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Santa Cruz
2000 Superlight X
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Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Spiro to Wasatch Crest | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Lightweight, zero maintenance (almost), comes with very durable parts stock, still a head-turner after nearly 5 years (purchased in July 2000).
This bike carves twisty singletrack like a knife, and tames the rock gardens well-enough. It feels choppy in the rear, but that's non-active designs for you. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly flexy frame in the rough, not the most active suspension design, fox rear shock yoke bushings wear out, leaving a sloppy sound from the frame (easy fix) | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Kona Stinky, Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but switched to a SID100 | | Bottom Line: | When purchased a million years ago, this was the best design that combined light weight, 4" of travel, and low pedal bob. Nowadays, not only do they still make SuperLights, but the new rear shocks make 'em better. I'll probably move on to another suspension design for my "trail-riding" days, but I'll still race and have fun on my Superlight.
I think this design is ready to be put out to pasture, but the bike has treated me very well for 5 seasons. I truly have no complaints about a bike that has over 5000 trail miles on it and has very few maintenance issues. Santa Cruz spec'd a great bike and compromised on nothing - at a $2,200 price point, a rarity. This review is much more relevant to the SC brand - I'd buy whatever they're selling.
Bottom line: If you are the German Efficiency Type, this bike is for you. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Galilao Shinnosuke
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daly Ranch in Escondido | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2380.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Werx of Mililani Oahu | | Strengths: | Light, easy to maintain, fine handling, makes vertical impacts comfortable yet laterally stiff, very good quality parts selection, nice welds, really don't notice pedal feedback. | | Weaknesses: | Rear tires wider than 1.9 inches have to be deflated to fit between the brake pads. I am using a 1.9 inch wide Continental Cross Country tire and do not have to deflate it to mount the rear wheel on the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR-XC, Marin Mt Vision | | Bike Setup: | As equipped by the factory except got mine with a new old stock 99 Atom Bomb fork, and I upgraded my brake levers to the Avid Ultimates. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike. I'm glad I got my dream bike while I can still ride on the trails. Hey, how many 49 year old mountain bikers are out there hammering the sides of the mountains? After I finish paying off the loan, hopefully I'll still be able to ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Manhart
a Weekend Warrior
from Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | City Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Surfs Up | | Strengths: | Simple, Light, Durable, Lots of fun. | | Weaknesses: | Requires that rear tire be deflated to remove it from between the brake pads. The price is high but I got a break buying from a dealer and assembling it myself. | | Similar Products Used: | Pro-flex, sugar, spealized. | | Bike Setup: | Super X kit. Sid XC fork, fox vanilla R rear shock, LX crank & shifters, Avid brakes. medium super light frame. | | Bottom Line: | I've had some small problems with the white hub coming loose, and one dust seal coming loose on the sid XC fork. But after 1100 miles this summer I love the bike. 4 inches of rear travel is plenty for the trails I ride and its light enough to fly up hill. Once you find the right air pressure for the fork and rear shock it rides great up and down. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Smrcka
a Cross Country Rider
from Barrie
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Duke's | | Strengths: | Great frame made by 1 of the best names in the business. Very comfortable, not too plush and excellent welds and paint. Also, it comes w/ the fox pump which is convenient. | | Weaknesses: | $$$ | | Similar Products Used: | fuel, sugar, adept, jeckel | | Bike Setup: | xt/xtr drivetrain, easton carbon bars & post, mavic crossroc wheels, avid mechanical, sid sl, titec stem, raceface headset, bontranger tires, sella italia seat | | Bottom Line: | I am someone who does alot of research before he buys and I spent all summar deciding what to get between a fuel, sugar, adept or superlight. I made the right decision even though the others are all great bikes the s/c was right for me. It handles great and turns heads on the trails too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsail, Stonewall, Chickopee, srry got a few | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | ITS THE COOLEST BIKE IN THE WORLD. I love it. light, fast, fun to ride. Um it gets you alot of looks on the trail, espically when your 15. and people think your crazy when you tell them how much you spent on it, well people that dont ride that is | | Weaknesses: | um a little on the expensive side for someone with no income but well worth the dinero. um had a little problem with the rear triangle bolt(where bolts to frame) came loose after a while and started creaking but thats my fault for not checking up on it. | | Similar Products Used: | jekyll, heckler, tracer, just about anything i could take out and ride | | Bike Setup: | sid xc, avid cable discs(hopefully hayes hydralic soon), lx xt, bontrager cranks, control tech seat post, selle itallia seat(verry cool lookin), race face stem, easton bar, salsa grips(love em-got the ones with the chillie peppers on them very cool),richety clipless, mavic/xt wheelset, and panaracers-very good tires
| | Bottom Line: | if u got the cash buy it. I LOVE MINE. great bike. nice and light and can take just about anything you can throw at it. um i dont have much to say but the bike rocks and if you want one buy it. call the dudes at cambria they were a huge help with everything. they made it possible for me to have my dream bike so call em. buy this bike if you want a top of the line bike that is capeable of anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City, MI
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Dubonette | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclotopia, Corvallis, OR | | Strengths: | The bike just works great. It's durable, always amazes me and still looks like new after a year of abuse. (anodized frame is the ticket) | | Weaknesses: | none that I can find. er, wait a minute there is one weakness, my wife wants one. | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Mix of xtr, xt, Thomson, Titec, Mavic, Atom 80. | | Bottom Line: | I really love this bike, my wife asked me recently if I loved it more than I love her and if I'm going to park it next to the bed when our new house is finished. A few days/rides later, I still haven't answered her. I sold my road bike and ride the superlight exclusively, it's that good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Carlsbad Ca
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Morena | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | This bike is the best bike I have ever owned or ridden. It handles technical downhills like child's play. Has made me a better and more confident rider. It climbs very well and is light. It is also strong in the important areas and looks great. Very stiff rear triangle, no flex when you are tossing the thing about. It tends to save you from crashing if you don't freak and just let it flow. I was worried about the fox vanilla r coil over shock but have discovered coil overs are better then air shocks. I like my bike! | | Weaknesses: | None that I can discern. | | Similar Products Used: | GT xcr 2000, tried a bunch of other full-suspensions. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou mars elite fork, titec ti stem, the rest is x build kit, vanilla r shock. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike for people who ride a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a
