|   Why does the Blur feel like you're low and floating? | Jaybo
Sep 21, 2003 7:50 PM | | My Switchblade feels taller and doesn't give me the same floating sensation. No slam on the Switchblade! It is a fantastic ride that puts power to the ground more effectively, but the handling is no where as good as the Blur. I can't put my finger on why the Blur handles so well with a sense that you are a foot off off the ground. The numbers tell me the BB height is close to other bikes. I really don't get it. Any ideas?
Jaybo |
| Maybe... | WarrGuru
Sep 21, 2003 8:46 PM | | It fits you well.....you like it....and it's a good bike.
The blur is one of the best XC bikes with <5 inches of travel that I have ridden. I didn't get the "float" feeling like you did. I suppose that it could also be the setup.
That's all I could think of. |
| Not sure what you mean by "floating", you seem to be............ | Mountain^^^Man
Sep 21, 2003 9:13 PM | | .....comparing mostly their BB height. "Floating", to me, sounds like something one would say about a bike that feels plush, and it's frame remaining stable, while the wheels soak up the bumps. These are two frames of totally different design, and even if equiped with the same shock, would need to be adjusted according to their inherent design purposes. I've owned an older Uzzi Sl, with a similar rear end to your SB, and the one thing I didn't like, was that if it were sprung plush, it would bob too much, if too firm, the rear end would bounce too much esp in stutter root type bumps. After riding a Racer-X on singletrack, and a SB on a little up and down a steet climb, I noticed Titus has engineered the pivot locations much more effectively for climbing than Intense. I honestly have not had any time descending on the SB to see how it's suspension soaks up the bumps though. |
| I really don't want to start a Blur vrs. Switchblade thread. | Jaybo
Sep 21, 2003 9:36 PM | | However, the Switchblade really works well. I have owned a Tracer and a Switchblade, but neither bike levels the ground like the Blur. Both feel less stable then the Blur. I'm learning that these feelings are truly subjective. Nonetheless, I will keep the Switchblade because I ride in mucky weather that eat pivots. I think the Switchblade would hold up better then the Blur. Plus, I really love the ride of the Switchblade. I'm just befuddled by the ride of the Blur. I can't put my finger on why this bike feels so right with a ride I have never felt on a 4-bar bike.
Jaybo |
| Same question: a Blur eats up everything in its path, why? | Davide
Sep 21, 2003 11:27 PM | | I have never found another bike that seem to so completely ignore square edged bumps and cuts through hard terrain so well.
Why? I really do not know. All I can think is that the path of the VPP suspension and the rather large amount of sag put you in a sweet spot in which the suspension can easily compress/expand to follow the terrain. But I am not sure this mean very much! |
| What was the setup? | Dougal
Sep 22, 2003 1:34 AM | | What was the setup?
Coil or air? How much sag and how did you set the rebound. Basically there are a whole lot of factors to consider.
The tracer is a pretty vicious rising rate, not sure about the switchblade but I'd expect it to be on the progressive side as well. How's the blur? Gergely's linkage program tells me it's falling then rising. That'd account for the good sucking of mid size bumps but would also give a wierd feeling running through full travel at speed.
Dougal.co.nz |
| Can you give a quick explanation...? | Mario
Sep 22, 2003 5:12 AM | | Dougal, or others, can you give me a quick explanation of this rising/falling rate of the linkage let's say between a Switchblade versus a 5-spot? I thought that rising rate was to describe an air shock so the Switchblade or Tracer which use air shocks would be called a rising rate bike. The 5-spot (or ID, or Saber...) which are designed with a coil shock would be the opposite. I think I'm confused on what it is in the linkage itself (without a shock) that makes it rising or falling? To my eyes, the difference looks more in the kind of linkage (SB, Tracer, Enduro all have the same type of linkage while the 5-spot, ID and Saber have the walking beam type) but I guess you will say it's the path the wheels takes when it goes upward. It is more obvious when you look at the Blur, Spider or even Hollowpoint that they could have a different wheel patern then the horst links.
