Santa Cruz Blur

[viv]

Any honest, objective opinions of the Santa Cruz Blur?

[gopherhockey]

Owning one myself, I can give you some thoughts from many hours of riding (not just a simple demo ride)

First, there was and still is a LOT of hype surrounding this bike. At first I thought it was just a media thing - how can so many mags say that this bike is so great. I was especially skeptical when I saw their other model, the heckler, started to get similar reviews. I suspected maybe SC was paying someone off??? ;)

However, I needed a new ride and so I gave it a shot. I have ridden Cannondales all along, so what I knew best was the SuperV and Jekyll style of bike. I put a LOT of hours in on my Jekyll before riding the Blur.

The magazines say that you only need to ride this bike for a few minutes before you feel like you have ridden it forever. Sounds corny, but it did feel like that! I instantly felt like I had ridden this thing for years. It actually felt like it just flowed through the trails better with much less effort.

(I'm no pro bike reviewer, so I can't really describe these types of things very well.)

The one thing I'd wonder is how much of it is the frame itself, and how much of it is the components in combination with the frame. I got the new 03' XTR, which I now LOVE. I think it adds a lot to the bike. The fox float fork I have mixed opinions on right now - coming from a "Lefty" it has been a bit strange to get used to this fork.

If you have the means, I'd say you cannot go wrong with this bike. There are a few others out there that are supposedly as good or better at some things... but you still can't go wrong with the Blur. I'd never suggest anyone spend 4-5k on a bike that didn't seem obviously better than anything else I have ridden.

(I also tested the S-Works bike and personally didn't like it near as much as the Blur.)

[viv]

Thanks, I currently ride a super V and have never owned anything but C-dale. The Blur will probably be my first change. I probably wont do full XTR. I'm a bit of a Grip shift/XTR deraillier fan. I built my last bike from the ground up. Will probably go with one of the Lx/Xt models if there are any left in town and then customize a few things to fit my stubborn ways.

[zerpy]

This might be a hard question, but what don't you like about the s-works and how is the blur different?

I haven't ridden an s-works but I have spent a few minutes on an epic. It is the first FS bike I have been on that didn't suck. I was able to pedal and not feel like I am on a pogo stick with two wheels but it absorbed impacts quite well.

This has been my only experience on a "nicer" FS bike. Haven't seen a blur before. I figure I have a couple or few years of riding with my entry level hardtail (I upgrade things as I break them) until I could get the benefit of having that kind of a machine. But I am curious about the differences.

jas

[Kingbozo]

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the Blur more of a "trail bike" while the Epic is more geared for XC racing? I think the Specialized equivalent to the Blur would probably be the Enduro.

John, which S-works did you try-was it the Epic or just a straight FSR?

[martini]

The Epic, though aimed at the racer crowd seems to be a bit of a tank. "Tank" being relative and all. I think it's in at about 26-27 lbs. You can easily get a Blur to that level or less. If you're comparing, I'd say that the Blur and Epic actually do compete with eachother in the market. The Heckler and Enduro do thier battles together too, as they're both more trail bike/freerideish.

[Kingbozo]

The main reason I think that the Blur fits more into the "trail bike" category is the fact that it has almost 5 inches of travel while the Epic has less than 4. I agree though that the main complaint I have heard about the Epic is it's weight.

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by Kingbozo
John, which S-works did you try-was it the Epic or just a straight FSR?

It was the Epic that I rode - but when I did I wasn't clipped in and didn't get much more than 10 minutes on the bike - not a very good trial. It felt strange to me, but so did my 03' XTR setup for the first hour as well...

I've read great things about both, as well as the Intense model that is the Blur's "sister" bike. I believe a recent magazine had these 3 and one other model in a shoot-out and they all had their strong and weak points, but the 4 were supposedly a whole level above most others in their general classes.

I have no doubt by next year that list will grow.. this is the time that the FS bike is going to start turning heads of many hardtail junkies.

Too bad they all cost an arm & a leg.

[jjrsds]

this is the time that the FS bike is going to start turning heads of many hardtail junkies.

Hardtail Junkies? John are you labeling a specific group? Just because we like to not pogo up and down a trail? Shame on you.

:D

[socrates]

Originally posted by jjrsds
Hardtail Junkies? John are you labeling a specific group? Just because we like to not pogo up and down a trail? Shame on you.

:D You Don't??? Then why do you have a Hard Tail? With my FS I don't feel any bumps :)

[Trevize1138]

Originally posted by socrates
You Don't??? Then why do you have a Hard Tail? With my FS I don't feel any bumps :)

A real man can take an ass pounding ...