from San Antonio, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Colonel's Bikes | | Strengths: | Weight,versatility (good for almost everything from moderate DH to full-on XC to city free-style stuff), toughness | | Weaknesses: | It may be a little expensive for some folks' tastes, but well worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Rode a Giant NRS 1 and considered purchasing it to save some $$. Also some Giant hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Non-spec'ed demo bike with XT drive train (except LX front derail.), Sid XC, Titec stem, Salsa bars, Thompson Post, Ritchey rims and hubs, Avid AR 50s | | Bottom Line: | This is the most comfortable and lightweight bike that I've ever ridden. It takes downhills great and climbs better than my old Giant hardtail. I have the Fox RC but haven't felt the need to even use the lock out. I think that the main strength of this product is it's versatility. It moves great on and off-road. If you want to move up to a bike that you'll keep for years, buy this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen AKA RIGID Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, OH
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2126.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Light, plush, the bike is on rails. | | Weaknesses: | My set up does not climb that well, but I catch back up on the DHs so it is worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | I have tried them all! | | Bike Setup: | Zokie Z-3 100 XT drivetrain Avid SD breaks | | Bottom Line: | Before I bought this bike I rode every FS I could get my hands on and now after having it for about a year I can say I made the right decision. If you like to ride fast tecnical trails this is the bike to have. Just enough travel to save your hinnie, but not so much that you can not ride up hills. The frame has no matinence issues because it only has one pivot. My only concern is the lack of areplacable deraleur hanger, so far no problems, but it is a concern. Bottom line this bike ruls for Cross Country fun or Downhill madness. If you can only have one bike that has to do everything well this is the bike to have! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bad-brad
a Cross Country Rider
from granite city, il
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | berryman trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | breese bikes | | Strengths: | climbing traction
light weight - 23lbs
quality travel with little maintenance - no trouble with pivot bearings after a year + | | Weaknesses: | suspension bob when you stand
i've had to replace the shock bushings twice in the last year (2,000 miles +) | | Similar Products Used: | demoed quite a few | | Bike Setup: | sid sl, ct2 bar and post, wcs stem, full xtr w/ avid mag brakes, crossmax ust, and time carbons. right over 23 w/ med ano frame w/ fox float rc | | Bottom Line: | after a year of service, i love this bike. as built, it is very light, offers better climbing traction than my previous bike (gt zaskar), and lets me fly down hills with more confidence. seated spinning is the way to go with this bike, and it sucks up most trail obstacles with ease. i only use the lockouts on the road, and would not hesitate to suggest you to try one out for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jim
a Weekend Warrior
from pontiac,mi
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | pontiac lake | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | klm bike & fitness | | Strengths: | awsome bike for the money | | Weaknesses: | cant remove inflated rear wheel | | Similar Products Used: | loco-moto,jeckyl,nrs 1, | | Bike Setup: | standard super x | | Bottom Line: | this bike is fast and comfortable. sweet handling. no noticable bobing. i was so afraid of spending 2 grand i almost bought a nrs2. i told my wife that this was the best 2 grand i ever spent. for get about it, this bike is it. im riding this bike so much im close to over training. this bike makes me want to ride all the time. after spending 4 months reviewing bikes i picked the right one. my thanks to all the bikers i e-mailed for their opinions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | schuykill river trail@betzwood(valley forge) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Manayunk | | Strengths: | superior handling and ride quality. Enough said. | | Weaknesses: | None
Remember-Don't ever leave your S.C. unattended. It will be a gonner in a flash. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 GT Tequesta steel hardtail with Shimano RC Kit | | Bike Setup: | Scuba Yellow Superlight--Judy SL; Shimano XT Kit; Fox R Float | | Bottom Line: | The Superlight rides like a Ferrari. I've driven a F355 with paddle shifter and I can admit the feeling is a blessing. Alright, back to the bike. I love it. I rode it around the bike shop(on a carpet) prior to purchase and was amazed by the level of comfort it provided. I knew this was the bike. I didn't need to take it outside to prove the point. So, anyway, I took the bike for a 30 mile ride two weeks ago for the first time. Wow. I rode a mix of pavement and hardpack/gravel in and around the Fairmount park area. The bike is very fast. My GT is probably the fastest accelerating bike I've ever ridden, but the S.C. is just plain fast. The landing and approach off rocks and ridges is smooth and well controlled. This bike will give you confidence after one tour. A great XC frame. Enjoy the ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Samuel
a Cross Country Rider
from Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Womble | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Parkside Cycle | | Strengths: | Excellent handling at all speeds. Climbs like a hardtail. Simply a dream going down the hills. | | Weaknesses: | Don't inflate the rear tire before mounting it on the bike, because it won't fit between the brake calipers. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, GT i-drive 2.0, Schwinn Rocket 88. | | Bike Setup: | superlight X kit with SID 100 and Fox-RC with lock out. | | Bottom Line: | Get this bike. It is well worth the money. You will forget what you paid for it after the first ride.If you want a light bike with an excellent, comfortable ride for long XC trips, this is the perfect bike for you. It also works suprisingly well for short road trips (I have ridden 20 miles on asphalt without any problems). You really don't need the lock out capability on the rear shock. Finally, if you have any questions before you buy a bike, call Santa Cruz (their number is listed on their web site). You will immediately talk with someone, and they will answer all your questions. They run a first class shop out there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from traverse city michigan
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | betsie river pathway | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclotopia, corvallis, or | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | klein mantra | | Bike Setup: | the good stuff, atom 80, lx crank, xt otherwise, flite, hellbent, thomson, and a rare color--red anodized | | Bottom Line: | i don't know what all the fuss is about, hell i'm ready to sell it. just kiddin'!!! this bike is absolutely the best, why heck even herbold, roll and tomlinson give it 3.5 stars in a shootout with the fuel and sugar. ya just can't go wrong with the superlight. one recommendation though... it's more comfy and seems to steer better with a riser bar. i don't know what it weighs and don't care. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike V
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Falcon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | cycle sports | | Strengths: | Technical ability both climbing & descending, comfort and weight. | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp
GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Standard Superlight with Super X kit - I did upgrade the fork to a Marzocchi Bomber Z-3 Air with 100mm travel. I highly recommend this setup for anyone who is aggressive & weighs more than 170 lbs. The bomber is much stiffer than any SID I have tried!!! | | Bottom Line: | This bike is unreal. I previously owned a Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp & in just a few weeks I have improved my technical skills. The first time I rode the bike I was able to clean a switchback on the Dakota Ridge trail that I had not been able to make before. After owning the bike for only 4 weeks it was off to Moab & Fruita. In three days we rode Slickrock & Amasa Back in Moab & Mary's Loop/Horsethief Bench in Fruita. This bike amazed me. Either I got better [not!] or the bike has superior handling!!!
For the first time I can't think of a bike I would rather have - so far it exceeds my expectations - what else can be said.