The other thing is that you can also put an air shock on a coil shock designed bike, the 5-spot had one on a UK review a few days ago.
Anyway, sorry if my question is too basic, if not then I guess a few others will benefit from the answer.
Thanks a lot. |
| Can you give a quick explanation...? | Dougal
Sep 22, 2003 9:03 PM | | I've got a quick run down on my site that might help. Click below and surf around till you've found it.
Basically suspension systems can be rising rate or falling rate. Air shocks are rising rate and the overall spring package depends on the linkage and the shock. The damping though only depends on the linkage.
The path the wheel takes doesn't have much influence on the rate, the difference is entirely in pivot placements relative to the rockers and the shock.
Dougal.co.nz |
| Nice work but I still don't quite understand...! | Mario
Sep 23, 2003 5:29 AM | | Nice work on the new site. You should post a photo of your new bike beside the old one!
I read your explanation about the linkage and shock rising/falling rate but I still don't understand why a linkage is called rising/falling rate. It is easy to understand the shock theory, air shock are clearly rising while coil are more neutral. However for the linkage itself, aside from the chain torque throughout the travel, I don't see what differs. If you take of the shock and chain on a linkage, they will all go through their travel without any kind of resistance. I can understand that with the VPP design doing an S curve throughout the travel makes it behave differently because of chain torque. But as far as comparing 2 different horst links, I don't see anything except the air vs coil shock (SB, Enduro, Tracer vs 5-Spot, ID, Saber) unless it is again the chain torque that is slightly different and so produces more of a falling or rising rate?
Anyway, don't worry too much about it. I'm not that great with engineering and physics so it's probably because I'm too dumb to understand the theory. |
| Nice work but I still don't quite understand...! | Tullebukk
Sep 23, 2003 6:25 AM | | Think of it in terms of leverage. The suspension linkage has a certain amount of leverage in regards to compressing the shock spring. As the suspension moves through it's travel, the various angles of the links change (with respect to each other, and with respect to the shock), and the amount of leverage that the linkage has to compress the shock spring changes as well.
If, when the suspension moves through it's travel, the angles change such that the linkage has more leverage (i.e. it becomes easier and easier for the linkage to compress the spring the further you move into the travel) than the linkage has a falling rate. A falling rate linkage coupled with an air shock (which are generally rising rate) could result in a somewhat linear overall rate.
If, when the suspension moves through it's travel, the angles change such that the linkage has less leverage (i.e. it becomes harder and harder for the linkage to compress the spring the further you move into the travel), than the linkage has a rising rate.
It is also possible for the linkage to be both rising and falling rate through different portions of travel. For example, the linkage might start out rising rate (leverage decreasing) and then move to falling rate (leverage increasing) near the end of it's travel. This type of linkage might be a good match for an air spring, because it will have more leverage to compress the spring near the end of it's travel where the air spring becomes highly rising rate. |
| Well thanks... | Mario
Sep 23, 2003 4:20 PM | | Thanks a lot, I really like your explanation.
Do you know if the Enduro, Tracer and SB are falling rate since they are designed for an air shock? and the 5-spot, ID and Saber would be rising since designed around a coil? In fact the later all have a rocker type linkage which probably changes the leverage like you described quite a bit compared to the smaller linkage of the Enduro, Tracer, SB... Do you have any idea why they tested the 5-spot in UK with an air shock, if the linkage leverage is designed to either fall of be neutral then it would probably mean the bike wouldn't get all it's travel since the air shock is rising rate.
Anyway, thanks for your comments, I'm really happy with your explanation. |
| Well thanks... | Tullebukk
Sep 24, 2003 2:55 AM | | I am not sure what the suspension rates are for all of the bikes you mentioned. However, not all manufacturers design their frames specifically for an air or coil shock. For example, many manufactures sell the same frame with both air and coil shocks.