... wait, that didn't come out right ...

[socrates]

Originally posted by Trevize1138
A real man can take an ass pounding ...
Does your wife to be know this about you?

:banana:

[Trevize1138]

Originally posted by socrates
Does your wife to be know this about you?

:banana:

Actually, it's kinda related to the story of how we met ...

:crazy2:

[socrates]

Originally posted by Trevize1138
Actually, it's kinda related to the story of how we met ...

:crazy2: I dont even wanna know :shocked:

[SPR]

Quote from a bike catalog regarding the Santa Cruz Blur:
"It has all this suspension, but it stills climbs like a scalded monkey and accelerates with a snap that will make sprinters everywhere lick their chops"
Wow!!! I've never seen a scalded monkey climb :crazy2:

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by SPR

Wow!!! I've never seen a scalded monkey climb :crazy2:

You have to "spank" it... DOH!

Ok, now I've gone too far... sorry bout' that...

:shocked:

[gopherhockey]

For those interested... especially my fellow Blur riders out there (you know who you are)

Mountain Bike Magazine - Santa Cruz Blur wins Bike Of The Year

In the Nov. '02 issue we had an exclusive first test of the Santa Cruz Blur. It was one of the few bikes to ever win the whole office over. In fact, the review was so positive that some cynics began to question our objectivity. And then, in quick succession, every other magazine that finally got their hands on the bike said the same thing. While it's good to be first, it's even better to be proven right. Simply put, no other bike had as big of an impact in the world of suspension this year as the Blur. Better still, not only is Santa Cruz applying its vaunted VPP technology to its longer-travel bikes, but it's also licensed the design to Intense, who used it to come out with the short-travel Spider, which automatically put the downhill company on the map in the field of top FS/XC bikes. www.santacruzbikes.com- -ZE

[EmL34]

I rode both bikes and chose the Epic. I am not a light rider and the Blur seemed to respond more to the wrong inputs. I am sure that this was based on my size (190).

In any case, I have never loved a bike as much as the Epic. I can't wait to line it up at the next time trial!

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by EmL34
I rode both bikes and chose the Epic. I am not a light rider and the Blur seemed to respond more to the wrong inputs. I am sure that this was based on my size (190).

I actually had the same problem, but the exact opposite.

The Blur definitely has to be ridden hard. The harder you push it the better it responds.

[EmL34]

If that's the case, it was probably the setup when we test rode. We shoudl swap rides some time.

[ryno lite]

I've heard the setup is a big deal on these bikes, especially with bigger guys.

[gopherhockey]

My Blur has a crack in the frame.... my baby is broken!

I just had to post this so you all could share in my pain. My poor bike... no more riding this year. Oh well, at least its time to bring out the "winter bike"... (only about like 15-20 lbs. heavier...)

Looks like all those laps at Lebanon finally had their way with the frame.

I'll have to figure out how to get this thing warranty replaced... hopefully before next spring.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

[Crash]

John,
my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your Blur. Hopefully you will be able to go on without her :p

I also hope you have better luck with Santa Cruz's warranty than I have had with Specialized. Let us know how it goes.

Post some pic's, I'd like to see how it cracked.

[gopherhockey]

Best case I'm riding a 2004 frame (improved over 03') next spring. Worst case I end up shelling out the near $2k for a new one in the odd case someone thinks that I caused it to crack.

I'll let everyone know how working with Santa Cruz warranty works out... and I'll post a pic soon.

[ryno lite]

Sorry to hear about it John! Really stinks, hope the warranty works out!

[zerpy]

Good luck on the bike, that sucks to hear!

I'll be interested in hearing how the warranty goes. All the warranty stuff I read on my stuff basically says if you ever take it off a paved trail, impact something or do something that would make the tires leave the ground you've voided the warranty. Its like, "FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, IT'S A MOUNTAIN BIKE!!!!"

I think your experience with Santa Cruz here will help determine the next dream bike for at least a few on the board here...

It also tells me that if a "little guy" like you cracks the frame I'd better stay the heck away!:)

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
My Blur has a crack in the frame.... my baby is broken!
:mad: :mad: :mad:

Ouch!!!! I guess you should have bought a Klein :D

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Worst case I end up shelling out the near $2k for a new one in the odd case someone thinks that I caused it to crack.


I bet it was all those bunny-hops Chris did on it...make him pay for a new one if the warranty won't cover it :etard:

[viv]

Sorry to hear that. Lets hope its a fluke. Let me know where the crack is so I can check mine. Ive been pounding fairly hard on mine and it SEEMS fine. Oh the sadness weights heavy....

