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Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Strengths: | pretty light, incredible lateral stiffness even by todays standards, efficient climbing, super durable & low maintanence, rides like a hardtail when you want it to | | Weaknesses: | XC'ish geo may not suit all riders, but then it is an XC trail bike... | | Similar Products Used: | mongoose teocali, norco six, other dualies & numerous hardtails | | Bike Setup: | XT drivetrain, rear Avid V with front Deore cable disc, Marz. Bomber Z1's, 80mm stem with 1" risers | | Bottom Line: | I picked this bike up second hand in immaculate condition around 10-12 months ago and have been riding it on mostly technical and flowing singletrack trails. In this environment this thing absolutely shines. It climbs like a mountain goat and absolutely cranks out of the corners (very similar feel to a hardtail out of the corners).
I've ridden newer, longer travel XC, AM & trail machines but most didn't compete to the accelleration and fun factor of this thing. I bought it on a whim thinking i would have upgraded to something newer and more complicated by now (hence test riding numerous other, more modern bikes) but i can't bring myself to stop riding the Tazmon as its just such a blast on the trails. Santa Cruz really got it bang on with this one, their very first production MTB. When released the Tazmon simply stunned the press, and now i know why.
Its also as tough as nails. Along with regular trail riding I've jumped it & ridden light FR on it and it doesn't flinch at all. Very rigid, the pretty burly rear end and Risse shock probably has a lot to do with it, along with the unique design. It may look like any other single pivot design but it has a difference - the shock is fixed to the frame at two points, and this is what gives it its superior rigidity compared to typical single pivot design (ala, Heckler, Superlight, etc).
Then there is the maintanence side of it, or lack there of. 12 months of hard riding and it still feels brand new and i've not touched it.
If your looking for a versatile XC/trail bike that requires little or no maintanence, and find a Tazmon for sale (they are extremely rare so good luck) definitely give it lots of consideration, and don't let the age or short travel (3") of it put you off. The Tazmon is basically a stiffer, tougher SC Superlight with little weight disadvantage. The only reason Tazmon production was stopped was because production costs were simply too high, which says a lot for the quality of these legendary bikes.
Quality all the way. Highly recommended. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R Leone
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX USA
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anyplace I can ride | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classifieds | | Strengths: | Burly, overbuilt. Works like a FS frame should. | | Weaknesses: | Limited choices of shocks, Santa Cruz doesn't make swingarms for them any longer (I called), no disc mount (hey it was made in 1996) | | Similar Products Used: | only hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Pretty standard stuff: XTR 8 spd setup, XT brakes, XTR/Mavic 517 wheels, Marzocchi Atom Bomb, blah blah | | Bottom Line: | I nabbed this off the MTBR classifieds for $450, a little apprehensively. I was aware of the SC Superlight, but not the Tazmon. It's basically the same design with an additional beam at the shock junction. This bike is tough, and the suspension works very well. My only gripe is that I can't upgrade to one of the newer stable-platform shocks as this model requires a Risse damper. No biggie, the Risse Terminator works fine, and the single pivot design resists pedal-induced bob fairly well. With the Marzocchi fork and mostly XTR stuff, it's no lightweight (about 27.5 lbs), but I won't have to worry about breaking anything. It's a stable and trusty frame.
