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Santa Cruz
2000 Superlight XTR
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Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Homebuilt | | Strengths: | This is a solid performer, with excellent geometry. Handling is crisp and quick, without feeling twitchy. Although it has a lock-out on the shock, it rarely gets used as there isn't too much pedal feedback. Descents in all kinds of terrain are awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of one. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Cannondale Jekyl, Yeti ASR, K2 Attack, K2 Zed X, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Fox Forx 100 RLC, Chris King Headset, Hope Mini Disc Brakes, XTR Drive train, MonkeyLite 3/4 Rise bar, Time ATAC Pedals, Mavic CrossMax UST Wheels / Kenda Tires, RaceFace XY Seat Post, RaceFace Stem. A sweet ride. | | Bottom Line: | This bike will not disappoint any cross country rider that doesn't mind trading a little weight and a small amount of pedaling efficiency for a superior and comfortable ride. The Superlight seems to do everything really well, and gives the rider (me) greater confidence to tackle technical sections of the trail that before would have caused a little concern. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary White
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Springs Trail, Marin, Ca | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Surgery, London, UK | | Strengths: | The best XC bike there is? The handling is still probably the best of any XS full suspension bike. Its climbing and acceleration are superb, there's little or no 'bobbing' under load and shifting is as a sharp as a hartail. The aggressive geometry make this a very chuckable bike and manoeuvrablity out of the saddle is unsurpassed.And it is very light! It's good downhill too. | | Weaknesses: | None - bar price. Maybe a replacable rear mech hanger? | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Trek-Y, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Built up from frame (medium, 2000 model): Hope XC hubs with Mavic X618 rims, Marzocchi X-Fly 100 forks (2000 model), XTR shifters and mechs, Hope C2 disk brakes, Race Face Turbine LP ISIS cranks & 44-32-22 rings, Race Face System stem, Easton carbon seatpost and bar, Koobi saddle, Panaracer 1.95 Trailblaster tyres, Shimano M858 pedals | | Bottom Line: | Took it all over central and northern California last year. Did 500 miles off -road in 3 weeks - extreme XC riding - not a single problem! This is a lovely piece of engineering. Very strong and well-made. Expensive to build up with good spec but will make you smile time and time again. You don't really need that new car after all, do you? | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RLX88
a Cross Country Rider
from Suisun City, CA. USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockville (Rock Garden) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Built from the frame up. | | Strengths: | Excellent tech. support, Elevated chain stays (no chain slap), ultra plushness. Great product & Price. Single pivot for low maintenance. Min. BOB | | Weaknesses: | I have the anodized finish, but have heard that the decals wear on the painted version. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Litespeed | | Bike Setup: | XTR shifter/brake, 8spd. ti cassette, Chris king headset & hubs, Monkey lite carbon bar, Mavic 517, Thomson stem & seatpost, WTB sst 98 saddle, OURY grips, Raceface splined cranks/BB, XTR v-brakes, Cateye enduro 2, IRC mythos, Marzocchi Atom 80. | | Bottom Line: | 25 lbs. full-suspension bike, that climbs and decends fast. It has made me a better rider and easier on the back.
Handles great all around. I thought my Ti Litespeed was the bike (since I was a big fan on Hardtails only). But the SC superlite has changed my mind.
I love this bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from jersey, usa
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | skyline dr. ringwood | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$795.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I bought this bike on employee purchase...frame only...so dont get your hopes up about the price...it retails for a lot more...anyway this is my first FSXC bike after moving of my hardtail...it is amazing the difference 4 in. of rear travel make...it climbs well...i have lockout on the rear...its definitely worth the xtra 50$...and the decents are smooth...i've done some serious downhills on this i couldnt even touch on a hardtail... | | Weaknesses: | no replaceable derailleur hangers....just dont break 'em | | Similar Products Used: | nothign is similar to this...it is one of a kind... | | Bike Setup: | custom build...xt/xtr mix...xt/517 wheelset...avid 40s...selle italia saddle...wtb enduros(terrible in mud!!great everywhere else)...515 pedals...Mars up front...Float RC in the rear...
yeti hardcore grips... | | Bottom Line: | this bike rules...but it is a complex machine and must be cared for...if you need a major confidence builder on the trails...this bike is for you...especially on the downhills...dont buy this bike if your looking for a real "superlight" racer...the only way you get it to sc's 22 lbs is buy full xtr with racelight wheels...but if you build it so frail...it can handle the big stuff... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Racer
from Aylmer,PQ.Canada.
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerline,Red Cross,The Gats. | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Oh so sweet.She's light,She climbs as well as my hardtail and takes care of my back and butt! | | Weaknesses: | Because of the rear end she's hard to mount on a hitch rack.
| | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale cadd4 full XTR,Sugar3. | | Bike Setup: | Here we go,ando blue frame,ct2 bar,Thomson stem & post,XTR brakes,shifters,derailers.Raceface head set crank & rings,Time pedals,Sram chain,Cane Creek Wam yellow wheelset,S.I. pro link seat.25LBS | | Bottom Line: | I've taken this bike all over the place and she never let me down.I rode very hard in moab,Fruita,The Rockies,without even an ajustment.I've raced in 24HRS. races where I did'nt even have time to clean her and she never skipped a beat.Where ever I go people always comment on my Santa Cruz and how they want one.KEEP IT LOCKED.
The bottom line is if you are looking for a great bike that you can trail ride and race the same day go for this bike.
remember if things get smooth you can always lock out the rear.....I never do. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anderson Truck trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lightness, Comfort, everything | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed Obed, GT and some other hardtails | | Bike Setup: | everything | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sick, it seems that everyone is in agreement with the exception of a few people. This is my first full suspension bike and I was skeptical of loosing efficiency, climbing agility and weight gain. This bike shattered all those and any other myths of why you shouldn't get a full suspension bike. The first day I got this bike we went out to Noble Creek Canyon which has some rocky technical trails and this bike out-performed any bike I had ever riden.
My suggestion if you don't already have one and are thinking about purchasing one, quit sitting around and go get one even if you have to rob the QuickyMart or an old lady.
I only wish they had more chilis to give out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Glossop Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Stif UK | | Strengths: | Reputation, light weight, looks a babe! | | Weaknesses: | Getting common, even in England. | | Similar Products Used: | First full susser. Old bike was a hardtail - Mountain Goat Mudslinger (sex on two wheels!) | | Bike Setup: | Easton post, bars and stem, Sid SL, Hope Disks, Koobi Saddle(like an armchair!) ATAC pedals and XTR components | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is, I'm not that keen on this bike. In less than a year it needed new bearings, now six months later they are creaking again. Took me an age to set up a good riding position, the front end was lifting on technical climbs. The gear shifting isn't precise, it's XTR with Gore-tex cables but it's not as sharp as my hold 8-speed XT, I'm not convinced about the cable routing.
It may be up there with the 'best' FS bikes and it doesn't do anything badly wrong, but it has no soul. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AARON STURGES-MELBY
a Racer
from SANTTA MARIA,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | NOBLE CANYON, SAN DIEGO | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | CAMBRIA BICYCLE OUTFITTERS | | Strengths: | LIGHT WEIGHT AND PLUSH | | Similar Products Used: | LANDSHARK SOFTTAIL | | Bike Setup: | XTR BRAKES, DER, COOK BROS CRANKS, RACE FACE BB, KING WHEELS,SPEEDPLAY, MARS CL, SACHS SHIFTERS, KORE POST & STEM | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS THE REASON IVE WAITED SOOOOO LONG TO BUY A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE. I WAS ALWAYS WORRIED ABOUT PIVOTS AND BUSHINGS WEARING OUT. WITH CARTRIGE BERINGS AND ONE PIVOT IT CANT GET ANY BETTER. WHILE CLIMBING ON THE ROAD TO THE TRAIL I CAN LOCK OUT THE SHOCKS AND IT IS A HARDTAIL, WHEN THE TRAIL GOES UP CAN YOU SAY PLUSH. I REALLY HELPS WITH THE ROCKS AND KEEPING THE REAR WHEEL ON THE GROUND. IM GLAD THAT I WAITED. I AM A ROADIE AND RACE IN CRITS, SO IM USED TO INSTANT RIDER INPUT NO SAGGING WAGGING SLOPPY SUSPENSION. THIS IS THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Bold
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angles, CA
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Hummingbird | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2235.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR | | Strengths: | Really versatile and fun to ride in any condition. Great craftsmanship. I still look at it just sitting there in my living room all pretty and stuff. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | spec. m4 | | Bike Setup: | XTR, XT cranks, Propels, Mars C | | Bottom Line: | You live once might as well ride the best bikes out there. The Superlight is one of those bikes. I am sure glad I traded in my Cannondale F500. I can't ever imagine me going back to a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keijiro Ikebe
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Stan's Bicycles | | Strengths: | - Speed: Climbs fast, and descend even faster
- Reliability: haven't had a single problem with the suspension. The mono-pivot design requires no maintenance.
- Weight: sub-24lbs...and it can easily lose another pound or two with enough money.
- Looks: Anodized frame with laser engraved graphic...can't get better than that.