[EmL34]

Hey, I rode a Blur Yesterday...great bike. I love the way it fits and handles. It feels really quick. I am thinking about buying a new bike for next year and thinking about this rig. 'Course your warranty experience will influence, but my opinion is that the shop has as much influence on that as the MFR.

One question I have, though is: Did the drive train feel different at first? I hammered around a bit and at first felt like the suspension was responding to my pedal strokes. But that wasn't quite it...Seems like something that would be easy to adjust to, but I wanted to hear if others noticed the same thing.

[viv]

Ive found that when cruising at a steady cadence, like a fireroad, there may be some movement due to pedal input. this supposedly is removed with the 5th element shock option. When hammering, pushing hard, it seems to lock out any pedal action. If you are pushing it at Leb, say pumping out of the corners and such it feels solid.

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by viv
Ive found that when cruising at a steady cadence, like a fireroad, there may be some movement due to pedal input. this supposedly is removed with the 5th element shock option. When hammering, pushing hard, it seems to lock out any pedal action. If you are pushing it at Leb, say pumping out of the corners and such it feels solid.

I felt a Blur with the 5th element in it and it fits much better than the Fox does. However, I have never felt an issue with the current Fox not fitting tight.

The Fox shock forces you to hammer real hard to get optimum reaction. The 5th element is supposed to make it so even slight pedal action is controlled. I haven't ridden one and don't know if I should fully believe the mags or not.. but it sounds good ;)

[Kingbozo]

Quite a few reviews on MTBR indicate that there are some major quality control issues with shocks from Progressive. Take that for what it is worth.

Where did your frame crack?

[TML]

Originally posted by zerpy
All the warranty stuff I read on my stuff basically says if you ever take it off a paved trail, impact something or do something that would make the tires leave the ground you've voided the warranty.
Looks like you better change your avatar before calling in on that warranty claim. ;)

Bummer about the bike John. Hope it all works out well.

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by Kingbozo


Where did your frame crack?

Just below the front derailure on the welding where the seat tube connects. Rather hidden, I probably rode a while on it like that. Cracked almost all the way around right now.

:hit:

[Kingbozo]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Just below the front derailure on the welding where the seat tube connects. Rather hidden, I probably rode a while on it like that. Cracked almost all the way around right now.

:hit:

That is actually good news. The fact that it is on a weld increases your chances of it being covered by waranty

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Just below the front derailure on the welding where the seat tube connects. Rather hidden, I probably rode a while on it like that. Cracked almost all the way around right now.

:hit:

Ouch...I would hate to think of you being on the teeter when it finally gave way...of course we'd then be able to name the teeter

[gopherhockey]

Here it is. Hairline fracture about 2/3 the way around the tube.

http://www.morcmtb.org/images/temp/Blur 015 Small.jpg

[ryno lite]

I had thoughts of getting a Blur down the road, but I am with Zerpy, I weigh 250 and if John could do it, my fat ass would kill one, although I can't catch the air and do the drops he does! Hopefully it all goes well for you and that is was just an aberation. If I ever get a full suspension, I'll just get a beefy, heavy one. Sucks to have to lug around the weight, but you have to when you are a clydesdale. I've broken a lot of things, but never had a problem with my steel hardtail frame!

[KleinCrazy]

Having no mechanical or engineering backround, I can kind asee how that would be a jigh stress point with how the Suspension attaches and moves. But unless you were bottoming it out, I don't see how it would really stress it. Maybe because you have the wierd single sided triangle thing going on with your rear it puts more stress on that point. I Guess to me the bumber of welds at that point seems kinda odd. almost looks like it is Lugged to the Bottom bracket, but that doesn't make any sense.

Anyways,

I hope you get good warranty work on it and that they improve it in the future.

See you Sat.

James

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by KleinCrazy
I hope you get good warranty work on it and that they improve it in the future.

Thanks, means a lot to be able to cry outloud and have people understand... ;)

I wrote to SC on their website this evening - took 15 minutes to get a reply and the phone number of a guy who will "take care of things right away, don't worry.." Hope that is a good sign.

Even if I had to pay for a new frame I'd still do it and still love my Blur.

[socrates]

Originally posted by ryno lite
I had thoughts of getting a Blur down the road, but I am with Zerpy, I weigh 250 and if John could do it, my fat ass would kill one, although I can't catch the air and do the drops he does! Hopefully it all goes well for you and that is was just an aberation. If I ever get a full suspension, I'll just get a beefy, heavy one. Sucks to have to lug around the weight, but you have to when you are a clydesdale. I've broken a lot of things, but never had a problem with my steel hardtail frame!
Ryan,

Alot of the lighter weight tubes are actually stronger than a steel tube

[zerpy]

Originally posted by socrates
Ryan,

Alot of the lighter weight tubes are actually stronger than a steel tube

I can agree there, and this crack in John's frame doesn't mean it is a weak design either. He could have had a flaw in that piece of tubing, it's gonna happen to any manufacturer sooner or later. Steel flexes more than aluminum, so generally it is going to withstand more. BUT, steel is usually used to compensate for a "weaker" design where they are forced to have a better design with aluminum. Yes, that's a huge generalization, I know it.