I recommend this bike to anyone who enjoys riding trails all day. Its low speed and high speed handling are top notch, it goes where you want it to when you want it to! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Marzuki
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lots | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Does what the brochure says, apart from the weight claim(see below). Simple design that works (arguably better than my FSR bike). Nice anodised finish though not immune to stone chips. Overall meticulously built by craftsmanship standards. 5.5lbs frame and shock. Like my colour - anodised grey with black SID SL fork, very understated and low profile (good theft deterrent). | | Weaknesses: | Could not get the claimed weight of bike with Super X kit (24lbs or something) although I believe that mine should be lighter still with the SID SL, CT2 bars, CK headset and all. Maybe the claimed weight is without pedals....who knows. Also, rear tire clearance is bad esp when trying to remove the rear wheel with full inflation (I use 1.8s)because of the V-brakes. Maybe those guys should redesign the rear end to have more clearance. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Expert, Tank (Taiwanese) hardtail, Merida Hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Mostly high end stuff, XT groupset except for brakes (Avid Mag and XTR levers), XT hub/517 rims, Panaracer XC, Time ATAC, etc etc | | Bottom Line: | Ok ok, everyone has been telling you how great this bike is, and they are right so I'll shut up about that. Unlike most people, I do use the lockout feature a lot (front and rear) as I do my training on tarmac as well. To be honest, I can't feel any difference and at one time I thought I had activated the lockout only to realise later that it was actually off! The point is you hardly notice the rear susp. working. But it's there nevertheless. Also, the single pivot system is so much smoother than my FSR esp when hitting bumps. So much so that I wonder what kind of bull**** Specialized has been telling its customers about it's active "I'm the ultimate design" FSR linkage. Another thing, whilst not being the lightest frame around (the M4 FSR XC is lighter at 5.2lbs, the Foes FXC at 5.0lbs and Ellsworth at a meagre 4.9lbs)it nevertheless FEELS light enough for XC racing if you spec it right. I'm not a gram counter by any means but if you're really into it, try losing the insect repellent in your Camelback. That will shake a few hundred grams of your total weight! Lastly, I would recommend it to those who can afford ($1000 is a lot by Malaysian standards, and it's just the frame and shock price!). For those who are budget conscious or have some other hobbies besides cycling, just get the frame and load it up with budget parts....you can upgrade them later. Yes, it's that good!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2070.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Craft, Parsippany, NJ | | Strengths: | (+)Weight - 24.5lbs (Medium frame, Super X pkg)
(+)Suspension - 4" (really)
(+)Climbing - (Like a hardtail or better)
(+)Descending - (Confidence builder)
(+)Handling - (Quick and stable)
(+)Component Selection - (Virtually no compromises)
(+)Value - (Untouched in it's price range) | | Weaknesses: | (-)Headset (Generic)
(-)Rear Brake Clearance (there is none) | | Similar Products Used: | Looked at the Cannondale Jekyl 1000(overpriced, underperformance); Trek Fuel 98 (Heavier, component mix not as good) Ellsworth/Aeon Isis (awesome, but similarly equiped, the Superlight was a far better deal and lighter); Giant XTC NRS1 (a close 2nd, IMHO, 2.5lbs heavier, but you can't go wrong with this bike either) | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Superlight X (Super X package) - RockShox SID XC, XT/LX combo (XT where it matters most), Easton Monkey CT2 Carbon bar, Avid SD 7 V-brakes, Bontrager Valient Asym Rims, Hutchinson Air Light Pythons. | | Bottom Line: | Best bike at this price! Awesome for hardtail converts. You will master trails you wouldn't have ridden before.
Santa Cruz does everything right with this bike. The only piece of componentry that I would change is the headset. But this is such a minor complaint. I haven't had any problems with it, I just wish that it was spec'ed with something a little more up market to match every other piece of componentry.
My other minor complaint is that the rear tire cannot be removed on put back on when fully inflated because the brakes don't open wide enough due to contact with the frame.
If you are looking for a dual suspension bike in the $2K range, then you must seriously consider this bike. If you are looking for a higher priced bike, you must check out the full XTR version! Buy this bike, you won't be disappointed.
Value: 5 Flamin' Big-Bike Companies
Overall: 5 Flamin' Heavy, Underperforming, D/S Bikes
Why? Because Santa Cruz flames the big companies and their bikes that need a diet, showing them how it should be done! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods - the only one I've ridden | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1225.00 | | Purchased At: | mtb used market place | | Strengths: | Incredible all around. | | Weaknesses: | what are you kiddin- there is no weakness | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear, sid 100, chris king head, raceface cranks, stem and seat post. | | Bottom Line: | I know it's sick for a beginner like me to have such a good bike but when I set out to buy a bike I wanted something that would be great to grow into. Well, I started going to shops and riding and asking questions. Then someone had to show me a Superlight. That was all she wrote. I had to have that bike- one big problem- cash flow. I decided to wait and save as long as it took while checking used sights now and then. I was lucky and found one for an unreal deal. The rest is history. Now I'm learning how to ride and I'm having a ball. I'm fortunate to live very close to the trails so I ride the street to get there and as soon as I hit the dirt this bike starts to go to work- as if it were saying "let's ride em cowboy". I'm a rookie so I can't describe how well it rides like I would want to but I can say this- if you have the cash- you will not be sorry if you choose this bike. I don't have a clever line for the chilis but I'll give it the highest heat factor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
SquidRoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Planet Bike, Old Bride NJ | | Strengths: | Climbs like a tractor. Dives like a bomber. Turns on a dime. | | Weaknesses: | doesn't have a vagina. | | Similar Products Used: | Cracknfail Raven & Jeckyl, Specialized FSR, Giant NSR. | | Bike Setup: | full XT build kit, Float RC w/lockout, King headset, 517's with Hutchinson Alligators, Marzochi z-fly, Thompson post and stem. | | Bottom Line: | This bike just plain makes you a better rider. It climbs like a monster. It goes down like you wish your girlfriend would... fast and furious, with reckless abandon.
Since I started riding the superlight, I started quickly knocking down all the hills and obstacles I couldn't clear on my tricked out Kona hardtail.
It is super. It is light (mine weighs in at about 24-45).
The bike is silent... the chain rides below the rear triangle, no chainslap. You can scare the flamin' chili out of your friends when you bomb up behind them.
For the price, I'd find a good shop and make sure they build it up with all the doohickeys you want, you might as well get the bike that makes you cancel your subscription to the gear rags and stop drooling over schwag. I have friends who've spent $2000 on other full rides and started swaping out parts they didn't like. That's just plain silly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Desolation Lake | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Versatile, tried and true design, well implemented, good-looking too. | | Weaknesses: | Well, I guess a couple competitors are catching up as far as giving the all-around package, but this is still the exception rather than the rule. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain, Intense, and then the lesser full-suspensions (Cannondales, Gary Fisher, GT, Specialized, assorted others) | | Bottom Line: | I demoed this bike after I bought my Rocky Mountain, and I think I still like my Rocky Mountain more, but unlike the rest of the competition I can say it came down to tradeoffs rather than one bike being superior to another.
I think this bike is just great. The handling is dialed in really nicely such that it steers appropriately for the type of fork you put on it. It climbs superbly; I don't think there's another 4" suspension bike (possibly any bike period) that can climb as well. Those 4" of course make it very capable downhill, and with an XC fork this bike is very happy on the plain and level stuff. It would be hard for any XC mountainbiker to buy this bike and not like it, even among the more discriminating, which is why I think this bike's high rating is more deserved than that of several others.
If I were to nitpick details, I think this bike ultimately prefers its trails a bit stretched-out, wanting to pick a line and hold it (which it does with real tenacity) than change directions on a dime versus my RM Instinct. The Superlight is better uphill but gives up a bit downhill. The rear spring rate feels like it would integrate better with an air fork as opposed to coil/oil, which will actually be a real boon for those that want to keep things "superlight".