The bikes from Titus that come with an air shock (the Racer-X and Switchblade) are designed specifically for an air shock. That is one of the reasons using a coil shock will void the warranty on these bikes. Titus feels that using a coil shock on these frames could result in bottoming out excessively.
However, that is not true for all manufacturers. For example, the Tracer uses a rising rate linkage. So, with an air shock, it is very difficult to get full travel with an air shock (unless you run lots of sag).
I am not sure that a rising rate linkage with a rising rate shock is necessarily a bad thing, especially for a short travel design. It may allow the bike to be somewhat compliant for small hits, and still have a fair amount of bottoming resistance for big hits. However, I am not sure there are too many good things about a suspension that ends up with a net falling rate (such as a falling rate linkage with a coil shock).
You can download Gergely Kovacs linkage software and plot the suspension rate of various bikes yourself. It comes with data files for quite a few bikes, but you can edit the files or create your own to determine the rate of any suspension.
http://perso.wanadoo.es/jibsna/mtb_susp_en/Chapters%20and%20Documents/Linkage2/linkage.exe |
| Nice work but I still don't quite understand...! | Dougal
Sep 23, 2003 5:50 PM | | I'm trying to tune my website more towards the understanding of "normal" people. So thanks for the comments I'll try to work out a better explanation. Unfortunately the website is something I do when I have nothing else to do which isn't often so it may take a while.
Dougal.co.nz |
| Nice work but I still don't quite understand...! | Mario
Sep 23, 2003 6:20 PM | | May be try putting something in line with what Tullebukk told me. Unless it's false information, to me it made a lot of sense anyway...
Don't forget a picture of your new bike, I saw it in a post the other day, it would be nice to have a picture of your old one with you smiling on the new one and your girlfriend crying on your old one!!! haha
Cheers |
| Nice work but I still don't quite understand...! | Dougal
Sep 23, 2003 8:22 PM | | Yes the changing leverage explanation is the best (and probably best understood).
My new bike is soon to be liberated from customs, but it'll be possibly early-mid November till I get it built up and ready to go. Don't worry there'll be some pics.
Funny you should mention my gf on my old one. She used to love riding on it, now she's getting that second-best feeling. Still a great bike though, the only problem is it's too short in the TT for me.
Dougal.co.nz |
| You might not want to let her try the new one! | Mario
Sep 24, 2003 10:43 AM | | You know how girlfriends are, what is yours is hers as well so let her jump on the Turner and you might be stuck with the Spec forever...or you will have to do the same as the Alaska guy and buy her one also! haha
Have fun with the Turner, I'm jealous for now but I'll probably get myself one during the winter months if I can get a good package deal when the lbs are a little more "hungry"! In Canada, bike business is not the greatest when it's minus 30 degrees celcius outside...
Cheers. |
| You might not want to let her try the new one! | Dougal
Sep 24, 2003 3:14 PM | | So true. At least I know this one is too big for her. -30° sounds pretty impressive, I think -13° is the coldest I've been out in and riding wasn't on my mind. I've seen -17° but didn't bother leaving the house.
I've got to check out those Canadian skifields sometime. Two of my friends went over last winter. One is headed back shortly, he hasn't seen his Canadian girlfriend in 7 months.
Dougal.co.nz |
| For ski, go west... | Mario
Sep 24, 2003 6:22 PM | | I live in the east "French" part of Canada!!! We do have good ski hills but not great. If you come to Canada for ski, go to the western Rocky Mountains, either the Banff region or Whistler. Hey, you could even come in the spring time, ski in Whistler and ride the North Shore trails on the same trip... JimC and others could certainly give you good advice on the region.
You should not have any -30 out west either. In the east we always get a few days of -30 per winter and I would say the average temperature for January/February is between -5 to -10. |
| Just buy the damn thing already | Green Giant
Sep 22, 2003 6:09 AM | | Seriously dude, between you and Davide it's a Blur lovefest. Don't get me wrong, there has been many a bike lovefest out here, and I have no problem with that. It's good that people like their bikes.