- Value: $2300 for anodized frame, full XT drivetrain, and none of those cheap in-house brand parts (think Specialized). | | Weaknesses: | - None for my style of riding. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full-suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Rolf Propel wheels, SID XC, Fox Float RC (w/lock out), Avid Mag brakes, Python Air Light tires, Body Geometry saddle, Easton CT2 handlebar & seat post, Chris King headset, Azonic stem, Shimano 747 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Before I comment on my bike, let me first describe its engine: I'm 5'8" and 135lbs. I like to stay seated when climbing, and I have smooth pedal stroke. Long climb is my strength, and rough descent is my weakness. That being said, the Superlight is the perfect bike for me. Its lightweight construction compliments my climbing, and its plush rear suspension compensates for my weak downhill skills.
Magazines often describes mono-pivot suspension design as inefficient, outdated, and so on...but the bike works great for me. The slight suspension movement during the climb significantly increases the rear tire traction, and I have much greater control on technical climbs compared to HT. Even on the long, smooth uphills, I never notice any pedal-induced bobbing. Needless to say, I never lock-out my shock during the climbs.
Superlight is a great bike, and I think anyone looking to buy FS XC bike should try this bike out. It's fast going both up & down, and it's rock-solid reliability means you'll spend more time riding and less time fixing the bike. If you ride like me, you'll love the Superlight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | What they all said... Light, Tight and oh so Right! Not that it matters that much, but people dig it. | | Weaknesses: | I have been pounding it hard for about 9 months and none have surfaced yet. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Full XT and XTR, Hayes disks, monkey light riser, Thompson cockpit, Sid XC, The Flaot RC, Time clipless. | | Bottom Line: | The bike gets better every ride. When winter hit, I had Fox Float problems, but Fox fixed it. My fork is set for 80mm of travel, which seems to balance the bike real well with the rear. Riding position is forgiving, allowing for longer rides. The bike handles technical trails well, and makes for easy lofting of the front wheel when needed. Braking bumps are no problem as the tires stay hooked up. Climbing is where I have been surprised the most. The rear hooks up on rough climbs, allowing me to actually clumb better. The control and ride are unmatched. Don't buy one, because I like having a unique bike that can blow your wheels off! :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Big Sycamore | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Craftmanship, design, simplicity. | | Weaknesses: | Fox vanilla rc shock | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR comp 1998 | | Bike Setup: | Full xtr with Bomber X-fly 100, Fox float rc, shimano 858 pedals. Monkey lite bar Mavic 517 rims. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is great. Light and nimble. No pivot noise or squeaks . Tracks super straight. I did blow the Fox vanilla rc shock though. I can't blame that on Santa Cruz. Don't believe Fox when they say they will have your shock repaired and in the mail within 48hrs after they receive it. The bomber fork is endless on adjustment, air pressure and rebound speed. I plan on riding this bike for a long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike pack
a Cross Country Rider
from Arizona
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Adventure Bikes | | Strengths: | You know by now, single pivot, lightweight, chicks dig it... | | Weaknesses: | puked rear Float RC within 3 weeks. Don't know the details yet as it is at the shop. I figure that is a Fox issue.
You'll have people want to talk to you about your bike. I feel like I just bought a Harley. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Full XT with easton monkey lite riser bar, easton 50 stem, XTR wheelset w/bontrager rims, Psylo SL, yada, yada | | Bottom Line: | I wanted a Santa Cruz two years ago when my back started giving me fits on long rides. The terrain out here in Arizona can be pretty brutal at times when you have a fractured vertebrea. I just couldn't afford the price tag without some type of illegal second job. Two years later I pulled the trigger. The sticker shock lasted only till the first ride. Back troubles are a thing of the past. Riding is actually fun again. It is worth every last penny. I loved to climb on my hardtail and felt I was going to have to dismount more with this rig. Couldn't have been more wrong.
If you are getting older and finding more popping sounds each morning, do yourself a favor and spend the extra money. You'll feel born again, only faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MD
a Downhiller
from Spokane/New Orleans
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Nelson, B.C.'s THE VEIN | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | North Division Bicycles | | Strengths: | Absolutely solid bike. It can handle anything you give it, a spectacular cross country bike but in my opinion a excellent downhill bike if you add the proper components. The RC Float lockout is perfect and perfectly designed for this bike. The finish, design, and welding on it are first rate. Santa Cruz itself is worth the buy because its a place where even the President of the company will email you and ask you if everything is okay. | | Weaknesses: | One major problem that needs to be addressed by Santa Cruz and hopefully the 2001 model will address it is the bottom pivot point. Two nuts handle the pivot point and they are okay for cross country but if you do any down hilling on this bike then I would immediately buy the heaviest nuts you can find. If you take a large hit then you might break the nuts thus causing the rear triangle to rub against the frame and severely weakening the frame itself. I didn't notice the break until after a very long 20 mile downhill on Devil Gultch in Washington. When I finally noticed it the frame was really beat up. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit, KHS, Gary Fisher, Specialized. | | Bike Setup: | Marzockki Z1 XFly, Thompson Seat post, Hayes Disc brakes, Shram 9.0 Betsy shifters, Race Face Carbon cranks, Time ATAC pedals, Chris King bottom bracket, Chris King hubs, Chris King headset, Tioga tires, Axiom titanium stem, Roox handlebars among crap. | | Bottom Line: | A tad expensive but well worth the product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Helvellyn, Cumbria | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Im looking for a new toy and this is the best full sus xc bike I've ridden so far.
It's amazingly stiff when you put power through the cranks and does'nt bob at all compared to some bikes I've demoed.Climbs surprisingly well and sprints as well as my current hardtail. Really comfortable in the rough stuff.
It is light,light,light.The demonstrator I rode had the creme of the component crop on it and weighed in at 23.5lb!!
I'm gobsmacked. | | Weaknesses: | only my willpower,Im sold... Visa?? | | Similar Products Used: | marin/whyte, cannondale, trek and klein.all xc full sus. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz superlight sl-a (anodised) xtr mavic rims sid sl forks king headset | | Bottom Line: | Ok, I only tested this bike on a short ride but I was seriously impressed but you can feel the potential as soon as you step over it.I cant wait to take mine for a proper ride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JC Guerra
a Cross Country Rider
from Saltillo, Coah, Mexico
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the Mexican Sierra Madre | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Light, than again everyone here had mention that already!,
simple to maintain, climbs like a hard tail | | Weaknesses: | I canot fit the frame on my current "Bones" Trunk rack, its about time I got a roof rack anyway... besides that, everything else is perfect! | | Similar Products Used: | none, its on a league of its own | | Bike Setup: | XTR all the way around, Mavic X-221's (these suck, as soon as I recover from the $2700.00 I'll upgrade on these)Ritchey stem and bar and seat poast, Velociraptor Tires ( I like these)Cane Creek HS. and a Selle Italia Titanium saddle. ohh! and a Rockshox SID SL and a fox float RC(w/lockout) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is what I never dream it could be, I never knew that bikes in general could have such great control over the road, when reviewers mentioned "keeping a line" I didn't know what they meant...thank God and my money for this bike!, now I know what y'all are talking about. For those of you who mentioned the weight limit factor, I am 200 lbs and this bike takes my weight with out loosing its advantages, even the front RS SID SL does not flex that much for my taste like other reviewers of this fork mentioned, If you can afford it, listen to these guys. By the way its geometry is great, it makes one out of you and the bike! did I say it was light? yup... I did up there. If you are thinking of going to full suspension but are afraid it will change your climbing or take away your effort, look no further! this is it, and it obviously does what its supposed to do on downhills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ USA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | National Trail / South Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3600.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Showcase | | Strengths: | So light...so fast...so pretty.... | | Weaknesses: | The seat. I switched it out for a Prolink and the hiney is much happier. | | Similar Products Used: | GT RTS-1 | | Bike Setup: | XTR, SID SL, Fox Float RC, Easton EA-70 stem, Avid Single Digit Mag, Time ATAC........ | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dream. Uphill...downhill....makes no difference...this thing is a rocket. She is so light that climbing is a breeze and so plush that downhills are a dream. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none. I can honestly say that I would not trade it for ANY other bike out there. If you're thinking of picking one up, just do it....you won't regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DJC
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Fe, NM, USA
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | No way | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | How really light it is. This bike makes what used to be
tough climbs on my hardtail much easier with greater control. | | Weaknesses: | None to date. | | Bike Setup: | SID SL, Fox Float w/ lockout, Full XTR | | Bottom Line: | I ride with a level of confidence like never before. Downhills are taken much faster and ascents are not what
they used to be. This bike climbs with ease. I highly recommend this bike to any serious rider that rides 3 to 4 plus times a week. I am in my fourties and can't get out enough even at 4 times a week. I look forward to every ride
on this animal like never before. If it were an animal - Gazelle - would be fitting.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, Ca
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Wouldn't you like to know | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | Rugged. Simple. Fast. Light. Beautiful. | | Similar Products Used: | K2 Beast. Trek 6000. | | Bike Setup: | XT, Hayes disk brakes, Marzocchi Z1 | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules. First I had a hard tail, then I wanted more comfort for downhilling so I got the Beast - a heavy cross country bike with lots of travel. After I started racing and riding more I wanted something that would help me to be as fast as I could be and the Superlight is it.
