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Submitted by
Vincent Tan
a Racer
from BRUNEI
Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light -Plush -Sweet Ride.
| | Weaknesses: | Not Yet. | | Bike Setup: | Metal grey frame with Fox Air RC:- SID SL, Full XTR with RapidRise RD/46th Crank, CrossMax/Phython tubeless, ChrisKing headset, Thomson post & stem, Easton Monkeylite Bar/Yeti grip, Time ATAC Titan Carbon padel, SI Flite 165g saddle. Weight ~ 11.1kg. | | Bottom Line: | This is my 2nd review. After riding it for 1.5 year, no maintenance done- except replacement of chain & tyre (fr Mosquito to Python). It's very reliable!
Thanks for all those contributed your views
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Warren
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Walker Ranch, White Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | everywhere | | Strengths: | Light, FAST, Strong, great anodizing, simple maintenance, looks killer, rides even better | | Weaknesses: | none yet and I do NOT expect any...ever | | Similar Products Used: | gt lts 1, gt I-drive, moots ybb, litespeed tsali, kona stinky deluxe, c'dale f2000, c'dale jekyll, | | Bike Setup: | cane creek aeroheat wheels (da bomb), xtr shifters & deraillers ,raceface next lp's, avid mag's, cane creek ad-10, thomsom stem & seatpost, easton monkeylite, sid sl dual air, egg beaters, joytech ti skewers, srp ti crank bolts, shutchison pythons, etc... | | Bottom Line: | Best bike I have ever been on hands down!! I liked my jekyll (even better than the tsali) but it felt like a sherman tank compared to this svelt machine and I had it down to 25 lbs which is incredible for a jekyll. The Superlight is crazy fast accellerating, yet highly stable on the tightest of turns at speed. So sweet looking it gives me wood. I do have a top of the line component setup, but I can tell its the frame that does the work. Mine is built up at about 23 lbs with pedals and feels even lighter. When climbing I get no pedal feedback (cause I stroke like a steam engine :-)..)and it is scary fast on the descents. I buy and sell bikes like cigarettes on the black market, but I am keeping this one until it disinegrates to dust. $2200 is no chump change but it is not the most I have ever dropped on a bike and the superlight is worth very cent and more. I recommend this bike to anyone who wants to take their riding to the next level and get away from mass produced lines. This bike makes you WANT to ride!... Anyone who complains about this bike simply does not have it set up right, period. Santa Cruz ROCKS!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, CA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | Very simple design, minimal bob in small chain ring, it is negligible. It climbs like a hard tail, even without the lockout on the shock. I bought the anodized finish and if you keep the frame clean, it looks as good as the day you bought it. And that is after trying to avoid horse and cow crap in the spring here in the foothills of the Sierras. | | Weaknesses: | Rear triangle developed a small hairline crack near the pivot point. I am an average technical rider, apx 195 pounds and noticed the crack when I attempted to replace the bushings. Kudos to the guys at Santa Cruz. I sent the rear triangle in and they replaced it with a new one, a better design (a box style near the pivot point rather than the old round type). It seems a lot stiffer, I have to ride it yet. | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full-suspension bike. I rode my buddy's Heckler and went with the Superlight. Glad I made that choice. | | Bike Setup: | Chris King hubs on 317s, XT drivetrain with Sram Attack shifters. Marzocchi 100m X-Fly (great product as well) and a Fox Float RC (Have needed to replace the seals twice in 2 years). | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike!!! Plain and simple. It rides like a dream, soaks up small bumps well, awesome on descents, and light and nimble enough to climb what my cardio can managed. It is easy to maintain. I am fairly meticulous in keeping it free of dirt--a clean bike runs better. It you are looking for a great ride and simplicity, this is the bike. I will have to see how the technology pans out, with the Blur and the NRS from Giant, though this bike is more than adequate for cross country riding. Again, kudos to Santa Cruz -- their customer service is very good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Bidwell | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | CAMBRIA | | Strengths: | RIDE QUAILITY. SImple to maintain. | | Weaknesses: | WITH OVER TWO YEARS I THOUGHT I NOTICED THE REAR SWING ARM GETTING MORE AND MORE FLEX. | | Bike Setup: | SEE REVIEW BELOW | | Bottom