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Submitted by
motor17
a Downhiller
from Vernon, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockstar, | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | on-line | | Strengths: | extremely strong, simple to set up | | Weaknesses: | no replaceable rear hanger | | Bike Setup: | 05 Bullit frame, 888RC forks, Fox DHX 5.0 shock, Juicy brakes, Truvativ cranks, Dark cycles bashguard, XT derailleur, XTR shifter pod, Mavic 321 wheels w/ Onyx hubs | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing...it can take anything you can throw at it. Simple suspension design requires very little maintenance. Buy one! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Downhiller
from Edmonton Alberta Canada
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount 7 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | River Valley Cycle | | Strengths: | Frame, its a Santa Cruz so you know its simple and to the point plus bomb proof. Sram components come stock. Do anything bike. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't come with a chain guide or lock on grips. Bike is built for free ride it should have those stock but its only a couple hundred bucks so small price to pay. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock due to stock components are top of the line. Did switch out the fork to Rock Shock Boxxer World Cup, ODI grips and Gamut P30 chain guide. | | Bottom Line: | This is the best bang for your buck bike. It does anything you throw at it. With this bike your riding ability will raise to a new level. Comes with some of the best components on the market so you don't have to spend a ton more money on it. I ride downhill and free ride and there isn't a trail I don't hit then I ride home on it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marshall Mullen
a Downhiller
from Malibu CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Strengths: | Great bike for whatever you need it to do! Point it in a direction on any trail and its gone. Works well with anywhere from a 6-8 inch fork (I personally like 8 the best). | | Weaknesses: | Nothing! | | Bike Setup: | 888 ATA world cup. Roco air TST works better than the fox 5.0 air. | | Bottom Line: | If you want a bike that will do anything, then the bullit is the perfect bike wether it is downhill, dirt jump, freeride, or all mtn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake
a Weekend Warrior
from england
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | afan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$750.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | iv got an 04 modle and it handles superbly down tricky single track routes
iv got an air DHX5 on mine and it is the best | | Weaknesses: | iv got rock shock pikes 145mm on mine and i think you some more travel | | Similar Products Used: | orange patriot | | Bike Setup: | rock shock pikes, DHX5, avid juicey 7 with 8 inch discs | | Bottom Line: | an amazing bike, it will climb slowly but surly and will take al the hits. I'v taken it down DH tracks and its so good. great piece of kit
GET ONE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
reachcontrol
a Weekend Warrior
from North Kakalack
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilson's Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | It is a tank. I don't ever really see a need to get rid of this frame. | | Weaknesses: | It's an 04 frame. No replaceable hanger. But it's used....and an 04. I got over it. | | Similar Products Used: | 06 Heckler, Kona Koiler, Mongoose Khyber. | | Bike Setup: | 04 Frame, 06 DHX Coil, 08 Pike, Juicy 7s, Saint cranks, X.7 Drivetrain, custom wheels (Hope/Mavic) | | Bottom Line: | This frame has been through may rebuilds, with many parts. Dual Crown forks, long travel single crowns, etc. Always a solid start, even with the age. The DHX on it right now is a size and stroke longer than the stock, and the only issue this caused is going to the 140mm Pike, the front end wants to wash under fast turns. This could be inexperience. solution: go back to a 8.5" x 2.5" stroke.
It climbs, it has never bottomed, even on horribly executed drops to flat. It has 7.5" rear travel right now, and it has never been an issue to keep up with other full sussers on the trail. Don't look to be as fast as a full-blown XC rig, but this bike will make you strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gnrendeiro
a Downhiller
from Portugal
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Sintra | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Almost everything | | Weaknesses: | kind of hard to set it up to DH as it can't be to sensitive in the beggining without bottoming out but i'm not a DH guy and this is a FR Machine so who gives a s*** about that. the other problem is the lack of floating brake, it kind of blocks the shock if your braking with the rear brake which is not that bad when you brake like 95% of the time only with the front brake. | | Similar Products Used: | SC V10, Giant DH Team and Reign, Intense 6.6, Kona Stinkys, etc... | | Bike Setup: | RS Boxxer WC 2007 solo air with slippery silver stantions, low rise crown and integrated stem, fox dhx 5 air, Halo SAS Wheels, Hope Mono 6ti 203 (front), mono m4 180 (Rear), Race face cranks, MRP WC Chainguide, Azonic bars and Spank grips and saddle. | | Bottom Line: | As I've said at the weeknesses part, a floating brake arm could be helpfull and you have to decide if you want a DH bike or a do anything bike. I've changed this bike like 20 times in the past 4 years and bellieve, now i know i got the perfect set up. the bike is super fast, light and agile. if you're more into FR and singletrack stuff just put a dhx 5 air on it and you'll see a whole new bike on your hands, it corners like heaven, you get more speed when you left the corner than when you enter it, for jumps and stairs this is perfect to because it is a much more progressive system and you don't get the pushed out of the bike because of the shock's spring rebound when landing. This is so perfect that i find myself doing DirtJump with it a few months ago and having the time of my life.
So, in conclusion, this is a perfect FR bike that takes a lot to get the perfect set up but that when you get it, it makes smile a lot. you'll, soon, starting to do things you'd never imagine.
I've had the SC V10 and some other DH bikes and bellieve when i say that this is a much funnier bike.
And the best of all is that it is a really cheap frame, very well made, and that usually people seem to dislike because of the hard it is to get the perfect set up so you can grab some bargains on second hand frames. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
downhillpeters
a Downhiller
from canada
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | riding period | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | buddy | | Strengths: | its a bullit rock hard a few upgrads with rear shock, crank | | Weaknesses: | derailer | | Similar Products Used: | bmx's other shtty mt bikes | | Bike Setup: | boxxers 6 inch double wide rims 26 ft 24 bk hayes ft and bk answer bars | | Bottom Line: | ride everyday pussies | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Burney
a Downhiller
from vancouver, BC, CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | ALL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | buddy | | Strengths: | ALL | | Weaknesses: | needs to come with bash gaurd | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi shiver 06, dt swiss rims, fox dh 5.0 coil, crank brosther cranks | | Bottom Line: | awsome! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gary einsteder
a Downhiller
from Lake Worth Florida usa
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | sugar mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | racers edge bike shop | | Strengths: | The bike climbs like my old xc. The frame geomety makes it a perfect all around bike. Climbs awsome and goes down even better. | | Weaknesses: | Paint is nice but could use a clear coat over the powder coating.
The bike with my build kit from santa cruz came in at 37lb. A little heavy but i changed out the tires olny and droped 4lb. Stock tires were 2.5 wide at 3.4lb each. New tires 2.3wide at 1.1lb. A no brainer. Still lighter than any other 7'travel bike. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized s-works
gt idrive | | Bike Setup: | domain 318, dhx 3.0 coil x9 componants RFR build kit.
150mm solid rear axel | | Bottom Line: | When I was looking for a new bike I knew I wanted at least 7' travel. Not easy to do seeing I live whare I still need to do a little climbing. After looking at every 7' bike avaliable the bullit came in on top. It has almost exact same geomety as the yeti 575 and we know that is a great all around bike and it was the lightest all mountain. Bottom line is the bike goes up and down awsomely. Climbs like my old GT I-drive which I could climb almost anything. I couldnt believe it. Even though both are med the bullit has a slightly longer top tube and sits higher due to the front fork. It all feels great and balenced. Now as for going down, I dont need to say how great that is. I did find the spring on the dhx was not enough for my weight. Once I take care of that it should be perfect.
Bottom line is this is a great all around bike. Dont be afraid of the travel being to much if you need to do some climbing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fatcat
a Weekend Warrior
from tujunga, calif
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Pretty burly, single pivot--no problems there, you can put a 130 to 170mm fork on it, depending on what rear shock you have on it, hand welded in usa, good value for the money | | Weaknesses: | heavy and will sap the energy out of you on hot days. | | Similar Products Used: | my 2003 Bullit until someone stole it out of my garage. | | Bike Setup: | 66 VF Marz fork, new Fox DHX 4.0 coil shock, rest of the usual kind of parts one would put on the frame. | | Bottom Line: | I put on a Fox DHX coil shock/400 lb spring with pro pedal and it really made a difference than the old 5th Element coil shock. Although the shock is now a 2.75 stroke rather than a 2.5, I cant tell the difference, but there is no problem and the rear triangle clears. Supposively now its a 7.5" rear travel according to charts, but after 6", who's counting. This bike rocks, the climbing isnt so bad now and it climbs better than a Intense 6.6 in my opinion. It will take on almost anything you throw at it. Landings are easy as long as you dont take off 6 footers all day. I even hear the new ones made in Taiwan Bullits are nice. I would highly recommend them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Burlington, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere long and rocky | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Not the fanciest and not the nimblest but the all around best bike out there. | | Weaknesses: | Depends on what your doing with it. For free ride and down hill nothing that I can find. For XC it’s a little heavy and requires a good mix of both finesse and strength to get the most out of it. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense 6.6 and Specialized SX Trail | | Bike Setup: | Fox DXH 5.0 &Talas 36RC2, XTR F&R ds, Hope M4's and an assortment of other gooddies. | | Bottom Line: | My poor Bullit sat neglected as a stripped frame for a couple of years. I stopped DHing and focused a lot more on XC and racing. I had a custom made Seven for XC riding and racing but it was not the most fun on the rocky ridiculously technical trails we ride around here. So I jumped on the “All Mountain” bandwagon. I sold the Seven and bought an Intense 6.6 which was a decent ride until the pivot points wore out. I then bought a Specialized SX III and after about 6 months of constantly tweaking the suspension I finally sold it too. This brought me back to the Bullit, originally built as a downhill bike I decided to turn it into an everyday rider. I liked it’s oodles of suspension and shear burliness but hated it’s sloth like climbing abilities and energy draining weight.
After doing a lot of research and trial and error experimenting I built my Bullit up with components that best matched my riding style and physical characteristics. Since it's rebirth it's been nothing but a joy to ride. No more messing around multiple suspension points. The DHX with Propedal practically takes out any bob the old coil over design induced. The Talas front end is very maneuverable and gives it plenty of plush travel for bigger hits. I have done 50 mile epic rides on it and have been very content. Friends of mine who ride super light (and pricey) XC rigs no longer snicker when riding with me. Not only can I keep up with them, I can also hit every rock, drop and nasty decent with impunity as they constantly try to figure out how they are going to ride such obstacles without damaging their waif like rides or themselves.
It's not the perfect XC bike though (it was never intended to be). You notice it's shortcomings on long steep ascents or when you starting off and the energy transfer to the rear is not quick. It’s flickable but still a bit weighty. It definitely helps if your fit and have been riding a while to truly appreciate the capabilities of this bike. It's a lot easier to climb with than you might think. I almost never leave the middle chain ring when climbing.