Personally, while it's a decent bike, I think the Blur was way overhyped and in many (but not all) of the comments out here about it all I'm hearing are the magazine reviews being re-quoted. It floats, it's good at square edged bumps. I've seen people profess their love for the new Intense VPP 5.5 which isn't even out yet.
It rides nice, but not great in my opinion. I still find it suprising that a bike that was to eliminate bob needs a 5th element to elminate it now. I think it's greatest claim to fame right now is that it really is light for 4.5 inches of travel. That said I see an awful lot being sold used and on ebay for a first year bike.
I also know of people who have blown up bearings, which isn't suprising given the Outlands propensity to blow pivots (I used to manage a shop that carried Outland). When the Outland came out, I was truely wowed by the ride, 6-7 years ago it was amazing. Now with shock technology etc, it's mearly a good bike that competes with everything else. Get the bike that works best for you and makes you happy. Whether it's an intense, hammerhead, titus, ventana, trek, specialized, moots, etc.
I have abosolutely nothing against you or anyone out here. But sell the switchblade and pony up. Be happy. You've had bike problems for a while from what I've read. No problem with that, I've also made irrational switches from frame. But cripes dude, just get a blur. Be happy, go ride. |
| I'd be happy on a HT! I love to ride...not the point. | Jaybo
Sep 22, 2003 6:36 AM | | First, have you ridden a Blur? Second, a Blur is not an Outland. Third, I really do like the Switchblade. Fourth, a love feast. Have you heard the 5 Spot guys? Fifth, I'm not complaining. Fifth, I bet you ride a Switchblade and are half offended because I like the Blur. Sixth, the Blur doesn't need a 5th to not bob. I rode one with a Fox and bobbed less then the Switchblade.
Jaybo |
| yes, very simlar, fest, not feast, yes, yes you are, nope, yes | Green Giant
Sep 22, 2003 6:54 AM | | I have ridden the Blur several times and tried numerous set-ups. Didn't say you are complaining, but you do in about 1/2 of your posts. It rides very simlar to an outland (hate to burst your bubble). I think if you ask around most around here find me to be very unbiased in my reviews. Yes the Blur does need a 5th to not bob, and yes it does have distinct charactersitics out of the saddle.
I ride a hammerhead, I've owned too many bikes. I don't hate the blur, my point was if you like the damn thing so much - go buy one. I do think it was overhyped, and most comments people make reflect the knuckleheads in the magazines.
I generally don't get into arguments on line, but you have problems with everything you buy, or find something better the next week.
There is no perfect bike, different strokes for different folks. Find one you like and enjoy. |
| Oh, I see, a Hammerhead rider. I get it. | Jaybo
Sep 22, 2003 1:21 PM | | You are a Titus owner. 'Nuf said.
Jaybo |
| Yes, and in the past | Green Giant
Sep 22, 2003 4:59 PM | | I have owned Titus, Ellsworth, Turner, Ventana, Yeti, Fat City, Specialized, Independent Fabrication, and others... in fact I'm eyeing a ventana now again. My brother rides an Intense that I helped him determine was best for him etc.
Again, you liked my reviews in the past and questioned the Blur.
I normally don't call people out, but for once I will. You have problems with everything you seem to own. My brakes don't work, my frame is too big, my new bike doesn't ride as well as the last, now before you deny it... read your posts.
Do I like my hammerhead, hell yes. In fact I sold one last year to try a XCE, liked the hammerhead more. So, before I sold the XCE I tried severl bikes, several times including the blur. Didn't like anything better - so back to the hammerhead. Is it perfect, no, do I love it yes. Did I bitch about the XCE, heck no.
I used to manage a shop, you are a shop owners nightmare. |
| Which Ventana? | The Squeaky Wheel
Sep 22, 2003 6:33 PM | | I'm in the middle of a love affair with El Chamuco and am giving serious thought to getting one next spring to complement my Hammerhead.