The way this thing comes it weighs in around 24 pounds. For my money I wanted a comfortable ride that would last a long time so I opted to add a few pounds with the Marzocchi Z1 and the Disk brakes. I'm happy with both upgrades.
Basically, this bike rocks. The only minor complaint I would have is that the fox air shock can be a little squeaky but whatever.
I do recommend the Anodized paint job, I got orange and it looks awesome. I like it much better than the standard paint and stickers.
I would recommend this bike to any cross country rider who is looking to spend $2-4k for a sweet, light, rugged bike. I haven't found a bike I would rather have at any price.
Peace. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Strengths: | Weight, simple suspension design, balance, craftsmanship, good looks. | | Weaknesses: | None for the frame, but I got a malfunctioning Fox Shock. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Full on XT and XTR, monkey lite carbon 1" riser, SID XC set at 80mm travel, Fox Float RC, Hayes disks, Thompson cockpit. | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed the bike when I first got it, but that was too soon. It took some getting used to, having come from a hardtail. After 6 months, I am very comfortable on the bike. Putting more travel up front helped. It carves singletrack like a dream, and eats up rock gardens in such a way that I always feel in control. The paint scratches some, but if you get the right color it just adds to the cool factor. (I got black) I did get a bum shock to begin with but thats all better now. I have detected no flex in the rear partly due to the heavy duty cartridge bearings. This is a "do it all" type of bike. It hooks up on climbs, makes you feel more confident in the technical stuff, and makes you faster down hill. It jumps straight and lands well. It is easy to loft either wheel when needed, and it bunny hops really well for a full sussy. I can ride much longer, thanks to the monkey motion and the carbon riser bar. It keeps getting better everytime I ride it. I give it 5 chiles for getting me so jazzed about riding more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Grass Valley
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | I could tell you, but then I'd have to shoot you | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | Lightness, climbs better than a hardtail, Santa Cruz customer service, a dependable proven full supsension design, attractive anodized finish | | Weaknesses: | Less-than-active rear travel, older suspension design, rear flexiness, cable routing, cable eyelet position on top tube, not bombproof, scratches easily, bottom bracket height, pivots wear out easily | | Similar Products Used: | Litespeed, Ellsworth, Ventana, others | | Bike Setup: | XTR, SID 100, Time pedals, Fox RC Float shock, Easton seatpost, yadayadayada... | | Bottom Line: | The Superlight is a very nice ride, but after riding it extensively for a year, I must say that it falls short of excellence in several key areas. These include a outdated rear suspension design. The single pivot design, essentially developed by Santa Cruz, results in suspension that is laterally flexy and not particularly active on sketchy rocky terrain. That being said, the Santa Cruz design does work and is reliable, which is more than I can say about a lot of other designs out there.
The cable routing is weird due to the pivot/swingarm placement. This caused me to replace cable and housing often. Also, on the large frame, the is a cable eyelet on the top tube that will painfully dig into the side of your knee when you are riding trialsy stuff.
The Superlight is not a bomproof ride. I cracked the rear triangle and seemed to be able to scratch the bike easily. I wouldn't suggest this frame to anyone considering dropping off walls and roofs.
I know I am being critical, but hell, this bike costs over $3K, which I figure gives me the right to be as critcal as I want :-) I recommend this bike to anyone who is interested in a raceable, reliable cross county bike. But I think that there are better rides out there within this price range, especially if your rides feature technical terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juny Binamira
a Weekend Warrior
from Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere w/out too much cow dung | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3900.00 | | Purchased At: | Flying Ball, HK | | Strengths: | Lightweight, excellent geometry & suspension, beautiful & sturdy anodizing, clean construction, simple & reliable rear suspension pivot | | Weaknesses: | Maybe the lack of a replaceable derailleur hanger & I think I feel the tail end wagging and torquing a bit. This is nitpicking though! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Cannondale Super-V | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Santa Cruz Superlight in Blue Anodized finish, Float RC air shock w/ lockout, 2001 SID SL w/lockout, XT Hollow-tech crankset, XT front derailleur, SRAM ESP9.O SL rear derailleur & half-pipe shifters, Kooka Racha levers (light!!), 12-34t XTR cogs, XTR v-brakes, Easton CT-2 flat bars & seatpost, Selle Italia Flite Gel saddle, Ritchey Comp Lite stem, Chris King nothreadset & classic hubs, Mavic X618 32H ceramic rims, 14/17g DT Revolution spokes, Hutchinson Python Air Lite kevlar beaded tires, ultralite tubes. Bike as spec'd weighs 23.7 lbs :-) | | Bottom Line: | While researching what full-suspension frame to buy, I noticed that the reviews here were all raving about the Superlight. I actually had my heart set on an FSR, but a friend recommended that I go with the Santa Cruz. I had some doubts about the very simple single-pivot design, but decided to get it anyway. Boy, am I glad I bought this bike!! read all the previous reviews... I agree with everybody here: THIS BIKE IS AMAZING! It weighs less than most hardtails, it loves climbing, it LOVES descending, and it handles superbly in the twisty sections. I think I've felt a little tail wag in the back end, but it doesn't seem to bother the overall handling of the bike, so I'll just put that down as one of its little, inconsequential quirks. It's a big bike (I'm 5'11" and got a large size) and towers over the hardtails, but once you are astride it, the bike just disappears, and you feel like you are just floating over the trail! Really, it's that amazing! If you've been looking around for the best do-nearly-everything MTB, look no further - BUY THIS BIKE! If I could give it 20 of those chili things I would. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rigid Lloyd
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbus, Ohio
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Two Mile Run in Pa. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2625.00 | | Purchased At: | SpeedGoat | | Strengths: | Light, plush suspension, ease of set up and matinance. Bike handles like a dream cuts on a dime and feels lighter than it really is. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Pretty much every fs bike out there. | | Bike Setup: | Panaracer Smoke Dart, XT drivetrain with Truvativ splined crank. Thompson post King headset Zokkie Z1 rizer bar and avid SD's | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a dream come true. Climbs better than many hardtails I tried and going down is a thrill. If you are looking at cross country bikes or a versatile do it all bike you need to ride one of these. The only person I can think of who would not love this bike is a downhiller or someone doing 6 foot drops.
And if you live on the east cost Speed Goat is worth a look they are helpfull, even if you do not buy from them and they will build the bike how YOU want it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jackson
a Cross Country Rider
from Natick Mass.
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Blowhard Mountain, Brianhead UT | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame only from Rim Tours, Moab | | Strengths: | low maintenance single pivot, evolutionary design, craftsmanship | | Weaknesses: | Aluminum fatigues, welds might crack after 20-30 years of hard riding (but Santa Cruz gives a lifetime warranty). The two holes for the shift cable and cable housing on the rear triangle are not perfectly aligned with the rear derailleur cable stop. | | Similar Products Used: | Various rented and borrowed full suspension rigs, but nothing quite like this | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Atom 80, Hayes discs, SRAM 9.0 drive train, King headset, Ti bar, post, and BB, SpeedDream wheels | | Bottom Line: | If you value reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, this is the one. The two sealed bearings at the pivot easily slide out for service, it could not be simpler. Every part of the frame has been thoughtfully sculpted for low weight and high strength. It's not radical or flashy, just beautiful design. Anodized finish is more durable (and lighter) than paint.
Retro grouch types who love the high performance handling of hand built hardtails should try this on a favorite technical stretch. It may not climb like a hardtail, (even with the rear shock locked out) but the 5% loss in climbing performance is totally surpassed by the phenomenal control and maneuverability gained by the combination of feather weight and perfect balance, not only in descending, but also in the most demanding moves at all speeds.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George G
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX. USA
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Area 51 / Ho Chi Minh | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | West U. Schwinn | | Strengths: | Great bike! Light, Fast, Easy to ride. Best bike I have ever owned | | Weaknesses: | NONE at all | | Similar Products Used: | Various Cannondales
TREKS | | Bike Setup: | Sram 9.0 sl front & rear, Easton carbon fibre bars, Raceface LP cranks, bottom bracket,& chain rings, Ringle' hubs and stem, Marz Z-1 X-fly, Sun Light rims, Speedplay frogs, etc... | | Bottom Line: | I have been riding the bike for alomost a year now. Like it more now than I did when I first bought it. It is beautifully built, light as Hell, and the welds are awsome. I beat it up 3 to 4 times a week and it eats up everything I can throw at it. The suspension soaks up the nasty bumps and rocks while allowing you to control your line. The bike inspires confidence in the rider. It likes to climb as well as decend the steep stuff. Either way, NO problem!