Line: | I CALLED SANTA CRUZ AND ORDERED A NEW HARDWARE KIT FOR MY BIKE. AFTER I INSTALLED THE NEW BEARINGS AND SWINGARM PIVOT BOLT I REALLY NOTICED THE FLEX. I TOOK IT A PART AND DISCOVERED THE HOLE IN THE FRAME THAT THE PIVOT BOLT GOES TROUGH IS VERY WORN. I INSTALLED THE OLD STYLE PIVOT BOLT WHICH IS A ALUMINAM BOLT. IT COULD BE TIGHTNED MORE THAN THE NEW STYLE PIVOT BOLT. IT TAKES THE FLEX OUT SO YOU CANT FLEX IT BY HAND . BUT YOU CAN FEEL THE FLEX WHEN YOU RIDE.I REALLY LIKE MY SUPERLIGHT AND PLANNED TO RIDE IT FOR A LONG TIME. I THOUGHT THAT THE INCREASE FLEX I WAS FEELING WAS DUE TO THE FACT I AM A MUCH MORE AGGRESIVE RIDER NOW. I CALLED SANTA CRUZ AND THEY ASKED IF I TRIED A BIKE SHOP OR I COULD SEND IT IN. I AM GOING TO TAKE IT TO A PLACE THAT SELLS SANTA CRUZ BICYCLES. I HOPE THEY WARRANTY THE FRAME. I CANNOT RIDE THE BIKE THE WAY IT IS. THE BIKE IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD AND WHEN I BOUGHT IT I REGISTERED IT WITH SANTA CRUZ . THE INFOMATION I GOT WITH THE BIKE SAID THEY WOULD WARRANTY FOR UP TO 3 YRS. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Yuba | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Simple to maintain. The ride is excellent up and downhill. | | Weaknesses: | Is a little flexy. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | XT drive train w/ Race face cranks,Thomson post & stem,Avid brakes,517 rims Xtr hubs Psylo R. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awesome and I still thinks it rocks after two years. I posted a review earlier this year at about the 18 month mark and this is a follow up.I praised the bike then and I still think it rocks. I ride alot. I am not a racer or a freerider but I love technical trail riding and this bike does it well. This was my only bike up to a couple of months ago and I have several thosand miles on it. I had the shock rebuilt twice and the bushings have some wear and I will be sending it in again(Fox Float R) for another rebuild(I own a spare shock). Full suspension bikes are more maintenance. Sealed bearings will need grease eventualy I do not care what anyone says. It takes me all of an hour to repack the swing arm bearings. I am a aircraft mechanic and I enjoy fixing my bikes and I still will avoid complicated stuff (horst link).Compared to other high end frame makers for the money you cannot beat Santacruz. I plan on riding my superlight for another year and I will probaly buy a Heckler next fall. If you want a awesome trail bike that you can build light yet tough buy a superlight. Mine weighs in at about 27 lbs. and it is perfect for me up and downhill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Jans
a Cross Country Rider
from Plainsboro, NJ
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Wawayanda | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Reasonably light weight, simple design. | | Weaknesses: | Replaceable derailleur hanger would be nice. Other than that, no complaints | | Similar Products Used: | AMP Research B-4 full suspension, Cannondale CAAD2 hardtail, Specialized Stumpjumper M2FS hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Xfly100 fork, Fox Float RC shock, full XT, Avid disk brakes, Thompson post, Race Face Turbine LP cranks & SYStem, Chris King headset, Salsa 26" flat h'bar | | Bottom Line: | A fantastic handling full suspension bike, not fully active but a good compromise considering the 4" of rear travel. Simple to maintain and fun to ride. Looks great too - silver anodized finish with laser-etched graphics. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Loon Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat | | Strengths: | The Superlight simply puts you in the mood to ride. It charges up hills and floats back down. The quick but predictable handling instills confidence. The single pivot design is reliable and maintainance free. | | Weaknesses: | Sometimes instills too much confidence - keep that helmet handy. I suppose it bobs a little but I never notice it unless I actually look at the rear shock. I've heard concerns over the lack of a replaceable rear dropout but I've never heard of anyone breaking one. | | Similar Products Used: | demo'd several full suspension - this one rose to the top. | | Bike Setup: | Large frame fits me at 5'10". | | Bottom Line: | An excellent choice for cross country and rough trails and for people who would rather ride their bike than work on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gustavo Kuster