Which one are you looking at?
Squeak |
| Which Ventana? | Green Giant
Sep 23, 2003 4:42 AM | | Well, I'm intrigued by both the Chamuco and the new X5. I want a play bike, but here in Michigan the trails are limited (there are a few north shore style parks popping up). But Marquette Michigan is like a mini-British Columbia and I get out west once a year. Conversely, all that travel will be tempting to use... and I have a wife and kid I am responsible for now. I'm also throwing around a Titus Quasi-Moto (always wanted one..)
Those and a Blur. |
| I'd love a Quasi too... | The Squeaky Wheel
Sep 23, 2003 6:55 AM | | It's a killer bike. But I definitely want my "big bike" to have a coil rear. The Quasi frame will run around a grand more than El Chamuco which is too rich for my blood. X-5 is intriguing but I fail to see the real advantage over El Salty except for a stiffer top tube & more standover.
I'm with you on the responsibility thing. Got 2 kids, a big mortgage and am moving to Colorado next spring. Got to be safe & conservative (yeah right!!!)
Squeak |
| Yo Greensman... | Roy
Sep 23, 2003 5:50 AM | | It's not the product or the bike with Jaybo, it's the attention. He *needs* to post as he enjoys all the dialogue. Who else creates a post to say he's not going to post any more and then posts 3 days later how not posting is killing him? I assure you that were he to buy the Blur, it would change nothing.
There's hardly a thread on any of the boards he hasn't responded to, so I think you see the pattern. Go easy on him as I'm sure he's not a bad guy. His heart's probably in the right place, it's his head that needs some yankin' out of.... |
| Yup, you are probably right | Green Giant
Sep 23, 2003 5:59 AM | | As most know I rarely if ever call people out, I just get tired of whining. Anyways, yup you are correct my friend. I'll go back to my non confrontational self... |
| There is no.... | Roy
Sep 23, 2003 6:26 AM | | more gentle giant than yourself when it comes to this board. Your input and experience is valued greatly (even though you prefer to ride that crappy HH100).... |
| You switched for some reason....you didn't whine | Jaybo
Sep 23, 2003 7:50 AM | | I will give you that! I probably have whined a bit too much. So, what is the point of all this? I have had a lot of bike problems this year.
Jaybo |
| Gotta agree with that | Bikezilla
Sep 26, 2003 9:08 PM | | I come home with the same poo-eating grin with my low-cost Jamis Dakota Steel Hardtail as I do when I ride my "other" bike. So much so I'm back to upgrading it yet again. 7 years and the last three origional parts are finally comming off: Bars, Seatpost, LX-Rear Der. All functioning perfectly. Now not even the frame is the origional, but it still occupies the same space in the garage, and my heart.
Love fest?, oh yeah, Love, love, love...there's plenty to go around.
The other stuff I don't know about, but I'll take your word on it. |
| What is good with the Blur is this simple combination | Davide
Sep 22, 2003 8:55 AM | | (1) Excellent bump absorption: very smooth over obstacles
AND
(2) No rider induced bob
(1) and (2) don't make the Blur the best bike out there (I don't think such thing exists) but they are a very powerful combination for trail riding. The original question was why, and I think it is very difficult to answer (a computer program and simplistic categories like rising/falling rate certanly won't tell the story).
Hype? It is just what the Blur does, I have not tried another bike that does (1)-(2) so well and apparently many other peaple (including magazines, what can you say ...) haven't as well.
True SP shocks are making a lot of designs "better" but by general admission they easily compromise (1) (especially small bump absorption) and certanly do not solve (2) |
| You and Jaybo amaze me. | Green Giant
Sep 22, 2003 5:08 PM | | 1. Excellent bump absorbtion. - Just like 90% of dual suspension bikes out there these days when SET UP PROPERLY. I guarantee I can get a Specialized Rockhopper to absorb bumps properly.