This bike is a keeper and I look forward to every ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any challenging singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame @ Helen's of Arcadia | | Strengths: | Very cool grey anodized finish, well built, nimble climber, fairly plush on the downhill and super light. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Fisher hardtail, Trek Carbon Fiber Y-bike,Trek VRX 300 | | Bike Setup: | 4"RockShox CID SL, Fox Air Float RC(with lock-out), Easton CT-2 Carbon Fiber seatpost & handlebars, Sella Italia Flite Ti saddle, Titec FatHead Ti stem, Avid Single Digit Mag. levers & brakes, Epic Ti bottom bracket, RaceFace Next LP crankset, Speedplay Frog Ti pedals, Sram 9.0sl rear derailer, 9.0sl HalfPipes, XTR front derailer, Valient rims, Chris King hubs and Chris King headset. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has definitely enhanced my performance.I mean,22.5 pounds with 4" of travel (and the ability to lock the rear end) gives you a light exceelerator and it handles great on technical downhill singletracks too. Excellent all-around XC Racer geometry and handling.On sections where I used to have to drop into my granny gear, I now can hammer through with my middle chain ring. I've only ridden it for about a month, but I can't say enough about how great this bike feels.You can build a SuperLight for less money than I spent, but it was worth it to me to get it down to 22.5 pounds!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jill
a Downhiller
from El Cajon, CA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything that points downhill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, cool colors, plush suspension without the bob, climbs great, awesome workmanship | | Weaknesses: | not a damn thing | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Santa Cruz Bullit, Specialized FSR, Intense Uzzi SL | | Bike Setup: | Bombshell Athena XC fork, Proshift brakes/levers/rear derailleur, Crosslinks, Moots bar/stem | | Bottom Line: | If you are considering a Superlight...just do it. Don't let the whole money thing hold you back 'cause this bike is what I call a "lifer"...you'll own it for life. Built up right, the Superlight weighs less than most hardtails. As a downhiller who also races cross country, everything they say about full suspension race bikes being the wave of the future is true in this bike. It climbs like a goat; the Fox Float RC with the lockout is an awesome feature and not at all hard to reach while riding. I'll never race cross country on a hardtail ever again after riding the Superlight; after all, if it climbs as well as a hardtail and is just as light, why pound your a$$ to a pulp? Santa Cruz bikes just plain rule! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Jones
a Racer
from Austin,TX
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Ones that haven't been closed | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Light enough, stiff enough, smooth enough, adjustable enough. Simple. | | Weaknesses: | My 2001 came with riser bars and a 10 degree stem which put me up a little high. I ditched the stem and replace it with a zero-degree which suites me better. The tubes that came with the bike were the thinnest things I have ever seen - blew 'em both out in one ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega (sold it in '88), Klien (traded it for cruiser in '94), Slingshot (still got the frame!), McMahon Ti (stolen in '95), Specialize M2 S-works (stolen in '97), another M2 (still got it) | | Bike Setup: | XTR kit from SantaCruz, SID SL '01 | | Bottom Line: | A well-built bike that handles well (see note above). More adjustments than I am used to - but I can deal with that. I can keep up with my ragin' buddies through the twisties and on the climbs (at least as good as I could before with my hardtails) but now I'm all over them on the downhills and my back doesn't hurt! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Lodi , CA . USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Planet Earth | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Outfitters | | Strengths: | Beautiful frame, built like a rock ,VERY LIGHT, great anodized colors, lock-out on Float RC | | Weaknesses: | No complaints other than it took two months for the frame to be delivered, when I was originally told it would only take two or three weeks. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | z-1 xfly
XTR deraileurs front & Rear
Cris King Nothreadset
Bottom Bracket & crank XTR
XT disc brakes front & rear
Raceface stem & post
Azonic riser bar
Mavic x223
WTB tire & saddle | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike! It was hard to fork out all that cash, but it was worth every penny,and the long wait for the fame to be delived.I recomend the Superlight to anyone considering purchasing a full suspension bike . This is the ultimate go anywhere bike that rides like a hardtail but has a free ride personallity, dont settle for anything less!
I also recomend using a Marzocchi Z-1 XFLY with this frame | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | This is such an incredible machine. It weighs nothing, climbs and descends like a dream, and goes off like a rocket when you step on the pedals. I am in love with this bike. After six years on a hardtail, this super plush ride is so unbelievably comfortable, I now have to worry about dozing off while flying down the hills! | | Weaknesses: | It's not cheap | | Bike Setup: | XTR, 2001 SID SL, Grip Shift | | Bottom Line: | If you have the money, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sumac Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | River City | | Strengths: | The ride, the look, very little bob while climbing, Light light light for a full sussy. | | Weaknesses: | 4 week wait. Besides that, NOTHING! | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude Comp | | Bike Setup: | Large frame, Float RC, Sid XC, Hayes hydro discs, Real hubs, Cane Creek headset, XT built with XTR shifters, Monkey Lite Carbon Fiber bars, KORE stem, Control Tech seatpost, Notos tires in 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet. It glides over rough terrain like no other bike I have ever ridden. I am cranking through places I had to coast over on my hardtail. The downhills are crazy fast on this bike, but it feels very stable. Technical trails are a blast on this bike.
For the hardtail turned FS rider there is a learning curve. Climbing is a little different. The bike climbs well, but not like a hardtail. (I'm not complaining) Cornering and sharp turns are a little different too. You can rail the turns on this bike and the rear suspension sticks it to the trail like glue.
The part I am having the most trouble with is bottom bracket height (or crank arm length). I am hitting my Time ATACs on a lot more stuff than I ever did on the Klien. Oh well... I'll adjust. Basically this bike is amazing. I chose the black paintjob and it rules. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
1080 Brady
a
from Colorado Springs Co
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pipeline | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | My prodeal setup | | Strengths: | Weight, Strength, Efficincy, Looks, Uh...you think of it it has it! | | Weaknesses: | as with anything you hit it really hard on a rock the paint will scratch | | Similar Products Used: | 98 full xt moab 1 | | Bike Setup: | z.1 xfly(very dope), chirs king hubs on f519 rims(also very dope), king headset, xt drivetrain, racface stem handlebar crank and seatpost, panaracer fire xc tires. | | Bottom Line: | this bike rules, quit reading the reviews and go buy one. you know you want to. don't woryy it's totally worth the money! it is just plain ausome. it's supposed to be their racing model but i jump it off picnic tables and do drops off everyting and it's strong as a ox. don't worry about it being not strong...it's very strong. i herd their not going to make hecklers anymore cause theese are strong enough and kick too much ass for their own good. by the way get a z.1 xfly it's so plush it's obserb | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Atkins, AR
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Post trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3100.00 | | Purchased At: | Chainwheel.com | | Strengths: | Soaks up bumps and allows me to hold a better line. Climbs real good. XT Disc brakes are the bomb! | | Weaknesses: | I have not found any yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Mantra, Super V, Jekyll | | Bike Setup: | Kris King Hubs, Race Face/- stem, seatpost, cranks. Serfas ARC saddle. Time Atac Carbon peddals. SID XC fork. Fox RC float W/lockout Rear. XT Disc brakes with Sun DS1 rims. | | Bottom Line: | This is the absolute best bike I've ridden. My Jekyll was great, but, this is just a little better. This bike just fits me. Run the rear shock pumped up and it eats single track with no pedal induced bobbing. Let some air out of the rear shock and it soaks up boulders and everything else in your way. It is a very user friendly bike.
I highly recomend it to any one wanting to improve their handling skills.
Santa Cruz Rules! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Telluride
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | mail order | | Strengths: | everything imaginable, except the fork--rockshox dont work very well--they break all of the time. it has a beautiful look. | | Weaknesses: | This bike would be perfect in every way if it came with a non-rockshox fork. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 DBR V-Link 1.2, Specialized FSR XC, Jamis Dakar, Gary Fisher Sugar(ooooovvvvvvverrrrr-rated bike) | | Bike Setup: | Gripshift shifters & derraileurs, avid brakes, titec stem, everything else xtr | | Bottom Line: | This bike is great for everything. with the fox float rc, you can make the bike into a hardtail for the ascents, or, leave it the way it is and get awesome traction. great on sprints; very fast feel. Not sluggish like lots of other fs bikes. smooth as hell on descents. its so smooth it encourages you to go way to fast--but thats ok. the great pivot location gives absolutely no pedal-induced-suspension-movement while in the big and medium chainrings.