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta River Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bell Cycle's | | Strengths: | This is bike is smooth. South Florida has alot of roots and this bike floats right over them. On my first ride I had a big smile on my face for an hour. Very little bob when standing and climbing. THE BEST BIKE I HAVE BEEN ON. EXCELLENT FOR XC. | | Weaknesses: | Flex a bit | | Similar Products Used: | GT i-Drive Team. | | Bike Setup: | XTR, MAVIC Crossmax, Thomsom bar & seat post | | Bottom Line: | Excelent | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Daley Ranch, Escondido | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Mountain Bike Warehouse | | Strengths: | Simple, great build quality, works amazingly well, very responsive. | | Weaknesses: | None, except perhaps a minor one in that routing disk brake lines is a bit of a pain. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant Yukon | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RL rear shock, Thomson stem and post, XT cranks, deraillieurs, shifters and hubs, Avid mechanical disks, Terry Fly saddle, Easton Carbon bar (straight), Panaracer Trailblasters, Marzocchi Z3 Bomber, Shimano 858 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Recommended for anyone looking for an all around XC bike. Build quality on the frame is excellent, great looking welds, quality finish. The single pivot design is deceptively simple but works! These is almost no bob when seated, the suspension soaks up both small and large stuff equally well. Once set up correctly it is a pleasure to ride and is extremely responsive. I differed from Santa Cruz's recommended frame size, I am 5' 7" and rode both a medium and a small frame, preferring the handeling of the small, also ended up using a 120mm stem and straight bars. This combo is a fair bit smaller than they recommend but since I have heard that a few others have found this also wonder if Santa Cruz's recommendations are based on riser bars?
Nuff said, do yourself a favor and try out a superlight!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, Ca
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the ones wit' dirt on'um | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | I don't remember | | Bottom Line: | It's been about a year and a half since my last review and I've abused this product for about two and a half years. The bottom line is, I FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS BIKE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I am not kidding, man. I'm 5'9" weigh 160lbs. This bike has saved my un-talented little arse so many times. But when I've made mistakes, it's been through a shattered collar bone, strains too numerous to mention, and other crashes. It gets up like a champion dog, ready for more.
I'm partial to the simplicity and durability of the single pivot and this bike will not disappoint.
If you are looking for a do-anything-it-is-asked-of-to-do kind of cross country bicycle, try this one. Do yourself a favor. Try the others first. The Superlight climbs better than my GT Avalanche (hardtail), then descends like a light weight downhill bike.
Mountain biking will grow a hole new dimension. All of the same 'ol trails you've been riding will transcend into a Mother Nature's own amusement park.
You'll notice that I initially gave this bike 4 chili's. But with all these new designs coming up without a single competitor for plushness in a mountain bike, my appreciation has really grown. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FritzMan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Calgary Cycle | | Strengths: | Looks, weight, strength, low maintenance | | Weaknesses: | Ummmm..... Maybe some chipping, but 1986 Chevy Camero Red touch-up paint perfectly matches my powder coated red frame. | | Bike Setup: | Superlight, Mavic UST, SRAM, Raceface | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up for my earlier posting (10 months ago). I still get as excited to ride this thing as the first day I got her. I've since added a (flexy) SID 100 which definitely balances out the bike compared to my previous 80mm fork . I run the rear suspension exactly as spec'd by Fox for my weight and use the lockout on out-of saddler efforts, smooth climbs, and flat stuff. Although many don't need the lockout, I setup the bike fairly plush to get a little more comfort during enduros and yet still get the jump when needed. This bike is sensitive to rider weight, so adjust the rear shock if you shed poundage.
I tried to follow SantaCruz's recommendations on stem length, but I find them too long. My setup is (I'm 5'9" and 178 lbs) medium frame, 100mm 15 deg RF stem with 1/8" spacer (rather than the 120mm recommended stem), and offset post. It's a tight cockpit with little wheeling' issues on climbs and rocketship decending abilitites. I've had three of the four water bottle mount rivets fail (spin in the tube), but $40 at the local shop fixed that quick.