The Tazmon is a little-known Santa Cruz model, and like the older Heckler, is a real sleeper for the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Bulletproof frame | | Weaknesses: | No rear disc mounts. Lack of rear shock options. | | Bike Setup: | Fox V125F, Risse Astro5 rear, Truvativ Stylo Team cranks, XT 9spd. components, XT hubs/Sun rims, Avid Front disc, Easton bars, CK headset, Panaracer FireXC Pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | I cant believe how great a job Santa Cruz did with this bike. They created the bike back in 95 (i think?) and it is still a well used design and it feels like something you could pick up from a showroom today. If you can find one used do not hesitate to pick it up! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
serge
a Cross Country Rider
from lafayette, LA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | red mail box (santa cruz) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | laterally rigid, sweet frame. Risse astro-5 very good. | | Weaknesses: | lack of shock options, oh well. Rear needs brake booster. | | Similar Products Used: | superlight | | Bike Setup: | EA-70 post, bontrager saddle, syncros riser, titec ti stem, old school 8-spd xtr drivetrain w/ avid ultimate brakes+levers, rhyno lite/xtr wheelset, 545 pedals and... oh, and a '99 Z2 w/ speedbomb kit. | | Bottom Line: | I too was looking for a heckler, (not a superlight due to my 220+ lb clydliness), but couldn't pass up the great deal on a Tazmon, and don't need the extra travel while I'm living in Louisiana. I swapped out just about all components from my not very stock stumpjumper pro, and sold it for a serious loss, but wife said one of the bikes had to go.
-Better lateral rigidness compared to 4" travel Hecklers for sure, I'm glad I didn't get a Heckler and it handles like a dream, especially with a wider bar.
-Toptube is kinda short, but that's a known issue for SantaCruz, so on went the newer style Easton seatpost w/ ~30mm rear offset.. much lighter than the XY, and enough lay back that I didn't have to resort to a Hellbent.
I quickly found I that a brake booster in the rear did a lot for brake feel.
-The Risse astro-5 shock has taken lots of abuse by me and keeps coming back for more. It seems pretty darn plush for an old school air shock. I'll probably send it in for a rebuild during the dog days of summer here.
To sum it up, an excellent switch for an aging mtn biker who does more 'epic' rides these days and wanted to go with a trusted company, which happens to be in my home town. I haven't noticed much 'brake jack' and wanted a low maintenance bike for my first FS experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr.com | | Strengths: | Beautiful frame, overbuilt rear shock mount, collector's item, lateral rigidity | | Weaknesses: | Weight (sorta), lack of shock options, only 3" travel | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, Heckler, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Large '96 Tazmon frame - ALL NEW: Z1 MCR, HS 33 brakes (awesome!!), custom-built XTR/32h Rhyno Lite wheels, real 180mm White Ind. cranks/Race Face rings, XTR r. der/ XT f. der, XT 8-spd cassette, ZuZu pedals, Mythos 2.1's and/or Tioga DH 2.3's, Sram Attack shifters, Club Roost riser bar, Thomson stem, King Headset, WTB Speed V saddle, black setpost | | Bottom Line: | Got this rig on the cheap at mtbr.com. Was looking for a Heckler, but couldn't pass on this gem. Came with good, 3-4 year old parts that serve as reserve parts now. This frame is the godfather of SC single pivot design. Overbuilt shock mount/toptube design is trick and laterally stiff...by comparison, the top tube shock mount on Superlight/Heckler looks like it could rip off with ease. SOLID! Not the agile sprinter of Superlight, but you can crank harder can't you? Only 3" of rear travel on the frame specific Risse Astro-5 (5-way adjustment of untoiceable dampening), but for XC that's just fine. (I had Risse re-valve and tune the shock for $40...it came back to me in perfect condition in 1 week, awesome...talk to "Fish"). The rear does feel more solid than the Superlight or Heckler under hard cornering or gnarly root/boulder sections. Z1 jacks up the front and eases the steering a bit, inspiring this classic BMX'er, novice MTB'er to haul ass and let the bike float down the descents, but lockout the Z1 on climbs and it will gitty up a goat path just the same. I'm 6'2", 200lbs, new to trail riding, but have had no prob at all cozying up to the wonders of dual suspension...I only notice it when I need it. TIP: upgrade the cheap Chinese cartridge bearings for better American/Japanese hardware for 'bout $30 from your local bearing shop. A fun, durable, classic trailbike for sure...though, I'm looking forward to the 2002 Heckler for more travel. Will hang on to the Taz for friends use/backup in the future. Would be 5 chilis, but "weaknesses" bring it down to four. Buy it if you want a solid, short-travel suspension trail rig and can find one. Go Fast!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxx Volume