5 flamin chilis for this perfect bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mohamed Azmi Zainudin
a Weekend Warrior
from Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Too many to mention | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | CCI Pt. Ltd. Penang | | Strengths: | I thought my S-Works FSR XC was THE full-sus bike 'till I swung my legs over the Superlight!It climbs/tracks as well if not better than the S-Works but on the descends is where the Superlight truly RULES!The Superlight would just sail past rough terrain whilst the S-Works rear end would "chatter" & track nervously.This is not to say that the S-Works is not a good bike, it's just that with the Superlight the ante/standard has gotten a notch higher!The 2001 SID SL I fitted has "climb it control" which allows on-the-fly adjustment of compression damping to full lock-out.This is a very useful feature 'specially on steep climbs but I've yet to use it due to the wide tunability of this fork.The rear 2001 Float RC is much improved over the '99 Float RC fitted on my S-Works.The extra inch travel of the 2001 Float RC seemed to track/read the ground much better.The single pivot design along with the rest of the bike is clean,uncluttered & works very well over a variety of terrain which is more than I can say for other full-sus bikes I have ridden over the years.The anodised frame is an artwork,exudes quality & is something to behold & appreciate. | | Weaknesses: | None on product weaknesses but if allowed to nit-pick I would have to say the exorbitant price one would have to fork out for a Superlight over here in Malaysia & the LONG waiting line to buy one! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S-Works FSR XC,Cannondale Super V | | Bike Setup: | Green Anodised Frame,XTR Build-Kit,Hayes Discs,Mavic 223/Real Discs Hubs,Thomson Elite Seatpost,Easton Monkey Rise Bars,Profile Grips,Hutchinson Phyton Air Lite Tyres,San Marco Era Seat. | | Bottom Line: | Perhaps it's too early to praise the Superlight but for what it's worth,if you want an all rounder bike(well, almost!)I would heartily recommend you to buy one,if you could get one that is!There aren't many bikes built like these any more!I must say the good folks at Santa Cruz really put their passion into their bikes as every Superlight is so immaculately welded/built!In these age of mass production & influence by the bean counters,I applaud Santa Cruz for sticking with their "custom building" philosophy!4 Flamin' Chillis for now.Would see how well the bike holds up over long use/abuse! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Gore
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, Ga
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Dixons Bicycles | | Strengths: | Light, agile, quick. Plush, active suspension. Great handling. Great parts pick. Beautiful to look at. | | Weaknesses: | Chain slaps the swing arm when in the big ring(big deal). My paint is already chipped after a few rides(big deal). Tough time getting the rear wheel off when it has air in it. | | Similar Products Used: | Never ridden FS before | | Bike Setup: | Sid XC, Bontrager race light wheels, Hutchinson Python light or Kenda kozmik light tires, XTR cranks, front and rear der. and shifters, Avid SD 7.0 brakes, EASTON CT2 bar and post, Race Face Headset, Fizik Nisene Ti saddle, Speedplay ti frogs | | Bottom Line: | Man is this bike the bomb. I have now ridden it 4 times, and I wanted to wait longer until I reviewed it, but I couldn't wait because the bike is impressing me so much.
Climbing: It climbs like a mountain goat. There is so much traction, I can't even believe it. From tip of the saddle granny gear climbs to gradual out of the saddle stompers, this bike hauls. Suspension bob? What's that? Really cool how the pivot is right in line with the chain, resulting in little feedback if you are in the middle ring. When you are in the little ring, the chain is below the pivot and actually pulls the wheel into the ground, giving you more traction. This thing loves to climb with you in the saddle.
Descending: Super smooth. I ran down a fire road that I was used to doing in my old hard tail. It beat me to death in that thing. The Superlight made it feel like I was on a paved road. It was almost scary.
Handling: The bike handles really well. It took me no time to adjust to the bike fit. I automatically felt at home on it. Cornering is something else. The suspension compresses into the turn, and shoots you out of it. It's a pretty crazy feeling, but it's tight.
This bike is amazing. I didn't want full suspension because I was worried about the weight being too much. My bike weighs in at 23.5 lbs. Plenty light for me. And the suspension makes it feel even lighter on the trail. I am a firm believer in FS XC bikes... especially this one. Well worth the money. The weaknesses I listed are very minor compared to the strengths of this bike. I highly recommend it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Canmore, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | What ever trail I happen to be on (usually) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This is my second review of the Superlight and the stregnths that I mentioned before still hold: lightness, agility, enjoyability of the ride, climbing ability, single track tightness, and confidence in the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Only two that I've noticed. 1) the bike would benefit from a replaceable de-railer hanger; and 2) the back end could benefit from alittle more torsional stability. However, neither of these has much impact on the overall positive qualities of the Superlight. | | Bike Setup: | All XRT, sid 100 forks | | Bottom Line: | I've used my Superlight almost daily for the last six months on various x-country and free-ride trails in the Canmore area including the World and Canada cup trails, and others that are a bit more challenging. This bike has never let me down. Some things that I've noticed about the bike include: it likes to climb (even steep trails); it's very fast on gnarly winding single track; it's geometry feels good; the back ache that I typically felt on my old Kona Kula is not longer a problem (I'm over forty and physical considerations have become more important); it is stable at high speed (with the exception of a little suggestion of rear-end torsional instability in quick turns at speed); the suspension compresses during turns at speed, maintains stability, and propells out of a turn (similar to a downhill ski); it does well on steep downhills; and it is fun to ride.
Overall, the Superlight has few flaws, is confidence enhancing, and is a joy to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey Ca.
Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Any single track I can find | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Sport Center Bikes Monterey | | Strengths: | Super light, quick and nimble, as fast as a hardtail without bounce. Climbs like a cheeta but still flys down hill with confidence. | | Weaknesses: | I have yet to find one but I have only put a couple hundred miles on it. Will follow up | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS1, Specialized, Fisher,multible f/s frames tested. | | Bike Setup: | Light.. Sid SL, Sram 9.0sl Der,shifters, brake levers, Avid sinlge 7's, Cris king headset, race face next lp/richie 2x9 Chainrings. Easton CT2 seatpost/bars, Titec ti stem,carbon 100's ends, Cross max tubeless wheelset, float rc rear, light 22 3/4 lbs.. Tubeless a little heavier than standard. | | Bottom Line: | This is one sweet ride, Santa Crus has done this frame right. The bike handles better than anything I have ever ridden. They say there is alway a comprimise I have not found it. It climbs better than I could have dreamed, yet it has given me more confidence on the decents. I can ride with my roadie friends with semislicks and its FAST. The crossmax tubeless added a little weight but it is well worth it they are awesome in all types of terrain.The bike has made me 20% faster overall, it might be my stoke but it has changed by riding for sure.Quick, nimble, strong and fast.. I say buy one right now.. It will be worth the wait if you have to order one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Alta, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, strong, fast, incredibly balanced. | | Weaknesses: | Popping sound coming from dr hanger under hard cranking in the middle ring | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000, Schwinn 4-Banger, Merlin Fat-Beat | | Bike Setup: | XTR drivetrain, easton ct2 monkeylite handlebars, grimeca front and rear discs, marzocchi Z3 flylight 100, ritchey pro ocr wheels and hubs, speedplay frogs, thompson seat post, sella italia flight trans-am saddle, ritchey zed pro tires | | Bottom Line: | The superlight is amazing. In my opinion, it does everything well, from 50 mile cross country days with lots of uphill vert gain to fast lift accessed downhill stuff. Depending on how you set it up the, bike can morph from a cross country machine to a downhill beast.
I came from a hardtail and was wary of suspension bob and inefficiency, but the geometry on this frame just transfers power to the ground with no waste.
Another thing, this bike makes you feel superhuman, like you can ride anything, anywhere. It's so balanced that it inspires confidence and allows you to ride things faster and smoother. I've ridden this bike on the east coast and in the rockies and it handles anything you throw at it.
Get one if you can. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Incredible performance, Lightweight, Climbs great | | Weaknesses: | Poor Factory Support. Don't believe a word they tell you. The bikes are oversold, and instead of admitting that their delivery times are long, they keep making lame excuses about why they repeatedly miss delivery commitments. | | Similar Products Used: | Have tried a number of other FS designs | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz XTR Kit with SRAM 9.0SL shifters and derailiers, SID SL Fork, Hayes Disk Brakes | | Bottom Line: | Great performing bike. Kicks the crap out of the Y bike it replaced. Its hard to believe they could make it as light as it is.
Santa Cruz originally quoted two weeks for delivery of a SM red ano frame, and did not tell the dealer they had stopped production of red frames, and could not deliver one. I told them any anodized color was fine. In the end they refused to quote a delivery time for anything other than a MED frame in grey ano. Unfortunately, I had to wait over 3 months for delivery, with new excuses from the factory every two weeks as to why it was going to take so long.
I thought my pain was over when I got the bike as the ride was nothing short of incredible, but.... With only 100 miles of tame riding, the bike developed a nasty pooping noise under heavy pedaling load. The dealer and I were completely unable to locate the noise, even after almost complete disasembly and replacement of a number of parts. We assumed it was nothing serious and I kept riding until the noise became constant even under light pedaling. At this point I couldn't take it anymore, borrowed a stethocope, and determined that the swingarm had a bad weld at the chainstay - dropout connection. Well now I'm afraid to ride the bike since I convinced the weld is on its way to failing.
I still love the bike, but it looks like another 3 months of excuses from Santa Cruz before they deliver a replacement.