Great bike, and I'm really picky. This is in fact the only bike besides the one I bought (and therefore might be a bit biased towards, insofar as potential buyers should be aware) that I would give five chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Reagan
a Weekend Warrior
from Burbank
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Monica Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Johns (Burbank) | | Strengths: | As Listed by everyone | | Weaknesses: | ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? | | Similar Products Used: | I mainly researched different designs, 4-bar, I-drive, multi pivot with odd shock placement.Too many moving parts. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-vert Super,Hayes cable disc,all XT, Mavic rims with Tioga fatt66 down hill. | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for a bike with a basic design. I didn't even look at Santa Cruz during my research. Then I walked into Bicycle Johns (they will set it up anyway you like)I saw this bike on the rack. It was love at first sight and I new this was the bike for me. Then I saw the price(can you say GULP!).I know you get what you pay for and so now its mine. I set it up as a XC/Freeride.She weighs 30.5lbs(not light for a super) But in the old days I use to take my 40lb+ concrete and steel 5-speed Beach Cruzer out on the trails for hours on end,So she light to me.
Let me tell you one thing that knowone has coverd with this bike.Can you say to the moon. I can wheely this bike in every gear even at 40+mph,just hang my ass off the back end and she wants to fly. Its Amazing the control,the speed, I GO SO FAST MY EYES WATER. This is a fun bike!!!!!
The only thing that sucks about this bike is theres not enough hours in a day to ride. :-) ~~~0^o_____ | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$910.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Good Looks, simple design, 4" of travel, light weight | | Weaknesses: | difficult front Derailleur adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager Ti Lite | | Bike Setup: | SID XC, XTR/XT, CK wheels | | Bottom Line: | Just got the frame and built it up, only ridden on grass and pavement. Sweet and soft ride, can't wait to get it on a knarly trail when its a little dryer. I'm 190 lbs and I don't feel like I'm going to break this bike. I'll let you know if I do! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Frazier
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine, UT
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim, Moab, UT | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | handling
weight
component's spec'd | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | numerous | | Bike Setup: | standard specs, but with Marzoochi x-fly fork, monkey lite bar, selle italia flite saddle, Ouray (sp?) grips, and Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great climber, great descender, great on twisty singletrack. What's not to love about this bike?
Santa Cruz has got the geometry just right and has done a great job specifying components. Of course you'll want to select either the Marzoochi or the SID front fork, not the Judy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G money
a Cross Country Rider
from atl.
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | bull mt. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | climbing is a blast, hardly any movement in middle ring
bolting down hill is no problem ,so smooth,you can hardly
feel the bike under you. | | Weaknesses: | none found so far | | Similar Products Used: | any in its class | | Bike Setup: | xtr rear,mars elite,xt cranks, | | Bottom Line: | If your gonna spend 1,000 dont.Just wait and save another
grand and buy a real cross country,the weight, the strength
you wont find a better bike. It will be the last bike youll
buy for atleast the next 7 years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chip
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin TX USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop, Austin TX | | Strengths: | Light, quick, good handling, light, light! | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler X | | Bike Setup: | X-kit, RS SID, Fox Float, Chris King Headset, Terry Fly Seat, Hutchinson Python Light Tires | | Bottom Line: | Having owned a Snata Cruz before, I thought I knew what to expect with my Superlight. I knew it would be a strong climber and a good handler, but I was not prepared for how light it really is. It makes tight, twisty singletrack more fun than ever, and is a sure descender, even over rock ledges. The X kit part group is reliable if not spectacular.
The Superlight is an ideal bike for cross country riding, especially those who love to go fast over rough terrain. It is not suited for Clydesdale riders (180 lb.limit), or the freeride crowd, but if you don't classify as either of the above, this could be the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Dubi
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiara | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Fantasic ride. An FS that does not know its not a hard tail | | Weaknesses: | None to date | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Kaitai, HooKooEkoo, and parogon | | Bike Setup: | XT cranks, front and rear D and hubs.XTR brakes, mavic217 rims, Judysl forks.
| | Bottom Line: | This is my seventh bike in 3 years and definitely the best bike I have ever bought. Tried it on the roughest track in Kuala lumpur and it handles like a beauty. Despite the 26lb weight, climbs better than a hard tail and balance is perfect to take the technical rides. Downhill of course is superb. Only bike I'll ever ride fromnow on. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Evans
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Beach CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | all of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Company | | Strengths: | Kick ass frame. Simple pivot design, yet really good suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Non replaceable derailleur hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Trek 8500. Some others. | | Bike Setup: | All XT Drivetrain except for rear XTR derailleur. Marzocchi Z3 100 MM fork. Hayes Hyrdraulic. Rolf Dolomite Disk Wheels. Thomson Stem and Seatopost. Easton Carbon Fiber Handlebars | | Bottom Line: | If you are serious about biking and want one of the best bikes available, get this bike. Look at all of these reviews, everyone feels that the Superlight is the best full suspension X-country bike available. This bike gives you 4" of real travel. This bike goes uphill better than my Trek hardtail (8500) yet it weighs about 2 pounds more. A great value when you consider that other more expensive bikes are no better than the Santa Cruz (ie Intense, Ellsworth..) Plus if you get the anodized paint job, it looks great and is almost scratchproof. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J. L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Kernersville NC
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of Davidson River NC area | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Paceline Bicycles | | Strengths: | simple design/low maintenance/easy set-up/everything | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose ampII/mongoose 10.9 titanium hardtail/santa cruz bullit | | Bike Setup: | fox float r/marzocchi z2 xfly (80mm)/thompson stem & seatpost/raceface riser bars & bb/xt standard drive cranks, rear derl & shifters/xtr frnt derl/chris king hubs & headset/mavic 517 rims/14/15 db spokes | | Bottom Line: | I have to agree with all the previous write-ups on this bike. My hardtail weighs less but this bike feels lighter when riding. This is the best climbing bike I have ever been on & descends very well. This is the best compromise between a hardtail & a freestyle bike. Sell your house, buy a good tent, move to the mountains & ride every day | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat D'Innocenzo
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim @ Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2150.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bikes | | Strengths: | Light, Geometry, Looks | | Weaknesses: | Paint Durability | | Similar Products Used: | Many Hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Super X kit with Gripshift 9.0 | | Bottom Line: | This baby handles like a dream. It loves twisty challenging singletrack. Downhills are a blast. CAUTION: you can reach extremely high speeds on the descents! Wheels and tires will break loose Could lead to face plant. :(
The climbing is very nice due to its light weight and excellent weight distribution. I like my saddle all the way back on the rails. It does climb better with the rear shock locked-out or pumped-up hard.