All around there is no better bike design out there. It's simple and very versatile. You can build one of these up to do any type of riding you could want to do and it will meet or exceed your expectations.
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Submitted by
bruno Latinha
a Downhiller
from goiania
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | laboratorio | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Bike Setup: | bomber Z1 free ride 150mm, 5ºelement, sram X9, sun rims single track, avid 5, thomson, truvativ.... | | Bottom Line: | the bike for dirts, streets, free ride, medium dhs and all moutain... i loved!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Downhiller
from kelowna, BC
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | anything | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | deraileur cable brakes every ride( nothing todo with the bike) and the suspension took a while to tune | | Bike Setup: | manitou sherman, and 5th element | | Bottom Line: | buy it | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Owen
a
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Upper Oil Can | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Strengths: | Holy crap, this bike rules. It's insanely tight, fast and sturdy. The shorter wheel-base and steeper head tube angle make it feel very agile and easy to dance on the trail. Coming from a more raked out bike, sometimes I feel like I'm going to go over the bars (and I have) but the trade off is a wickedly responsive bike that is able to land a big corner and immediately turn a steep corner - very handy for the North Shore. The braking is effortless and the bike doesn't run away, it sticks directly beneath you. Aesthetically, it's beautiful. | | Weaknesses: | Assembly was a little weak - the headset and a couple of the bolts were loose. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, SX Trail, Brodie | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox Totem, DHX 5 Coil, Avid Juicy 5, Kenda Nevegal. RFR build. | | Bottom Line: | It still early days and I haven't put in more than 10 rides yet, but oh my god, it's incredible.
It's made with a different theory altogether. Instead a raked-out, point'n shoot bike that's made for unskilled riders, this bike is agile, responsive and ready-to-rumble. It assumes the rider can pick a line and apply body-English when required. I will need to get better to get the most out of it. I like that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chad
a Downhiller
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Mckenzie River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Super stiff, super cool, dhx air rocks and this bike rails the corners and can stick those unexpected 10' drops. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Foes Fly, VP Free, Trek Session 10 and Orange 223. | | Bike Setup: | Boxxer WC (07), Pearl 3.3 shock, DT Swiss 5.1 wheelset, Sram XO groupset(07), Saint Crankset, Formula Oro Puro 8" brakes, Race Face Diabolus stem 70mm, Answer Pro Taper bar 28"X 2", ODI Ruffian grips with red clamps, Thomson setback seatpost and WTB Rocket V race saddle. It weighs around 36lbs.......... | | Bottom Line: | Santa Cruz bikes can be built up in so many ways and this is another fine product from a another great American company. It is worth the little niggles to set up the bike the way the pilot rides it so my advice to most riders "don't be lazy play around with it and be patient". Thank you SC for making another customer HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DIZZLE
a Downhiller
from PERTH
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | jon forrest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | NEW FRAME DESIGN, PERFECT BIKE TO DO IT ALL ON | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | 06 ENDURO EXPERT, SX TRAIL | | Bike Setup: | TOTEM 2STEP, AVID CODES, X9, DT SWISS WHEELS, KENDAS, FOX DHX5 COIL (SC SUPERCROSS FREERIDE KIT) | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS FOR THE NEW RE-DESIGNED SANTA CRUZ BULLIT WITH THE 1.5 HEADTUBE. IVE ONLY BEEN ON THIS FOR ABOUT 4 WEEKS NOW BUT THIS THING HANDLES LIKE A DREAM, IT PEDALS BRILLIANTLY AND THE SUSPENSION SOAKS UP ANYTHING YOU CAN THROW AT IT. THE NEW DESIGN LOOKS MUCH SMOOTHER THAN THE OLD ONES FROM 2 YEARS AGO.WHEN SITTING ON THE BIKE THE ONE THING THAT IMPRESSES ME THE MOST IS THE SIZE OF THE REAR SWING-ARM, IT IS FRIKKIN HUGE!!!! THIS BIKE IS PERFECTLY BALANCED, THEY COST MORE THAN SOME OTHERS BUT IF YOU WANT THE ULTIMATE FREERIDE BIKE I DEFINATELY RECCOMMEND THESE BAD BOYS. 10 OUTTA 10 HANDS DOWN.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from California
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | CBE | | Strengths: | This bike is great for anything. Ive taken it up hills, downhills and over 20 foot road gaps. You can set this bike up for pretty much anything except a x-c racer | | Weaknesses: | A little brake jack, but you dont notice it if you never use your brakes! | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro- doesnt really compare to the bullit | | Bike Setup: | 2003 black frame, Fox dhx 5.0 rear, fox 36 talas. Tru-vativ everything else | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles extremely well. Like i said, you can set this bike up for anything you want to do. For a while a had an 888 up front, but then i swapt it out for the 36 talas. This bike has given me no problems at all over the time that i have had it. I will never buy another bike. In a year or to i might upgrade to new frame, but i still think this is one of the best bikes on the market. If you want a bike that is good at anything, this is it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Lansdale PA USA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | great looking. plushon the small stuff but soaks up the big hits. light for a 7" travel frame | | Weaknesses: | hard to get ahold of one | | Similar Products Used: | heckler, yeti, jamis | | Bike Setup: | 2007 bullit medium frame with dhx air shock, rock shox totem fork,formula oro discs, mavic crossmax, thompson and easton and full xtr. set up for all mountain | | Bottom Line: | this bike rocks, climbs up anything I ride and flys down everything. light(32pounds) for what it does. looks awesome and rides even better. really is nothing else like it on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Boulder Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Strengths: | Strong, wont break on you, single pivot, easy to handle everywhere | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek session | | Bike Setup: | Race face stem, azonic pedals, Marzocchi Z150, XTR in the front and back | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best if you want a good all around freeride bike. You can do almost anything on it. It's even a decent dirtjumper. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Renax Lim
a Downhiller
from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Sto. Nino Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | friends XC Uncle | | Strengths: | Light, Beauty and Madnesss!!!! | | Weaknesses: | Break Jack which is a small thing if u put a DHX 5.0 on. | | Similar Products Used: | DH9 Yeti, Element Frame, Fastrax 2000, | | Bike Setup: | SantaCruz Bullit with, World Cup Boxxer '03 gold stanchions, Funn Light DH bar, XT Hydros, Thomson post and stem, Truvativ 38t crankset and guide, Single tract rims, chris king headsets, dt swiss spokes, hope hubs , xt 9 speed cogs,mallet c, dhx 5.0 , Funn full throtle sadle, maxxis high rolller 2.35 rear and minion DHF 2.35 front. | | Bottom Line: | The best BIKE i ever have, plain and simple but VIcious!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlo montecillo
a Downhiller
from laspinas metro manila
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | batac dh tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | CRAIGSLIST.COM | | Strengths: | its a santa cruz...single pivot....less complicated...sexy...soaks up lots of drop....easy to maitain.....has seven sweet inches of travel...fairly light...versatile....and the list goes on and on.... | | Weaknesses: | brake jack is frickn nasty.... | | Similar Products Used: | an older bullit,khs dh50.... | | Bike Setup: | 2004 santa cruz bullit(black),5th element cvt 5,2004 z1 drop off 2,hope hydro's,sun rims ditchwitch,maxxis minions and high rollers,xt rear der(just broke off),truvativ hussefelt cranks,hollzefeller bash guard,azonic a frames,titec hell bent handle bars fitted on a truvativ hussefelt stem,yeti grips(which are so sweet),sram 9 speed cogs and chain,formula hubs,thompson elite seat post,and a beat up fizik saddle.... | | Bottom Line: | its the most versatile bike there is,you can set it up for either full dh,freeride,all mountain,or turn it into a dirt jumper.its super strong,super nice yet simple lines...bottom line is it suck they stopped making them... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlo montecillo
a Downhiller
from laspinas metro manila
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | batac dh tracks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | CRAIGSLIST.COM | | Strengths: | its a santa cruz...single pivot....less complicated...sexy...soaks up lots of drop....easy to maitain.....has seven sweet inches of travel...fairly light...versatile....and the list goes on and on.... | | Weaknesses: | brake jack is frickn nasty.... | | Similar Products Used: | an older bullit,khs dh50.... | | Bike Setup: | 2004 santa cruz bullit(black),5th element cvt 5,2004 z1 drop off 2,hope hydro's,sun rims ditchwitch,maxxis minions and high rollers,xt rear der(just broke off),truvativ hussefelt cranks,hollzefeller bash guard,azonic a frames,titec hell bent handle bars fitted on a truvativ hussefelt stem,yeti grips(which are so sweet),sram 9 speed cogs and chain,formula hubs,thompson elite seat post,and a beat up fizik saddle.... | | Bottom Line: | its the most versatile bike there is,you can set it up for either full dh,freeride,all mountain,or turn it into a dirt jumper.its super strong,super nice yet simple lines...bottom line is it suck they stopped making them... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Chambers Gully/ Wine Shanty Track/ Horsenell Gully Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | got it for ZERO bucks - FREE!! phat, smooth (endlessly long travel), killer looks | | Weaknesses: | none as yet | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler | | Bike Setup: | 04 Bullit w/5th Element, 01 Monster T, XT/XTR drivetrain, XT discs (stop on a dime I tells ya), Saint cranks, Thomson stem/seatpost, Zocchi QR20+/DT Hugi FR laced to Mavic 321 | | Bottom Line: | What a great bike! Especially since it was FREE! Got it off ebay and after paying top dollar for air freight the wanker sent it surface mail from Canada to Australia. So I filed a Paypal dispute, got a full refund, and by the time the thing arrived 3 months later the 45 day Paypal refund period had expired. End result: FREE Bullit!!
Phatter and knarlier than the Heckler. If I'd got this beast before the Heckler (instead of the other way round), there's little chance I'd go back and get a Heckler. Doesn't climb as well though... actually, in comparison it's a real pig. Still, I somehow reckon it's just more fun. I dunno. Anyway, GET ONE!! NOW!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher Zoesch
a Weekend Warrior
from Ingolstadt
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | narrow and fast | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Surf & Sport in Neumarkt i. d. Oberpfalz | | Strengths: | The killer looks, light for a frame of this caliber, still good up steep hills, good for a long time (mine is from the year 2000), capable of doing 60 mile + rides and very comfy with tons of traction | | Weaknesses: | Hard to tune, the paint job in the corners could be better, cheap stickers | | Similar Products Used: | not many, not many... | | Bike Setup: | Chris King HS and ISO hubs, Easton XC90 carbon bar, Salsa skewers all around, XTR complete with XT 8" DH disc, Thomson goodies | | Bottom Line: | This bike has taken place for 6 years under my behind. The only real criticism I could think about is the shock (Fox Vanilla RC) always seems to seep air into its system. It makes a sucking sound while rebounding. Maybe because most of the sideways hits go right in the shock. Otherwise a very steady frame and quite well built.
