Found you randomly on TH-cam thats cool you ride in Plymouth right near my house. I'm in the market for a blur I think, I ride more cross country around town. Market is tough right now thanks for the video.
i used to race blurs for years, got out of it for a few... back racing now on a 5010cc now and love the extra travel. not sure i could go back (lol getting old) would be a fun comparison.
yeah, im afraid to ride it. i haven't had the 5010 for even a year now and would probably have to sell and build a new blur lol. although i have been thinking the new xtr stuff looks good, if mavic has a compatable hub then i may pull the trigger...
I don't know what the deal is with santa cruz sizing but I'm also 5'10" 175lbs and this bike feels way small, yet the large is slightly too big. I bought the medium because it was marked down about a grand so Im hoping i can adjust to it. I think my biggest issue is that I've been riding bikes my whole life that are too big for me. Santa Cruz's geometry chart recommends this bike up to 5'9" so at 5 10 should probably be on the Large. Im gonna try up sizing the stem to a 90mm and pull the seat back as far as possible and see if that gives it more of a familiar feel.
It stinks being b/w sizes. I usually let the trail dictate what size bike I’m going to ride. Medium for tight single track and a large for dh tech trails. I wish I was 6’ so I can just get a large and call it a day.
Great review. I watch a lot of your reviews but...why do all xc bike reviews include what parts folks would change out to make it a trail bike? If that's the case, aren't you on the wrong bike? This thing should be reviewed on Kokopelli, Leadville 100 or an xc race.
Vaughn Beckman I'm trying to convey that these modern XC bikes are so capable. 100mm of travel today was like 130mm of yesteryear, but still pedals like a race rig.
You are 5'10 and sise Medium fit good for you ? That is it ? Because on santa Cruz website, for'5'9 it recommended to ride a large. Do we need to take the under size ?
I prefer a smaller bike, makes it more manageable on the technical terrain. With that being said you should try to demo a bike your going to buy. Those charts are just a recommendation, the large size was way to big for me.
Sizing is such a challenge when you can't demo bikes before you buy. I'm 5'10 and currently ride a large size SB45 and it's too big for me. I have trouble keeping the front tire weighted on loose turns.
Nice man - thanks for posting this! I've been considering a short travel, svelte ripper bike for a year now for the smoother/pedal-y-er stuff around WA. Blur recenlty moved to the top of my list of candidates cuz it looks so light, but capable. Too bad no one demos them around Seattle. Might fly to Santa Cruz to try one out. Would def. swap the stem + post and probably go with a stepcast 34.
Benny Cheng here ya go. www.backcountry.com/syntace-megaforce2-stem?iv_=__iv_p_1_g_37882800173_c_306496366440_w_dsa-277684479583_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r_1t1_x__y__f__o__z__i__j__s__e__h_9002049_ii__vi__&CMP_ID=PD_GMm001BR&Google&PSBR&k_clickid=_k_EAIaIQobChMIksW3z_H03gIVRB6GCh2n8AVnEAAYASAAEgI69vD_BwE_k_&rmatt=tsid:1042759%7Ccid:730639561%7Cagid:37882800173%7Ctid:dsa-277684479583%7Ccrid:306496366440%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:8387097182482529207%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1t1%7Cmt:b%7Cloc:9002049&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksW3z_H03gIVRB6GCh2n8AVnEAAYASAAEgI69vD_BwE
Thank you for your answer. I have decided to take the blur because my local distributor said mach 4 sl will not enter to my country this year. Hopefully this is the right decision for xc riders like me :)
Another great video JC! Pleased to report I am the proud owner of this same bike and build. Bike is amazing, but I too believe bike requires burlier tires and possibly brakes. Which set of tires would you recommend so as to not compromise the very existence and purpose of the bike? Minion DHF and Aggressor rear too aggressive of a set of tires for this? Ardent Race F/R? Can't wait to see the new bike and cheers to your success brother!
JC TRAILS, I am awaiting delivery of a cc xo-1 reserve TR, Rekon2.25 tires, dropper, 110 34mm fork. Enjoyed your review I am so psyched I watched it again!!
James, thanks for the great video! I'm considering this bike, among others. I am also 5'10" with a 32 inseam. I was surprised to hear you were on a medium. Do you usually ride a medium and what's your inseam?
No thanks, $6400.00 and low engagement DT Swiss hubs. I had custom wheels built with 350 hubs that came with the 18 teeth ratchet, I have a 2x11 and there was around a half rotation in low gear before engagement. The old XT hubs had better engagement than the 18 teeth ratchet. I paid another $100.00 for the 54 teeth ratchet and still find some slack in the low gears, plus the aluminum freehub was gouged by the XT cassette, the freehub is soft aluminum. My inexpensive upgrade became expensive, rear 350 hub, $225, 54 ratchet upgrade $100.00, plus steel freehub if I upgrade $75.00= $400.00 for the rear hub. These high end bike companies need to step up and include high engagement hubs for the prices they charge.
jack frost That's why I always go frame only now... Took me a while to get to that point but once there it's awesome. I had to ride same frame for 3 seasons plus and just slowly bought dream parts over that time.. Spreads out the pain and shock of expense way easier that way! 😂 😂 👍
Found you randomly on TH-cam thats cool you ride in Plymouth right near my house. I'm in the market for a blur I think, I ride more cross country around town. Market is tough right now thanks for the video.