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda
Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hoffamoose | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Irvine Bike Source | | Strengths: | Well balanced/easy to man handle. | | Weaknesses: | Being F'd when you try the same stuff on your bud's bike. | | Similar Products Used: | LOBO, XCR/I-Drive, Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | Free Ride, can't recall exact config though. | | Bottom Line: | Real nice bike set up all around, rear shock swap out an issue, but not a dead end. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rasta 'Red Strip' Rich Surfmonkey
a Weekend Warrior
from Silicon Valley
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch. Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | The bike rides like a hardtail going up and screams going down through the chatter bumps. With the light Girvin Cross link forks I can jump logs and RR tracks in a snap. | | Weaknesses: | Variety of shock options. The Asto 5 is really nice but I would still like to have other options. Being solid means weight. You can compensate for this if you go with lighter wheels, rims and hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | ProFlex, Lightspeed | | Bike Setup: | I have always loved the Girvin/K2 Cross link frt suspension with its seperate shock. Most people think the longer the travel of the suspenion the better it must be. I on the other hand believe tracking and stablity is the way to go. This is the same front suspension setup that is on my 2000 R1100S BMW, Telelever, developed to an art on the Saxon Trax Racing motorcycle. I look at most frt suspensions that people are using and see weight and masive fork braces to eliminate tracking and stiction problems. Then they have to deal with all the other problems of a conventional fork like oil seals and weight from inner springs, oil and seals.
I also went this time with platform pedals from Wellgo, $12, with Powergrip straps, $15. | | Bottom Line: | No longer being made by SC but it should be. Are you listening SC? I bought this one at AnotherBikeShop in Santa Cruz. Great people and some of the best prices I have found on or off the net. Get one b4 it is too late.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crue Jones
a Downhiller
from Dracut, Ma. USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike is strong. Heavy at a little over 30.bs. But this B can take a beating, Street Riding, Dirt Jumps, Downhillin', XC, and Hangover sunday rides. This bike will take it, Over and over. I cracked a headtube and SC replaced the frame with a new swingarm and new frame design. So I think I'm gonna have her for a while now. | | Weaknesses: | Cannot put a coil shock on it. Small complaint, but I wish it was possible. | | Bike Setup: | Marz. Z1, XTR everything, Tioga 2.1 DH Tires, Azonic bars and stem, Titec Berserker seat, Syncros seat post, Sun Rynho Lites, Gripshift 9.0sl shifter/der combo. and some S&M pedals. Red frame, polished swingarm | | Bottom Line: | This Bike kicks serious ass. I do it all and she takes it. If you dont agree, let me know: cruejones@yahoo.com Only thing I havent done to this bike is get the Astro-5 revalved, soon though. Probably at the 2000 Nationals at Mount Snow. Which is another place that kicks ass. Go buy it, the frame isn't being made anymore. So hurry, your gonna lose a beauty. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G MAN
a Downhiller
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Chubb - St. Louis, MO | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
No nonsense, simple design. Excellent balance, low weight, most laterally stiff FS bike made. | | Weaknesses: |
Not enough travel for true downhilling. | | Similar Products Used: |
Trek Y, GT STS, Schwinn | | Bike Setup: |
Judy SL with Englunds and Carbon Fork Brace (both highly recommended). Risse Astro 5 re-valved for faster rebound/agressive downhill riding. | | Bottom Line: | I was initially disappointed as the ride is not plush but I finally got everything dialed when I bagged the Judy internals (RS SUCKS) and replaced them with an Englund system and had Risse junk the Genesis for an Astro-5 and re-valve it for faster rebound so I could run lower pressures without packing down. I now do not see ANY of my buddies on the downhill portion of our rides - I wait for them at the car. This thing corners better than any other FS design because of the excellent lateral stiffness of the rear swingarm. Great design. It you want fancy - buy a GT. If you want what works, buy a Taz.