2. No rider induced bob - with or without the 5th element? If it's without, you are on crack. Stand up and hammer it. It bobs, not horribly so (since it's a decent bike and I've never said it isn't). WHY DO THEY NEED THE 5TH ELEMENT?
Listen, as I've said it's a good ride. But, riddle me this - how does putting a 5th element on a Blur not compromise small bump absorbtion like others?
Seriously, it's a decent bike. But take some time to ride a Titus, Turner, Intense, Ellsworth and really take the time to dial it in. One of the things you will really notice is that it acts the same all of the time, in and out of the saddle. Most bob very little with a non-spv shock. (I would make the argument that it is within 95% of the blur).
If you get one and like it GREAT, that's all that matters. I'm just sick of false advertising going on out here particularly from people who seem to read more articles and hype bikes not out yet (like the intense vpp 5 inch travel bike). Vs. real riding. |
| I am glad, amazement must be good for blood pressure (and a photo of grandpa) | davide
Sep 22, 2003 8:08 PM | | You keep saying that the OULAND VPP amazed you when it came out but the Blur is nothing special. Well guess what, full production of the Outland was just 5 years ago in 1998. Turner, Titus and Ventana were all producing bike VERY close to current ones by that time. So your argument is meaningless: the OUTLAND (sigh, just look at it, poor grandpa) is amazing in 1998 but the Blur just average in 2003? You just have a axe to grind against the Blur (which is ok, it might be good for blood pressure too).
PS by now we should be able to tell the difference between pedal induced bob and rider weight induced bob and see why a stable platform shock might alleviate the first but do nothing to the second ...
PS PS and once again, just in case, I am NOT saying that the Blur is the best invention since chocolate ice cream and everything else is vanilla. |
| You should meet me.... | Jaybo
Sep 23, 2003 7:54 AM | | Then you would really be amazed. Laugh. Lighten up, dude. You sound as intense as me (no bike pun intended). You do seem to have a vendetta regarding the Blur. The dude likes his Blur. Who cares! Oh, you do. I'm sure the Titus is better. Wink.
Jaybo |
| Actually BB heights are not so close... | Quattro
Sep 22, 2003 6:25 AM | | The Blur is listed at 12.6, the SB at 13, and the Tracer measures 13.6
in the long wheelbase, slack head angle(sm). That might explain the low feel. I briefly rode my buddy's Blur and noticed the difference in the BB heights. This weekend we rode a trail that consisted of tight rocky single track. He had some trouble in the rocks(pedals) while I was able to clear most.
As far as the floating feel, with my brief ride I can't comment too much on that. I did notice these things about it though. The bike handled very well. It did feel more like a HT in power transfer to the rear wheel. It also bobs in out of saddle riding, but it doesn't feel like it does. I watched my buddy in out of saddle riding and it bobs a lot. The other thing I noticed was the fluid transition from smooth to medium to large bumps. My Tracer absorbs the hits but you do know you have hit a bump. The Blur feels very fluid in its absorption of bumps. I don't know if that makes any sense to you? The bike was equipped with the 5th Element air shock. |
| One word for you... | Metroid
Sep 22, 2003 7:01 AM | | AVA.
That's the big difference. It has a larger air chamber than the Float. The Blur is supposed to be setup all the way open for a more linear feel. The 5th Air also has a larger air chamber so should be similar. The SB would be much more plush with a more linear shock. Also, the Blur bb height is a full inch lower than your bike.
Ideally, Fox would produce a shock that is tuned specifically for each bike to accent it's linkage characteristics and not just the leverage ratio. Unfortunately that isn't practical. However with an adjustable shock like the AVA, you can dial it in. Putting an AVA on the Switchblade might void your warranty but if setup properly I don't think it would cause any trouble. A new ProPedal might help with the climbs as well.
The Blur isn't as well balanced as the SB especially for technical sections. The Blur isn't nearly as stiff as the SB. VPP deserves at least an honorable mention for a Rube Goldberg award. Overall, I think it's an okay bike but not for me.
