I have the XC version of this bike C S build- It is a great bike. I did have to change the dropper lever (WT Concentric)and suspension lockout(FOX). The SRAM twist lock would not stay locked.
For those considering this vs other bikes... My local bike shop -- Landry's here in Boston -- tells me they do the fewest warranty repairs/replacements on Santa Cruz bikes. They are built with extra carbon in the high stress areas. I have a 5010C (my second) and have had no issues. I'm leaning towards getting the Blur TR to use for bikepacking. Its 5lb lighter than my 5010 and faster. Anyone have experience using the Blur TR for bikepacking?
What bike did you come from? And have you ridden the previous model Blur? That's what I'm currently on and would love to know how they compare. I'm 5'9" and ride a medium in the v3 Blur.
@@TreyMcClain1 this is my first Santa Cruz. It's replacing a 2016 Trek Fuel ex29 size 18.5, which is a medium large. The reach on the Blur trail is a little shorter than on the xc version. The overall feel the bike feels larger than my Fuel however but I'm able to flick it around fairly easy. I also ride a medium large Trek Stache 9 and a large Trek Farley 7.
@@jimgallagher833 That’s a nice quiver of bikes. Trek does a great job of having the M/L size for folks our height. I’m glad you’re enjoying the Blur. I’ve been very pleased with mine.
Excellent review. I would make only 1 change to it: replace the front Rekon Race tire with a regular Rekon tire. A bit more weight but more confidence and safety on the downs.
A bit of a head scratcher as to why the change to RS shock/fork on the 100mm version. Any word on why? The Fox shock and fork feel better to me, never mind the reliability issues that some of the SIDs have raised. The Fox combo was excellent for marathon XC, IMHO, so I would buy a frameset and install a Fox setup with lockouts.
I am curious, how does the bike feel regarding balance? Currently I own a Scott Spark 910 2020 model, does the positioning of the rear shock plays any role regarding stability that much?
Well, if its the "same idea" as the Scalpel, flex stays have been used in bikes as far back as the late 90s... (Tons of Cannondale's too in the last 2 decades)
It depends. These days due to the pandemic bike shortage, I don't get to ride them because they are usually pre-sold prior to me videoing them. This one was sold before it arrived so I only got a short time to check it out. I really hope I come across one to ride because this checks a lot of boxes on paper!
As far as I know Santa Cruz does not publish a rider weight limit. Typical CPSC standard would place a rider weight limit on a mountain bike at 265lbs. Keep in mind the frame is rarely the limiting factor. More often than not it is wheels and brakes.
Well to be fair so did the Scalpel in 2001 as well. This is a radical redesign since it has been a decade since Santa Cruz did a single pivot setup, so radically different for them.
@@Jamesthebikeguy I don’t want to wear a backpack with tools, Co2, puncture darts etc. Stash Kit allows me to fill my water bottle, chuck food in my pocket and just ride 🤟🏽🤟🏽 I’m interested to hear people thoughts on this 👍🏽
Nice bike. Why is it double the price of a Polygon Siskiu D7 down country bike? These new high end down country bikes are all in the 4-5K range. Maybe they'll come out with some that are more budget friendly.
That's kind of like saying "Why does a BMW cost twice what a Kia costs, they do the same thing". That misses the point of quality/luxury goods. This bike utilizes different materials, additional R&D, warranty support, exclusivity that comes from having a premium bike.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Makes sense. Looking to upgrade from my Schwinn Boundary. Would you suggest a trail ready hardtail or full suspension? Budget for this bike would be about $2K.
@@Jimbob-eu4gd Thanks! I checked out the Rocky Mountain Growler 40, Specialized Fuse, and Giant Fathom. There is a local bike shop that has a Fathom in my size. I think I'll go check it out this weekend if still available. Happy trails!
I think the geometry is too conservative. I'm not saying that every bike especially XC should be long, low, and slack but an obvious place for improvement would be the size-specific seat tube angle. For some reason, it gets slacker for the bigger sizes but it should be the opposite: the bigger the size the steeper the angle should be to keep the saddle position consistent throughout the sizes. As a taller rider that usually rides the biggest sizes available with a seatpost really high up, the saddle position is too far back almost above the rear wheel axle which is terrible on climbs.
Thats like saying every car has the same suspension... McPherson strut, yet some cars ride way nicer than others. Same here, the "category" of suspension design does not indicate execution.