Put Machine Tech hubs on and glide silently thru the woods and YOU TOO can experience Nirvana. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stan
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For Sale; 18 Tazmon, black w / polished swing arm, XT deraillers, LX shifters, crank, brakes, mavic / exage wheels, all mostly just basic or generic parts, very upgradable, excellent condition. The reason I am selling is I want to get a Super8. I can provide better components but prefer to transfer them over to my new ride. I am selling this bike with very solid parts at a decent price to at least get a fully functional bike with great frame into your hands. Easier to afford and you can ride it now, upgrade slowly as your budget grows.
If thisis tacky or inapropriate for this forum, I am sorry, please remove if possible.
Thank you,
$1400 / offer | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Messina
a weekend warrior
from brick, nj, usa
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Tazmon is onw of the best all around full suspension bikes out there.
I've had mine for roughly a year and always look forward to riding it.
I have made a few changes to save weight and its about 26lbs. but it
doesn't matter too much for me anyway since i'm 220lbs. myself. Side to
side rigidity in the back was one of the selling points for me and I love
the three way adjustable Risse shock. I balanced out the front suspension
by installing Englund air cartridges in my FSX JUDY. The bike is great
ascending and descending. Overall a very sweet ride from such a small
company. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alastair Murdoch
a downhiller
from Ayrshire, scotland
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've got a tazmon, 18frame with the standard elroy damper. It's built with hope/shimano hubs of velocity deep section rims which are practically indestructable. I noticed that most of the reviewers are cross country riders, but that does not mean that this bike can't jump or downhill with the best. Although it cannot compete with a 6+ frame, it makes the absolute most from it's sub 3 back end (Yes I worked it out). Totally solid and built like a brick s*** house, I can't see this frame breaking like my old kula. Only downside is that the seals on two shocks have gone within the few months I've had it but that was attributed to the wrond valving for my weight/style. They were really quick with the replacements anyway. As for the dumbass who says they squeak, what can squeak about a sealed cartridge bearing? Even if they do, greasing it should remedy the problem. My bike is ridden in wet, muddy conditions for most of the year an as yet has'nt uttered a complaint. Unlike some GT's I could mention | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a weekend warrior
from New Paltz, New York
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Had my Tazmon for 6 months. Quick, stiff, bitchin' climbing machine. You want to ride real hard with this bike. I built it with XTR, Crosslands, WB SC 90. When I get home from work tomorrow morning I will beat the thing hard and it will laugh at me. Build one up if you're looking for a really, really fun piece of machinery. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Santa Fe
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I finally bought a Tazmon after considering the full suspension scene for the past year. I'm glad I did... Mine weighs about 25.75 lbs with a full XTR group and generally light stuff including a Judy SL. I chose the Risse 5 way shock option as well. After some serious riding including hideous long singletrack climbs (over 5,000 vertical yesterday) and steep rock garden descents, the 'Cruz rules! It is a refreshing alternative to the latest 30+ lbs free-ride industry craze. This bike is everything people have said about it. It sprints like a hardtail with no slop yet delivers an incredibly refined ride, not a floater, but supple in control suspension response like a highly evolved sports car. You owe it to yourself to consider the Tazmon before you buy something less. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tosh
a weekend warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Taz for about 7 months. The advantages of this full suspension charateristics are so subtle that I find myself appreciating my bike more the longer I had it. It's fitted out with XTR and Judy SL Longs. Very firm frame with just enough travel on both ends to take the bite out of big hits. The ride is not plush but feels refined. It climbs very well with it's active suspension. You just learn to stay seated most of the time and it just works for you. It weighs about 25 lbs and feels so stable I forget that the rear is shocked and moving until l ride the same trail on my old Stumpjumper. Light, solid, good climber and stable at speeds. I believe the Tazmon qualifies as a perfect Freeride bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Tazmon for six months and love it. I equiped it with full XTR, Judy SL, Risse adjustable shock, WTB saddle, 747 pedals and Titec short bar ends. It weighs just over 25 lbs. I can climb hills I wasn't able to make on my hardtail, make switchbacks I had to walk before and descend faster than ever. My chronic back pain is much improved because of the comfortable ride.I started riding with the suspension set up very stiff but as time goes on, I keep setting the suspension softer. I now set the rear shock at 15 lbs. below my weight, have the lightest springs in the Judy and have it set up as soft as it will go. The suspension is nicely balanced and very compliant. Even with a very soft set up there is no bobbing. The bike rides like a hardtail but feels like a full suspension bike. I took my old hardtail out for a ride just to see what it was like - what a contrast. It made me remember how beat up I used to feel after a ride on a hard tail. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE TAZMON! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh,Pa.