The Superlight is a very nice bike for long rides. The telepathic handling along with the superb comfort keep the fatigue level to a bare minimum. It is so sweet that you will want to ride all day!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All Dirt, The Mountains in Park City & Deer Valley,UT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Peachtree Bikes | | Strengths: | Light, Efficient, Parts Spec., Handling, Climbing, Decending, etc. | | Weaknesses: | I broke the Easton Carbon Bar, but they (Easton) gave me a new one no questions asked. Pivot bolt came loose. Nothing some lock tight could not fix. Creaking Seat Post, fixed by some Phil Wood grease. Stock Rock Shox SID 100. Too noodly and did not hold air as well as my Z.1 X-Fly. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona MakoMako & Stinky, K2, Trek Fuel (Sweet Ride for only XC travel), Gary Fisher Joshua, GT STS | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z.1 X-Fly, Specialized Junk Saver (the saddle rules, I don't care what Zap says), Panaracer Pyro rear, IRC Back Country Front. Otherwise Super X Kit. | | Bottom Line: | I wish Santa Cruz would've had the Mavic F519 or Sun Rhino Lights as an option for my wheels. The Bontrager Valiants have held up but I'd feel safer on the previous 2.
I've had just under a year on this bike and have come to the conclusion that itis the best compromise in FS. Not as Plush as a linkage or Unified(while sitting), but it is lighter, and it still rides excellently. I think overall ride for going up and down is better than the 2 aforementioned suspension types. Not as many pivots too mess around with as with linkage. You can set it up plush or racy firm. Either way the bike is just fun to ride. The bigger the hit the happier it is. If you want the perfect trail bike and have got some pennies to throw down it would be hard to find a ride with as good a spec, that's both light and strong. Good Lifetime crash warranty for the original owner, re-paint is affordable too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Thomas
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City, MI
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | whatever I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclotopia, Corvallis, OR | | Strengths: | Super handling, light, plenty quick. Feel like I'm a better rider than I am. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | Atom 80 fork, mix of XT/LX/Cane Creek/Titec/Thomson/XC Fire Pro. 25lbs. Red anodized. | | Bottom Line: | A good thing this Santa Cruz. Unlike the Klein Mantra, I've not fallen off backwards on a steep, seated climb or had my foot removed from a pedal when the suspension is compressed while simultaniously smashing into a short stump. The SC geometry doesn't get confused when the shock compresses and the ride can be as plush/stiff as you like. All in all a Superbike in a world of flounders. 10 no make that 20 flamin' hot ones for this ride. XC riders/racers will love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robin
a Cross Country Rider
from Phildelphia
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Belmont Plateau (so far...) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2610.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Build quality, comfort, paint job, weight | | Weaknesses: | none found yet | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-2 XFly, Fox Float RC, XT all around, Chris king headset, Bontrager crowbar and stem, Selle Royale tranzam Flite saddle, Time Alium pedals, Mavic 517's w/ XT hubs, Bontrager Jones tires | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!
After riding few a few hours, I didn't even feel like I had been around the trails hardly at all - no fatigue! It just soaks up the bumps - still with enough feeling to know your on the trail though. You just steer it in any direction, and it just goes there! AND - I found that I am working more on the middle ring than the grannies as now!
Speedgoat were great - after talking to them a few times, I got the set up I wanted - Chris and Beth are the best!
My opinion - if you want a bike to last the rest of your life, then this is it - my only problem is I keep thinking about it when I'm not on it, it looks and rides that good!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | weight, component setup, suprisingly - durability | | Weaknesses: | frame - none
headset - comes loose constantly but i should upgrade it anyways | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, Klein Mantra | | Bike Setup: | super x kit w/ 0 deg., 100 stem | | Bottom Line: | after finally arriving i've had a blast on this bike. i was concerned about the weight limit and therefore flex and durability, but i've beat this bike and the only thing i've broken are my ribs. really quick and nimble on single track and lots of fun on the downhills. i have a long way to go to do this bike justice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Kansas
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat | | Strengths: | Every thing about this bike is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Zaskar LE, Trek junk, this is my first full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Z1CR, XTR, Race Face. | | Bottom Line: | I have an XL. I ordered a heckler because of the weight limit, but Santacruz said they were no longer making Heckler's, and the superlight is just as strong. I agree so far. I am 6'3 and 210lbs and the XL fist perfect. I just wish it came with the hecklers coilover shock. There is no need for a lock out. This bike so smooth on the down hills, i go faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Tri-Sport | | Strengths: | Light weight, good component spec, and geometry | | Weaknesses: | none found to date | | Similar Products Used: | Ibis Szazbo, VooDoo Bizango | | Bike Setup: | SID 100, Race Face Turbine LP carnks, 747 pedals, Ibis Ti bar and Stem, CT2 seatpost, 517/XT wheels, XT derailleurs and shifters, king headset | | Bottom Line: | I built the bike up from components I already had, and it may be a little better spec than stock, but not as good as a full XTR setup.
I must say that the light weight (24.5 lbs for my large)is the same as my racing hardtail. It rides great and I feel that it handles tight singletrack really well. I would recommend this bike to most anyone. I thought I would never race a full-suspension bike, but now I think I am a convert... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Frieder
a Cross Country Rider
from Larkspur, CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whatever I'm riding at the time | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Mill Valley Cycleworks | | Strengths: | Weight, handling, fit, price, and component spec. Everything works together to make for a great ride. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found one yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager Race. | | Bike Setup: | Super X setup from Santa Cruz, except I changed to Conti Explorer Pros (a super tire) and a Selle Italia Gel Flite. SID XC. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a blast to ride, particularly if your a cross country rider looking to move from a hardtail to a dual. I'm real impressed by the component spec at this price. I see no need to upgrade anything any time soon. I was also pleased to find this bike (the X) is now coming with the Fox Float RC rather than the R (although I've yet to really feel the need to use the lockout). Thanks to Mill Valley Cycleworks for all their assistance in answering my endless questions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Betts
a Cross Country Rider
from Alton, Hampshire, England
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | At the moment, QE Country Park, Hants | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Mountain Trax | | Strengths: | It's light, quick, has excellent handling, is perfectly balanced, very stable, very easy to set up and it fitted like a glove within an hour of getting on board for the first time, all in all - a fantastic confidence inspiring machine that just gets better and better the more I ride it! | | Weaknesses: | Kinda pricey, in the UK we buy the frame and rear shock at £1175 (approx $1750 US) and I went for all new bits, so ended up with a £2300 ($3450 US) bike. Best money I've ever spent, not a hint of remorse, so no weaknesses really. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bike was my trusty Kona Explosif that I bought back in 1990 (splattered paint number). | | Bike Setup: | Ano Blue; medium frame (I'm 5ft 10"); Fox RC rear shock (I weigh 140lbs and have found great traction, comfort and ride at 60psi in dry conditions); Pace EVO RC 36 forks (dry set up at 15psi); Mavic Crossrides; Panaracer XC Fire Pro; XT Group; USE Alien seatpost; WTB saddle; Profile carbon risers; WTB grips; Titec Big Al stem (10degree/120 mm);FSA Orbit headset. | | Bottom Line: | I shared the usual concerns about changing from hardtail to FS, especially from my brilliant hardtail Explosif, which is a great bike too. My concerns about weight, power loss, bobbing etc have been totally unfounded. The Superlight has everything that the Kona had(especially in the handling and speed stakes)and much more - in fact, it's a bit lighter too.