I would give the bike 5 chilis overall if not for the delivery and defective frame hassles. I'm not too upset about the frame being defective, but the service (or should I say excuses) I have received from Santa Cruz are completely unacceptable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyson
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Saratoga Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Confidence giving handling, lightweight and steering accuracy/stability | | Weaknesses: | No RD. hanger | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale,Barracuda,Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | XTR cranks,hubs,BB,deraillers,cassete,shift/brake lever pods
Seat: Ti railed barracuda
Shock: Fox RC
Seatpost: USE Alien (awesome light)
Bar's: Carbon Monkeylights
wheels:WTB powerbeams
Brakes: Avid arch 50's
Stem: Interloc
Tires: Fire XC Pro's
| | Bottom Line: | Very stabil ride with no bad traits. Does everything exceptionally well without surprises or letdowns. What more could you ask. Also, if your in CA and looking for a SL go to Reeds in San Jose....they had 40 SL frames hanging on the wall when everyone else said 6weeks wait! Ask for Charlie | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikey
a Cross Country Rider
from Escondido, CA., USA
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bobcat @ Daley Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, simple and clean design, great choice of colors, quality craftmanship, the best part: it's not like the rest of the sheep out there! | | Weaknesses: | I get more flex from the SID XC fork than the frame under hard acceleration- I weigh about 190 lbs., put a lot of power to the pedal and can probably flex anything, so this bike holds up very well. Extremely pleased! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale SuperV, assorted other Cannondales, Specialized M4, Trek Y33, Merlin, K2, Ellsworth Truth. | | Bike Setup: | I ordered the XL frame from the factory, had it painted a beautiful metallic blue (versus the anodized) and had it in my hands in about 2.5 weeks. I built the bike w/Race Face cranks, Easton carbon riser bar/seat post, KORE stem, SID XC, FoxRC, XT shifters/V-brakes, XTR derailler, Chris King headset, Time ATAC pedals and my old White Industries/517 wheelset I weighed the bike at 25.0 lbs. which is great for an XL frame! Probably could be lighter yet! | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules! I began riding it coming off of a serious shoulder/back injury and I was immediately able to ride faster than my Cannondale, at least downhill, and it excels in the tight and twisty. This bike is a full 2lbs lighter than my old bike, so it climbs great too, with great traction on the technical sections. The riser bar hampers climbing some, but worth the all-around comfort as a trail & occasional race bike. I am still pushing the limits of this bike, but I've never been as pleased from the beginning with a new ride. I've been riding mountain bikes since the mid-eighties, looked at many other brands before settling on the Santa Cruz, and this is as good as it gets!
I was initially a little concerned about the reported 200lb. rider weight limit, until I contacted Rob at the factory who assured me not to worry, as they were to increase that limit to 220lbs. due to the strong nature of the design! Great service and feedback from the factory, and the guys at MTB Warehouse in San Marcos, CA.!
I am a Expert XC racer who logs mucho miles on the road and trail, did extensive research into other bikes including the Specialized, Ellsworth and the rest, but this is the best bike I've had the pleasure to ride...ever! No regrets! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Pleasanton Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, quick, little wash-out when climbing. | | Weaknesses: | none really | | Similar Products Used: | Trek STP line, Specialized FSR, Fisher Sugar (2/3), SCruz Heckler | | Bike Setup: | all XTR except RaceFace carbonfiber crank. 858 pedals. SID XC front shock. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a veteran road rider (two laps of the US under my belt) and a strong, but novice mtbiker.
This is a very nice bike. First climb was too bouncy - stiffening SID XC helped immensely. Very efficient climbing on the second time out. Strong riders just barely have enough gearing for flats - consider a non-standard freewheel. Downhill was smooth and predictable, although my downhill technique sucks at the moment ;).
Trail hopping and dash-about rides are a lot of fun. And, the bike is light enough to one-hand it over a fence when you discover you turned down the wrong service road (novice, remember?)
Based on the climbing alone and the good behavior trail-hopping, this has to be a 5x5 bike. I loved the STP ride as well, but Trek simply could not touch this price ($3100 pre-tax with pedals and shoes) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any trail @ boggs | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | light and tight, hardtail/full suspension functionality, everything else about it | | Weaknesses: | yeah, right. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn S20 full susp., GT Zaskar, Cannondale CAD3.
NOTHING EVEN COMPARES | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkey Lite bars Easton CT2 seatpost
Chris King headset Titec Big Al stem
Oury grips San Marcos Ti seat
Salsa seatpost clamp Fox Float RC
2k SID XC XTR everything 858's SPOX wheels
Hutchinson Pythons Hutchingson tubes
I think that's everything.
| | Bottom Line: | This is by far the sweetest bike I've ever ridden. I pieced this baby together and came up with the ultimate dream bike.
The first ride was unreal! I felt like I had been riding this bike for years. It's ultra comfortable and light; turns very nicely in all situations.
I couldn't wait to post a review about this bike. I've wanted a Santa Cruz for a long time. I am so glad that I finally indulged myself and went for the right bike. Excellent job, Santa Cruz!
My ratings are all multipled by 2. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Woodcutters | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Handling, weight, strength an dabove all , looks great in the annodised Copper color, although the red frame looks better | | Weaknesses: | Paint comming off where Hayes front brake cable rubs on the frame | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Orange, Spot Single Speed | | Bike Setup: | Hayes disks,
Maz Z2
Bontrager wheels,
Real Hubs,
Full XTR drivetrain,
Monkey Lite Bars,
| | Bottom Line: | Used to love my Heckler, until I bought the Spot. Upgraded to Superlight about 6mnths ago. So much different from the Heckler, quicker, easier to manouver through technical sections, great climber, downhills ok ( had a Maz Z1 on my heckler which made the downhills great)rear shock soaks up all the hits, once dialled in correctly. Went for the heavy (?) Hayes brakes, well worth it the extra (?) weight. Only criticism is the paint rubbing away. Huge fun to ride. If you dont ride a Single Speed, then buy this..... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Bike strength, light weight, handling, simplicity of design, durability, the best full suspension X-country bike period. | | Weaknesses: | None yet after 6 months | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fishers, Specializeds, Treks | | Bike Setup: | XTR, race Face Next LP, Easton Carbon Monkeylite, Cane Creek Wam Discs, Hayes Disc, etc | | Bottom Line: | UPDATE
This bike has really been extraordinary. I have put hundreds of miles on it and it continues to perform exceptionally. Highly recommended to anyone, especially those thinking of their first full-suspension (do it right the first time!)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim Shopland
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver/BC
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Seventh Secret | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | This is a light bike with 4 inches of rear travel. It climbs well on steep hard packed terrain and climbs even better on wet, technical terrain. It decends fast and smooth. This bike can handle everything. The best thing about this bike is the anodized green color!!! | | Weaknesses: | I havn't found it. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 Santa Cruz Superlight, had to sell it, no rear disk tabs | | Bike Setup: | This is a North Shore bike with Race Face everything, and Hayes Hydrolic Disk brakes. The front shock is a RockShox Sid LT which suits my 130lb weight. I am running Rolf Dolmite Disk wheels and they always stay true. Everything else is XT/XTR. The weight is 26lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is light enough to race and burly enough to ride the shore. It can handle everything I have encountered. I can ride this bike hard with no worries, I would caution a heavier rider doing drops greater than 3 feet. THis bike could be built up a lot lighter than it is. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver,, Colo
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, neutral geometry, great handling, no suspension bob when pedaling. | | Weaknesses: | none so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus racer X, Pro Flex 956, K2 Razoerback. | | Bike Setup: | XTR, race lite wheels, koobi saddle, Sid xc | | Bottom Line: | I have a large frame which fits me perfectly, and the geometry is great, stable at speed but quick in tight technical terrain. The Titus is a great bike also but size is wrong for me unless I custom order. M is too small and Large is too big. Large on superlight is 23 3/8 top tube and 5 inch headtube. My bike is 23.8 Lbs. Suspension works as it should without sucking power from pedaling. Love the anodized green color. Excellent bike and frameset less money then most. Built frame up myself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Weith
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Light, fast, stable in the technical stuff, no swing arm flex. lo maintenance. Very little pedal induced suspension travel. No brake induced travel. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Tazmon, Heckler | | Bike Setup: | Z2 A-bomb, Race Face cranks, Fox Float R, XTR, Nukeproof/Bontrager, Ritchey Speedmax Omega | | Bottom Line: | Super handling lite cross country rig. Good bike for serious trail rider or cross country racer. Seems to float over most small obstacles, will take the big hits with out beating me up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ward Tuttle
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Manzanita Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light weight, excellent geometry, and quick handling. | | Weaknesses: | A little flexy when you stand and hammer, no replaceable derailler hanger, develops annoying squeaks common to all suspension bikes. | | Similar Products Used: | None, first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | XT equiped drivetrain, King headset, 99 Marzocchi Z2 BAM shock (3" of coil travel). | | Bottom Line: | This is my second review of the superlight on this website.
After using this bike for three months I am still very impressed with it. I made a two changes to the bike since I first got it.
1)I replaced the 99 SID XC with the Marzocchi. The SID was just too darn flexy for me. The Marzocchi is a much more worthy fork for this steed.
1) I replaced the riser bar with a flat handlebar because with the riser bar I felt not enough weight was on the front wheel.
Both of these changes have been very benificial for me. If you weigh more than 170 lbs I would recomend a Marzocchi fork. With the SID the front wheel would flop around when I was turning. The Marzocchi was a definate improvement. The flat bar put more of my weight on the front wheel and made turning a lot easier.
That said, I now have my superlight "dailed in" and I feel that I own the best suspension bicycle made.
I highly recommend this bicycle! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Welton
a Racer
from Santa Barbara, CA
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Cruz Trail, Little Pine Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | light, comfy, no bob, slick XC race machine | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Rascal hardtail, Sugar, Truth | | Bike Setup: | Superlight with XTR ders, grip shifters, race face turbine lp cranks, avid brakes, manitou mars cl, time carbons. pimp | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules.
I was really up in the air as to whether I was going with a full suspension or a hard tail. I've been riding an old school Klein Rascal for the past 8 years and it's pretty damn fast, so I was hesitant to go full suspension. I like to crank out of the saddle and I like having a bike respond immediately.