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased this bike through Phat Tire (5 stars for service and EXCELLENT bike build)
in January, largely based on reviews and MTBR feedback. This bike is amazing! It handles as well as any hardtail, no rearend flex,
and I keep getting faster and faster! It does like to be kept moving, and everything gets better and better with more speed.
It handles better than any bike I've EVER ridden, is built like granite, needs less maintenance than my dog.
Buy one! Then you can be as happy as me! A constellation of stars for this one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott (Scooter) Eubank
a racer
from Lynchburg, VA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
HECKLER : this is a review of the Santa Cruz Heckler.I did 6 months of research to pick the best all around bike On the Market.
I narrowed the selection to several bikes, using Travel, Weight, Handling characteristics, Product Reviews, and End User Reactions(from MTBR of course).I narrowed the choices down to the following: Trek Y series, GT LTS, AMP, and Heckler of course... the Gt and AMP have to many pivots and long term durability and difficulty of maintenance ruled them out.and Wa La there were 2. I really like the Y's but the expense of the bikes limited their appeal. I tried the Pro-Deal track with both Trek and Santa Cruz and with both I got excellent deals. I choose the Heckler because of the Testimonials here and I liked the cool people working at SC. After talking with them it was evident where my next bike would come from....I got a HECKLER, RS Delux rearshx, RS SL longtrvl., XT/LX, XT raipfire(grip shift is a pain in the ass), - total weigth is around 27 lds.. I haven't gotten an exact reading.. I belive it will come down with a few upgrades to 26.I have only been riding it 2 weeks. I will update this as I ride more.I rode a Hard Tail previously and not just any Hard Tail, a 16 chainstay American M16 monster... It handled like a feather but at about 27lds it was the same weight as the Heckler.. Getting used to a FS bike in Single Track takes time and patience, I don't feel fast. That is a function of the longer chainstays and more comfortable ride.
