|   Quick Blur Intro Recap | Khemikal Ali
Nov 24, 2002 8:08 AM | | Stopped by the LBS post-ride yesterday to see what new toys had arrived. As soon as I walked in the manager was wheeling out a brand new fully polished, full '03 XTR Blur - in my size to boot (a fairly large, large)!
Zoke Marathon, Fox AVA rear, RF goodies everywhere that XTR wasn't, tubeless, blah, blah.
Well, I got on it and familiarized myself with the XTR shifters. After about 30 seconds you don't even realize that you're doing something all that different shifting-wise. The XTR cranks/BB were cool and the brakes looked well thought out. Note, that I will never buy this stuff - too much all or nothing with little compromise save the compatibility of XT rotors with the XTR calipers. Still very "neat" in a XXX bike porn sort of way.
The frame itself? Beautiful but flexy. I mean really flexy. Like worse than my '00 FSR XC. I love Santa Cruz bikes, but this thing was utterly flaccid relative to my brother's '00 Heckler that I've been borrowing while my Isis is on IR. Travel was very smooth. Not "feels like a 6-inch bike" as others have said, but still very plush for an air-sprung XC bike. Pedaling and brake characteristics were hard to judge as I was in a parking lot with no nearby trails. As such was left to judge based on out of the saddle sprints and hard braking efforts - neither leaving me with great pros or cons as to performance - just nice.
The Blur was very cool, but I rolled it back in feeling quite let down. It is not the Holy Grail of anything - nor is the Epic which I've also ridden. If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Blur as it simply felt better to me. That said, I would take a new Heckler w/ Ti-sprung 5th over either.
I shouldn't be surprised that it didn't leave me overwhelmed to the positive. Few things every really do once the hype settles and you can test them yourself in the real world.
If you are already riding a nice FS bike that fits your style and intended use, keep it. Buy some better wheels or suspension upgrades as I don't think this will take anyone to the "next level". If your current ride is worn out, the Blur is definitely one (of many) to consider for high-end XC FS bikes IMHO.
Sean |
| re: Quick Blur Intro Recap | Carlos
Nov 24, 2002 11:41 AM | | Ok, you said that tried the epic too; is the epic a bike for XC racing or perhaps soft trails?. Is the blur a better trail bike?.
I am a cross country man, but i don't race; and i need a new FS bike, both bikes with the scalpel are the bikes that i'm interested.
but in my country isn't possible to test them.
i would like a FS without "bob", is the epic the best for me?, or the epic's brain is not ready for trails?.
thanks, and excuse my lenguage. |
| Talk more about the Flex... | Big Shooter
Nov 24, 2002 1:36 PM | | as that is the one thing that I hate worse than anything. I was considering picking one up next season, however not one review thus far has mentioned flex. Are we talking at the BB, rear end? where, noticed when etc... thanks. |
| 2nd vote for Flex Chat .... | Wasatch Walt
Nov 24, 2002 2:33 PM | | Nobody before has mentioned the dreaded frame flex. In fact, most reviews talk about how STIFF the bike is, with a solid rear triangle, and the four bar short pivoting sections near the main triangle.
So, I want to hear more about the Flex, and how (by doing what?) you could trigger the flexing? Please? |
| 2nd vote for Flex Chat .... | Wayne
Nov 25, 2002 12:20 AM | | Are you sure it was frame flex or wheel flex. I am 200 lbs and know that a light weight disk wheelset is not the hot ticket. I have a Blur and a Heckler and have not witnessed "this flex". The Heckler does feel stiffer, but it is a much more substancial frame. |
| 2nd vote for Flex Chat .... | stompy
Nov 25, 2002 6:25 AM | | this guy admits that he only did a parking lot ride, so I doubt he actually did any true ride testing. I suspect the "flex" is from the components in the build since the build sounds like a lightweight race build. People expect flex becuase of the asymetrical rear. but it has very short links. I suspect the wheels too. |
| Flex Chat Q&A | Khemikal Ali
Nov 25, 2002 6:40 AM | | Both the tried and true step on the pedal from the side method (off the bike) and hard sprints both on and off the saddle. Waggle, wiggle, woggle.
You're right, fairly lightweight wheels - Mavic x3.1 (?) UST. Believe me, I tried to rule out the wheel flex. One piece rear, short linkages, etc. - but it still flexed, noticeably. It was just built up so maybe certain pivots were not torqued to spec or properly loaded/seated.
Please note I'm not trying to bash the Blur. I wanted it to be great (as I do their longer travel version due 200_?). I was just shocked given how laterally stiff I've found their other bikes (incl the SL) as well as the direct competition.
