Love it! Great video and review. You're riding all of my favorite Skeggs trails. It's very cool as I know every every rock and turn in that video. Ridden those same trails hundreds of times on my 22 lb 100mm Blur XCc. Riding them now on the 5010 (56 times last year alone), but this new Blur 3 has me thinking, it might be time for a new bike!
Sorry I didn't reply before Rob, thought I had TBH. Very envious of you having those trails as your regular ride, they were awesome. Suited the new Blur so well too.
Sean, we call that the Jurassic Park bridge. It's at the very bottom of the park on the Virginia Mill trail. The preferred route (as shown in the video) is to start down Resolution, then ECDM, North Leaf, South Leaf, and finally Virginia Mill. You can climb out via Lawrence Creek, then blast down Blue Blossom, and finally climb back up to Sierra Morena. That loop will take about 3 hours with roughly 4K ft of climbing. At least one hour to reach the bridge (on my best days). The 2nd half of South Leaf has a few hike-a-bike sections that will slow you down - avoided by popping out on Star Hill Rd if so inclined. You can shorten the ride back by returning via Gordon Mill, but will miss out on the Blue Blossom fun. Happy trails.
Rob Blatner Awesome, I generally climb up giant salamander to crosscut or up Manzanita after north leaf.. I think I've only rode south leaf once. Next time, Thanks!
Guy, Im riding a 2004 blur and looking for a new bike. Im 59 and riding with some younger men who like to move quickly. Been looking at tallboy ,trek top fuel,specialized camber. Camber over epic as i dont want a brain fork or shock. Any thoughts on any of these compared to the new blur. I saw your tallboy review and you loved that bike also.
Great review! Skeggs is my go-to trail, I live 20mins away. What is that dropper post remote that goes on top of the bar? I have the shock lockouts and am looking for a dropper post remote that does not conflict with the shock lockouts, so something that goes on top of the bar would be perfect.
Great review on a great looking bike. I Just picked up the Hei Hei DL Carbon with 120 Fox 34 up front. It kind of supervises me SC went with a 32 on the blur.
Great review on the Blur. Want one. All the drawbacks of my 'trail-bike' Rocky Mountain Altitude, too much travel, too heavy, wrong wheel size, top tube too short answered.
The Bike Room thanks, it is great to get a reminder that you dont need a ton of travel as long as what you have is really effective. Keeping full VPP control at a competitive weight to bikes using flex stays instead of pivots is what makes the Blur stand out when thrashed.
Trying to decide between a Tallboy and a Blur. I’ve been riding a 2017 chameleon (after watching your video on it). I fancy some xc/marathon racing next year, but I do like to give it some stick on the dh. So, tallboy or blur, which would you chose?
Ey up Daz, as much as I loved the lightness of the Blur my 'one bike' would probably be something with a bit more travel and plus tyre options so I can properly max out my bravery but still light and fast enough to hammer out long hill days. SC Tallboy, Cotic FlareMax, Whyte S-150, Evil Following, Trek Fuel EX, the new bike from Specialized I'm not sure I can tell you about etc.
What's the best entry level full suspension enduro? I've only ever had hard tail enduro's and have recently started going to trail centre's locally. Looking to upgrade soon, been looking at Orange bikes second hand. But was wondering if you'd have any suggestions? Budget of say £1K , new or used.
warcalf you’re going to struggle to get anything Enduro proof new for that money. New Calibre Bossnut EVO is closest. Look for last years Vitus, Nukeproof or Norco going cheap though. If you’re going second hand go for something with a great strength rep: Giant, Orange, Santa Cruz, Nukeproof etc. and check everything looks fresh not battered.
Great video I am thinking of swapping my 5010 for one as i find it just feels a bit too much for my normal cannock chase, peak district, coed y brenin rides. How would this bike be for these places?