I was immediatly impressed on fire road descents.. I AVERAGED OVER 5-8mph FASTER than on the hardtail, thats a big difference my times have improved greatly. The ride is similar to the TREK's and I don't notice break induced lock out. I don't feel the avg rider could tell. for DH'ing You can't beat this beast.. in Single Track It handles excellent it does prefer to be going a little faster than a crawl. I noticed that as you increased speed in Single Trk it became easyer to control. This bike is an excellent race bike.I notice the rear suspension on the climbs but I don't know if it's slowing me down. I climb sloweer in the spring. (I gained 8 lds this winter.) I do notice my comfort level has gone up.I don't think I will use the hardtail any more. I can cut about 2lds off the bike with lighter wheels, cassette, and a few chi-chi's. I want to say though the RS SL long travel is an improvement over the short travel ,but It is no match for the plushness of the Rear RS deluxe. I have heard that speed springs will correct this. I will update this review as I ride the bike more.Good Luck... Pick a bike and Ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a racer
from Lusby, MD
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Follow-up time, gang.I gave in to my desires (from my post below) and got myself a Tazmon. 3 months later I pre-ride the course at my first race of the season and decide Taz will be a better choice for the impossibly rocky course. The result? 3rd overall. This bike is incredible! Mind you, the only things I've left stock are the frame, headset, and rear shock...but the performance gains by tricking this thing out have been secondary to my weight concerns. I now come in at a happy 23.9 for an 18 duallie. Not too shabby. Everything I said below is still true, I just have some honest trail thrashing (and one race result) to back it up now. Going dual? Go Tazmon.Call Mike at SeaDive+Cycle in Solomons MD (410) 326-4386 and see what kind of deal he throws you for either a full-up machine or just a frame. I made out pretty good... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dana k
a cross-country rider
from santa cruz, ca
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i love this bike. it takes all the bumps and rocks and roots and lumps and keeps on going smoothly. it never wags it's tail and it never pogos around. it's the best full suspension bike i've ever been on! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DANNY BOATRIGHT
a cross-country rider
from AUSTIN ,TX.
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I'VE HAD MY TAZMON FOR A YEAR THIS MONTH.IT RULES!I BLEW THE REAR SHOCK IN NOVEMBER.THE REBUILD WAS GREAT!1 PUT A RISSE 3INCH TRAVEL KIT AND SPEED SPRINGS AND IT REALLY RIDES GREAT.20 INCH AT 26.5POUNDS.GREAT CLIMBER AND DOWNHILLER.YOU CAN HANG WITH THE DH BIKES BUT RACE XC ON THIS BIKE, | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Porter
a cross-country rider
from San Jose Ca
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my Tazmon since May of '94 #459 I loved it then and today it makes me just as happy. I opted for the Judy SL because of the weight and travel capability at the time, since then I put Speed Springs in and what a great improvement. The bike is a great climber and downhill bomber. New brakes
are a must if you have cantilevers, but overall the bike still is one of the best I've ever ridden or seen it is a piece of ridable art! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edward Falsken
a cross-country rider
from Hayward,CA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After My hardtail got stolen I needed a new bike. I was planning to get another hardtail because I thought that full suspension was just hype. I test rode one the Y's at the time and thought this is crap!! (reinforcing my dislike of full suspension). Until I test rode a tazmon. What a difference... When I got off I was thinking real hard about getting a tazmon. I got one and six months later I am still riding my Tazmon. This bike is still SWEET!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KIRK YAMAMOTO
a cross-country rider
from SAN JOSE CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The Tazmon is onw of the best all around full suspension bikes out there.
I've had mine for roughly a year and always look forward to riding it.
I have made a few changes to save weight and its about 26lbs. but it
doesn't matter too much for me anyway since i'm 220lbs. myself. Side to
side rigidity in the back was one of the selling points for me and I love
the three way adjustable Risse shock. I balanced out the front suspension
by installing Englund air cartridges in my FSX JUDY. The bike is great
ascending and descending. Overall a very sweet ride from such a small
company. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Schunemann
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburg, CA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my bike for about 3 months now, 20 or so rides, and I love it! It's the first full suspension bike I've ridden/owned, so I can't compare it to others. Although I have a friend who is going to trade his y-frame in for one, that says something. I'm 6'-4 255lbs and have had no problems with the radial laced wheels or bobing of the suspension while climbing. It rides like a hardtail with suspension. If your looking for the best of both worlds, this is the bike to get. It's very low maintenance, just one $5.00(approx) bearing to go bad, plus normal shock maintenance. Perhaps the only drawback would be the weight, mine is 28.1 lbs with the XTR kit, Judy DH fork, MOAB pedals, and a 22 frame. I chose the Judy DH for it's stiffness, being I'm such a big guy. I don't notice the weight, but lighter riders might. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spanky
a cross-country rider
from Salinas
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Greetings!
