning ice worms for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg F
a Downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | skull vancouver | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good Handling, Strength, Simplicity, Straight Seat Tube, Good Water Bottle Mount, Triple Chainrings, Suspension Stiffens When Pedaling, Looks Cool, Low Center of Gravity | | Weaknesses: | Everybody has one, Suspension travel is too short, Ghostshifts when suspension is compressed. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Joshua, Giant ATX 890, Intense M1 | | Bike Setup: | Small Frame Size, Fox TC Coil Over, Z1 BAM, Short Stem, Riser Bar, Stripped Cranks, Mammoth Rims, LX V-Brakes, Flat Pedals | | Bottom Line: | The Heckler is the best DH bike you can buy.
It is very light and efficient. You will be able to accelerate away from racers on typical mushy overweight DH bikes. You will also corner better because it is not top heavy like a Karpiel or Intense.
Most DH courses are technically easy like the sea otter in Monterey. You will have a big advantage on this type of track.
Some DH runs are challenging like the Squaw World Cup or Bullit at Mammoth. Steep with lots of loose rocks. Hecklers can go fast enough to win these races, but you need smooth technique. If your skills arent good get a longer travel bike.
For supercross type DH like Glen Helen longer travel might be an advantage. This is the domain of the MX style DH bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods, Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Frame design is imgenious, very light, super responsive climber, killer custom bike at a better than average price.
Santa Cruz will help you in any possible way to design your bike. | | Weaknesses: | NONE, but don't get cocky Santa Cruz!!! Success can sometimes be a weakness, it can make a company become complacent. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein, GT, Nothing really compares | | Bike Setup: | Heckler with Marzocchi Z1 XTR/XT component group and Spinergy SPOX wheelset | | Bottom Line: | TWO THUMBS way up for all Santa Cruz bikes. I had trouble deciding between the BULLIT and the HECKLER. I went light. This design is really awesome and deserves all the accolades I can give it. Man it's gonna be hot around here with 10 flamin chilis for Santa Cruz Heckler and SC bikes in general | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 1669.00