Longer, flatter, more travel: Upgraded: The revamped Santa Cruz Blur Racefully

Santa Cruz has increased the rear suspension travel from 115 millimetres to 120 millimetres. This means there is now 120 millimetres of travel at both the front and rear. According to the manufacturer, this is due to the technical demands of modern XC race courses. The Superlight system remains unchanged: A single-pivot design with Flex-Stays forms the basis. The suspension curve has been made more progressive. The bike is designed to sit higher in the suspension travel whilst pedalling and to bob less. On descents, the design promises better responsiveness at the start of the travel and more support in the mid-travel range. That’s the theory, at least.

​ The Blur is available in seven spec options, ranging from Deore to XX Flight Attendant. The lightest model weighs from 11.2 kg. Prices start at 4,999 euros.

The CC Carbon frame is used across all trim levels. It is the lightest in the range. The tubes have been made slimmer and the shapes refined. Despite its lightweight construction, the frame is said to be robust enough for rough trails.

Santa Cruz offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame. Each frame is designed to accommodate mechanical cable routing. Through-frame cable channels make it easier to fit brake lines and cable housings.

The “flatter and longer” trend continues.

The reach has been extended. The stems are shorter: 50 mm on the standard kits, 60 mm on the race kits. This combination is designed to position the rider further forward on the bike. The seat angle is 75 degrees, the head angle 66 degrees (previously 68.3°). These figures are designed to support an aggressive riding style on climbs and descents. The steeper and shorter seat tube allows the seatpost to be inserted deeper. This means that telescopic seatposts with greater travel can be fitted. Frame sizes range from S to XL.

Standard kits with Fox and race kits with remote lockout

The Blur is available in two versions: Standard and Race. The Standard kits feature a riser handlebar and a 50-mm stem. The Fox suspension is paired with Maxxis Aspen AT tyres for trail riding. The Race kits feature a 60 mm stem and flat-bar handlebars. Remote lockouts for the suspension are included as standard. Maxxis Rekon Race tyres are designed to ensure fast progress on the race track.

The main frame has space for two large water bottles. This space is retained even with the flight attendant kit. The glove box in the down tube offers storage space for a jacket, spare inner tube, tools or snacks. Each bike comes with two bags: the Tool Wallet and the Tube Purse. These are designed to ensure quiet and tidy storage. Two bolts under the top tube allow you to mount a small multi-tool, a tubeless repair kit or a CO₂ cartridge. The bolt spacing corresponds to the standard bottle cage mount.

OneUp’s integrated chain guide is designed to keep the chain in place on rough trails. An adhesive down tube protector shields against stone chips without taking up space in the glovebox. 29-inch wheels come as standard on all models.

Seven trim levels ranging from 4,999 to 12,499 euros

The Blur is available in seven spec variants. The Deore version costs 4,999 euros. The 90 variant is priced at 5,999 euros. The GX spec costs 6,999 euros, whilst the GX Race costs 7,999 euros. The XO version is available for 9,499 euros. The XTR Race costs 10,999 euros. The XX FA Race with Flight Attendant is priced at 12,499 euros. The lightest model weighs from 11.2 kg.

Technical specifications:

• Suspension travel: 120 mm at the front and rear
• Frame: CC Carbon
• Suspension: Superlight system (single-pivot with flex stays)
• Wheels: 29 inches
• Steering angle: 66 degrees
• Seat angle: 75 degrees
• Standard stem kits: 50 mm
• Race stem kits: 60 mm
• Standard tyre kits: Maxxis Aspen AT
• Tyre Race Kits: Maxxis Rekon Race
• Chain guide: OneUp (integrated)
• Sizes: S to XL
• Weight: from 11.2 kg
• Prices: Deore €4,999, 90 €5,999, GX €6,999, GX Race €7,999, XO €9,499, XTR Race €10,999, XX FA Race €12,499