I'm tall, thin, and I race XC expert. I think this bike rules. The bike is only a pound and a half heavier than a pimped out hard tail, but really, is there a big difference between 21 pounds and 22.5 pounds? No. I've got a antibob front shock, and I've adjusted my riding so that when I am out of the saddle, the bike behaves like a hardtail. It's crazy, you really can compensate on this bike to keep all unwanted shock action from happening.
UPHILL, it is a lot faster than my Klein. Part of it is that my Klein was a tad heavy (hey, it was 8 years old), but a lot of it is that the suspension just keeps traction all the time. Climbing up technical climbs is a snap. I actually think the bike climbs fire roads faster than the Rascal, too, mainly because it's lighter and you don't ever have to get out of the saddle. The suspension absorbs all trail bumps which keeps you seated all the time. This translates into a lot of rear traction and no rear wheel slippage. That translates into going fast up hill. No doubt the frame flexes a lot more than a hardtail, but the only time that is a real concern is when I'm on the road, grunting up 10 miles of pavement before I hit the trail. That simply doesn't happen in offroad races. Bottom Line in climbing: as fast, if not faster than a hardtail. It simply screams. I was REALLY susprised.
DOWNHILL: Plush rear travel. It's obviously not a downhill bike, but it goes downhill damn fast. The rear shock eats up bumps. I'm psyched. Bottom Line in descents: beats the crap out of a hardtail and scared the crap out of me when I pointed it down for the first time.
FLATS: I wouldn't want to race this bike on a really flat XC course or on a dirt criterium type of race, but on the other hand, if you're into racing this stuff, you might as well be racing a road bike. If I want to race fast on the flats, I pull out my Cannondale road bike and enter a weekend criterium. Most XC race courses are getting more and more technical, and they've always got long grueling ups and gnarly downs. For general purpose XC racing, I'd far more rather ride this Superlight. Yes, it does flex a lot more than a hardtail, but on the other hand, that's what it's designed to do. Also, like I said, I've adjusted my riding to compensate for the rear suspension, so I can actually sprint full speed out of the saddle without the shock moving. Pretty cool. It's not as responsive as an Al hardtail, but who cares. Over the course of an entire race, I am confident this is a stellar bike. Bottom line on the flats: not as laterally stiff as a hardtail, but with a little bit of work you can make it perform almost as well. I'd still rather have a hard tail on a dirt crit. If you do a lot of road riding and racing, you probably have a smooth pedal stroke which will allow a quick transition into the Superlight (and you'll have no problem adjusting to prevent bob when climbing and sprinting).
Overall, this is a sick ride and it's also the coolest bike I've ever ridden. I'm kind of a retro grouch (I just put V-brakes on my Klein last month!) and although I resisted full suspension at first, the Santa Cruz's benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. (The only drawback being its bottom bracket flexes laterally a bit).
Anyway. Enjoy. Buy a Superlight.
If you're reading this and thinking about a Sugar or a Truth, let me tell you this: Sugars are stupid. The sugar behaves so much like a hardtail that you might as well buy a hardtail. The only time the suspension activates is when you hit huge bumps, which is not too often for XC racing. You're better off with a hardtail than a Sugar. Truths are dope, but they're also super expensive and IMHO not worth the extra 50% for the frame. I've also heard all sorts of bad things about the linkage falling apart.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlene
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Excellent quality frame with beautiful welds and a lovely anodized grey finish. The anodized finish is very lustrous and rich looking but smooth in texture. Has survived several hard rock dings without chipping. The frame is well-designed and very stiff and solid, not a bit of flex. Components are top quality. | | Weaknesses: | If you mount a water bottle inside the front triangle you can't flip the lockout level on the rear shock - it won't clear the water bottle. This is not a big deal since I have experienced no bobbing, even on smooth pavement. | | Similar Products Used: | None, this is my first full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | SID 100 fork, Avid Arch Supreme brakes, all XTR drive train components, integrated XTR rapid fire brake/shifter pod, Easton CT2 carbon riser bar, Titec Big Al 90 mm stem, Easton carbon seat post, Terry Fly saddle, Santa Cruz wheels with XTR rear and White front hub. | | Bottom Line: | The SuperLight features a well-thought out and simple design that delivers significant, plush suspension forward and aft. The bike is very nimble, characterized by great handling and instant response to pedaling. It climbs very well, especially over rocky or rooty terrain. Have experienced absolutely no bobbing motion, even while climbing paved bike trails. However, this bike really shines maneuvering in technical terrain. The steering is percise, the response is instantaneous, and rough terrain is handled smoothly and easily. The rear wheel really sticks to the ground, providing great traction. The bike corners great and is really solid going fast downhill. It rides like a hardtail without the jarring and harshness. An absolutely wonderful ride quality that matches the quality of the frame and finish. By the way, the Santa Cruz wheels are great! What a plesant suprise. They are light, and super stiff and strong.
I waited 16 weeks for my Santa Cruz to come in. The bike was built at Bike Doctor in Odenton, MD - great job, Jason. It was definitely worth the wait! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, England
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Nant Yr Arian, Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Travel, stiffness, build quality, size, angles, weight, colour, exclusivity... | | Weaknesses: | What weaknesses? | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, GT I drive, Specialized FSR... | | Bike Setup: | XTR, SID SL, Hope XC4 Discs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is God's gift to Mountain Biking. Whenever you see one you are to stop and bow to its beauty and quality. Anyone who, like me, has one of these should thank their stars and celebrate the day they deceide to buy into a Santa Cruz. In a word; Amazing. Monster monster, love it love it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | feels really light, climbs well, even better going downhill (especially with a zoke). | | Weaknesses: | Santa Cruz is slow as hell, a tad expensive. I got mine for about $1,200 with a Fox Float RC shock. | | Bike Setup: | Superlight with XT/XTR kit, Z.1 X-Fly | | Bottom Line: | I tested a superlight at my local bike shop and it was, in fact, super-light. It feels lighter than my Klein hardtail. I ordered a blue anondized frame through my local bike shop and it is taking Santa Cruz FOREVER to get my frame to me. 6 WEEKS!!! They told me 2 weeks originally. Apparently it's faster to powdercoat it so if you're impatient like me that's probably the better option. Overall this bike rides great (or at least, my test ride did) and I'm still gonna give it a good rating, even though it's takin so damn long to get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from 3732 NW 84th Drive
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | razorback florida | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Suspension works perfectly, impeccable craftsmanship, beautiful anodized finish, excellent component package, excellent value. | | Weaknesses: | No replaceable rear derailleur hanger. No other weaknesses.
Santa Cruz should offer Z1 xfly fork as a factory option. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, 2000 Mantra Pro. | | Bike Setup: | Bomber Z1/X-fly, fox float rc w/lockout, xtr shift/brake levers, raceface headset, sun degree 0 rims, xt cranks, xtr derailleurs, icon flat bar, avid 10 brakes, 12/34 xt cassette. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is awesome, and it is no doubt the best bicycle (of any type) that money can buy. It climbs better than any hardtail, it beats specialized FSR hands down. The suspension on the SL works just as well as a Klein Mantra, but the bike handling is much quicker and the bike is rock solid on downhills (unlike the mantra). You have to see a superlight in person to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering. The bike looks very cool in the orange anodized finish. No other bike can touch it. This bike is so much fun to ride. After getting it I've never returrned to my hardtail - why should I, there's no comparison in the ride! The Z1/xfly is not a factory option fork, but the 4 inch travel of this fork works perfectly with the 4 inch rear travel. This fork is awesome. It has a lot more lateral stiffness than SID and gives you far more control and confidence through nasty stuff. The beauty of this bike and this particular fork combination is the versatility of the bike. It can be used for XC racing, but with 4" travel front and rear it does a great job at freeride. I strongly recommend getting the lockout option on the rear shock. It comes in very handy and it's great for riding on pavement or smooth sections of trail. The lockout lever is very conveniently located and can be switched without even looking. Definitely get the lockout option. In conclusiohn, this bike is the de facto standard against which all other full suspension rides should be judged. I love this bike!! Thanks to my friend at super bikes in tampa for a great deal on this bike! Thanks go to Santa Cruz for building such a fine machine! 5+ flaming chilis! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Neutral Geometry, simple design, weight and 4" of travel! | | Weaknesses: | None thus far | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale hardtial, Trek 8900, Klien Mantra | | Bike Setup: | XTR, SID SL, Bontrager RACE LITE wheels. | | Bottom Line: | You've read all the reviews - same as everyone else!
Last week I was kicking some SoCAl singel track (El Prieto) in my back yard and in right in the middle of the ride - with a sloppy grin plastered on my face - I let out the biggest scream of delight - actually it was closer to a prayer, now that I think about it - thanking God that I could enjoy a bike like this one, on a really cool trail.
This isn;t one of those new bike buzz -never worn through a sets of tires - best bike in the world review. This is a review based on my whatever-hundreth ride on my favorite trail - During every ride i get that same smile...This one's a keeper folks.
If you are able to cough up the cash, check out this bike.