I didn't like the handling of the 2001 SB either. It was too slack for my tastes. The long travel is even a bit more slack than mine was. The 2003 frames are a bit steeper and who knows with the 2004. You might think the 4.5" link/shock. This will also lower the bb height to about 13". |
| I have to totally disagree with you. | Jaybo
Sep 22, 2003 1:25 PM | | The Blur feels like it has training wheels on it because it so balanced. It is just unbelievable. I have a 2002 Switchblade. This site is full of high-end riders who are bound and determined to suppress other's experience just because they have a different opinion. You are not one of those folks. I just have not had the same experience as you and many on here. I went faster with less effort on the Blur then I ever had on the Switchblade. If that is complaining, so be it!
Jaybo |
| No changes... | Metroid
Sep 23, 2003 6:59 AM | | between 2001 and 2002. I was basing that statement on the 4.5" travel mode which is extremely well balanced. That was why I suggested it. It would also give you a more apples to apples comparison with the Blur. The long travel kit kicks up the bb height and slackens the HTA. Here's the chart from the manual...
Travel Mode | Fork Travel | Head Angle | Seat Angle | BB Height | 3.75" | 80mm | 71 | 74 | 12.85 | 4.5" | 100mm | 70.2 | 73.2 | 13 | 5.7" | 120mm | 70 | 73 | 13.68 |
Maybe the SB isn't for you. It wasn't for me. But then neither is the Blur. I've had too many issues with bushing wear and cracking bearings on my flexy Superlight to even think about another Santa Cruz. Besides, I rode my buddy's Blur and didn't care for the fit or handling of it. The front end was too high, the bb is too low, it doesn't balance as well or climb as well. Your results may vary. The Hammerhead works for me and my trails. I've even ridden out in Southern Oregon a couple months ago and thought it was great there. Here we are with Mt. McLoughlin in the background.
Good luck in your quest for the perfect bike. |
| I adore Titus | Jaybo
Sep 23, 2003 6:55 PM | | I sometimes just stare at the workmanship of the Titus. It is amazing. I'm not displeased over my buying decision. I just found the Blur to be an amazing ride. I'm going to pay to get fitted to this bike on Saturday. I know a guy who is very good.
I just don't agree with the criticisms of the Blur outside of maybe the pivot wear. It is an amazing riding bike. It rides lower or something. I'm going to get hammered for complaining. Laugh.
Jaybo |
| Metroid - i tend to... | Green Giant
Sep 22, 2003 5:19 PM | | agree with you. The AVA does indeed make just about everything I've ridden with it (vs. the stock shock) ride more plush. It did the same on my hammerhead. I really dig the AVA and will look for in on whatever I buy down the road. I also agree that Ideally Fox would produce specific bikes, but that really isn't possible.
Jaybo, sell the Switchblade, buy the blur, and be happy. |
| One word for you... | Low_bias
Sep 23, 2003 8:33 AM | | Rube Goldberg?! The Blur has a 4-bar linkage, the same number of links as most suspension bikes out there. What is so complicated about that?
The Blur might have been a bit overhyped, but I have to say that it is an outstanding bike. I bought one a few months ago. I thought long and hard and demoed several bikes, but couldn't decide. Finally, someone had a Blur in an awesome color with all the parts I wanted sitting on the shop floor. I said "what the hell...if I change my mind I can sell it on ebay for what I paid for it". Well, I have no regrets and know I made the right choice. Recently, I picked up some accessories at the shop and test rode around the parking lot a few other bikes I was considering (Heckler, FSR, Epic, VT-1). I came back with a smile knowing I made the right choice. They were all good bikes mind you, but I prefer the Blur and don't have buyers remorse (which is saying a lot for me, as I hate spending large sums of money). |
| You obviously haven't changed out bushing or bearings yet... | Metroid
Sep 23, 2003 10:03 AM | | Right at the top of the tech sheet from Santa Cruz...