Jonny Bennett Blur would be a ripper round Cannock and love those peaks climbs. You’d probably want chunkier tyres for some of the rockier descents round Ladybower and at CYB, plus maybe go 120 on the fork if you’re building up a frame but it’ll eat up the miles much faster than a 5010.
Guy, I love your channel. I want to ask you a question though, how does the increased stack, BB height and decreased seat angle work out when just slapping a bigger fork on? I am asking specifically regarding the new Epic Evo which I am seriously considering buying.
Hi Daniel, TBH I've not tried the Blur with 120mm but the angle and height change shouldn't make much real difference and if anything the slacker head and higher BB will improve stability and clearance for rougher terrrain. The frame and suspension are certainly well up for rallying harder than it can with a 100mm fork in. Epic Evo looks tasty but i've not ridden it yet. Typically the epic has a more fluid ride firmed up with the Brain shock but I know the latest version of the frame is stiffer than previous. It's still 15mm shorter in reach (size L) than the Blur though which will make it less stable at speed and the Reserve wheels feel tighter than the Rovals.
Oh hell no, tyres that fast are totally appropriate to it's role as a very fast XC bike. If you wanted to take it more trail in character just add something like a ForeKaster up front. And again, the Level brakes are ideal for likely useage, not as powerful as Guide but loads of well modulated control.
MP48 for loose and rocky descending I reckon the Spark as the head angle is more stable. On both Scalpel and Spark there’s less jack up under power than the Blur which can make it spit traction too. For solid rock probably the Blur for the more taut power kick and the VPP can handle big flat faced (EG big rocks) better. I’ve raced the double lockout Scalpel on a rocky 24hr race course (Fort William) and it was really quick but it can’t handle bigger hits as well as the other two.
Hi Jonathan I've only ridden the alloy Anthem so far but I've got an Anthem Advanced arriving in the next couple of weeks so hopefully you can hang on until then. Remind me to get back in touch though! Cheers GuyK
Hi Benny, I guess it depends on the course, but for the rockier places I ride normally Blur would let me go faster/be more clumsy. For smoother trails and pure racing though Highball is a beaut and the lower weight is a gift on climbs.
Thanks again for your reply. I have seen all your reviews on the latest Santa Cruz bikes. I wish I could get one of each for different terrains. I already have the Nomad 4 and Bronson 2016 (waiting for the new one). Been thinking of a trail XC bike to putt around local trails now. You seem to have the most fun on the 5010 though. Ha. Great reviews by the way!
BTW, great review! NO idea how you can say all that and rip it up simultaneously! The dropper and the stancion color are throwing me off. Looks like the 34 stancions
Great review as always Guy!! I don't know how you do it to keep these "secrets" before launch, I coudn't :-) So, what's the deal now with the Tallboy? It seems that this one it's a clear improvement over it, much more efficient, stiff, yet, pretty capable on the downhill. Even though I don't recall the Tallboy lacking stiffness, is it now the Tallboy's crown under treat? I thought the Tallboy was the "alpine cheetah" ;-)
Tallboy is still an awesome trail bike that's fast enough for the occasional race, but also very stiff through the mainframe and happy on the toughest trails. An Alpine Cheetah like you say. BTW if you've not watched it already check out my edit from the Alps, I had such a blast making that. Blur is definitely more race day/XC singletrack specific but SC don't make anything that isn't fun.
Ey up David. What are you likely to be using the bike for and what's your budget? Obviously Spark's start a lot cheaper and come in more varieties. Also what's your current bike?
My current bike is a 2013 epic S-Works. I already have most of the parts for my new ride. Just need to choose a frame. The Spark RC 900 Frame is the same as the Blur. $3000. Parts already purchased include Raceface Next SL cranks. I9 Trail 24 wheels. Xx1 Eagle. Hope 50mm Stem. Conty Cross King Protection 2.3 rubber. Transfer dropper.