@Jamesthebikeguy on my fx3 , I notice when I’m in the bigger ring (46/30), my drive train is not as smooth. I can hear more sound in the back derailer it’s not rubbing ,just more sound and my pedal strokes are not as smooth. in the smaller one it rides way smoother,like butter, the shifting is about the same when moving up or down in the rear cogs. is this true of all bikes and no matter what components you have ?
This bike advertised as tr “trail” but I don’t think that rear fork would handle really serious downhill riding, this setup looks to flimsy, like it want to break, idk I kind a like this bike, and I would buy it too. Great review, where is the test drive though? Thanks anyway 👍
Its the trail version, not a downhill bike. Think of this as a more capable XC bike (Because that is what it is). Slots the space between a 100mm XC bike and a 130mm Trail/all mountain bike.
@@cvdavis indeed it’s not but makes a difference I used to have a 13kg top fuel 9.7 the blur made me 0.6mph faster over 20 mile ride and allowed me to score Koms I couldn’t on the top fuel (probably because it’s a proper Xc bike though)
Great, a 2021 copy of a scalpel design from two years ago. Just for.....erase your characteristic VPP to a repeated singlepivot that has EVERY bike on the market . Oh WoW , just brilliant Santa Cruz. What a mess
There is more than how many pivots to determine how suspension feels and reacts. Ride "every bike on the market" and you will quickly realize that bikes vary in performance greatly.
If you purchase a 2022 in 2021 , your new 2022 bike will not be NEW when 2022 actually rolls around . The riders that purchase their new 2022 bikes IN 2022 will have NEW bikes and you will have a six month OLD bike . 🤪 Aside from that nonsense , The biking world has become forever stuck in HypeVille .
@@Jamesthebikeguy I trusted the Orbea engineers and their design on the 2016 Orbea Occam. It cracked last year. I fought with them for months before they relented and warrantied it.
I have the XC version of this bike C S build- It is a great bike. I did have to change the dropper lever (WT Concentric)and suspension lockout(FOX). The SRAM twist lock would not stay locked.
For those considering this vs other bikes... My local bike shop -- Landry's here in Boston -- tells me they do the fewest warranty repairs/replacements on Santa Cruz bikes. They are built with extra carbon in the high stress areas. I have a 5010C (my second) and have had no issues. I'm leaning towards getting the Blur TR to use for bikepacking. Its 5lb lighter than my 5010 and faster. Anyone have experience using the Blur TR for bikepacking?
I just purchased this bike. And it is awesome. My lbs got one in stock and I grabbed it on Friday. I'm five foot nine and got the large.
Enjoy it!
What bike did you come from? And have you ridden the previous model Blur? That's what I'm currently on and would love to know how they compare. I'm 5'9" and ride a medium in the v3 Blur.
@@TreyMcClain1 this is my first Santa Cruz. It's replacing a 2016 Trek Fuel ex29 size 18.5, which is a medium large. The reach on the Blur trail is a little shorter than on the xc version. The overall feel the bike feels larger than my Fuel however but I'm able to flick it around fairly easy. I also ride a medium large Trek Stache 9 and a large Trek Farley 7.
@@jimgallagher833 That’s a nice quiver of bikes. Trek does a great job of having the M/L size for folks our height.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the Blur. I’ve been very pleased with mine.
I’m 6’1” and also got the large. My body proportions made the large the better choice but I’m sure the xl would have be okay too.
This is my dream bike. Color and everything else. Heck I wouldn't even mind not having the CC version. lol Seriously I will have this bike.
Excellent review. I would make only 1 change to it: replace the front Rekon Race tire with a regular Rekon tire. A bit more weight but more confidence and safety on the downs.
This video is amazing this is the exact spec I was going to get, super helpful
Glad I could help!
Like you're going to go out and simply pick one up?..lol
I JUST bought one today!!! THANKS TO THIS REVIEW!!!!
What size is the Frame? How do you compare it to the Tallboy 4?
very nice video review! Big Thanks!!!
Thanks for watching!
I JUST BOUGHT ONE TODAY BECAUSE OF YOU!
My arms are too weak to lift that bike with the scale. I'd have been like "The bike weighs...more than 0 lbs"
🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for the review!, I think that if the bike was a trail version, they should have installed the 52 t cassette, and a 32 t in front.
If you want it you can always change it in the aftermarket
Great review! Thank's a lot 👍
Glad you liked it!
Blur tr or epic evo?
Blur TR IMO
great video wanting to ep one
Nice, do it!
A bit of a head scratcher as to why the change to RS shock/fork on the 100mm version. Any word on why?
The Fox shock and fork feel better to me, never mind the reliability issues that some of the SIDs have raised. The Fox combo was excellent for marathon XC, IMHO, so I would buy a frameset and install a Fox setup with lockouts.