After 6 years, I'm thinking about buying something new, although this frame is still driving quite hard. Can't really find any other good brands for the price a Santa Cruz is offered for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Red Bank, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Utah@ Mountain Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | MTB | | Strengths: | Everything!
| | Weaknesses: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Azonic Shorty stem, Chris King Head set, Outlaw wheel set, Race face DH BB, Hozfeller Cranks, Chubby bars, 66 RCX2... | | Bottom Line: | This bike is worth every penny and will take everything you can throw at it. Don't hesitate to get one, you wont regret it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick white
a Weekend Warrior
from b.c.
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | my yard | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | suncoastcycles | | Strengths: | this is the best bike u can buy,it is awesome | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | banshee chaparral,norco savage,trek bruiser,giant stp,kona stuff | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi tripls with fifth elemt shock and shimano and hayes | | Bottom Line: | buy this bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olivier Battaglione
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Mammoth | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | This bike rocks. Super plush, clean lines. Progressive 5th Element takes a few tries to tune but once you get it, it makes the bike ever sweeter | | Weaknesses: | I bit heavy on the climb. Who cares throw in in granny gear and think of how sweet the ride down will be. | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky, Dirtbag, Faith. | | Bike Setup: | Marz Z1 FR SL, RAce Face stem, titec seat & Post, Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | This is the greatest bike I ever tried. I ride Mammoth often and was looking for a freeride bike I could also ride on the trail outside of the ski area. I tested a few bikes and they were great but they were togh to climb with. I know freeride bikes aren't supposed to be great climbers but I thought I could find one.
The Bullit is awesome. I can ride it all day up and down with no problems. I have it set up so it weighs about 34 pounds. My hecler was set up that it weighed a few pounds less so I didn't feel the difference. The big difference is there is nothing that can get in the way. With the 7 in of travel it takes all of the abuse you can dish out.
Pick one up if you can. There are some really good ones out there that people want to get ride off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Butters
a Downhiller
from Kelowna BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Postill (addiction) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Olympia cycle | | Strengths: | Plushness! This bike can eat up any thing you throw at it!
5th element ,shock boxxers pedals relitavely well | | Weaknesses: | zippo | | Similar Products Used: | vp free, a-line, stinky dee, faith 2 | | Bike Setup: | gold frame, 5th element, boxxer team,thompson, hfx-9, mavic 321 disk, easton bars, titek stem/seat, dtswiss hub white industries hub, michelin 2.5 tires, deore derailler, holzfellar cranks w envy bashguard | | Bottom Line: | huck this bike off any thing you can find! The bike will last longer than you! awesome for downhill racing, if you have to you can pedal up hill. best bike i've ever had period! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlo montecillo
a Downhiller
from laspinas,metro manila,philippines
Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | batac ilocos norte race track | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | craigslist.com | | Strengths: | SINGLE PIVOT!!!!SEXY!!!SANTA CRUZ!!!STIFF!!!SUPERB BIKE!!!SAVES MY A$$ IN SKETCHY LANDINGS!!!SEVEN INCHES OF TRAVEL,PLUS MINE COMES IN RED SO THATS A PLUS... | | Weaknesses: | pedal bob,but the vanilla rc compensates it pretty well.. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FETISH DH 50 | | Bike Setup: | RINGLE HANDLE BARS,DT RIMS,MARZ FORK,SHIMANO DISCS... | | Bottom Line: | its the best bike ive ever had,and ridden.i love the bullit because of its single pivot design,makes things less complicated.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob T
a Weekend Warrior
from the southeast
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | SmartCycles Norwalk, CN | | Strengths: | Top to bottom - amazing
Bullit makes you a better rider each time out | | Weaknesses: | trying to find one - unsuccesful to date | | Similar Products Used: | ironhorse xlt - cannondale jekyl - superlight - 99 avalanche | | Bike Setup: | 07 fox vanilla rlc (140mm), 5th E, thompson, king, race face, hayes9s, trailpimps, koobi | | Bottom Line: | this is an update to my november 05 post, i love this bike more today than i did when i first rode it. I stand by my words that this bike will make you a better rider and make your cohones grow. With each ride i have gotten better, it is truly absurd.
The rear 5th E keeps traction and absorbs everything, the vanilla rlc soaks up the 1st 2" of travel without even letting you know about it and is completely point and shoot " where do you want to go next?" "rock garden after the 4' drop sounds good lets go" yes my bullit talks to me too...(maybe its just the voices in my head?)
To date i have used primarily as xc/light freeride no downhill this year, I have dropped it off everything with nothing but smiles (and a leaky nixon) this is why i upgraded the fork from nixon elite to 07 van rlc...went to 31.8 bar/stem,threw on a king, and grabbed a koobi.
Kudos to the guys at The Racers Edge, for the rebuild.
I dont care about weight but having reworked the front end has made this bike 5.565x better, I loved the bullit for being built solid but the nixon dragged it down, adding the vanilla is a great compliment to the bike. With the van she is faster, smoother, and more nimble than i expected. I cant help but thank and love my bullit.
I also need to thank The Racers Edge in Boca Raton, FL and SmartCyles in Norwalk, CN both shops have pointed me in the right direction and have taken great care of my bullit. SmartCycles with the original build and Racers Edge for the vanilla and front end rebuild/upgrade and general advice.
Get one if you can and enjoy the ride whereever it may take you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boy Kadri
a Downhiller
from Borneo Island, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Lots of rocks and roots (wet ones) | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1184.00 | | Purchased At: | BikePro Centre Malaysia | | Strengths: | Imagine a Battle Tank that weighs as light as a Humvee. | | Weaknesses: | Power loss during acceleration on flat terrain but who's doing flat with it anyway | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Cannondale V1000FR | | Bike Setup: | 04 Bullit with 5th element rear shock, 03 Marzocchi Super T Pro, Deore LX mechs, Hayes nine, Mavic D321 wheels, Tank hubs, Tioga White Tiger 2.5 | | Bottom Line: | It's the most incredible full suspension i've ridden. It weighs 42lbs but i still climb up 4km hills for DH runs. It's light, not a wild horse, stable but not a pig. Although had to suffer on flat straights during competitions but hey, it ain't so bad. Shame there's no 06 version of it. Maybe if they applied the VPP system on it years ago would've been vondervul. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winno
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Strong platform for almost any build up, simple, relatively maintenance free design | | Weaknesses: | None really | | Similar Products Used: | 1997 Marin Quake 9.0FRS | | Bike Setup: | '03 medium with 5th Ele, RS Psylo, Hope Mono 4 pots, Hope XC Ti hubs/Mavic 317 disc rims, XTR 8 speed drive train, other assorted bits from Race Face, Thomson, Answer, Sram, etc | | Bottom Line: | I ride XC and all mountain and I wanted a strong frame to build up a lightweight full suspension ride. Yes, it may be a tad heavy in the frame dept compared to say a Heckler or Superlight but I didn't want the most expensive part of the bike to fail and opted for strength at the sacrifice of a bit of weight. This set up with very light hand built wheels and parts rides like it's much lighter though. Static weight is about 26-27kgs.
Where I ride is a mix of tight single track, fast technical downhills and even some 18%+ gradient climbs. Even though this frame gives 7" of travel on the rear, I find it so easy to ride up hills. Come downhill time, the bumps are soaked up effortlessly.
I have had a number of top end bikes now from hard tails to fullies but I have only the one bike now that I have the Bullit. For me it does everything exceptionally well.
FYI: this is a AU$10k+ build up.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie
a Downhiller
from Castleside
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Any one with jumps! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | It looks awsome, sweet geometry, light for a DH bike. | | Weaknesses: | No replaceable mech hanger, small size is VERY small, I hit my knees of the bars going uphill! | | Similar Products Used: | Ive ridden just about every thing. | | Bike Setup: | 02 Bullit, TF Tuned 5th element, 04 super T, race face cranks, hope 4 pots, bla, bla, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I previosly owned an azonic eliminator and was torn between a Bullit and an Intense M1. I was a bit concerned about the bullit having less travel but the 7" travel it does have works so well that it feels like more! (especially with tf tuned shock, with correct spring weight)
The bike is amazing to jump and the light back end means that you can whip the back end out a treat! Its also super resonsive and VERY quick downhill.
Im 5ft 10" and the small size really is very small, and makes pedaling along flat/uphill hard work, and annoying as i always bash me knees of the crown/bars. However, once your going downhill its no porblem at all.
Overall, this is by far the best bike ive ever owned. There are plusher bikes out there, but the bullit's combination of lightweight, simplistic fame design and sweet geomoetry makes it amazing fun to ride.
If your looking for a versitile UK downhill bike that looks sweet, its great to jump, and super fast downhill then you wont go far wrong with a Bullit.
If you dont belive me, check my style out!
http://www.alexjohnson.co.uk/images/downhill.jpg | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | The Dam | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | A mate | | Strengths: | Bullit proof, can throw it off drops and it asks for more. Sturdy under foot. Solid bike | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy for some cross country, but thats life. Small price to pay | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Prophet(light but not as solid), Giant Faith, Norco Shore 2(only ridden briefly, but great to ride) | | Bike Setup: | New Marz 66SL 06'(awesome fork), Hayes, XT drive chain, Mavic wheels and Maxxis tyres | | Bottom Line: | With the new Marzocchi 66SL 06' bike will go anywhere. 8,10,12,16 foot rock decents are just a piece of cake. Flat and downhill sections of local trails are awesome. Decends life a rocket. Bike turns heads, as you blast past em! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank conrad
a Downhiller
from montara, CA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | boyscout | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | a guy | | Strengths: | this bike looks sexy and handles great. you can huck this thing off a cliff and it won't break. preety light too... | | Weaknesses: | people say "do this fat jump" cause your bikes hellsa sexy. and my friends get jealous. PEADLING | | Similar Products Used: | my bro's 01 | | Bike Setup: | 66vf, 5th element, raceface, azonic-all the god s*** | | Bottom Line: | thisbike is great for freeride,donhill, preety much anything.I love this bike soooooooo much. if you are into xc though don't get it. It was worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob moore
a Downhiller
from farnham, england
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | my house trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$600.00 | | Purchased At: | private sale, frame only | | Strengths: | This bike corners like its on rails and handles drops well too. sooo burley and confidence inspiring. | | Weaknesses: | ummm, NONE . this bike does it all, you really can ride anything on it! maybe it should have a replaceable hanger... | | Similar Products Used: | Norco a-line, Kona stinky | | Bike Setup: | marzocchi drop off 3's, 24inch rear wheel, gazza's. | | Bottom Line: | a really incredible machine. this thing can climb, go downhill, and drop. Really well good. its good for anyone progressing to bigger and better things, and best of all, super fun! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antonio Ly
a Downhiller
from Mission Viejo
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anything fun! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | THE BIKE COMPANY | | Strengths: | The Bullit lets you do the most with 7 inches of travel, good value, not heavy for what you can do with it, looks amazing, pedals like a superlight, stable as a hummer | | Weaknesses: | NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | sx trail(awesome_, stinky(if you plan on pedaling dont get the stinky) | | Bike Setup: | White medium frame, sherman slider, raceface, truvativ, xt/lx, kenda, mavic, wtb, thompson | | Bottom Line: | Basically I got a 3800 dollar bike for 26 due to Bike Company's amazing build kit prices. If you live in socal you should go there. The bullit is one of the best bikes on the market and is being remodeled for late 2006.