Can't wait to try it and compare it too the SB100.
MTB FlowRider that would be a good comparison, especially if you put a dropper on the SC and some burlier tires.
i used to race blurs for years, got out of it for a few... back racing now on a 5010cc now and love the extra travel. not sure i could go back (lol getting old) would be a fun comparison.
jfkdotcom the 5010 is definitely more fun in the trails but damn the blur is fast.
yeah, im afraid to ride it. i haven't had the 5010 for even a year now and would probably have to sell and build a new blur lol. although i have been thinking the new xtr stuff looks good, if mavic has a compatable hub then i may pull the trigger...
There's potential for the blur to be a fast n light trail bike with the right parts. Nice review
I totally agree Dan!
Dan K, TR version has bigger tires, dropper, 34 mm110 fork, etc. more of a trail bike. I got mine a month ago, loving it!
Just bought one to ride on days my 150/160 bike is too much. So excited!
Great review,as usual!It's interesting how sc,pivot,and yeti all release similar bikes within the a month.Tnx for the post!
MTBHI thanks for the kind words. With frame technology improving every year I feel like less travel is needed to get rowdy.
What I could notice the most on the video was how fast you'd get back up to speed when pedaling, it seems to only take a few cranks.
It's so light, it takes a lot less effort to get it going than our trail bikes.
Dope bike! Stop breaking frames. lol
I wish I could get this Santa CRuz.
BenJammin F. just buy it, it’s only money.
BenJammin F. I’ll try!
So many people are being oversold on long travel bikes.
Agreed!
Unless you live in the mountains. But yeah I agree.
I just went back to a xc race rig.. After years on trail and enduro bikes.. So refreshing and fun..
I live in the mountains and these new 100mil travel bikes are sufficient for 99% of the trails around me (northern New Mexico)
@@REB4444 yeah, thats what id go to, ur tr with dropper. Im still on a ur lt2 26 inch.
That bike looks so sweet. And nice 360 camera work, good angle
NW Trail Series thanks!
I don't know what the deal is with santa cruz sizing but I'm also 5'10" 175lbs and this bike feels way small, yet the large is slightly too big. I bought the medium because it was marked down about a grand so Im hoping i can adjust to it. I think my biggest issue is that I've been riding bikes my whole life that are too big for me. Santa Cruz's geometry chart recommends this bike up to 5'9" so at 5 10 should probably be on the Large. Im gonna try up sizing the stem to a 90mm and pull the seat back as far as possible and see if that gives it more of a familiar feel.
It stinks being b/w sizes. I usually let the trail dictate what size bike I’m going to ride. Medium for tight single track and a large for dh tech trails. I wish I was 6’ so I can just get a large and call it a day.
After testing the epic and the blur, do you have a preference between the two?
What makes it climb well ? The angles or the 29” wheels , I’d love a bike that can climb good
Paul Cartwright the low weight plus 29 wheels
“I think this bikes going to climb awesome” as gymbal setup makes it look like he’s climbing Everest lol
T.j. Bennett Mount Plymouth sir😜
Nice review! I’m gonna check out your review on the Epic. Keep um comin Bro 👊🏽😎
Cee Dubble thanks man.
Great review. I watch a lot of your reviews but...why do all xc bike reviews include what parts folks would change out to make it a trail bike? If that's the case, aren't you on the wrong bike? This thing should be reviewed on Kokopelli, Leadville 100 or an xc race.
Vaughn Beckman I'm trying to convey that these modern XC bikes are so capable. 100mm of travel today was like 130mm of yesteryear, but still pedals like a race rig.
You are 5'10 and sise Medium fit good for you ? That is it ? Because on santa Cruz website, for'5'9 it recommended to ride a large. Do we need to take the under size ?
I prefer a smaller bike, makes it more manageable on the technical terrain. With that being said you should try to demo a bike your going to buy. Those charts are just a recommendation, the large size was way to big for me.
JC TRAILS thank you !😉
Sizing is such a challenge when you can't demo bikes before you buy. I'm 5'10 and currently ride a large size SB45 and it's too big for me. I have trouble keeping the front tire weighted on loose turns.
Nice man - thanks for posting this! I've been considering a short travel, svelte ripper bike for a year now for the smoother/pedal-y-er stuff around WA. Blur recenlty moved to the top of my list of candidates cuz it looks so light, but capable. Too bad no one demos them around Seattle. Might fly to Santa Cruz to try one out. Would def. swap the stem + post and probably go with a stepcast 34.