I don't know much about the blur, it could be argued that its frame isn't as strong as others on the market. I personally went with the strongest frame that was in my budget and that was a specialized hardrock. the P.2 is actually tougher, but it was also twice as much:)

Now with my weight, this crack would worry me if I were to ever consider one, which I'm not. But if they have responsive warranty service, then that would ease my tensions too. A company can make the most bomb proof frame in the world, but unless I have money to throw away I wouldn't give it to them if they were known to stick it to their customers.

So, personally I'd be leery of the blur with my weight with what happened to John's bike. If I were in the market for that type of bike, I'd be trying to ask around to a lot of blur owners before I bought one just to see if this is a fluke or not. But that doesn't mean I have to go with steel either. Hell I took about a 4 foot drop with my hardrock (and saw my life flash before my eyes too - didn't know it was there) and it was fine. I landed HARD too - butt was planted on the seat still - again I didn't know it was coming and didn't prepare, barely had time to lean back and pull up on the bars.

[socrates]

Originally posted by zerpy
So, personally I'd be leery of the blur with my weight with what happened to John's bike. If I were in the market for that type of bike, I'd be trying to ask around to a lot of blur owners before I bought one just to see if this is a fluke or not. But that doesn't mean I have to go with steel either. Hell I took about a 4 foot drop with my hardrock (and saw my life flash before my eyes too - didn't know it was there) and it was fine. I landed HARD too - butt was planted on the seat still - again I didn't know it was coming and didn't prepare, barely had time to lean back and pull up on the bars.

I see no reason why I wouldn't consider a Blur (assuming I didn't know Klein was better :D ). As you said it could happen to any reputable manufacturer, so I'd only be interested in the repair ease (under warranty) - and all indications are positive so far

[viv]

Hey john, thanks for the crack photo... I went and gave mine a ping and it seems fine. If one more Blur owner does the same that means yours was a fluke and once they replace it all should be well....right?... seriously though I think some of the others are right in that it can happen to any bike and I love my Blur. If it broke I would have to replace it with the same...or maybe an intense...anyway good luck.

[gopherhockey]

I called up Santa Cruz direct... the guy took my name & address, gave me an RMA # and told me to just ship the frame (with swingarm) back to the factory. Said they are good with stock on my model and that it sounded pretty clearly like a warranty issue... he said they could just ship me a new frame out no problem.

I love it. If it works this easy, I avoid having to have some silly local or regional rep come "inspect" it at some LBS (one not of my choice) and wait months just to get an answer before any action is taken (I went through this once already with a Cannondale bike).

If all goes well I'll have a nice new replacement (improved) 04' frame just in time to pack it away nicely in my basement for spring to arrive.

I'll let you know if it is indeed this simple... ;)

[Kingbozo]

If all goes well I'll have a nice new replacement (improved) 04' frame just in time to pack it away nicely in my basement for spring to arrive.

Well I guess that simplifies that "end of the season cleanup" :)

[viv]

nice, as it should be. coool.......

[Crash]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
If it works this easy, I avoid having to have some silly local or regional rep come "inspect" it at some LBS (one not of my choice) and wait months just to get an answer before any action is taken (I went through this once already with a Cannondale bike).


This is EXACTLY what I am going through with Specialized right now. :mad: :mad: :mad:

I am glad to hear Santa Cruz is treating you right.

[nigel]

just another reason to stick with a small company, they actually care about their customers and WANT you to ride their stuff, the better your experience with them, the more likely you are to tell folks about them.

The big brands have long forgotten about customer service

[funky-funky-chicken]

Originally posted by nigel7780
just another reason to stick with a small company, they actually care about their customers and WANT you to ride their stuff, the better your experience with them, the more likely you are to tell folks about them.

The big brands have long forgotten about customer service

Hassles with large companies are not necessarily true. I have had three warranty replacements with Trek frames. In all situations, I had a new frame in hand within a week from the day that I dropped off the old one at the bike shop.