The Blur is a complex machine that requires a high level of mechanical aptitude and specialized tools to overhaul. This type of overhaul is best performed by an SCB dealer. Before beginning this process, one should obtain the required replacement parts. These parts can be ordered from your dealer or SCB directly via the website www.santacruzbicycles.com or call 831.459.7560
http://www.santacruzmtb.com/bicycles/blur/2003_tech_sheet.pdf
Gives me a headache just looking at it. I didn't have this around when we had to change by buddy's rear shock bushing so we had to play it by ear. It was interesting because we didn't realize the front shock bolt sleeve was press-fit. We ended up pressing the rear shock bushing on while it was still attached to the frame. What a pain that was. Anyway, ride what you like and like what you ride. |
| it's not that hard | laffeaux
Sep 23, 2003 10:41 AM | | Working on the bike is not that big of a deal. The warning that you quote is written for the same people that require the "this is not a step" sticker on ladders. If you are a semi-competent mechanic working on the Blur is a piece of cake. |
| Nice instructions. | Tscheezy
Sep 23, 2003 11:38 AM | | I wish I had seen those before writing mine. I like how they finish with, "You, my friend, are a champion."
The work doesn't seem so bad and having the bearing press on hand seems like a good idea anyway. I imagine all bearing equipped bikes need the same sort of press. How much do the SC tools cost and how much is the rebuild kit (bearings and such), just out of curiosity?
tscheezy |
| Titus's doesn't look like a piece of cake either | Jaybo
Sep 24, 2003 5:14 AM | | Nonetheless, very doable. However, I do wonder if Titus pivots would have a longer half life. Santa Cruz says they are hard to install and a professional should do it because they don't want people destroying their frames or hurting themselves doing it themselves.
Jaybo |
| Watch those LS fork boots... | fonseca
Sep 23, 2003 8:17 PM | | If you don't clean them very regularly, even a small amount of dirt will lead to horribly scratched stanchions, like sandpaper every time the fork compresses. I would only run them when it's extremely muddy, and clean them after the ride. |
| I think it's the geometry | Motivated
Sep 22, 2003 5:00 PM | | The BB on the Blur is lower and that can make a pretty big difference. The wheelbase is longer than most bikes, but the top tube is fairly normal - I think this would make it stable but put the rider in a good neutral position for steering and taking bumps. SC is well known for great handling bikes and it's not just by tweaking a few number and angles. The Blur has basically the same front triangle as the SL. Also, if you are not a heavy rider the Blur frame comes across as very, VERY stiff because A) the rear susp. is very stout with equivalent lateral stiffness to any bike and B) your cornering forces are just not high enough to expose any flex in the front triangle (also if you don't weigh a lot you are probably riding a medium frame which enhances the front triangle stiffness)
Having ridden my Blur for 10 months I can tell you that I am still really smitten by the handling. I can absolutely rocket out of corners . . . but I'm not going to wax poetic about my bike - you can read my updated review in a week or so when I post it.
The negative tone on this board of late has severely diminished the number of posts. The helpfull attitude in Weightsaving, Drivetrain and Training has really lured me away, which is a shame because I miss the engaging discussions of only a few months ago. |
| Listen to this man........ | esquire
Sep 24, 2003 5:39 PM | | When talking about a blur, because he's been on one much longer than most. That, to me, says a hell of a lot more than someone who rode it around a parking lot for 10 minutes. A happy guy, 10 months later, that says something. And folks, he races....
Esq. |
| Sometimes there's not explaining when a bike is right it's RIGHT | Bikezilla
Sep 26, 2003 8:56 PM | | Since the Blur gives you that, "DAMM this $hit is ON" feeling, then t'hell with all the analysis.
After trying to put my finger on the "It" factor and getting flames for saying my bike really had "It". I decided oh, WTF I'm having fun anyway!
Enjoy that sweet ride! and that nice uh, back-up bike ;^) |
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