This is an awesome dual role trail/race bike, and has given me several great results in enduros. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vincent Tan
a Cross Country Rider
from BSB, BRUNEI
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Triple Star Enterprise, BSB | | Strengths: | Light -Plush -Sweet Ride. | | Weaknesses: | Not yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Hard Tails- Schwinn Moab, Cannodale CAAD & Specialize | | Bike Setup: | Metal grey frame with Fox Air RC:- SID SL, Full XTR with RapidRise RD/46th Crank, CrossMax/Mosquito tubeless, ChrisKing headset, Thomson post & stem, Easton Monkeylite Bar/Yeti grip, Time ATAC Titan Carbon padel, SI Flite 165g saddle. Now US$3,300. Weight ~ 11.1kg. | | Bottom Line: | After riding my hardtail- Schwinn Moab 3 for 8 months, I decide to have a 2nd bike based on my riding style & I finally got my first FS bike.
Fully satified with frame & my choiced components.
Thanks for all those contributed your views. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BOB C
a
from MARYSVILLE CA
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | South Yuba (all 16 miles) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1150.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | VERY SIMPLE DESIGN BUT WORKS EXCELLENT. VERY EASY TO MAINTAIN. AWESOME PERFORMANCE YET SIMPLE DESIGN. | | Weaknesses: | THE LACK OF REPLACABLE DERAILER HANGAR. I BENT MINE OVER 6 WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. SANTA CRUZ SENT ME A NEW SWING ARM IN LESS THAN 10 DAYS. I THINK IT WAS CRAPPY LUCK. | | Similar Products Used: | 98 SPECIALIZED FSR | | Bike Setup: | CHRIS KING HEAD SET,RACE FACE XT DRIVE TRAIN,AVID V BRAKES,517 RIMS WITH XTR HUBS, THOMSON POST AND STEM. PSYLO R / FLOAT R | | Bottom Line: | THE BIKE ROCKS. IT CLIMBS WELL IT DESCENDS WELL. BUT MOST OF ALL IT IS SUPER EASY TO MAINTAIN. I HAVE HAD TO SEND THE REAR SHOCK IN FOR NEW BUSHINGS AND A REBUILD.I DID NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT THE BIKE SO I LOOKED INTO A NEW SHOCK. I GOT A NEW FOX VANILLA R THROUGH MY LOCAL BIKE SHOP AS A SPARE FOR A GOOD PRICE IN TWO DAYS AND THEY GOT IT FROM SANTA CRUZ. THEY SENT IT WITH THE CORRECT COIL AND SET UP FOR XC RIDING.THAT IS AWESOME CUSTOMER SERVICE. I LOVE THIS BIKE. IT TAKES ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO SWAP THE SHOCK OUT.IT TOOK ALL OF 30 MINUTES TO PUT A NEW SWINGARM ON WHEN I HAD TO REPLACE IT .
THE BIKE ROCKS I LOVE IT. I RIDE ALOT A REAL LOT. I DONT BRAKE PARTS AS MUCH AS WEAR THEM OUT FROM ALOT OF HARD RIDING.I CAN SAY MY SANTA CRUZ IS AWESOME IT TAKES ALL I DISH OUT.
FOR MY SECOND MT BIKE I BOUGHT A SPECIALIZED FSR IT WAS A PIECE OF CRAP. I SOLD IT 6 MONTHS AFTER BUYING AND WENT BACK TO A HARD TAIL. I SWORE NO MORE FULL SUSPENSION BIKES. THEN I SEEN A SANTA CRUZ. WHAT A SIMPLE DESIGN. THEN I RODE ONE AND READ REVIEWS. I BOUGHT ONE. I AM A AIRCRAFT MECHANIC AND I KEEP MY BIKE PERFECT. I AM NOT A FAN OF THE MULTI LINK SUSPENSION (HORST LINK ) FROM A MAINTENANC STAND POINT.IT ( HORST LINK) MAY OUT PERFORM THE MONO SHOCK DESIGN BUT IT WILL NEVER SURPASS THE SIMPLICITY OF THE MONO SHOCK.