Sorry for the delay David I've been travelling. If you rode an Epic before I guess you prefer a bike that does the suspension setting for you rather than one you need to be more involved with selecting the right suspension mode for each part of the trail/ride. That would suggest you'd be happier on the Blur which is a naturally efficient and positive pedaller even in open mode. The Spark is a more neutral pedal in open mode, so you may want to run it more in the middle mode for a punchier feel. Also there's a lot more cables to contend with around the front of the bike on a Spark which may or may not be an issue. Having said all that the Spark has more relaxed angles that suit hard riding/descending better than the Blur even if you go for the 120mm fork option. Hope that helps.
p roote 😂 they told me there would be poison oak and it would be cold so I want full Britney on the inflight compression socks. I just ended up roasted and ridiculous 🙄
Love it! Great video and review. You're riding all of my favorite Skeggs trails. It's very cool as I know every every rock and turn in that video. Ridden those same trails hundreds of times on my 22 lb 100mm Blur XCc. Riding them now on the 5010 (56 times last year alone), but this new Blur 3 has me thinking, it might be time for a new bike!
Sorry I didn't reply before Rob, thought I had TBH. Very envious of you having those trails as your regular ride, they were awesome. Suited the new Blur so well too.
Rob Blatner what trail was the last one that ends up at the long bridge? Everytime I go to skeggs I do the same one or two loops.. gotta switch it up
Sean, we call that the Jurassic Park bridge. It's at the very bottom of the park on the Virginia Mill trail. The preferred route (as shown in the video) is to start down Resolution, then ECDM, North Leaf, South Leaf, and finally Virginia Mill. You can climb out via Lawrence Creek, then blast down Blue Blossom, and finally climb back up to Sierra Morena. That loop will take about 3 hours with roughly 4K ft of climbing. At least one hour to reach the bridge (on my best days). The 2nd half of South Leaf has a few hike-a-bike sections that will slow you down - avoided by popping out on Star Hill Rd if so inclined. You can shorten the ride back by returning via Gordon Mill, but will miss out on the Blue Blossom fun. Happy trails.
Rob Blatner Awesome, I generally climb up giant salamander to crosscut or up Manzanita after north leaf.. I think I've only rode south leaf once. Next time, Thanks!
Guy, Im riding a 2004 blur and looking for a new bike. Im 59 and riding with some younger men who like to move quickly. Been looking at tallboy ,trek top fuel,specialized camber. Camber over epic as i dont want a brain fork or shock. Any thoughts on any of these compared to the new blur. I saw your tallboy review and you loved that bike also.
Great review Guy! Your a true professional.
Dan Williams thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome review Guy. Blur looks amazing. What a pinner!!
Great review! Skeggs is my go-to trail, I live 20mins away. What is that dropper post remote that goes on top of the bar? I have the shock lockouts and am looking for a dropper post remote that does not conflict with the shock lockouts, so something that goes on top of the bar would be perfect.
Lives up to its name Guy... Great report..
Excellent enjoyable informative review! Glad I found your channel through BKXC!
Thanks Adriano, spread the word ;-)
Great review on a great looking bike. I Just picked up the Hei Hei DL Carbon with 120 Fox 34 up front. It kind of supervises me SC went with a 32 on the blur.
Yeah, 120mm is more of an obvious choice for trail use, but that's verging on Tallboy territory so they've gone full race on the stock builds.
How many lbs fully built?
GenuinePluko the bike I’m riding here, large with dropper was 10.14kg/22.3lbs without pedals
Great review on the Blur. Want one. All the drawbacks of my 'trail-bike' Rocky Mountain Altitude, too much travel, too heavy, wrong wheel size, top tube too short answered.
The Bike Room thanks, it is great to get a reminder that you dont need a ton of travel as long as what you have is really effective. Keeping full VPP control at a competitive weight to bikes using flex stays instead of pivots is what makes the Blur stand out when thrashed.
That was sick great review.. wording was great!! Riding was awesome as well..!!! I subbed!