This is truly one of the best dualies on the market! I work in a bicycle shop,and have riddin or owned a bunch of boinger bikes. The Taz works so well, in so many different situations, it really stands above the rest. Very low maintenence as well. If you must have it sprung at both ends, do yourself a favor, and get da 'Cruz! Thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Lombard
a racer
from Angwin, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Surely the best full-suspendy on the scene. Does it all well, climbs, descends, flat roads, the only down is the 3 way Risse adjustable shock upgrade. I keep hitting my friggin' knee on the adjuster lever. Built with XT and a Judy DHO, the bike weighs 26 lbs, and is more than light enough to ride as my daily rig. This is my second one, and I'll never go back!! Get yourself one! Happy Trails! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Catlett
a cross-country rider
from San Jose, CA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Simply stated, the Tazmon is awesome. I have had mine for nearly three years, it was one of the first from the factory and I have never had even a minor problem with it. It handles any kind of terrain with no problem and you don't have to pay the same amount as a cheap used car to get this bike. Nothing but the best here! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a weekend warrior
from Monterey, CA
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
If you're looking for a duely this is the bike. I also tried the Heckler and while it's good, the Tazmon is better, it's less bouncy. The Tazmon is like driving a fine sports car - quick, responsive and agile. If you think the rear sock is just for going down, think again, it's just as great climbing. The all around bike. The only drawback is - it's a little heavy, but it's a duely. You can spend the big bucks to loose 2 lbs. I don't worry about it, the bike rides lite enough. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Lee
a cross-country rider
from Bradford,West Yorkshire, UK
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Santa-Cruz HecklerYes I know that this is the Tazmon page, but there is no Heckler page and
anyway the designs are virtually the same.What I like: Simple design that works even after a dip in liquid mud. Easy
to service. Brilliant ride,light for a suspension bike(un-tricked).Dislikes: My ankles just touch the chainstays as I pedalOverall I have had a great time ever since I bought this bike in September, I
prefer it to the Tazmon which I test rode.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Woodhead
a cross-country rider
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
These guys make an awesome bike. It tracks smoother at speed than any other bike I've ever ridden. You only have to do one downhill high-speed bump run head-to-head with a good hardtail to be sold on this bike. When you hit the high speed stutters, you can just say goodbye to the hardtails. On tight trails, the bike bunnyhops super-quick by just pre-loading the Risse shock and launching over small-to-medium logs and rocks. The weight is reasonable at around 26 lbs, and the only problem I have with it is the very short three-year warranty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Beloney
a cross-country rider
from Cupertino, CA
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I wish I could get mine down to 24.5lbs! I'm at about 25.5+ lbs fairly tricked out (but not overboard) on my '95-'96 bike.
I chose this baby over lighter Amp style bikes because I think the design lends itself to singletracking better. It rides like a hardtail - - there simply is no flex side to side, but the suspension works great for climbing and downhilling! The Risse rear shock works great, as long as you can stand the Amp-phezema (or however you spell it). The chain doesn't derail like other fully suspended bikes.
After trying other bikes this is still my favorite (under $4000!). I just wish it was a little lighter. But then again, feather bikes are for wimps! My suggestion - - try it, buy it, but replace the cheesey tires it comes with before you are seen in public. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Matson
a racer
from Lusby, MD
Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
If you've read my One-on-One diatribe on hardtails vs. suspension you'll expect
this to be a negative review. Wrong. My brother has purchased a Tazmon from
my LBS via me (bro is in Texas) and before I send it to him I've decided to
ride it a bit. Wow...now I want one. Not the singletrack machine that my
S-Works M2 is, but not bad. Light duallie, and feels lighter still while riding.
No slop in the linkages, no pogoing, and definitely more fun at warp speed
heading downhill than anything else I've ever ridden. Die-hard hardtaillers
should test ride one of these before ixnaying all duallies. Eating crow never
tasted so good as this! | | Overall Rating: |
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