Bottom Line: GET IT | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos Lara
a
from Quito/Ecuador
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | Anything, mine is a light freeride set up and it handles great. The 5th element is very good. It pedals really good, my xc friends are faster at the hills than me but no so much, in the way down Im much faster than them. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is a letal weapon if you dont have the skills to handle it. Little bit heavy but Im very heavy, so its fine, Maybe I need a shorter stem, but thats not bullit fsult. | | Similar Products Used: | konas, good ones but not even close, gemini 900 very nice but the frame not as stiff as the bullit. | | Bike Setup: | light freeride: z1 qr20, easton ea70 handlebars and stem, husselfelt crank, thomposn seat post, good hgeavy mavic rims, xt, hayes mag 8", maxxis tires. | | Bottom Line: | I only need a smaller stem to improve my manual skills, but that would be a trade off for climbing. Very good up hill fantastic bombing down hill. Do not brake execebly down hill, plushness garantee. The frame is really bomb proff and not mantainance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from upstate New York
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | platekill mtn | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | very stong, tuff frame, plush feel, responsive over tec trails. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | super8, superlight, trek Y-glides. | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best freeride bikes you can buy. Its tuff and reliable. I have had no problems with mine. Takes 10 foot drops easy. Jumps with awsome control and super smooth. Great thruogh rock gardens. If your going to go big, you'll need a tuff bike and this is it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skylar Melby
a Downhiller
from san diego, CA , U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | laguna hills | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 1000 | | Strengths: | the smoothest bike i have ridden, easy to jump | | Weaknesses: | heavy | | Similar Products Used: | haro x3, Jeep Rubicon sport, | | Bike Setup: | rock shox boxxer fork, 5th element shock, axel mechanical brakes | | Bottom Line: | smooth ride and can hit any jump with a great landing. does great at downhill, you wont ever have to stop for anything will do any trail. does great at stair gaps. heavy on the ground, but realy light in the air. best freeride bike will never need a nother bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jake f
a Downhiller
from santa cruz/san diego
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | ratts to petes, summit in santa cruz | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1999.00 | | Purchased At: | bike warehouse,pb | | Strengths: | super solid, yet goes where you throw it. withstands rock gardens to steep doubles, well rounded. | | Weaknesses: | mine came with a three ring front deruailer.. changed it out to an E13.. my 5th element took a little while to set up, but even when it wasn't, it still felt great.. thats about it for weaknesses' | | Similar Products Used: | gt dhi, trek liquid, konas, specialized enduro, norcos... better action than all of those. | | Bike Setup: | jr t. fork, saint brakes and cranks, powdercoat red | | Bottom Line: | very solid ride. your all around trail, downhill, jumper, freeride hucker bike. this thing follows your body with the slightest tweaks of your hips, making it a great bike to perfect your skills on. i guarantee this bike will make you a faster rider, it just boosts your confidence going into any type of terrain. whip the rear end around turns and off of jumps, its just soo fun! do not get this bike if you want to win races, it was built for freeride..not thats its slow, but it wasnt designed for the highest speed possible, (although faster than your friends bikes) it was designed to huck. get this bike to put a smile on your face under that helmet.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kai Kane-Ronning
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham,Washington, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Galbraith Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Fairhaven Bike and Mountain Sport | | Strengths: | Really Stable, and reliable. Super quiet on landings. Travel is definitely sufficient. Climbs like a mountain goat, but lets you rip down the mountain with confidence. | | Weaknesses: | Rebound is a little bit slow on fork, but other wise it's pretty much perfect! | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing, really. The Bullit pretty much is in a class of its own. | | Bike Setup: | Everything's stock.
| | Bottom Line: | This bike works great, it can do pretty much everything and is awesome for all mountain or freeride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler hess
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder city
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | skyline | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | bike stuff | | Strengths: | strong | | Weaknesses: | sorta heavy | | Similar Products Used: | haro x2, ellsworth moment, | | Bike Setup: | 5th element, sun singletrack, xt, manitou, avid bb7 | | Bottom Line: | very capable frame, strong, pedals well because of 5th element, could be lighter, but would take away from strength. don't buy manitou forks though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luis silva
a Weekend Warrior
from lisboa, portugal
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anyone | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | ? | | Strengths: | weight/stiffness ITS A CAN DO IT ALL depending on the components, pedals very well!!! | | Weaknesses: | none so far. maybe should come with replacable dropouts, but its a model with a several years... | | Similar Products Used: | Scott FX | | Bike Setup: | 2005 M frame, super t-pro fork, 5th element, sun mtx rims, saint cranks, hayes hfx-9 brakes | | Bottom Line: | its excelent all round bike. you can do FR/DH/XC. i usually ride on my 25 miles average rides with no problem, in spite of having a DC fork. with my setup i can do drops without thinking if it holds, but if i had a SC fork it was easy to go uphill. options...
the 5th element can really pedal very well! no pedal bob! perfection! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charles
a Downhiller
from Scarsdale
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | personal sale | | Strengths: | Super strong, no problems love it! | | Weaknesses: | None this bike is insane! | | Similar Products Used: | -
| | Bike Setup: | 2004 Santa Cruz Bullit, 66rc, 5th element, lazerdisk dh rims | | Bottom Line: | Love the hell outta this bike everything i ever hoped for! I'm 14 live in a hilly place have no problem getting around not to heavy. This bike is truely amazing great for dh freeride, xc, anything! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Callanan
a Weekend Warrior
from Ashland, OR, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Martys | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Traded my friend for a Giant DH | | Strengths: | Super plush, basic design, looks awsome | | Weaknesses: | FFFFFLLLLEEEEEXXXX (even with a bolt on rear end)
Break Jack (Brake theropy makes a floating brake kit but it is around 300)
| | Similar Products Used: | GIant DH Comp
Kona Coiler
Azonic Eliminator
Kona Stinky Dee-lux
This is by far the funnest bike b/c you can really through it around (even more than the coiler) | | Bike Setup: | 04' Bullit soon to be a 66rc2x
holzfeller's
doubletracks
(bike is heavy, but it doesnt ride like it) | | Bottom Line: | bike is a fun play bike but not worth racing on way too much brake jack and flex
| Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob T
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida, yes Florida
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Monday-Friday | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | SmartCycles Norwalk CN | | Strengths: | Welds, Single pivot, crushes like a tank, manuevers like Humvee, flies like a bomber, and lands just as smooth.
MADE IN AMERICA!!! | | Weaknesses: | if you are concerned w/weight, but dont whine about 2lbs if you are overweight 10...really its just hypocritical and annoying. Otherwise I dare you to find one ---why is SC changing the design? | | Similar Products Used: | Ironhorse XLC, Sugar, Cannondale Jekyl, 1999 GT Avalanche XT'd w/thudbuster(still have as my hardtail; these bikes were great until GT sold-out) | | Bike Setup: | 5th, Nixon, Race Face, Hayes Nines, XT derails, Trailpimp wheelset, Thompson post | | Bottom Line: | Bought bike as a 220lb Clyde who hates maintenance, rides majority XC, freeride, and "urban assualts" likes downhill when I can (only about 6-12 times per year). I wanted a do it all bike, and while the Bullit is more freeride/Dh for those who are not afraid to put some muscle into their efforts, this bike is worth its weight. Granted I have only 3 XC / 1 urban rides on it since I have had for only 1 month but I have dropped it off 3 feet and thought I dropped off a curb, hit log piles with ease, cleared 4 vertical/ 8 horizontal feet of stairs(caught the last step but barely noticed), and burned my legs going through way too much sugarsand. The minimal climbing I have encountered had the front end bobbing a bit but that might be me until I get the Nixon dialed in, or I drop 10-15lbs and strengthen my riding position. I am questioning the Nixon and may grab a different fork but that is not to the Bullit.
I e-mailed SC before I recvd my Bullit, to confirm Bullit still handmade USA and to ask why they were discontinuing.
SC replied they are simply revamping the Bullit and it will be back in 9mos-1yr similar to what they did with the Heckler a few years ago. But why would they change this creature of beauty she is big, bulky, strong mutha, who eats up everything in her path.
It is true, this bike makes you a better rider with each ride, grab yourself one and watch your cohonas grow right before your eyes. If your intentions are solely XC then do not buy unless you are clyde, if you want bike that does it all and are not worried about a pound here or there and want piece of mind knowing you can drop off, ride over, ride down, fly over damn near anything and do not place limits on yourself then the bombproof Bullit is for you
I will update later after 50 or so rides. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Downhiller
from Felton, CA.
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Quality frame that does not fall apart. Strong and reliable, impact will not damage it. | | Weaknesses: | i am very happy with my investment. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro FSR Pro, Sworks. | | Bike Setup: | Titec stem, FOX 5th Element, and WTB all around. | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't be more solid for the test I'm putting it through around here.
Too bad the other bikes I have owned buckled, crushed and broke at the welds on my local terrain, three in a row in 3 seasons. This one is still running reliably after a solid year of sheer fast freeride craziness, so I have to give it five "Q's" for QUALITY and reliability. Thanks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat machek
a Downhiller
from cobble hill,b.c,canada
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | big brouther | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | pinkbike | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | a little bob but that is all | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | shiver dc 5th element | | Bottom Line: | a great bike | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Leahy
a Downhiller
from Asheville, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | any thing scary | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$710.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is awsome. You can do pretty much anything to it and it just keeps coming back for more. Its versatility is great, you can use it for anything from xc to downhill and is just plain tough. | | Weaknesses: | Absolutely nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Bighit. Specialized Enduro. Kona Stab. Kona Stinky. | | Bike Setup: | Bullit frame.Hayes hydraulic 8"disc.Fox DHX.Marizochi bomber fork.Sunringle rims.Shimano XT front/rear derailer. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is one santa cruz's awsome line of bikes.