THE BIKE FITS ME BETTER THAN ANY I HAVE EVER HAD AND OUT PERFORMS ANYTHING I HAVE EVER HAD. I AM 5 10 AND 19D LBS AND IT JUST FEELS PERFECT CLIMBING AND DESCENDING. IT IS THE PERFECT BALANCE OF PERFORMANCE.IT IS A AWESOME DESIGN AND I DO NOT SEE MUCH OUT THERE THAT COMPETES FOR THE PRICE . IT IS FOR THE SERIOUS TRAIL RIDER. I LOVE EXPLORING NEW TRAILS AND LONG RIDES AND THE BIKE IS PERFECT FOR ME. I WILL BUY ANOTHER SANTA CRUZ WHEN I BUY ANOTHER BIKE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve Van Landingham
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | SWP/TC,FLATCREEK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Impeccable welds, stout gussets,long top tube (XL), lightweight (hence the name) and Anodized finish to boot ! | | Weaknesses: | Derailleur hanger failure could be costly. Cleaning the nooks and crannies on this bad boy is a nightmare. No real weaknesses to speak of. Needs a more powerful motor!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Big Wheel, pedal car, go kart & Voodoo Bizango. | | Bike Setup: | Ritchey OCR PRO Wheels, Thompson seatpost and stem, Monkey Lite bars, Race Face cranks, SID SL, All XTR, Chris King HS, TiTec Berserkr couch, Conti Tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike weighs the same as my hard tail, and the comfort level is four times greater. Ride ON, RIDE ON!
Gotta go! I'm burning daylight. Got Spider webs to bust. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
King of the Hill Goat
a Racer
from Any
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Amything up | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | costco | | Strengths: | PLUSHHHHHHHHHH
GEOMETRY
STEERING | | Weaknesses: | pedal feedback | | Similar Products Used: | Kona King Kikapu, Specialized FSR, Ellsworth Truth | | Bike Setup: | All xtr with rocket shifters and xt 11-28 cassette
Thompson seatpost and stem
Chris King Headset
Selle Italia Flite TI
CT2 Handlebars
Irc Mythos
Rock Shox Sid Sl
Total frame and shock weight is 5.5 pounds (medium)
Total Bike weight 23.0 pounds | | Bottom Line: | I have been only ridding this setup for 2 weeks but I have equaled my times in my hardtail with the lockout on the front and back going on the uphills I have also tried it without the lockouts and the front shocks cause a lot more bobbing than the rear which is very quiet. I had heard that there is a lot of pedal feedback on granny but a rarely visit the granny anyways so I don't know. I was aprehensive of there geometry but I am no more it is simply perfect the bike handles on rails and feels comfortable in any situation. The travel inthe rear is much more plusher tham any of the other bikes I tried and that doesn't mean that the other are worse is just that this one feels like it is lighter than what it is and has more travel than what it has. I know a lot of people say it is expensive but when you compare it to similar efforts from Ellsworth, Turner and even Kona the Superlight is in my book a great value. The only thing I am still getting used to is that it gets really dirty but then again it may be because I can't stop riding it............... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kookie
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Phatire, Denver | | Strengths: | Performance. Looks,price.weight,exclusivity and all the other good things about this frame would'nt be worth a damn if the thing did'nt perform! | | Weaknesses: | Are you kidding me! | | Similar Products Used: | Loads of stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Raceface,Sram,Hope brakes,Sid 100's and lot's of light bit's. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a better rider,full stop. If something makes you say that it's got to be value for money, whatever you paid for it! I got a friend to bring it home from the U.S. for me and saved £300 ($450).It's an amazing bycycle.Climbs well,not like my old rigid mtb (everyone should have one) but near enough. Excellent grip on tech. climbs. It decends like it's on rails. The Sid's seem to suit the frame pretty good and match the Fox float Rc to a tee. If you've been tempted but were'nt sure get one or settle for 2nd best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny
a Racer
from Deerfield Beach, Florida