The handling is responsive and secure, I am sure the bike far exceeds my ability! The Pace forks especially are the business; now they have bedded in, they are plusher than a plush thing and match the frame perfectly for me.
XT group - great shifting, very good v-brakes and proving really reliable as per. Tyres - secure, except on loose gravel. Wheels - taken everything so far and stayed true.
I find myself going quicker down and up, I keep saying how secure the bike feels, downhill control is always there. Occaisional tarmac riding and the lockout on the rear shock turns it into a real hardtail for instant pedal response.
Mountain Trax were excellent too, they trawled the country for the forks (Pace had stopped production to make way for 2001 EVO 4's) and had the bike built up in a week. When I collected the bike, we spent about an hour testing different stems and stack heights, so great service.
My fiancee and I are flying out to Vancouver next Saturday (23rd Sept) for 3 weeks RV and biking cruise(with our bikes!) and really looking forward to checking out the trails of Western Canada. If anyone reads this review from there and would like to go out for a ride with a couple of cool Brits (!), e-mail us, this week! (tim@fclrom.com) It would be great to hear from you!
Bottom Line: It gives me big, big grins and has even made this reserved Englishman whoop out loud at terminal velocity...Outstanding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a
from Revelstoke B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any tight, twisty singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | High Country Cycle | | Strengths: | great climber, beautiful descender, handles like a slot car,
looks great, kicks butt over my previous bike | | Weaknesses: | never | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn Rocket 88 - Stage 2 | | Bike Setup: | Superlight frame (med. anodized) Marzocchi Z2 Bam, Race face
headset, Race Face 120mm Stem, Roox Riser bar, Avid Arch rival 50 brakes, Sram Attack shifters, LX frt. Derailer, XTR rear derailer, Race Face cranks, Mavic 517's laced to XT hubs DB spokes brass nipples, Panaracer Fire XC's, Bontrager Race Lite seat post with SDG saddle. | | Bottom Line: | When I put my leg over the bike after it was assembled I couldn't believe the way the bike felt. It was perfect! Everything felt just right. This bike is better then my dream bike (which was a Heckler) Never though that I would own one but now I do!!
Haven't had it long but the rides that I have had on it were on some of my favorite singletrack in the area. Does it ever do everything great!! Climbs...oh does it climb! I don't even use the lockout on the Fox shock, and haven't noticed any bob in the granny grunts either! And when it comes to pointing it down our single track descents I am gone! I swear I am going alot quicker because of the way this bike handles. It just rails through the trails.
All I can sum it up as is its the best damn bike you'll ever own!!! Theres just not enough flamin chilis to rate this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from g'ville, sc
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | it lies in pisgah(nc) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | SunshineCycles | | Strengths: | light,fast,hellofa climbing machin',lot's of fun going down the hill | | Weaknesses: | chainstay protector weak, custom paint would be swanky | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | school bus yellow frame, time pedals and yeti grips; gold king/racelites; thomson setback post(sweet) | | Bottom Line: | I go through the garage to take out the trash, check the mail, and to walk around in circles looking at the best ride I could have ever dreamed up picturing my next drop-off or my next puker hill climb. You cannot buy a bike this stellar for this price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Walnut Creek
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Split Rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Encina Cycles | | Strengths: | LIGHT, quick, geometry. | | Weaknesses: | Slight rattle in the shifter pods (duck tape) | | Similar Products Used: | FSR XC Pro, Gary Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Panracer Fire XC, Stock | | Bottom Line: | My first full suspension...and this bike has exceed all my expectations. Climbing, downhill, tight single track, whatever; This bike rocks! Did I mention this thing is light??? Geometry is perfect. BB height is great. And so far, low maintenance. After 3 months of fairly hard riding, I've had to do nothing except lube the chain and tighten the headset. Everything feels dead on and dialed in. This was the best $2250 I've ever spent!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Tittle
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Mtn/Tucson | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | ABE in Tucson | | Strengths: | Low Maint. Design
Parts Spec for cost
Not everybody riding one! | | Weaknesses: | Cost
| | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Super X pkg w/ Marzocchi Z-3 Bam | | Bottom Line: | Yeah it's light. Yeah it's expensive.
To me, this bike gave the most bang for the buck. Check out the reviews for the Specialized FSR Pro. Nearly everyone immediately swaps out the house brand stuff and that is on a bike that costs the same, not because they are techno geeks, but because the stuff blows.
Thing's I've noticed:
Real "twitchy" front end. Not enough to make you regret it, but it requires a learning curve and some playing w/ the stem height/length etc. Requires a very aggressive climing style on the steep, loose AZ trails.
Very comfortable riding position.
Excellent on tight/technical singletrack. This must have been what they were shooting for when they designed this bike.
Not much flex given the weight in my opinion (I go 190lbs)
Wheelset is awesome. I beat the snot out of it and it hasn't tweaked yet!
Requires attention to pivot mounts. Will come loose, but you'll know it from the noise. Tighten and forget about it for four or five rides.
Hauls @$$ on the downhills.
Climbs very good on uphills if you stay aggressive and watch body position.
Occasional ghost shift when suspension is being worked hard, so what.
Everyone who plunks down this kind of money is going to think they got a great value, regardless of the bike. They have to. It would keep us awake at night if we didn't. However, I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to make the move to FS. I was a little worried about the 225lb weight limit, but I've put those fears to rest. AZ dishes out harsh terrain and I am comfortable this bike will handle the abuse despite my large size. Go buy one.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Mountain View CA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Henry Coe | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Perfect Geometry
Perfect Component Spec
Low Maintenance Design
Great Value | | Weaknesses: | Nothing to speak of | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/flat bars | | Bottom Line: | I wrote a review after only 3 months, so it seemed worth updating at 7 months. The answer is the same - it's hard to imagine how the Santa Cruz kids could have make a better bike. The handling was the biggest surprise - I thought my old hardtail was as good as it gets - not true. Both low speed (tight hairpins) and high speed (fireroad) handling is nothing short of amazing. As well, it's hard to imagine how the component spec could be better. As Mountain Bike magazine noted, it's a very impressive spec for the price. Overall, it's hard to imagine why one would buy anything else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a p
a Cross Country Rider
from ny
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | light,great spec. use it to go up b/c it can really climd and then use it to go right back down b/c it can descend even better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | riser bar gives the front end a tendency to pop up at the wrong time when climbing technically. Would have been nice to have the logos painted on instead of stickers. You also have to wait 10 weeks to get it. | | Similar Products Used: | giant | | Bike Setup: | stock superlight X w/ Float RC | | Bottom Line: | Incredible value for the buck. You can not go wrong with this bike and its spec. It combines the best of a hard tail bike with the benefits of suspension. The suspensison is present but never over active. The new trend towards minimal travel suspension bicycles made by by trek, klein and gary fisher is already dead b/c of this bike. If you need a bike that is fast uphill and can take a hit when descending with comfort to spare, this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | I actually have been on this machine for about 5 months, but that's not an option on the drop down menu.