If you are wondering why I had so warranty claims with the same company... I have owned LOTS of bikes and at least 9 different Trek models. One claim was a broken top tube on an OCLV mountain frame (and three cracked ribs) from a crash. One was a crack in a lug by the chainstay (another OCLV mountain frame.) The third was a factory defect with an integrated headset on an OCLV road frame that I had only expected the integrated headset to be fixed, but they replaced the whole frame and fork. I have also broken a Cannondale and two Bridgestones.

[nigel]

Im saying in the big picture......

I deal with this every day, the big guys dont care as much as the little guys...yeah sure sometimes its easier than other times but theres lil exceptions with everything.

A lot of the time a warranty issues go only as far as the attitude of the bike shop guy/rep/warranty guy at the time you bring it in, and how much they feel for you.....it happens thats just the way it is, we're only people but we try.

I do think that all warranty issues should be taken care of much better than they are by all companies, but they only have so many people working for them and have to draw the line somewhere. Ive seen a ton of people take advantage of warranty issues too, that ruins it for everyone

[zerpy]

Good to hear it, John. Well, from the sounds of it, Santa Cruz's customer service rocks.

I've dealt with specialized's customer service for an order before and was very pleased, but never dealt with them for service. I'm sure two totally different groups.

Hopefully, I'll never have to, sounds like a run around. But stuff like this with John and Santa Cruz is good for their business especailly on a site like this! Again, not really "my type" of bike, I'm a hard tail fan right now, but I'll remember this in the future - you never know:)

[socrates]

Originally posted by zerpy
Again, not really "my type" of bike, I'm a hard tail fan right now, but I'll remember this in the future - you never know:)

Ah, come-on, you know the saying, once you go FS you'll never go back (oh wait...didn't we debate this many times before?)

[mtnbykr]

john,

stumbled across this in the mtbr.com "passion" board.

http://forums13.consumerreview.com/crforum?viewall@234.4sd9aCUOXjy.8220077@.efd9461

k

[gopherhockey]

Interesting! Looks like I'm not alone with this problem... Just boxed mine up today (Thanks to Doug @ St. Paul Cycles quick 15 minute strip of my frame) and have in mail tomorrow. Hopefully this won't happen on the next frame....

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Interesting! Looks like I'm not alone with this problem... Just boxed mine up today (Thanks to Doug @ St. Paul Cycles quick 15 minute strip of my frame) and have in mail tomorrow. Hopefully this won't happen on the next frame.... Yeah...he told me to call back because he had just started working on this big VIP's bike....had I only known it was yours :crazy:

[DMonkey]

Guess I should be checking my Blur just to be safe..
Glad to hear SC is so great, because I don't think I would get a different bike right now (well that Intense VPP 5.5 sounds pretty damn nice)..

Thanks for the info..

[gopherhockey]

Sent in my frame last Friday... checked with SC today and they said a new front triangle with all the latest links, bearings, axles etc. has been put together and they sent it off to me today.

Sweet! New frame, plus the improved bearings I have been hearing about that the 04' frames started coming with.

No questions, quick turnaround, no (or little) fuss... just the way I like it.

[socrates]

Originally posted by gopherhockey
Sent in my frame last Friday... checked with SC today and they said a new front triangle with all the latest links, bearings, axles etc. has been put together and they sent it off to me today.

Sweet! New frame, plus the improved bearings I have been hearing about that the 04' frames started coming with.

No questions, quick turnaround, no (or little) fuss... just the way I like it.

Now if you can just get Liz to place a Manitou Min 3 under the tree with a big bow on it you'll be all set for next year

[smeulebroe]

Santa Cruz Blur review in the latest Dirt Rag

[gopherhockey]

Got my new frame from SC today. The longest part was the shipping from them to me (seems like it took a couple weeks to get back to me) but otherwise it looks all nice and brand new again!

Now I just have to put it all back together again.... Mr. Holtz, you out there?? ;)

[nigel]

Ahem, why yes sir Im here :) where have you been the last couple Sundays!!! Stop on by man, ya know where to find me, im there all times cept for Tuesdays and Fridays.

Douglas

[gopherhockey]

Ahem, why yes sir Im here :) where have you been the last couple Sundays!!! Stop on by man, ya know where to find me, im there all times cept for Tuesdays and Fridays.

DouglasEven though his avatar is even more deranged than mine, I went over to Doug's place today and he helped me FINALLY get my Blur put back together. Man is it exciting to see my bike all ready to take on the trails! Thanks for the help Doug....

BTW: if anyone wants any bike maintenance or help in general with bikes, Doug is a great resource. (Many of you already know him from the group rides we had last year or the many MORC bike maintenance classes he held.) PM or email him and he will most likely hook you up with whatever you need... (just don't forget to reward his hard work!) ;)