The bullit is very tough,can take anything,and is one sweet freeriding bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Peterman
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | everything at UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | internet | | Strengths: | Great ride. Overall can't complain about much. Pedals up and down with equal ability. Tracks like a slotcar. | | Weaknesses: | Weak paint. A bit on the heavy side, but worth every ounce. I have a swingarm without a replaceable derailer dropout, but that's changed. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn straight 6, Foes, VP Free. | | Bike Setup: | Stratos MX 6, Fox Vanilla w/Mountain Speed Spring. Race Face Diabolus X-Type 3 ring circus. Hugi's on 321's, Hayes HFX Mag 9's. XT/XTR blend | | Bottom Line: | This bike has been my foundation. It consistently delivers. I have abused it, loaned it, put it away muddy and wet.... it always smiles when I pull it out. I always smile when I come back from a ride. Nuff said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a Downhiller
from Korea
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere fun and steep | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | 02's | | Strengths: | Can you say SUPER STRONG? | | Weaknesses: | No floating brake option | | Similar Products Used: | blah blah... | | Bike Setup: | DHX 5.0, 888, Looks the biz.. | | Bottom Line: | I've been riding my bullit now close to a year and man I just gotta say it has been great. Super strong and stiff. No flex what so ever. Joints and swingarm didn't need any tightening yet. There no need for any maintenace at all on the frame. Although it only has close to 7 inches of rear travel it just seems bottomless (thanks to DHX 5.0). Recently I've been on my hardtail for a week and now that I'm back, I appeciate my bullit beyond belief. As I have said it before and I'll say it again, Bullit is IT!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIl
a Weekend Warrior
from QLD,Australia.
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in french alps going down. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | summit aberystwyth,wales | | Strengths: | Looks gorgeous,pictures never do it justice. i paid extra for polished frame,no need to worry about scratches on paint etc,always looks good,high BB, strong, well built, reliable,very little maintenance,bearings last over a year(in my case).8mm dropout,lots of reinforcements at key points of frame,head tube unbelievably thick, no chance of that breaking.all round reassuringly bomb proof.versatile, set it up to suit you,Climbs very well,no bobbing,a great all rounder. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | sworks enduro,evp 5.5,big hit, | | Bike Setup: | med polished,z150's,sun singletrack,hope 6 pot,hope 4 pot,thomson post,raceface diablo stem,peaty xlite bars,5th emement shock,maxis high rollers,sdg belair,triple chainring,Chris king h/set, | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent product,great value for money,does everything very well,all depends on you really,i've used it for xc,freeride,and downhill,the fitter you are, the more rewarding this bike is,i can climb up anything technical and steep with this bike,much to the surprise of others on more xc orientated bikes,and coming down...well,awsome! inspires confidence, flatters you i think,makes you seem a better rider,makes you want to try bigger things,and you can coz you dont have to worry about it breaking.Everybody is different,i ride with mainly xc riders, and some freeriders,so i set this bike up accordingly so i can ride both, Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Downhiller
from Campbell, CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Soquel Demo Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Bombproof frame, simple design, massive swingarm, eye catcher, cheap and plentyful online, easy to swap parts and go from big DH bike to light All Mountain. | | Weaknesses: | Very high BB height, very high center of gravity, VERY common, doesn't rail turns due to above reasons, brake jack horrific on steep, rocky terrain, i.e. Northstar | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Pro, Bullit, Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Went from light XC parts to big DH parts to a mix of both | | Bottom Line: | I've waited 2 years to write this review. I bought the Bullit to get something bigger that handles rocky terrain better than my Klein. And it did.
This bike made me a better mtn biker. It will give you the balls to do things you never thought you'd even try. You will find yourself buying body armor, full-faced helmets, etc. You will all of a sudden find yourself at mtn bike resorts, DH races, looking for any kind of jump, drop - stuff that only your mind will keep you from doing, b/c the bike is limitless. You will discover new groups of friends, the bike will open a whole new world. At least it did for me. I thank SC and the Bullit for that.
But I sold my beloved Bullit. Why? Here are the reasons:
1. The bike is really at home with North Shore type stuff. With it's massive swingarm, huge coil shock in the back, and bombproof frame, it can handle anything. But the downside of that is the bike isn't good at finessing through singletrack trails, berms, XC, etc. It's more like a Jeep Wrangle, as opposed to a Corvette. I know, I know, that's what the bike was designed to do. It's a FR bike people! Sure, you can put lighter stuff on it, and take it out to your favorite XC local trails, and you can ride and have a good time. But with the newer 5 and 6" All Moutain bikes out there, I don't think this bike is where it's at anymore. As my skills improved, I found myself wanting to carve turns better, go faster through the XC stuff, go faster at Downieville, climb faster. This bike will hold you back in that regard, IMO. Sure, I would put into granny gear, and ride slowly to the top, and have some fun going down, but again, it's better at going down at a straight line, which it will do, and go over anything and everything, but not with the finesse I started craving.
2. It has brake jack, and lots of it. I found myself getting HAMMERED at N* going over all of the rocky stuff. Yep, you can hit the brakes b/f the rocky stuff and roll over it and reduce the brake jack, but at some point you may just get plain tired of that downside of a SP bike altogether. I did.
3. They're EVERYWHERE!! Go to any DH race, like Sea Otter, and your bike will just one of sooo many. Not that big of a deal I suppose, but if you're looking for somthing more original, stay away, trust me.
Look, this bike as awesome, and I'll give it 5 chili's - 10 if I could. I recommend this bike to everyone - we should all have a go at it once in our lives. But just as everyone has bought one b/f, they'll end up selling it at some point - why do you see so many for sale in classifieds? Truly a great bike that made me a better biker, but now I must move on and develope my skills with another....Thank you Bullit! ;) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skinnyhippy
a
from Salem, Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | yes | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | timeless frame design, frame construction, looks, girth...the frame ages so well | | Weaknesses: | n/a | | Similar Products Used: | Banshee Scream (still have & love), RM7 WS edition, Intense Uzzi, Giant AC-1 (have for sale, pm me if interested), RM Flow, Surly Instigator, Azonic Steelhead, Catamount, Balfa Minuteman. | | Bike Setup: | '05 Manitou firefly+, Salsa Gordo wheels, 8in. hayes brakes, thomson stem & post, holzefeller cranks, diabolous 25.4 handlebar, sram attack triggers, LX der....36.1 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | One bike to do it all? Perhaps. However, if you're like me and ride stunts, dh, xc singletrack, shuttle runs, dirt jumps, 30 milers, 1 milers, night rides, day rides, with friends, solo, or anything else...and you want a bike that will get you there and back each time, the a Bullit should be on your short list.
Sure it's got 7inches of travel, but the 5th element can be set up to be super-plush, or to feel like a short travel bike...all the while taking the big hits that tend to jump out in front of us. Brake jack? I'm sure it exists because so many ePros tell me it does, truth be told, I could care less because I don't notice it when I'm riding (the sign that everything is working as it should), even if I did, do I care? No. Steve Peat rips a SP w/o a floating brake set-up, why should I care? Just seems like extra weight to spend money on, then break, then spend more money.
I weigh 250 w/ gear. I run the extra fat kid spring in the fork, and a 750 lbs. steel spring on the 5th, no problems whatsoever.
My favorite rides are long, grueling, and come with varied terrain. The Bullit is the bike to have. I've tried finding something better, but I always come back home to roost. If you're on the fence and trying to balance budget & quality, find yourself a used Bullit in good shape, buy strong and light wheels, good brakes, a good fork, good rest of the spec, and enjoy your ride for a few years at least!