Enjoy the ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Wrightwood, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa, UT-Jackson Lake Loop, CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light, responsive, plush and well balanced. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | FSR "S" Works 1993, Super V 3000, Raven 3000 | | Bike Setup: | XTR drive train, SID Race, Cross Max Wheels, Bontrager bars, seatpost, WTB headset, WTB Ti Seat, Bontrager Revolt tires... | | Bottom Line: | I rode a Raven for the last 3 years and have been riding full suspension bikes for 9 years. The Santa Cruz is the best, most comfortable (x-country) bike I have ridden. The Headshock on the Canondale provided a little better response at slow speeds, however the SID (along with better overall frame geometry) is more smooth over rough terrain and tracks better on high speed turns. Unlike many or the reviewers on this site, I use the lockout on the rear a lot. There is a little bobbing with the rear shock set-up plush (I don't have a great pedal stroke either). The luckout ability makes for a great compromise; plush ride and great traction on the rough terrain, steller response on smoother surfaces, all with the flick of a switch! Overall, a fantastic bike and well worth the dough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Canada Cup | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Lightness, Rigidity, Color, Geometry, | | Weaknesses: | None noted yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Kula - tried other full suspension bikes | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, SID 100, Mavic 517 wheels, Thompson post, Easton Monkey Bar | | Bottom Line: | Excellent climber. Fast and smooth through roots. Outstanding technical single track handling. Control on steep downhill is very good. The geometry feels like a x-country bike, responsive and quick. The SID 100 adds
a little extra plushness, but this bike does not have the soft ride found in heavier other f/s bikes. For the
slight loss of softness, the trade off is a 23.5 pound bike that does everything well (that would be expected
from a x-country bike).
Bottom line - The Santa Cruz Superlight is a bike that's fun to ride, increases confidence, smooths out the
bumps, adds control, and is light and fast.
This bike is not for downhiller's or people who want to jump off cliffs.
The Superlight is outstanding for people who want to ride x-country on rugged terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Fernandez
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, California, USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | San Juan/Blue Jay | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Extremely light and well-balanced. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Upgraded from a GT XCR 2000 and was looking at the XCR LE and the XCR 1000. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, SID XL fork, Easton Monkey Lite Carbor bar, Race Face stem, Fox Float rear shock, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | A great light bike. I loved my GT but it's just too heavy. The Hayes add an extra pound to the bike but are well worth it. I was also amazed at the difference between the XT and the XTR-much crisper shifting, especially on the front. The only problem I've had is explaining to my wife why I needed a new mountain bike that cost $3,000.00! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vik
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Avalon, Patapsco State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Perfect construction. Well balanced, with excellent geometry. Delivers as advertised. Climbs and descends great. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher KaiTai hardtail | | Bike Setup: | King headset, Race Face cranks, Marzoke Z.2 Atom 80 front suspension, Fox Vanilla RC rear shock, Avid 2.0 v-style brakes, Time ATAC pedals, Easton Monkey Liter riser bar, Thompson seat post with Koobi SplitFit saddle, Bontrager Valiant wheelset, Bontrager Jones tires, Shimano XT front and rear derailleur, Shimano front and rear hubs. | | Bottom Line: | You must ride this bike to believe it. I am only an intermediate skill level rider, but this bike made me instantly faster, more balanced, and confident. Not only is the finish on the frame gorgeous, the bike delivers all the advertised performance. Solid and stable on downhills, the bike also climbs like it was born to do so. The geometry is ideal for me (5'6", 150 lbs.) and the set up takes all the strain off my lower back.
I bought my rig over the phone/internet from SpeedGoat.com, which is a bike shop up in Western PA, an hour east of Pittsburgh. There is not a bike shop in the Baltimore-D.C. area that can touch them for customer support and service. Santa Cruz does not have many dealers on the east coast, so SpeedGoat is worth the effort. Bill, Chris, and Beth are the best, hands down, with top-notch knowledge and support.
If you just love to ride and don't care about how fast you go or how many big hits you take, but just love the feel of a great bike on a beautiful trail, buy this bike. It is worth every penny, and there are lots of those involved.
Spec'd out as described above, SpeedGoat put mine on the trail for $2,800. Go for it...you will never look back or look at another bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ward Tuttle
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, CA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Gold Creek Trail (Olympic Peninsula, WA) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight, 4" of rear travel, nice geometry, good climber, great descender. | | Weaknesses: | A little flexy. Noticable when you stand and hammer. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | XTR hubs w/mavic rims, grafton cranks, '99 SID XC front shock, syncros riser bar, king headset. XT drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Santa Cruz Superlight. There is NO substitute.
If you have the means I highly recommend this bike for anyone. It is so comfortable to ride, it's light, it's relatively stiff and it makes downhills a heck of a lot more fun. It climbs like a goat. For technical climbs leave the Fox lock out lever off. For smooth climbs put the lockout lever on and you have a dual suspension bike that climbs like a hardtail.
If you are looking into getting yourself a dual suspension bike, do yourself a favor. Buy a superlight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bernie nieto
a Cross Country Rider
from flagstaff
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | fisher point | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | overall light ,manuverability, good design real good symetry | | Weaknesses: | none too speak of just yet | | Similar Products Used: | gary fischer level betty , giant atx 1200 | | Bike Setup: | frame : santacruz superlight medium , my set up weighed 21 lbs. forks: rock shocks sl. cranks: mortai titanium american classic bottom bracket moots ti stem w/ carbon riser bars , chris king head set, wheels: bontrager race light w/ chris king hubs , easton carbon seat post , sram plasma grip shifts 8 speed , paul levers , speed play ti pedals , moc + brakes w/ gore cables , chain rings : action tech ti | | Bottom Line: | bike is awesome light with a touch of sweetness highly recomended to anyone with a looking to buy a full suspension santa cruz superlight | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | All around ability. Strong, light, handmade in the USA. Single pivot design. Quality, craftsmanship and innovation. | | Weaknesses: | I have now had the bike for a few months and have yet to detect a weakness. Is chain slap a weakness? Nope. | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Joshua, Trek 8500SL, Specialized FSR-XC M4, Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Ibis Bow Ti | | Bike Setup: | XL Frame, Sid SL '00, Hayes Discs, Race Face Next LP, XTR Front and Rear D's, Syncros stem, Easton Monkey lite bar, Easton CT2 post, Cane Creek Wam disc wheels, Shimano 858's, Koobi Ti seat, Fox Float RC shock. | | Bottom Line: | I did some serious research before deciding on the Santa Cruz. I almost went for the Ibis, but some hardcore racers I know told me to look at the SC. Thanks Guys! At 6'3" 200lbs, I am a big rider. The SC has been a revelation for me. It makes me a much better rider. The bike is spec'd out spare no expense, and weighs in around 23.85 lbs.
The cockpit is unbelievably comfortable, fitting me perfectly. The bike climbs extremely well and descends even better. In fact, this bike does everything well -- exceedingly so! The finish is exemplary and the welds are perfect. Very highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Secret garden/ Dead mans curve | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Super light, fast,and easy to control. Terrific quality, beautiful workmanship on the welds. Great paint job as well.
Very good fit and feel in the sadle.
23 and 3/4 pounds with my set up on an X-tra Large frame! | | Weaknesses: | Not a one! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX500
Connondale SuperV-1000 | | Bike Setup: | Y2K Marzocchi Z1X-Fly,Easton CT2,SRAM 9.0sl front & rear,Race Face Carbon/Alum. cranks,Race Face chain ring and head set & bottom bracket,Ringle' stem,Avid magnesium brakes,Sella Italia Flite gel seat,Sun Lite wheels w/Ringle' hubs,Avid Flak Jacket brake cables,Speed Play frog pedals. I kept it light and spared no expense. Weighs in at 23 and 3/4 pounds for an extra large frame! | | Bottom Line: | I did the research and decided to build my "dream" bike. The Santa Cruz is the culmination of that dream. It's very fast and nimble, easy to control going up or downhill. the bike is one beautiful piece of work. Excellent craftmanship, the TIG welds are beautifully done.
This bike has improved my riding speed and ability substantially. Very comfortable to ride, great ergonomics. I can climb better and faster than ever and it eats up the bumps in the single track. It is a pleasure to ride and easy to get tuned in for your particular riding style. The lock out on the Fox RC shock works just as it should. This bike needs no upgrades. It is a keeper for sure. I look forward to every ride.
Extremely well done, great bike.
Since I can't give 6, five big Chillis for the guys at Santa Cruz!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee, FL, US
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | No specific. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light weight, amazing handeling, plush rear-end. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Replaced a Trek Y22. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR stuff, Mavic Crossmax wheels, 00' Sid XC, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I ever rode. This bike handles extremely well, of course I am comparing it to a 95' Trek Y22 that was horrible. I only wish I had done my homework before I bought the Trek. The geometry of this bike is perfect, I always feel like I am in complete control.
This was not the case with my Trek, in fact I had a bad spill 3 years ago on the Trek that fractured my neck at C6. I couldn't keep the bike in line on a steep downhill. I know alot of the problem was my own inexperience but after riding the Santa Cruz I think the Trek might have played a part in that crash.
The Superlight has given me back alot more confidence when I ride. Thanks Santa Cruz. I would recomend this bike to anyone wanting a great all around X-country machine. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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