Light Weight
Suspension Action
Great Component Spec
Nice Handling Traits
Lock Out (I finally used it a Blue Ridge aka the wall)
| | Weaknesses: | Flex in the bottom bracket (I don't notice until I honk on the pedals)
My legs
Lock Tight on Pivit Bolt came undone (easy fix at shop) | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher Joshua, Proflex, Kona FS | | Bike Setup: | Standard Super X, except Marzocchi Z.1, and Body Geometry Sport (Good for my unmentionables), and Fox Vanilla RC, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1. | | Bottom Line: | I love my Bike. As soon as my legs catch up with it, I'll really be cooking. I like going down. I go up if I have to. This ride is the best solution. Goes up well, goes down great. You can hang it out. If you like to lean this is your machine. Worth the $$ if you got it. I won't be switching for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KP
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anyone that I'm riding | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | weight, ride, handling, color choice, full Shimano drivetrain | | Weaknesses: | Flex in the BB area, Easton Seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | FSRxc | | Bike Setup: | Standard Superlight-X with Thomson seatpost, Kore stem and Yeti Lock-on grips | | Bottom Line: | BACKGROUND – 5’11, 190lb rider. Spent the last two years on an 18” Stumpy. Ride XC for fun. Wanted a dually since I moved to Austin TX where the rocks beat the crap out of you, and it was time to reward myself, anyways. My goal was to get a bike that fit similar to my stumpy, was no more that 1.5lbs heavier, cost less than $2500, didn’t bob noticeably while riding, enough travel to make the ride comfortable, and had a geometry that worked well for tight singletrack. I looked at several bikes, and I ended up narrowing it down to the FSR XC Pro and the Superlight X. The Superlight X won because I liked the fit better and I thought it was a better value. Surprisingly (to me anyway), the Superlight fit much more like my Stumpjumper that the Specialized FSR XC did.
FIT – Depending on your perspective, the Superlight either has a short top tube or a long seat post tube. I wanted to keep the same reach I had on the Stumpy, but with a shorter stem to put my weight further behind the front wheel. I went with the Large, which accomplished that goal nicely. However, I only have about 6” of seat post exposed on this frame. Not a problem, but something to keep in mind. I also went with the Easton Lo-rise bar. This - combined with the longish headtube, 80mm fork and 10d stem put me in a position that was too upright. I swapped the stem to a 0d and the feel of the bike changed dramatically.
PARTS – For me, the parts kit on the X was perfect. I was leery about the SID XC, but it has proven to be a wonderful fork so far – light, plush, fairly stiff - extremely pleased. The 9-speed stuff is ok, but I do get inteference between the chain and the big ring's shift pins when in the middle ring / small cog combo. XT derailleur and cassette, LX cranks and shifters – good combo. Works well once you get everything dialed in. The HollowTech cranks are amazingly light – and they look cool, too. Plus, nothing shifts better than Shimano... The wheelset is a thing of beauty – hand built, Valiants laced to XT/White hubs. Very light, very stiff - they've held up well, especially given my weight and the rocky terrain I ride. I ditched the AME grips for some Yeti Lock-ons – personal preference.
The only problems that I’ve had are with seatpost. The Easton EA70 post is just plain bad. I could not get the thing to hold my seat in place regardless of the amount of torque I put on the bolts. The seatpost is the last part of a bike that should give you trouble. I ditched the easton and replaced it with a Thomson and all is right with the world.
RIDE – Exactly what I wanted. The bike rides like a hardtail until you hit something, and then it becomes a full suspension. It’s light and accelerates extremely well. Little to no bobbing. There is some pedal feedback in the granny gear - not a lot but it does take a while to get used to. The frame is stiff and it tracks well through the turns. There is flex in the BB area, and that contributes to the chain interference mentioned above.
The handling is great - the bike is stable and quick and goes where you point it without hesitation. It handles tight singletrack very well - especially after I went with the flat stem. It climbs very well, too.
PURCHASE PROCESS – Bought the bike from Charles Coker at HammerHead Bikes. Excellent price, excellent service. He got the bike in and gave me a call and scheduled a time for me to come over and watch him build it up. He then took a couple of hours to do a ride with me to make sure everything was working. Great experience buying from Charles, and I’d recommend him to anyone.
BOTTOM LINE – I ended up well below my $2500 limit on a bike that is actually slightly lighter than the hardtail. (total weight is around 25lbs) The bike rides wonderfully well, has an excellent parts kit, it nice looking and a blast to ride. I’m very happy with my purchase.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Creek-Mountaintown | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light. Long travel. Climbs great. Great Warranty. | | Weaknesses: | None Really. My Pivot bolt came loose. Shop stuck some Red Lock Tight on it. Seems to have fixed it. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua, Kona Mako Mako, | | Bike Setup: | Super X Kit, Avid Arch Rival 50, SID 100 (Soon to be Marzocchi Z.1 BAM). | | Bottom Line: | Rides Great, Climbs just as well. I think I'll be going even faster downhill when my SID 100 is replaced with a Z.1 BAM. I'm gonna suck it up and add the extra pound or so. I'll still only be at 26 pounds or so. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a
from mpls
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Strong reviews, great kit for the $ (no OEM stuff like Specialized, Klien, etc), weight. | | Weaknesses: | The intangibles, like say the fact that the bike has been on order forever and is, therefore, intangible. | | Similar Products Used: | Real, material, existant mountain bikes. | | Bike Setup: | super x kit, supposedly. Curious to see if the bike arrives with the promised parts. | | Bottom Line: | 9 long weeks (and counting) of waiting for this thing affords lots of time to wonder about other bike manufacturers, especially ones that sell direct or online. I'm at the mercy of my LBS, their dealer, and the "in-training" kid inevitably putting it together. Pardon the bitterness. Soon it will be July, without my bike. Two months after that it will snow, again.