I'm giving it 5 flaming cats because after 3years of flogging and only some scars and new parts to show for it, I know what kind of quality I'm dealing with here. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Plummer
a Downhiller
from Camarillo, California
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Backbone | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Awesome Geometry. Really high quality frame construction. I really like the 5th Element Coil... totally sick | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight SC Blur | | Bike Setup: | full 05 XT, E-13 DRS, Marzocchi Z1-FR ETA, Progressive 5th Element 5way Coil, Thompson Seatpost and Stem, WTB Pure V Race | | Bottom Line: | Totally Sick Rig if you are into the Freeride. Definately a good DH Bike as well. Im a fan of single pivot setups and this seems to be one of the better setups out there. I would definately suggest this bike to anybody. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andrew
a Downhiller
from concord nh
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | gas can loop | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$900.00 | | Purchased At: | mtbr | | Strengths: | its a santa cruz, everything | | Weaknesses: | nothing at all | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bottom Line: | bext bike ihave ever ridden, for both xc and freeride. santa cruze now has one more life long rider to add to thier list. the only thing that could make this better is a fox dhx 5, which i plan on getting. love live freeride | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Griffin
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | 711 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | It's a secret! | | Strengths: | Super burly frame! Proven single-pivot design delivers bottomless travel without complaint. With the parts that I chose, the bike performs perfectly. | | Weaknesses: | Extremely slack headangle with any fork over 150mm. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Bullit, Kona Stinky Five, FSR Elite. | | Bike Setup: | '05 Bullit, '05 66rc, '05 DeeMax, Mono Minis 6/7, full M952 XTR, Azonic bars/stem, WTB Timberwolf 2.5s, E.13 STS guide, Easton Flatboys. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is this: if you want a no nonsense DH bike, look no further. Replace the word "DH" in that last sentance with "freeride" and it still holds true. Truly the jack-of-all-trades extreme terrain bike, the Bullit maintains its position as one of the most versatile bikes on the market. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate Wilgosh
a Downhiller
from Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anthing that goes down | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Pinkbike.com | | Strengths: | Great for peddling around and a one of the best freeride bike for climbing that i have tried so far. Very light easy to huck and move around. Great geometry. And i love the over all look and the color grey suits it amazingly well. | | Weaknesses: | 5th element takes freakin forever to set up. Single pivot isnt very plush but it will work great as soon at i change from a 425# spring to a 350# i wiegh 145 and thats what i have been recomended to try out if i want a plusher ride. | | Similar Products Used: | ac1, six, shore, joker, big hit, and a atomik | | Bike Setup: | 888r, hope m4 brakes, 823 rims, 5th element, tioga peddels, berkserker seat, thompson seat post maxxis tires. | | Bottom Line: | Get it if you got the money its a great downhill/freeride bike dont buy it for xcountry though not recomended. Works great with my 888r not pitched at all its perfect in every way. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason dela Cerna
a Downhiller
from Blacksburg, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Powerline, Snowshoe, WV | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1017.00 | | Purchased At: | Just the Right Gear, Salem, VA | | Strengths: | Simplicity of Single pivot design. Time tested design. | | Weaknesses: | Paintjob scraches easy. Brake jack associated with single pivot designs. Could make the rear end more stiff by having a thru axle option | | Similar Products Used: | Cove G-Spot, Norco VPS 2, SC Bullit w/ 5th element | | Bike Setup: | Fork: Stratos S7, Shock: Fox DHX 5.0, Headset: King, Stem + Seatpost: Thomson, Brakes: Shimano m755's with 8" rotors, Rims: Arrow FRX, Hubs: Hayes 20mm[f] Woodman QR[r], Seat: Titec, Tires: Michelin comp16[f] comp24[r], Handlebar: oem cannondale, Grips: oem cannondale | | Bottom Line: | Excellent time tested frame design, I ordered a small in orange. There is obvious brake jack. But, I've learned to not use the rear too much when braking in certain situations. Definitely get the DHX 5.0 upgrade, it's only and extra $32 from SC. Takes a couple of good runs to get the shock dialed in, but once you've got your favorite settings for rebound, bottom out, boost valve and propedal you'll be money. Sure, there are better performing suspension designs under braking, but the simplicity of the single pivot is what attracted me to this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from mission viejo, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | mt wilson | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | private seller | | Strengths: | super strong-"BULLIT" proof, 5th element is really smooooth. | | Weaknesses: | it is possible to go too fast | | Similar Products Used: | nothing comes close | | Bike Setup: | 04 blue bullit, progressive 5th element, manitou minute 1:00, thompson stem/seatpost, wtb seat, race face dh cranks, sram drivetrain, sun rhino lites........ | | Bottom Line: | perfect bike for people who want to go fast. handles great in the rough stuff. takes drops like they're nothing. its truely 'all around',very versitle, it can be built up for any type of riding-xc to downhill. GO GET ONE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO USA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything DIRT! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Built like a German beer wench!!! | | Weaknesses: | I bought the polished frame... Shows everything! | | Similar Products Used: | RM Slayer, Cannondale Super-V, Jamis, Specialized, GT, Marin, Trek... | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XC except for Z1 Dropoff and Rhino Lite XL wheel set. | | Bottom Line: | Let me start out by saying that my Bullit is a 2001 model with a fox shock. I know I know this is a review of the newer Bullit. I hardly doubt my 5 chilli peppers is going to sway this review. Bottom line this bike is awesome. During the past 4 years I have built this bike with a number of different componnts. DH, Freeride, XC and back and forth. During the times I had it setup for FR or DH I had purchased other XC bikes for trail riding. Most days I would rather ride this bike with full FR components on a trail over the other rides. I finally gave up and found a happy medium and am using a 5" fork and some stout wheels with XC components everywhere else. This is an amazing bike. I weigh 250lbs and love the flex free ride. It just keeps coming back for more. It has survived 3 forks, 3 wheel sets, numerous other components, countless major crashes that left me wondering what my name is... I jump it at the BMX track, trail ride it in the mountains and pound the crap out of it at Vail and Winterpark year after year. I have friends that have the newer frames and they love them as much as I do mine. Simply the best do it all bike ever built. If you have a chance to ride one of these I suggest you do so. You will want one!!!!!
...and yes do not waste your time XC racing it. Some people might be able to do this but most of us would not take a 6"+ travel bike to an XC race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Wahl
a Weekend Warrior
from Winnipeg, canada
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Fernie | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | private | | Strengths: | Pedalling is a breeze with a 5th Element. The cockpit of the bike fits me perfect. I'm 5"10" and 180lbs and riding a medium. It is an "Do All" bike. | | Weaknesses: | None that I am aware of yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Switch. | | Bike Setup: | 03 Super T, 5th Element, Deemax rims, Sram XO rear and Xtr front, X9 shifters, Funn Fatboy bars, Chris king headset, E13 DRS, Juicy 5's, Funn Full Throrle saddle, Nevegal 2.5's, Thomson Elite seatpost, A Frame pedals, ODI lock ons. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It does everything I want and more. Have yet to hit anything over 6 feet but it will happen on this bike. it definitly instills a level of confidence that is by far above what I had before. I know you've heard this a thousand times but you can't go wrong with this bike. It pedals, drops, jumps and rides with the best of them. I have yet to experience any brake jack. Nice and simple single pivot freeride/downhill/XC (not for racing XC) bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Lee
a Downhiller
from Seoul Korea
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | ski slppes | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikemate | | Strengths: | Super burly, strong. The cable routings are up to par and the frame seems to be indestructable. My bike did five severe rolls of cartwheel at super speed but there was no bend or a dent. Gotta love that. The frame is solid and fees well balanced. Fantastic craftsmanship. Way to go SC! | | Weaknesses: | Why don't you guys at Santa Cruz make black anodized frame? | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Gemini DH, Kona Stinky Deelux, Haro werx ext.(crap) the rear wheel bangs the post on 1 foot drop. | | Bike Setup: | Built up from frame only. Bullit with 5th, laced withMavic 729 to atomlab hubs with DT champion, Raceface (Diabolous) stem, bar, Chris king head set, Saint cranks, Magura Louis FR brakes, and 888rc | | Bottom Line: | I rode other smooth and buttery DH bikes out on the market but they are DH specific only and not as versatile as the Bullit. Yes, bullit can be little rough around the edge compare to bikes like Foes mono or Intense M3 but this is do it all bike. Jumps well, down hill with the best of them and eats drops day in and day out. I love this bike! It inspires me to ride and ride it hard. If you have to have one bike that'll keep you happy for years to come, this is it. Can't find any faults. Great bike from a great company. Guys at SC are really helpful and on the dot. Way to go. 1000 Kudos!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spencer Finkbohner
a
from Anacortes
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | WA Park top trails, Cultus | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1175.00 | | Purchased At: | Skagit Cycle Center | | Strengths: | Where should I start? Well, probably the superior superstrength of this hill climbin' drop eatin' machine, the lightness of the beast (don't really care about weight, but light is nice), the sexiness of a European supermodel, and quite simply the quality in which it was made. The customer service is superior, I got a heavy spring, T-shirt, team cards, and other schwag for no extra charge. The 5th Element completes this masterpice. | | Weaknesses: | It didn't actually come with a European supermodel... ummm... besides that I can't tell ya. | | Bike Setup: | Atom Lab Trailpimps, TruvAtiv Holzfeller, Marzocchi Jr. T., Hayes 8", Shimano XT. etc. | | Bottom Line: | Faster than the speed of a X-15, burlier than Mike Tyson at a birthday party, better looking than Hilary Duff at age 18, and more reliable than a basset hound on Mt. Fuji, this bike does it all. It handles 20' drops with my 250lbs ass on, and comes back for more. It was worth every penny... I had to sell my little sister for it... both of 'em. The shock set up is: set, and forget. You can pump it up every day you ride (no biggie, takes 2 seconds), but the air stays in mine for a week at a time. This was the best investment I've ever made. Buy a Bullit if you crave downhills, or do every stunt at Whistler, do under 30ft drops, or for some reason still like climbin' the hill to your downhill trail. It climbs better than my friend's hardtail. Buy It!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade
a Weekend Warrior
from Payson, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Squaw Peak, Amasa Back, Cowboy | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR from a cool Cali kid | | Strengths: | Very strong frame, handles big drop well, descends everything super fast, sweet looking bike. | | Weaknesses: | It climbs well, lots of traction. It's lighter than most bikes of this type but you still notice the added weight in comparison to an "all trail" bike like my old enduro. | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Super T fork. XT drivetrain. 2 chain rings and a bash guard. 2.7 Maxxis Minion DH tires. 5th element rear shock. About 7" travel front and rear. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awesome bike anyway you look at it. I'd totally recommend it to any rider who loves going downhill more than climbing, though you'll still be able to climb. You just might end up with bigger legs after awhile. It's a sweet bike that can handle just about anything you can dish out and it can handle it well. If you want a really lightweight bike, it's probably not for you. And don't take it to a cross-country race. You're probably going to lose. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from Sweden up north
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | cykelspec.se | | Strengths: | A frame with true mountainbike capabilities. You take the bike anywhere you want! | | Weaknesses: | nothing yet | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky 2002,2003 and 2004 | | Bike Setup: | Full Saint group, super T 2003 fork, FSA 38 front sprocket,continental diesel 2.5 tires,roox chainanimal,roox commander 35mm . | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for an allround true mountainbike. I did have a Kona stinky but the stinkys is more a downhill rig than an allarounder like the bullit. The bullit feels easy to handle down steep trails, very easy to ride manuals with,easy to whip, easy to drop, easy to climb and it works very well the day long where ever you take it.
feels much more pedalfriendly than my stinky 2004 bike, and it also have 1 inch more travel front and rear, it has 6 tooth bigger sprocket at the front than the stinky. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Petersen
a Downhiller
from santa cruz cali usa
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | mailboxes is santa cruz | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | bike trip | | Strengths: | it is the best bike ever!!!! i am 15 years young and ill hit enything and the bikeholds up!! great bike frame is so strong. i am the only one of my freinds that ride a bullit they all ride like V10 and all that butt i hit every thing they do and do it better so i mean it is just a good bike!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | nuthing, butt i cant find a dam fork that will hold up man, what ever you do dont get a boxxer race they SUCK!!!!!!!!! i love my 888 it is just as good as the frame and together we are the best! | | Similar Products Used: | the Vpfree is also a good bike just like it. or a heckler i just got my heckler like a week ago and it is just as fun | | Bike Setup: | bullit with 888R and deemax wheelset north shore cranks and king head set i got hope brakes for it | | Bottom Line: | VERY VERY GOOD BIKE!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaron s
a Downhiller
from pacific palisades, CA USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | viper, viper killer, gaterz | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | phat tire | | Strengths: | fast, an excellent freeride bike, handles the steep and rutted out rocky terrain, strong & durable, tight welds, good huck bike, climbs well descends even better | | Weaknesses: | could be faster(but might just be my small size frame). standover is a bit high. 5th ele takes time to dial in. | | Similar Products Used: | super8, kona stinky, mtncycle san andreas, | | Bike Setup: | hope hubs & DH4 discbrakes, boxxerWC, 5th ele, xt/xtr, race face cranx. | | Bottom Line: | a true freeride bike when built up appropriately. 7up front and 7in da back. takes the hits. great bike. can be built up light.