LukeMTB no problem. It's nice riding a bike that does not weigh you down.
Can you offer a comparison to the Intense Sniper?
Can't seem to find a Syntace 70mm stem in any online store. It is either 60mm or 75mm. What am I missing here?
Benny Cheng here ya go.
www.backcountry.com/syntace-megaforce2-stem?iv_=__iv_p_1_g_37882800173_c_306496366440_w_dsa-277684479583_n_g_d_m_v__l__t__r_1t1_x__y__f__o__z__i__j__s__e__h_9002049_ii__vi__&CMP_ID=PD_GMm001BR&Google&PSBR&k_clickid=_k_EAIaIQobChMIksW3z_H03gIVRB6GCh2n8AVnEAAYASAAEgI69vD_BwE_k_&rmatt=tsid:1042759%7Ccid:730639561%7Cagid:37882800173%7Ctid:dsa-277684479583%7Ccrid:306496366440%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:8387097182482529207%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1t1%7Cmt:b%7Cloc:9002049&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIksW3z_H03gIVRB6GCh2n8AVnEAAYASAAEgI69vD_BwE
Please give me an advise beetwen blur and mach 4 sl For xc race bike.
I’ve never ridden the Mach 4 but from what I’ve heard it’s a traditional race bike. The blur has a trail bike feel to it so you might want the Pivot.
Thank you for your answer. I have decided to take the blur because my local distributor said mach 4 sl will not enter to my country this year. Hopefully this is the right decision for xc riders like me :)
what's the closest comparable bike to this one?
Another great video JC! Pleased to report I am the proud owner of this same bike and build. Bike is amazing, but I too believe bike requires burlier tires and possibly brakes. Which set of tires would you recommend so as to not compromise the very existence and purpose of the bike? Minion DHF and Aggressor rear too aggressive of a set of tires for this? Ardent Race F/R?
Can't wait to see the new bike and cheers to your success brother!
Thanks Miguel. I was thinking a DHF 2.3 in the front and and Ardent race 2.3 in the back. Congrats on the bike, it's a sick one!
JC TRAILS, I am awaiting delivery of a cc xo-1 reserve TR, Rekon2.25 tires, dropper, 110 34mm fork. Enjoyed your review I am so psyched I watched it again!!
Can you get the rear break line to be routed internally or are you stuck with routing it along the non-drive side downtube?
So...feather-weight, rocket scalpel?
Yes!
Which model number is that Blur?
Philip C It's the CC x01 build.
hi did you ride 18 epic full with brain?
Marco G. Yes I did. Here is a link to that review th-cam.com/video/BKLpuTV3c4I/w-d-xo.html
which one you prefer?
I was also going to ask... Blur or Epic
bj dunne I'm going Blur because it feels more capable. They are both fast bikes though.
How does it compare to the camber you reviewed?
James, thanks for the great video! I'm considering this bike, among others. I am also 5'10" with a 32 inseam. I was surprised to hear you were on a medium. Do you usually ride a medium and what's your inseam?
Mark Kligerman I have a 31 inseam. It depends on the brand but I usually ride a large. I could ride a large blur but I would have to shorten the stem.
Does he get sent these bikes
I wish! I demo them from my local shop.
Will you try out the Chameleon? I don't see many reviews and I want more advice ("demo bikes" don't exist where I live)
Goodman 4525 I'm going to demo that one soon.
No thanks, $6400.00 and low engagement DT Swiss hubs. I had custom wheels built with 350 hubs that came with the 18 teeth ratchet, I have a 2x11 and there was around a half rotation in low gear before engagement. The old XT hubs had better engagement than the 18 teeth ratchet. I paid another $100.00 for the 54 teeth ratchet and still find some slack in the low gears, plus the aluminum freehub was gouged by the XT cassette, the freehub is soft aluminum. My inexpensive upgrade became expensive, rear 350 hub, $225, 54 ratchet upgrade $100.00, plus steel freehub if I upgrade $75.00= $400.00 for the rear hub. These high end bike companies need to step up and include high engagement hubs for the prices they charge.
jack frost That's why I always go frame only now... Took me a while to get to that point but once there it's awesome. I had to ride same frame for 3 seasons plus and just slowly bought dream parts over that time.. Spreads out the pain and shock of expense way easier that way! 😂 😂 👍
Seems so fast. You were just like bam! flying.
It's a wicked fast bike!
That's just a sexy looking bike too. Keep up the good work kid.
Mountain Bike Advice thanks man! Damn sexy!
That bike is for all the jerks that complained SC didn't have an XC bike.
Brian Vaughn haha!
Climb up? I thought you were climbing down 🤦♂️ you just say climb. Saying climbing up is redundant