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Strengths: | This is bike is smooth. South Florida has alot of roots and this bike floats right over them. On my first ride I had a big smile on my face for an hour. Very little bob when standing and climbing. THE BEST BIKE I HAVE BEEN ON. EXCELLENT FOR XC. | | Weaknesses: | The low bottom bracket causes you to hit the pedels on the ground more than other bikes. The rear locks out when braking hard on down hills. I compensated by pumping the front (homemade ABS action) and using less rear brake. The rear is so plush that my Rockshox SID felt like crap and I had to go with a Marzocchi. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 trek y-glide deluxe, 2001 rockett 88 | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Thomson post and stem, Time, Crossmax UST, chris king, bomber | | Bottom Line: | Buy it, it's worth the money. It only gets 4 value chilis because is costs so much new. Mine is second hand. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1395.00 | | Purchased At: | From Rob Roskopp at Santa Cruz | | Strengths: | Light, fast and no-flex. | | Weaknesses: | The Rider | | Similar Products Used: | First F/S bike. | | Bike Setup: | XT, Kore rims, stem and handlebar, Thompson seatpost, Psylo SL fork. | | Bottom Line: | I weigh around 250 lbs and jump and downhill this bike. It shows no flex and handles my weight easily. When I XC, this bike is all about speed and traction. I will always ride Santa Cruz bikes. They are no-nonsense and work better than the hardtails I have owned. The rear end flexes less than my hardtails did. Wierd! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Osbon
a Cross Country Rider
from Aiken, SC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | CYCLESPORT | | Strengths: | Light weight, very responsive, the singe pivot design assures minimal bobbing when climbing or sprinting. Tracks great, no problem following your best line descending, I thought I would have to use the lock out on my Fox RC when climbing, but it would have to be one steep hill to require it. Also, this bike is very low maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | Sorry, I know how important this section is when your looking for a new bike, but this bike is just to sweet to find anything wrong with it. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested: Gary Fisher Sugar, Giant NRS-1, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Large Superlight, Marzocchi Atom 80's, Spinergy Xyclone Wheels (these are very light and very cool), MonkeyLite Carbon Riser Bars, Easton EA70 Seatpost, All XT Components | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this: High Quality, Great Performance, Better Lines, Quicker Handling, Faster Finishes, all with Low Maintenance. Have you read enough? What are you waiting for? Buy this bike you want regret it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a
from brighton, sussex, united kingdom
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere on the south downs | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Strengths: | Frame and shock(fox float rc) is light at 5.2ish lbs and looks Beautiful in metallic blue. Good climber even though I have been tempted to use the lockout on long flat climbs, but most of the time I forget it's even there.
It's my first full susser so I went for a less active single pivot bike. I might go for something more active when the superlight is stolen or broken.
The Shock is mounted high up on the top tube and is kept away from all the muck that the rear wheel throws up, this is essential for UK riding conditions. I couldn't picture a shock on an FSR lasting for too long in some of the crap I ride through.
I originally had the thing set up with an 80mm z2 x-fly but it was far too flexy. I was scared to go down hills fast. The bike didn't live up to it's single track eating trail bike repuation. Ive got my spare 2000 model 110mm Z1 drop- off on it now. Strange fork to put on a trailbike marketed as an XC racer but it now handles really well, if a little heavy. Marzocchi hollowed-out crowns are too flexible. If you have the cash go for a psylo race or an air fox forx to save on weight.
An ideal all day trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | strange pedal feedback in the granny gear (bit like old bio- pace chain rings) but it's only noticable some of the time.
suspension locks out in granny gear so can be difficult on steep rutted climbs. A high stand over height for a "medium"
sized frame also makes rutted climbs awarkward.
| | Similar Products Used: | none- but I looked at getting an intense tracer. | | Bike Setup: | XT everything and Hope minis. Race Face Headset,
bars and stem. time carbon pedals. Trailblaster tyres.