this is a great bike. i have taken this bike through everything short of 15+ foot drops. (i ain't goin that big...yet) i've downhilled fireroads, techy singletrack, vertical chutes, medium sized drops, doubles, and biffed it hard more times than i could count. i have gone through 4 saddles, 2 handle bars, 2 seatposts, 2 headsets, several derailers chainrings and chains but the bullit in untouchable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua
a
from Whittier, CA
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | 7.5 lbs. frame weight
firm
can take about anything you want to give it | | Weaknesses: | high standover height (mine's around 29 inches) | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Joker, Cannondale Gemini | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Dorado DH fork
Saint crank
Hayes 8" front and rear
Mavic 321 with Hupi hubs
XT and XTR components | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I can take it and jump anything I want, but the cool thing is that it climbs well too. I havent noticed any weaknesses in its climbing ability. Ive ridden a XC bike for 4 years now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Denver
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Climbs and pedals really well-better than expected. Burly frame design, very stiff. Versatile Geometry. Full length seat tube. Can be built as a very capable and versatile trail, freeride or DH bike. Reasonable weight | | Weaknesses: | Very tall bottom bracket equals very tall saddle height for climbing. Did experience a little bit of brake jack under certain circumstances but no where near as bad as expected based on what I had heard prior to purchase. | | Similar Products Used: | Superlight, ML-7, Heckler, Moment, ASX | | Bike Setup: | changed over the years. Started with heavy freeride build with dual crown (40+lbs.). Then light freeride build with single crown (33 lbs.). Then light freeride build with dual crown (36 lbs.). | | Bottom Line: | One of the best bikes I have ever owned or ridden - versatile, trouble free, climbs well, stable, easy to ride, etc. Used primarily as a trail bike/light freeride bike. The Bullit can be built to do everything really well with the exception of cross country racing.
Progressive 5th Element coil shock blew up on its 3rd ride. Progressive was very helpful and quick with the warranty. Shock worked as advertised and with out trouble after warranty.
Santa Cruz has really good customer service. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick
a Downhiller
from Cullowhee, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Carolina Fats | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Big-Hit | | Bottom Line: | This is by far the best bike i have ever used. it can do single track, it can do dirt jumps, and it can take the real big hits and hit you right back! I never knew i could go this fast on a bike! but this may be too much bike for some people, but for those of us who dream of fast trails and big jumps this is the bike for you. Thanks SANTA CRUZ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Couzens
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Coedy and local Surrey stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Stif in Leeds (excellent service) | | Strengths: | Absolutely the dogs, climbs better than old my Marin Attack Trail and flies downhills like nothing I've ever ridden. Inspires total confidence, probably a little too much so! I'm enjoying riding so much more since uprading, I've started doing much more DH stuff so I've needed to find a few quid to buy armour and all that. | | Weaknesses: | Slider Plus forks need a softer spring in but thats because I'm uber light. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Patriot FR, Marin Attack Trail | | Bike Setup: | Standard SC Freeride (UK) with Slider Plus and Hope Bulbs... | | Bottom Line: | I got a really good deal from Stif so value gets 5 stars the overall rating also gets 5 stars as I can't fault the bike at all, it rocks.
I'm still using the SC recommended settings and have had no need to fiddle whatsoever. The only hassle is the Slider Plus forks are quite stiff but thats due to me being skinny, £20 for a new spring is no real problem!
Buy one, you will not regret it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Eubank
a Downhiller
from SD, CA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | the fast and flowy ones! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Custom built @ MHB by me | | Strengths: | Excelent Design (Note: Single pivots may have downsides, But with the right moves and a little practice theres no comparison!)Elevated chainstays, great standover, and short wheelbase. Saint stuff rules!! Der. is beef-nutz, brakes are extremely efficient and are best with deore levers (Just say no to Hays!!) and suspention is plushhhh. I wan't to put the new fox or marzocchi rear shocks on it. I like the 5th element, but I run it like a fox would feel anyway. (really springy, I don't need spv on this bike, I need suppleness) | | Weaknesses: | You must have impecible timing with pedaling and braking. I've found that letting off the brake in techy sections makes me way smoother (otherwise brake jack is bad!) also because the chainstay length gets longer as you use the travel, chainlength and mrp adjustments must be spot on. | | Similar Products Used: | Most everything, and while nothing is perfect, my bullit has treated me like a king. I have a few other bikes, after all there is a tool for every trade, but my bullit is the downhill one. I know there are longer travel bikes, but after all, it's not the length of the stroke it's how you use it! | | Bike Setup: | White frame, 888 fork, saint wheels w/ dh-32 rims, Maxxis 2.7 mobster st, saint, saint and more saint, and sprinkle in some thomson, atomlab, answer bars and a jump saddle (just to be pimpin) | | Bottom Line: | This bike will compete with any other, whether it's got 10 inches or 4. A bullit can be built up with anything, even crosscountry parts, and she will love it. It's design has changed once in five years, and not drastically either. Linkage (or lack there of) will live forever, tubing is twice as thick as any other and geometry is excelent. She is a big drop machine and is nimble enough to squeese through the hairy sections. I just spent a week in mammoth. the other guys had a demo 9, a foes mono dh, a few giant dh comp or teams, an M1 and my little ol bullit. We (me and my bullit) had fun smacking everyone around like little female dogs. HA HA HA HA HA...... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a Downhiller
from NYC
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | smasher | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Westport Bikes | | Strengths: | Frame, Fork, umm. everything | | Weaknesses: | rims and headset | | Similar Products Used: | none. | | Bike Setup: | R freeride, Med. White Bullit, Slider Plus, standard bike pretty much. | | Bottom Line: | After, shopping around for quite some time looking at all of the freeride bikes, i bought the Bullit. One reason stood out to me to get it and that was its dependability. It is tried and true. I would recommend this bike to anyone who is sick of riding something that cant be pushed. Dont get it if you hate pedaling something that weighs more than an long travel XC rig or if you hate attention. This bike pedals very well due to the fork and shock and is built bombproof. I highly
recommend you get this ride, it is soooo joyuos. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MATT WEBSTER
a Downhiller
from DRAPER
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | CREST | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1050.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY (FRAME ONLY) | | Strengths: | VERSATILITY!! THIS BIKE WILL DO WHAT EVER YOU WANT. | | Weaknesses: | NONE. | | Similar Products Used: | SPECIALIZED ENDURO, BIGHIT | | Bike Setup: | SRAM X9, TRUVATIV CRANK,E13 DRS,8" HAYES,THOMPSON POST,MAXXIS TIRES,CROSSMAX XL,SHERMAN SLIDER,CHRIS KING. | | Bottom Line: | THIS BIKE NOW BECAME MY ONLY BIKE. WITH MY CROSSMAX XL'S AND 2.35 SINGLE PLY TIRES ON IT THE WEIGHT IS RIGHT AT 36 LBS. WITH MY DH WHEELSET THE WEIGHT GOES TO 41 LBS. THIS BIKE PEDALS UPHILL BETTER THEN MY ENDURO PLUS COMES DOWN BETTER THEN MY BIGHIT.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
high speed tree dodger
a
from colorado springs, colorado
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | pipe-----------line | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It's quick like ninja yet strong like tiger.
| | Weaknesses: | Quite possible to go "too fast". | | Bottom Line: | I really like the sticky rubber tires. They give the bike so much traction, especially if it has just rained, it really is possible to go as fast as you want down the trail. I tried linking as many turns as a i could without braking, but when things got hot a quick tap of the brakes reined the bike in.
The fork is plush. All i've had to do to it is play with the compression and rebound nobs, the preload was set just fine.
I also like the beefyness of the rear derialluer, the rear shock, and the way chill paint job. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from PA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | JimThorpPARK | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Scholl's Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Strong welds, SOLID frame, GREAT going down and not bad going up!! | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | Turner 5-spot , SC Heckler, Intense uzzi slx, Elsworth Dare, COVE G-spot | | Bike Setup: | 5th element - Saint hardware- hayes- mavics 321- stans no-tubes- Bomber Z150 | | Bottom Line: | I am shocked at how easy this bike is to ride. It will take a bit to get used to but the weight is not that bad. The 5th element is a dream come true only if you take the time to dail it in right. NO worries--- the frame will last and last and last. Just point and shot, the suspention will correct any mistakes you made.
The bottom line is this bike is a keeper and will take years of abuse and torture....it is a great platform to have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything bloody | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Johns | | Strengths: | Great frame build, great geometry, great everything. Purdy enough to bring home to mama. | | Weaknesses: | Rear swingarm sticks out a little far, so when I'm peddling, my calves rub on it and it gets annoying sometimes. I had to pull that one way out of the bag, because I just couldn't think of anything else ;) | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Bullt R Freeride with Boxxer Team | | Bottom Line: | This frame is awesome. I'm a downhiller, but I also like to go up hills too. I ride with lightweight XC guys and can definately keep up with them. It does take a little more grunt to get up to the top, but if you got strong legs and cardio, this bike just flows. The geometry is superb as when peddling smoothly up a hill there is zero(0)zero bob on the 5th element shock, I was truley impressed. Then, once you point this baby downhill, it's all over for the XC guys, their lightweight $8K bikes just get mangled while the bullit just coast downhill. I usually pick the worst lines I can find because it's just that awesome. In Freeride this bike is awesome too. First day I got it, I was doing 6 to 7 foot drops to flat like it was nothing. Now, I have no problem getting about 10 to 12 feet drops and I barely feel out of control. This is the one and only Bullit, all others are copy catz!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh S
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince George, BC, Can
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hell's Highway | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Used at LBS | | Strengths: | Plusher than anything, laughs at drops under 10ft, pedals great for a heavy bike, 5th Element feels so good, simplicity=low maintainance, beautifully crafted, durable finish, did I mention how amazingly plush this thing is? | | Weaknesses: | My 5th Element seal contaminates easily and creaks annoyingly, still sucks to pedal upshill. Makes you feel way better than you really are. Apparently brake jack, but you'll be having too much fun to give 2 s**ts! | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. Stinky's, BB7, RM7, Switch, Devinci's, Brodie Devo, Cove Peeler. | | Bike Setup: | Rootbeer frame w/older Jr.T, Hope Minis(will never buy any other brand!), Hussefelt cranks w/Race Face BB, Race Face bars, Intense rubber on Excalibur disc rims. 39.5lbs. | | Bottom Line: | This bike rules it. More suspension than anyone should need. Totally hooked up on the downhills. Flies straight. Eats drops for breakfast. Sweet all around ride. Own one and you'll understand. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Evel Knievel
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Great $ value. It flys like a bird. Very comfortable while airborne. 5th element is perfect for switching between trail use , hucking and DHing with a couple of changes. Burley built, huge tubes and gussets. Single pivot reliable. 3 ring set up. Full seat post drop.Made in the USA. Makes the 5" and 5" all mountain bike obsolete. | | Weaknesses: | Quick release only rear wheel (without a Hadley hub ). Non replaceable dropout hanger. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Stinky ,Specialized BigHit test rides | | Bike Setup: | Marz SuperT w/ integrated stem , Azonic love seat, Hayes nine 8" frt&rr , Hussfelt 3 ring , XT and X9 w/ X9 twist , Kona Jacks**t pedals , Stan's notubes converted Sun mammoths | | Bottom Line: | The Bullit is at home on gnarly trail rides , DH runs , hucking ,ladders.