Trail Weaks thanks a lot for such positive feedback and subscribing, glad you enjoyed it. All shares much appreciated 👍🏻
Hi guy.
Does the blur manual ok?
Cheers.
Steve 'the butcher"
Trying to decide between a Tallboy and a Blur. I’ve been riding a 2017 chameleon (after watching your video on it). I fancy some xc/marathon racing next year, but I do like to give it some stick on the dh. So, tallboy or blur, which would you chose?
What is your Preferred trail bike, the one you would most use for UK trails.
Ey up Daz, as much as I loved the lightness of the Blur my 'one bike' would probably be something with a bit more travel and plus tyre options so I can properly max out my bravery but still light and fast enough to hammer out long hill days. SC Tallboy, Cotic FlareMax, Whyte S-150, Evil Following, Trek Fuel EX, the new bike from Specialized I'm not sure I can tell you about etc.
What's the best entry level full suspension enduro? I've only ever had hard tail enduro's and have recently started going to trail centre's locally. Looking to upgrade soon, been looking at Orange bikes second hand. But was wondering if you'd have any suggestions? Budget of say £1K , new or used.
warcalf you’re going to struggle to get anything Enduro proof new for that money. New Calibre Bossnut EVO is closest. Look for last years Vitus, Nukeproof or Norco going cheap though. If you’re going second hand go for something with a great strength rep: Giant, Orange, Santa Cruz, Nukeproof etc. and check everything looks fresh not battered.
Great video I am thinking of swapping my 5010 for one as i find it just feels a bit too much for my normal cannock chase, peak district, coed y brenin rides. How would this bike be for these places?
Jonny Bennett Blur would be a ripper round Cannock and love those peaks climbs. You’d probably want chunkier tyres for some of the rockier descents round Ladybower and at CYB, plus maybe go 120 on the fork if you’re building up a frame but it’ll eat up the miles much faster than a 5010.
Guy, I love your channel. I want to ask you a question though, how does the increased stack, BB height and decreased seat angle work out when just slapping a bigger fork on? I am asking specifically regarding the new Epic Evo which I am seriously considering buying.
Hi Daniel, TBH I've not tried the Blur with 120mm but the angle and height change shouldn't make much real difference and if anything the slacker head and higher BB will improve stability and clearance for rougher terrrain. The frame and suspension are certainly well up for rallying harder than it can with a 100mm fork in. Epic Evo looks tasty but i've not ridden it yet. Typically the epic has a more fluid ride firmed up with the Brain shock but I know the latest version of the frame is stiffer than previous. It's still 15mm shorter in reach (size L) than the Blur though which will make it less stable at speed and the Reserve wheels feel tighter than the Rovals.
Hi Guy, can you describe how was the riding position? A little upright or definitely XC? thanks
Hi Lisan, short head tube, flat bar, long reach for an XC bike, definitely a pinner not a head up cruiser
Finally got my frame. However, the stem that is from Syntace is 75mm or 60mm. Is there a 70mm stem being made specially for this frame?
Unlikely but I'll check with SC. What size frame have you got?
Would you say the tyres and the brakes are a deal breaker ?
Oh hell no, tyres that fast are totally appropriate to it's role as a very fast XC bike. If you wanted to take it more trail in character just add something like a ForeKaster up front. And again, the Level brakes are ideal for likely useage, not as powerful as Guide but loads of well modulated control.
New Blur vs Cannondale Scalpel Si vs Scott Spark? Which would be best suited to dry rocky trails?
MP48 for loose and rocky descending I reckon the Spark as the head angle is more stable. On both Scalpel and Spark there’s less jack up under power than the Blur which can make it spit traction too. For solid rock probably the Blur for the more taut power kick and the VPP can handle big flat faced (EG big rocks) better. I’ve raced the double lockout Scalpel on a rocky 24hr race course (Fort William) and it was really quick but it can’t handle bigger hits as well as the other two.