Marzocchi Z1 110mm travel coil sprung fork | | Bottom Line: | The faults I mention are trivial. If you ride in sh*t weather and want a FS bike with the MBA ponce factor the superlight
is for you! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from El Paso, TX
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | just to be on the trails | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Very responsive on all types of terrain...fast smooth stuff, Moab, rocky technical stuff, etc... The price was good when compared to others in its class. I've beat the crap out of this frame...and its held its ground well. Customer service has been great. Climbs better than any full suspension bike that I have tried. | | Weaknesses: | Color options were fair...but who's lookin' at color when your on the trails...unless your a girly-man. The fast, hard-hitting downhill stuff was a bit rough...but then again...that was not the intention of the frame. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT-team frame, Yeti | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XTR, chris king, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is what bikes are supposed to be like! I love this bike. Climbs,descends and rides the technical stuff VERY WELL. A Wonderful all-around bike that can take it all and well worth the money spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
neil
a Cross Country Rider
from nj
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Ringwood St. Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Employee Purchase!!! | | Strengths: | -Minimal Weight
-No noticeable flex
-Super Plush
-Long travel (for XC FS)
-Beautiful welds and gussets
-Simple Design
-no noticeable bobbing | | Weaknesses: | none yet... | | Similar Products Used: | 1st Full Suspension owner... | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR, Raceface Components, Full Avid Mechanical Discs with American Classic Disc Hubs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike flat out cooks! Finished riding my local trail which ends with a rough twisty downhill section (washboard stutter bumps, babyheads, log ledges, rhythm sections, roots) At the end, i literally stopped and scratched my head wondering how the hell i just bombed down that section. On my hardtail, i had to carefully pick my lines. On the superlight, it was just point and shoot. On the climbs, the superlight didn't climb any slower than my hardtail. and bobbing was not even noticed. The Fox Float RC is a sweet shock, no noticeable stiction, which ramps up nicely toward the end of the stroke. I am not gonna say how much i bought the bike for, except that i got a sweet deal via employee purchase. I got the Blue Anodized Superlight. I think the retail is like $1300-1350. Even at that price, i think its still a solid deal. If you are a diehard hardtailer....you owe it to yourself to try out the Superlight...there is no comparison. Also, if you do buy the Superlight, pony up the extra dough for the Anodized. Its more durable and looks super trick. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Elio
a Cross Country Rider
from Southeastern States USA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very light. Proven single-pivot design; well-developed and well-engineered. Low maintenance. Easy-to-reach rear lockout when so equipped. Fantastic value. | | Similar Products Used: | Considered Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 1, Titus Loco-Moto, Gary Fisher Sugar 1, Giant NRS-1. | | Bike Setup: | Sid SL (lockout), Fox Float RC (lockout), XT/XTR, Mavic 517s, Easton Handlebars, Stem & Seatpost, Avid ArchRivals, Speedplays, Continental DH Pros. Complete bike weighs 24.25 lbs (Medium). | | Bottom Line: | You're gonna love the Santacruz Superlight: Precise steering response. Plush and yet responsive rear suspension, climbs very well. Very comfortable and very capable. Impeccable finish. Beautiful welds. Fantastic value.
On tarmac and on very long climbs, the front and rear suspension lockouts work like a dream.
If you live in the Northwest where big hits and bumps are the norm, you may want to opt for beefier front shocks and wheels.
If you live in the Northeast where it's perpetually wet and muddy, strongly consider disc brakes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy c.
a Cross Country Rider
from Stowe, VERMONT
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | lauren's loop | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | frame is light, strong, climbs better than my hardtail!!, low maintnace. super fast when you get on it. | | Weaknesses: | Geometry a bit to 'racer', in that the top tube is wicked long and the head tube isn't too far above the saddle. I run a short stem and 3" stack to get my hands up and achieve a more upright riding position and to make it easier to get the front end up to clear obstacles and for wheelie drops. This is more of a personal thing as I thing. The bike has no real 'weakness'. | | Similar Products Used: | proflex/K2, Bullit, G-Spot | | Bike Setup: | 5" zochi QR20, hayes hydraulic (8" rotor up front), tioga 2.3's front and rear, race face 50mm stem and riser bar, race face headset, thompson seat post, flite saddle, white industry rear hub, cranks, and BB, sun rhyno-lite wheels, XT drive train, fox R air shock (no lockout needed), I have ~2-3" stack at headset to raise the stem a bit. Weighs in at an even 30lbs. Where I live, the average weight of a 'cross country rig' is 33lbs and has atlest 4" of travel. | | Bottom Line: | sick rig, but i could use a bit more travel in the rear. I've tried the Bullit and it's a bit too much - I wish it had the same geometry as the Bullit, but at the superlight weight. I think I may switch to a coil over shock or a stratos and that should do the trick.
This is the perfect bike if you're looking for ample travel but not a full-on hucker. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nicole
a Cross Country Rider
from Calistoga, CA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Oat Hill Mine Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | |
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$ 1100.00