It really shines as a freeride bike. Big rings to ride to the trail head , granny to get you up the hill and seat droppin with 7" inches of suspension lets you choose your way down the mountain by your medical coverage.It may not win any pro level DH races but it still DH's great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaime
a Weekend Warrior
from OC
Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Bullit-proof...37 lbs with 7/7 what more do you want?
Can do it all, this fork/shock combo is insane | | Weaknesses: | Dont buy it if you dont want to improve your riding skills or ability or if you dont want to grow your nuts | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth (joker frame broke) | | Bike Setup: | 2004 Bullit with Sherman Slider, 8" Hayes (old reliable kind) Raceface stem & cranks, Protaper bars, XT/XTR drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Buy the frame, add parts, go ride.....
Find some knarly trails, drops, ride some more... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
K-MAN
a Weekend Warrior
from Watertown
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Botique | | Strengths: | Un-breakable, many adjustments, light, good pedeling, great downhill. Let's face it, it's a classic design that work really well. | | Weaknesses: | BB Height can be difficult to pedal long distances, 5th element is great but very complicated and time consuming to set up. Jeez..it's hard to find anything else wrong with it...sorry. | | Similar Products Used: | Heckler, V10 and a whole bunch of copy catz! | | Bike Setup: | Freeride R kit with Hayes HFX upgrade and Sherman slider +. My bike came with a Titec seat and stem which are ugly as hell! | | Bottom Line: | Firstly the guy below me should be removed becuase he's jelous guy just trying to lower the score of the holy one and only single pivot mama-loocka of them all!...The SC Bullit sucka!
This bike is great all around. Just a tip...speck it light if you want to do any XC riding because you will be paying for it with swet and tears. My bike is heavy...around 39 pounds or something and yes, I don't care what you say but it's hard to pedal up hill! It's easier than a downhill bike but it's no XC bike for spinning. Overall this thing is a good comprimise though. You can pedal up hills very slow and than drop bombs like Mike Tyson. This bike also feels like it gets better with time, especially when you dial in the 5th element. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyle
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Hill, Sydney | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | The Bike Shed, Mortdale | | Strengths: | Very light for the beefiness, 5th Element can't be beaten, quiet-no chain slap, little bob when cranking hard, no cables on top tube to scratch/cut you, straight seat tube to raise and lower seat all you like | | Weaknesses: | Difficult to carry over shoulder (but who cares, it's for riding not carrying) | | Similar Products Used: | Stinky Deelux, Iron Horse, Orange 223 | | Bike Setup: | Medium Black '04 Bullit, Boxxer Race with MOJO boxcart, E-Thirteen chain device, SRAM X-0 drivetrain, Hayes, Mavic, V12 pedals, Maxxis Minions | | Bottom Line: | This bike can do everything!!!
Downhill is super smooth - the back wheel just sticks to the ground. Simply point it downhill, and away you go - no vices at all. Jumping you can throw the Bullit around so easy - very controllable. Cornering is very solid, the higher BB does not affect railing berms. Takes drops in its stride no worries. Pedalling is great - little power loss, and comfortable for longer rides too, as you can raise seat.
I can't recommend SRAM X-0 enough, trigger thumb shift is a little strange at first, but after just two rides MUCH MUCH better than rapid fire.
Bullit is good for all riding, can do Downhill, drops, long rides, uphill. It's price is competitive - just allow more time for your runs, as everyone wants to talk about it - Black Bullit looks great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
paul
a
from chicago, il USA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | www.rbikes.com | | Strengths: | its a bullit, that's why you are reading this. | | Weaknesses: | none so far, I will add another review after 6 months of traveling and riding. | | Similar Products Used: | big hit, gemini's, stinky's, coilers, heckler | | Bike Setup: | sherman firefly (DC), hayes hydro 8's, XT drivetrain.. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this bike is great. Honestly it may be more bike than I will ever need. Once the suspension is tuned it is absolutley perfect. It even pedals uphill! With the excellent, professional assistance of the guys @ Richards Bicyles I have dialed the bike to my needs and my riding style. Buy this bike and you wont be dissapointed. A great bike from a great shop. Any Q's please ask. Nuff said - now go ride!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kyle holthaus
a Downhiller
from so cal
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | big bear | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | the bike co | | Strengths: | burly frame, single pivot, big hit ability, climbing ability, 5th element. | | Weaknesses: | 5th element is hard to set up byt its sweet once you set it up.
| | Similar Products Used: | nothing else like it. | | Bike Setup: | hayes 8 inch, marzocchi super t(frekin sweet), maxxis tires, xt drive train, blackspire bash guard. | | Bottom Line: | sweetest bike ever. You can ride this thing up the steepest of hills(just allow a little time) and then turn down the steepest gnarliest trail you can find. The 5th element is sweet on big drops and doesn't kill you on climbs. It chatters alittle on the bumpy stuff but it is a single pivot. Bottom line is if you can afford it buy it, and if you can't sell baseball cards or something so you can. Igive it ten flamin chilis overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from San Luis Obispo
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Towewr | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO | | Strengths: | Best bike ever built! Strong frame, just take a look at the welds, they are soo beefy! Sucks up all the bumps, but can still be jumped with. | | Weaknesses: | None. Oh, did I mention, NONE! | | Similar Products Used: | V10, Big Hit, M3 | | Bike Setup: | O3 Bullit with Shiver DC. 8" Hayes, XTR, MRP, Truvativ all around | | Bottom Line: | The Bullit can do it all! Downhill, freeride and even some dirt jumping. I bought this bike because I wanted to do everything, and that is just what it does. The bike has helped me to develop my skills as a rider. If I see a huge drop I don't worry any more, cause I'm sitting on a Bullit, I know that it can take it. So, for all you out there, buy this bike, the only thing better might be the vpfree. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren W
a
from Santa Cruz CA
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any ski resort where I dont have to hike | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | I'm a big guy. 6'2 and 210 lbs. I like to dh and freeride and I bash the sh#t out of my bullit. I huck it off dirt jumps and drop off 10' ledges. This bike has taken all my abuse and it keeps commin' back for more. This bike is unmatched for price, ride quality, design, and the abuse it can take. My brother rides a super 8, and its built the same way. Undestructable. Period.
If you ride hard, DH, freeride, or want a quality bike for the price, this is the bike. I wouldn't reccommend it for people just getting into biking. This bike is aimed at serving all areas of progressive biking. Dirt jumping: amazing and easy to throw around. Freeride, light enough and with the right set up, just right. DH. I raced mine in Moab and bomb it down the ski resorts at big bear and Tahoe. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't come with a harem of naked girls that wash it and lube the chain dialy.
Honestly, I haven't found one flaw with this bike. Outstanding. | | Similar Products Used: | Super 8, Giant something rather, Rocky Mtn. Pipeline | | Bike Setup: | Straight DH/freeride. chain guide, disc brakes, super wide rims, 2.8 tires, azonic seat, and stem. | | Bottom Line: | Santa cruz builds the best. I have abused this bike beyond anyone I know. Last month I finially snapped the welds where the derailer drop out is. The break snapped the back swing arm in half. I sent the whole swing arm back. Santa Cruz, and Willie, hooked it up. They said the part was under warranty, and sent me a new swing arm immediately. I was impressed.
So......customer service is amazing. Warranty on broken parts, Yes. And my bike has taken the most abuse I think anyone could deliver. The ride is amazing, the price is good, set up is sick, and overall I think this is the best bike I could have asked for. The super 8 is great but bulky for me for dirt jumps. The Bullit handles it all. DH, Freeride, and dirtjumps. My thanks to S.C for making such a great bike. All my bikes will come from S.C forever. The only other bike I would ride: brookly machine works.
Contact me if you are looking into this bike. I will answer any questions you have. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MONG choi
a Downhiller
from HK
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1020.00 | | Purchased At: | flying ball | | Strengths: | VERY strong....... very strong...... super good to jump with...... not too heavy.....easy to get use to...... good looking......FAST........ easy to pedal.....good on corners...... can take 8 inch forks....... I m loving it | | Weaknesses: | price tooo high for a it.... cheap stickers....... thats it | | Similar Products Used: | NONe | | Bike Setup: | SHIVER...... D321.....hayes.....Thomson post.....
MAXXIS tires..... 5th element...... | | Bottom Line: | WELL I think this is a very good bike for anyone........ for example..... this bike is perfect for ppl that goes Fr and DH..... like me...... is better off choosing BULLIT...... coz if you get something FULLY DH it will make you tired so fast faster then you shi-t.....I will try to get SANT CRUZ bikes for my next bike as welll
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Reylek
a
from Fallbrook, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Flightline, Carlsbad CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Factory Non-warranty Replacement | | Strengths: | Big, bad, and burly! 5th Element gives you the edge! Kudos to Santa Cruz for the cable re-routing; eliminates the rear "ghost-shifting" found on earlier year models. I strongly suggest an XTR front derailleur. High BB clearance helps in navigating the rock gardens. Take the worst line on the decents and let the Bullit god guide you through! "Rut?...What rut?" | | Weaknesses: | Any field weaknesses can be attributed to pilot operation. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Bullit with Fox Vanilla; (7000 series aluminum) | | Bike Setup: | Large black '04 Bullit, XT/XTR 9-speed componentry, Progressive 5th Element, Marzocchi Super-T, Hayes hydraulic with 8" rotors, Race Face Next LP crankset; 44/32/20, 11/34 rear; (low-geared for climbing), Thomson seatpost, Azonic Loveseat, Azonic Shorty stem, Race Face riser bars with Oury grips, Shimano 646 pedals, Mavic 521's, IRC Kujo's 2.35", Marzocchi 20mm and XT hubs F/R. | | Bottom Line: | Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'! Buy it if you like to freeride and downhill, don't buy it if you're an XC "weight-weenie" or "24-hour at ____" rider. Use 8" rotors for maximum cornering ability and XTR front derailleur for smoothest shifting. Bullit is the "best bang for the buck!" Gold-standard! Everyone else compares their single-pivot frames to the Bullit!... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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