Problems with the new SID Raceday and the SidLuxe rear? Or older versions?
Nice. It’s basically a heavy Specialized epic.
Many great bikes in this category.
Omg. You r so rite. Lol
Hi, is there a remote lever to block the suspension fork and frame shock?
Not on the Trail version. The Race version yes
What size frame did you weigh please?
I saw a M on the bottom of the seat tube.
Can we use for cross country?
Absolutely
whats that hand held scale you used to weigh your bike?
Looks like a luggage scale.
This or the epic evo ?
Tough call but leaning this direction
@@Jamesthebikeguy both look great
this looks amazin but damn the new scott spark would be my choice
I was wanting a Scott spark but didn’t want to wait a year for one so I bought this one. So far I’m happy with my choice.
@@cvdavis bird in the hand is worth two in the bush! Bike looks sweet hope you enjoy!
I am curious, how does the bike feel regarding balance? Currently I own a Scott Spark 910 2020 model, does the positioning of the rear shock plays any role regarding stability that much?
I can’t speak for the spark but this bike TR version is extremely stable.
Looks nice, but the same frame idea was used in Scalpel Si 2017-2020
Well, if its the "same idea" as the Scalpel, flex stays have been used in bikes as far back as the late 90s... (Tons of Cannondale's too in the last 2 decades)
Do u get to test these bikes to review or are u only allowed do to a preview of the bikes??
It depends. These days due to the pandemic bike shortage, I don't get to ride them because they are usually pre-sold prior to me videoing them. This one was sold before it arrived so I only got a short time to check it out. I really hope I come across one to ride because this checks a lot of boxes on paper!
What would be rider's weight limit, I'm 285lb and looking for fun suspension bike that could handle my weight...?!
As far as I know Santa Cruz does not publish a rider weight limit. Typical CPSC standard would place a rider weight limit on a mountain bike at 265lbs. Keep in mind the frame is rarely the limiting factor. More often than not it is wheels and brakes.
This version it's just similar with Specialized Epic, just different anchor
Similar sure, but same they are not.
Radical redesign hu? Cannondale had that design in their 2016 Lefty Si 29er CX bike
Well to be fair so did the Scalpel in 2001 as well. This is a radical redesign since it has been a decade since Santa Cruz did a single pivot setup, so radically different for them.
Could you give me your opinion on trek ds4 2019, for going on allegiance passage, and c& o canal path? Thanks love your videos
DS4 is a great bike
Why couldn't these be in stock, I really wanted this bike.
Rocky Instinct much?
There are only so many ways to make 10 tubes look
Such a small thing.. *BUT* not having some form of “Stash Kit” like the Cannondale Scalpel, really isn’t good enough
Hmm fair enough
@@Jamesthebikeguy I don’t want to wear a backpack with tools, Co2, puncture darts etc.
Stash Kit allows me to fill my water bottle, chuck food in my pocket and just ride 🤟🏽🤟🏽
I’m interested to hear people thoughts on this 👍🏽
Nice bike. Why is it double the price of a Polygon Siskiu D7 down country bike? These new high end down country bikes are all in the 4-5K range. Maybe they'll come out with some that are more budget friendly.
That's kind of like saying "Why does a BMW cost twice what a Kia costs, they do the same thing". That misses the point of quality/luxury goods. This bike utilizes different materials, additional R&D, warranty support, exclusivity that comes from having a premium bike.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Makes sense. Looking to upgrade from my Schwinn Boundary. Would you suggest a trail ready hardtail or full suspension? Budget for this bike would be about $2K.
@@chrisbalser3808 hard tail with a low budget you can’t get Greta specs with a full squish but can get a solid hard tail build
@@Jimbob-eu4gd Thanks! I checked out the Rocky Mountain Growler 40, Specialized Fuse, and Giant Fathom. There is a local bike shop that has a Fathom in my size. I think I'll go check it out this weekend if still available. Happy trails!
I think the geometry is too conservative. I'm not saying that every bike especially XC should be long, low, and slack but an obvious place for improvement would be the size-specific seat tube angle. For some reason, it gets slacker for the bigger sizes but it should be the opposite: the bigger the size the steeper the angle should be to keep the saddle position consistent throughout the sizes. As a taller rider that usually rides the biggest sizes available with a seatpost really high up, the saddle position is too far back almost above the rear wheel axle which is terrible on climbs.
Do the wheels have quick release?
All new xc bikes have the same suspension setup... Single pivot flex tail.