Guy Kesteven thanks for those insights. Yes I guess all the rear shock trickery in the world can't get around the physics
Forgot to say the Spark Plus is particularly impressive on rocks if you've watched the test video I did on that?
no I haven't seen it but will search for it
th-cam.com/video/A5YezyYyqP8/w-d-xo.html
Go test the anthem pro 29! I wanna know your thoughts on that. I’m torn between these two.
Hi Jonathan I've only ridden the alloy Anthem so far but I've got an Anthem Advanced arriving in the next couple of weeks so hopefully you can hang on until then. Remind me to get back in touch though! Cheers GuyK
So big question is, would you be happier with a Blur or a Highball?
Hi Benny, I guess it depends on the course, but for the rockier places I ride normally Blur would let me go faster/be more clumsy. For smoother trails and pure racing though Highball is a beaut and the lower weight is a gift on climbs.
Thanks again for your reply. I have seen all your reviews on the latest Santa Cruz bikes. I wish I could get one of each for different terrains. I already have the Nomad 4 and Bronson 2016 (waiting for the new one). Been thinking of a trail XC bike to putt around local trails now. You seem to have the most fun on the 5010 though. Ha. Great reviews by the way!
Is this the XX1 TR RESERVE version?
This is the XC version with 100mm Fox 32 fork and Aspen tyres. The TR gets a 110mm Fox 34 fork and Rekon tyres.
BTW, great review! NO idea how you can say all that and rip it up simultaneously! The dropper and the stancion color are throwing me off. Looks like the 34 stancions
Great review as always Guy!! I don't know how you do it to keep these "secrets" before launch, I coudn't :-)
So, what's the deal now with the Tallboy? It seems that this one it's a clear improvement over it, much more efficient, stiff, yet, pretty capable on the downhill. Even though I don't recall the Tallboy lacking stiffness, is it now the Tallboy's crown under treat? I thought the Tallboy was the "alpine cheetah" ;-)
Tallboy is still an awesome trail bike that's fast enough for the occasional race, but also very stiff through the mainframe and happy on the toughest trails. An Alpine Cheetah like you say. BTW if you've not watched it already check out my edit from the Alps, I had such a blast making that. Blur is definitely more race day/XC singletrack specific but SC don't make anything that isn't fun.
Hey Guy! Love your review. In your expert opinion...Blur or Spark?
Ey up David. What are you likely to be using the bike for and what's your budget? Obviously Spark's start a lot cheaper and come in more varieties. Also what's your current bike?
My current bike is a 2013 epic S-Works. I already have most of the parts for my new ride. Just need to choose a frame. The Spark RC 900 Frame is the same as the Blur. $3000. Parts already purchased include Raceface Next SL cranks. I9 Trail 24 wheels. Xx1 Eagle. Hope 50mm Stem. Conty Cross King Protection 2.3 rubber. Transfer dropper.
Additional info. I’m a weekend warrior that does about 4 races per year.
Sorry for the delay David I've been travelling. If you rode an Epic before I guess you prefer a bike that does the suspension setting for you rather than one you need to be more involved with selecting the right suspension mode for each part of the trail/ride. That would suggest you'd be happier on the Blur which is a naturally efficient and positive pedaller even in open mode. The Spark is a more neutral pedal in open mode, so you may want to run it more in the middle mode for a punchier feel. Also there's a lot more cables to contend with around the front of the bike on a Spark which may or may not be an issue. Having said all that the Spark has more relaxed angles that suit hard riding/descending better than the Blur even if you go for the 120mm fork option. Hope that helps.
That does help! Thanks guy! I’ll send ya a pic after it’s built.
What's going on with those socks? I haven't worn those since primary , don't lose your catapult out of your back pocket Guy !
p roote 😂 they told me there would be poison oak and it would be cold so I want full Britney on the inflight compression socks. I just ended up roasted and ridiculous 🙄
Sock suspenders are the way to go .