Once_Upon_A_Time said:
I really like to climb a lot and I was wondering if the Heckler by Santa Cruz is truly a all around performer? I've read the reviews here for the Specialized Enduro Pro, and I can tell you they are all lies. You can't pedal that bike uphill unless you're in a full lock out mode or you'll be rocking like a boat. I guess, I can't trust the reviews on this site. It's all biased.
What the hell do I do now? Heckler or Santa Cruz Superlight. That's all I can afford on a college student loan.
monica
Consider thinking about where and how people ride. There are places in the country where the trails are quite smooth, smooth, but loose surface, rocky and rocky and loose as well as climbs that last for feet and climbs that last for miles.
I tested Heckler and Enduro, really liked them both, but went for the Enduro for these specific reasons. It remained plush when using the rear brake, and it was superb at keeping the rear wheel planted on loose and rocky stuff. It was also several hundred $ less. I would still like a Heckler, so there we have two great bikes, but one was a better fit for the riding I do most often and the money saved was two road trips to another region to ride.
I'll follow up by saying that after making a conscious decision to buy a bike that many would say bob, I found I did one 26 mile epic-type ride about an hour faster on the heavier bobbing bike. I figure bobbing can't be that bad based on that. The Enduro is actually quite bob free with the good technique that also makes the do or don't difference for clearing a climb or obstacle.
I also spent time adjusting the platform-type shocks when I did my test rides to make sure my opinion was not due to a poorly configured bike.
Your mileage may vary, but I concluded that if I want suspension I want all the suspension and plush that I can get, and if I want efficiency I want all the efficiency I can get. I ended up with the a very active suspension that keeps the rear planted for traction during power and braking and a plush bomber with ETA in front and a rigid single speed. There were a few bikes that had the same characteristics so try and separate any brand loyalty and choose what's right for your riding, and then look at brands and models.
With an infinite budget I'd have the Heckler for play at a local quarry and my neighborhood, still have an AMP-type, and get a different single speed but I won't wasted money in an area where there are diminishing returns for the results.
I hope this makes sense. Cut the emphasis on brand and image, get a design best for where and how you'll rode most often, and know that you get diminishing returns as the price climbs if you're looking at good stuff in the first place.