4 hot ones cuz my feet are still on the ground. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Olson
a Racer
from Capistrano Beach, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rock It! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This bike is light! Great climbing, killer downhiller - just point and shoot. The wide gear range assures you of being able to climb just about anything. It's truly amazing how well this bike tracks & absorbs. Has saved my sorry okole several times after getting into some sketchy stuff on the downhills. You truly can't appreciate this bike until you get it off road. Marvelous bike! All I added was a lizard skin to keep the chain honest. | | Weaknesses: | A little bobbing in the granny gears. I usually just stay seated. Even coming off the saddle gives me plenty of bite on most trails. | | Similar Products Used: | GT XCR 1000 w/ I drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Like everyone else, I love this bike. As I said above, this bike has saved me from several otherwise accidents. Something the wife is happy about... You already know what I'm going to rate it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern CA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Just a great all-around bike and an amazing value to boot. The steering is great and the suspension, both front and rear, works very well. The Super-X component package couldn't be better. One pleasant surprise is the nine speed drivetrain - not even a hint of chainsuck while riding in some really awful chainsuck conditions. The new 22x34 gear is great for those ridiculously steep pitches, and the 32x34 allows one to spent a lot more time in the middle chainring. | | Weaknesses: | A couple of ties will be needed to keep the rear brake cable (from the frame to the caliper) out of the way. A padded chainstay protector (under the chainstay) will be needed to quiet chainslap when going downhill in the large chainring. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I can't compare the bike to others, but I think the five bike review in a recent Mountain Bike issue was very fair. The suspension is both simple and effective, so there is no more maintenance than with my old hardtail. The steering was the biggest surprise - the Superlight does both tight hairpins and fast downhill much better than any other bike I've ridden - things I thought would be mutually exclusive. The Superlight-X comes with the Fox Float-R, so there is no lockout. That concerned me when I was buying the bike, but it hasn't been a problem - I have yet to find a situation where I would use it. The weight for my large size bike came in under 24.5 lbs without pedals - just as advertised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicestershire,England
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Karrimor at Coed y Brenin - Wales | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | So responsive,rides very light,Quality build,feels just right and comfortable but is very manouvrable. | | Weaknesses: | Slight chainslap but comes with a rubber protector which cures this.Cant think of anything else! | | Similar Products Used: | Marin mount vision | | Bike Setup: | XT 8 speed,Hope susp front on Mavic 517's,SID 2000 XC's,USE Alien seatpost(mmm!),Race face bars,Ritchey pro stem,Flite,IRC Mythos kevlar,25lbs(rides like 23) | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bike you will ever ride - its worth buying quality parts for it - I had PACE RC36's on for a while but they're too heavy and dont do it justice.The chainslap is very minor and easily cured so dont worry about it!
I've ridden quality hardtails and full sussers and this blows the pants off them all - you wont find anything so responsive - this combined with its overall light weight and the fact it never feels its weight at any point of riding make it the best - Spend the cash you wont regret it!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Mobile, Al
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | The bike is very light weight. It has a great component spec. Fair price for what you get in return. A lot of fun to ride. | | Weaknesses: | The only weakness I have experienced is not really Santa Cruz's fault. The SID XC was defective and the travel was not adjustable to the longer travel form. So the fork had to be sent back. Now I am without my new bike a week. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR XC and Enduro Pro
Klein Mantra Race
Fisher Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Super-X build kit with XTR rear and Gripshift Plasma shifters. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is a great ride. It offers a fair amount of travel without a huge weight penalty. The bike has an infinitely adjustable suspension so it can be run soft for trail riding or squelched high for racing. It is a great all around performer judging from the situations I've had it in thus far. The frame work is beautiful and so is the bike in general. The bike definitely makes me feel more confident in rougher sections. As with any good dual suspension it doesn't beat you to death. So for the money, the weight, the performance what more could you ask for? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
allister blanco
a Cross Country Rider
from atlanta, ga
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em, bear creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, Quality Spec, Big Bump Compliance, Good handling without being too quick on the steering. | | Weaknesses: | None Yet. Shimano LX OGD broke on 1st ride, but that's shimano's fault. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Y, Kona Mako Mako, K2/Proflex | | Bike Setup: | Orange frame, with Super X kit, SID 100 front and Fox Vanilla RC rear. | | Bottom Line: | I've gotten about a month in on this ride. I like it. Climbs great (have not used the lock out yet), Descends better. Big Hits go away underneath you as you feel the flow (as the Kona guys say). The component Spec is amazing for the money. If you read all the mags you'll notice it's everybody's favorite bike. $2700.00 was alot to swallow, but I'm happy, and so's my bike shop. 5 chillis all around. Do you know many sub 25 pound bikes that sport 4 inches front and rear? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Proven frame design,fox rc added bonus.Cnc machining and tig welds top notch.Total weight of frame and fox rc 5lbs | | Weaknesses: | Frame has no hydraulic line mounts | | Similar Products Used: | 99 jamis eldiablo | | Bike Setup: | Mavic cross max dics,hayes dics,race face next lp carbon ti b.b.cane creek S5 HS .Easton carbon bar,Thompson post,XTR shifters and derailers,XMO air 24.3lbs | | Bottom Line: | Light and nimble,I will review later after more saddle time | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brad breese
a Cross Country Rider
from pontoon beach, il
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | oak mountain state park, al | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | lightweight at 24+ pounds for med w/super x kit (lx/xt)
simple, low-maintenance single pivot design that doesn't
bob in the middle or big rings
good spec w/ea-70 post, ct-2 bar, titec big al stem, lx
shifters and cranks, avid 2.0 levers and ad25 brakes,
white brothers f/hub w/valiant rims, xt r/hub and cassette
ti rail saddle, 110 gm tubes, and sid xc. | | Weaknesses: | slight bob in granny gear unless you spin smoothly or have
the float rc w/lockout, but i have the rc and never lock
out the shock unless i'm on the road and need the granny. | | Similar Products Used: | gt lts, xcr 2000, trek y-bikes, mountain cycle san andreas,
specialized fsr comp - all test ridden or borrowed. | | Bike Setup: | stock super x kit except hugi comp r/hub w/wtb speedmaster
rim, and time atac carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | awesome ride. the bike is lighter than my zaskar hardtail, and much more comfortable. the suspension is well balanced and gives you nearly 4" of travel in the rear. this bike just plain feels faster than anything else, and the new lx hollow cranks are much stiffer than their predecessors. when you consider the light weight of the bike and 4" travel rear and 3" front, you have to consider the santa cruz sl if your in the market for a fs xc rig, a bit pricey at $2200, but you can also get a heckler w/the same kit for about $300-400 less and about 1.5 lbs heavier. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Langer Danger
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheney, WA USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Minihaha | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | 1) *Super* lightweight (23.5 pound Medium)
2) Extremely well-balanced: both up & down the mountain.
3) It's tough looks - natural anodized orange simply rocks. | | Weaknesses: | Could be a tiny bit more plush up front; however, increasing the psi may just be the ticket the negate this minor inconvenience. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll 900SL, Klein Mantra Comp, Specialized FSR comp, Rocky Mountain Instinct, K2 Razorback | | Bike Setup: | Superlight XL stock setup. We'll see about upgrades and exchanges later. | | Bottom Line: | You can tell from the Similar Products Used textbox that I have done my homework. The bikes listed were the culmination of one full year of research. After testing each one out I must say I was a bit torn between the Cannondale Jekyll 900SL and the Superlight. The deciding factors: 1) The Jekyll is new. Many things can happen to new bikes. 2) The Jekyll's colors (blue and *lots* of yellow) are flashy and obnoxious. 3) The Jekyll is a tad too active: I opt for more of a hardtail-feel. 4) The Superlight colors and feel are more down-to-earth; in other words, STURDY, SOLID. And also, the Superlight has been proven to stand up to the test of time, which is carries weight.
If you are thinking about buying a lightweight full-suspension bike, definitely consider the Superlight. But, don't take my word for it: ride all the bikes you can and pick the one that feels the best.
Finally, I hope my review can help you get an overall assessment of the Superlight.
All the best luck in finding the bike you've been dreamin' of,
Langer | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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