Thats like saying every car has the same suspension... McPherson strut, yet some cars ride way nicer than others. Same here, the "category" of suspension design does not indicate execution.
Bmc has dw-link
@Jamesthebikeguy on my fx3 , I notice when I’m in the bigger ring (46/30), my drive train is not as smooth. I can hear more sound in the back derailer it’s not rubbing ,just more sound and my pedal strokes are not as smooth.
in the smaller one it rides way smoother,like butter, the shifting is about the same when moving up or down in the rear cogs.
is this true of all bikes and no matter what components you have ?
Great review, I'd love one of these an addition to my Tallboy 3!
Number 1 🤟🏻
🏆
Nobody is going to say that this bike is like a Merida Ninety Six? Sane design and same geometry.
Oddly similar to the Hei Hei. It does have better cable routings however.
3 Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C class all look similar too.
Mmmmmm looks like Rocky Mountain models
There’s one of these things in the window of my LBS
This bike advertised as tr “trail” but I don’t think that rear fork would handle really serious downhill riding, this setup looks to flimsy, like it want to break, idk
I kind a like this bike, and I would buy it too. Great review, where is the test drive though? Thanks anyway 👍
Its the trail version, not a downhill bike. Think of this as a more capable XC bike (Because that is what it is). Slots the space between a 100mm XC bike and a 130mm Trail/all mountain bike.
I have the TR version and the rear feels super tight without any noticeable flex. I’m only 150-154lbs though.
Nice! But too heavy! I have the SC Blur version 3 and I was thinking about upgrading to this but it's too heavy.
Should be lighter than the v3
Just ordered a blur xo1 axs weighs in very similar to trek Supercals and epics
I bought the C version and while it’s almost 3lbs heavier than my specialized Epic, it’s faster going uphill. Weight isn’t everything.
@@cvdavis indeed it’s not but makes a difference I used to have a 13kg top fuel 9.7 the blur made me 0.6mph faster over 20 mile ride and allowed me to score Koms I couldn’t on the top fuel (probably because it’s a proper Xc bike though)
@@Jimbob-eu4gd I should add that my epic was the XTR version and therefore lighter while my blur TR is a much lower build. Blur is still faster.
The new Scott Spark is much more impressive, and price worthy.
Also pissed that the new base Bronson has become unattainable for the normal folk.
Sad to say, "normal folk" is in the 1k or less range.
200 grams is not "well over half a pound", 200 grams is 0.44 pounds
He said 289 grams, which is 0.636 lbs
You pay the Santa Cruz premium for there suspension. without that Orbea and Scott offer better options than this.
Just because they look similar doesn't mean they are.
@@Jamesthebikeguy My point exactly. the Scott and Orbea are better bikes for the money.
Great, a 2021 copy of a scalpel design from two years ago. Just for.....erase your characteristic VPP to a repeated singlepivot that has EVERY bike on the market . Oh WoW , just brilliant Santa Cruz. What a mess
There is more than how many pivots to determine how suspension feels and reacts. Ride "every bike on the market" and you will quickly realize that bikes vary in performance greatly.
You're r8ght, the VPP is the real characteristic that makes SC bikes so much better when it comes to ride qualities
Do you know how to ride? Did you ride it?
I do not know how to ride a bike.
Heavy
If you purchase a 2022 in 2021 , your new 2022 bike will not be NEW when 2022 actually rolls around . The riders that purchase their new 2022 bikes IN 2022 will have NEW bikes and you will have a six month OLD bike . 🤪
Aside from that nonsense , The biking world has become forever stuck in HypeVille .
Welcome to the world, this is hardly new to anyone let alone the bike industry. Consume anything with year models and they are all like this.
@@Jamesthebikeguy levity with a dash of nauseating truth ? you decide .
Are you sure about all the things you’re saying mr. James the “FAT” guy?
Sure as I am that I like to eat Twinkies
@@Jamesthebikeguy yes you are what you eat! Do a lot of research before you do a review.
Why do Americans have to say super all the time? It’s super annoying 😂
Super glad you said something. I'll pay super attention to it!
Never trust flexing suspension parts. Seatstays, chainstays, whatever. Just don't.
I'll take my keys from an engineer. Every part has flex in it best that they have it designed in them
@@Jamesthebikeguy I trusted the Orbea engineers and their design on the 2016 Orbea Occam. It cracked last year. I fought with them for months before they relented and warrantied it.
@@DonaldsonClan you are complaining about cracking a 7yr old frame? Seems like at that point it's not the manufacturers fault but the rider/owners.
@@DonaldsonClan That's why you pay extra for a Santa Cruz cos they don't break.