Epic - It's been a while since I rode it. Do a search and you'll find several threads. I think the Epic is for unwilling HT converts - as it makes it easier to succumb to the call of FS. A face saver of sorts for all those that have said "I will never get a FS bike..." Yes, the shock technology works - but it also has its quirks. I'd buy a nice custom built, disc/UST equipped, steel HT before I ever purchase an Epic. I'd choose the Blur over the Epic for ANY intended purpose - "trail" riding, XC racing or just cruising around.
Clydes stay away from either and find a bike that runs a coil-over (Heckler, Isis, FXR, etc.).
--Sean |
| Flex Chat Q&A | stompy
Nov 25, 2002 8:50 AM | | hmm...what part of the frame flexed?
thanks. |
| FS = "Face Saver" | Nat
Nov 25, 2002 4:44 PM | | "I think the Epic is for unwilling HT converts - as it makes it easier to succumb to the call of FS. A face saver of sorts for all those that have said 'I will never get a FS bike...'"
For some reason I find the Epic as a "face saver" riff darn humorous.
I've never thought of "FS" as meaning "face saver" but it's funny.
Nat <---- On his 5th FS bike, shopping for a 6th, probably won't ever own a hardtail again |
| Exactly what flexed? | WarrGuru
Nov 25, 2002 7:12 AM | | Exactly what flexed? I read below where you mention stepping on one pedal and pedaling out of the saddle. what flexed?
Also......How much do you weigh? I test rode a blur and didn't notice any flex at all. Of course, I only weigh 165.
If it is true frame flex, then I'd avoid it. I'm just starting to look for another FS bike and the Blur is on my short list. I rode the Epic and immediately removed it from the list. |
| WarrGuru et al | Khemikal Ali
Nov 26, 2002 6:35 AM | | Well, I'm a big fella (6'3", 240ish with requisite gear on).
What flexed? The frame and the wheelset. The former twisted notably, even taking into account the initial tire/wheel flex. The total package flexed quite a bit. My guess is that a burlier wheelset would have only made the frame flex more apparent.
A lighter rider would obviously stress the frame less. However, the more I see folks' height/weight listed here (and that poll a couple weeks ago) it's clear that a good portion of the riders/readers lean towards the Clyde end of the spectrum.
I should note that the shop manager, an experienced Santa Cruz and Specialized dealer, is quite light (5'7" maybe 150# dripping wet) and was complaining about the flex. As such, I can't attribute it all to my big carcass.
Again, just posting what I experienced in person. Not trying to make unilateral claim that the Blur is too flexy. Test ride as many bikes as you can and pick the one that fits your riding preferences the best.
Oh yeah, and have fun out there,
Sean |
| WarrGuru et al | WarrGuru
Nov 26, 2002 9:25 AM | | Sean,
Thanks for the reply. I don't take any bike comments personally. Information, like the kind you provided, is very useful to me. I'm pretty light.....around 165, so flex usually isn't a problem.
I really wish all bike manufacturers would put weight limits on their bikes. Santa Cruz does this with the Superlight. I'm not sure about the Blur.
I light rider doesn't need a big, strong (read heavy) frame. A heavy rider does. I can ride bikes that big guys would just crush. |
| WarrGuru et al | Khemikal Ali
Nov 26, 2002 11:02 AM | | No worries, nothing taken personally, just trying to explain my intent.
It's been my understanding, however, that the weight restrictions on the SL were lifted in the last year or so as certain of the initially "relieved" areas were strengthened.
That said, I would never steer clydes towards an SL. The new Heckler is a perfect clyde trailbike IMHO. |
| Heckler as a climber? | Jaak
Nov 26, 2002 11:35 AM | | How would you rate the Heckler as a climber. I could use a beefier frame but I don't want to suffer on climbs. Some people have said it climbs well but I wonder if that id relative to a bullit or relative to a SL. |
| Heckler as a climber? | Wayne
Nov 27, 2002 2:29 AM | | The Heckler climbs very well and is efficent. You do notice the weight compared to a xc bike though. This isn't a huge concern unless you are looking for a xc race frame. That being said, I have raced an older Heckler w/fox rc coil shock with great results. I would say the Heckler is one of those bikes to own if you can only own one bike. To me a Bullit is too heavy unless you are looking to do killer drops and the SL is an xc bike. My new Heckler is replacing my Uzzi sl, which is for sale if anyone is interested? |
| Heckler vs. Uzzi SL impressions? | singlepivot
Feb 5, 2003 2:45 PM | | what are your impressions of the 2 bikes in climbing/descending/frame stiffness/plushness/etc? |
| SC gives a weight limit | FoolCyclist
Nov 26, 2002 9:55 PM | | I asked about the weight thing when I talked to them and they told that for '03 both the SL and Blur have limits of 230-240. It was their recommendation to go to the Heckler if you are over that. They also told me that the VFR will be introduced in a few months. Not exactly what "introduced" means, but I bet we will see a few pics and have to wait until summer to actually see some frames. It will be interesting to see how the VFR will compare to the Bullit and a built up Heckler. |
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