Santa Cruz Blur, an old acquaintance
In 2002, the Blur appeared for the first time in the MTB model range of Santa Cruz Bikes on. The aluminium frame at the time already featured the patented VPP rear triangle and provided 115 millimetres of suspension travel. After the original model, the first carbon version of the Santa Cruz Blur was added. This was followed by a CC version with 105 millimetres of suspension travel and later the Blur TR trail bike, but the Blur model series was discontinued in 2014. Four years later, the Californians are now resurrecting the Blur and rounding off the bottom end of their MTB range.
Blur: The key data of the new full-suspension racing bike
The new Blur comes as a classic 29er racefully with 100-millimetre suspension and a lightweight carbon frame. With these key data, it should appeal to racers who are looking for a little more exclusivity in the starting field. Visually, the new bike fits seamlessly into the familiar appearance of a Santa Cruz fullys and naturally comes with a VPP rear triangle. As is typical for Santa Cruz, the Blur also features grease nipple lubricated bearings in the lower rocker. The lifetime warranty on the frame and bearings is of course also included. Since a low weight is at the top of the requirements profile for a race bike, Santa Cruz has done away with the elaborate cable routing inside the frame, which makes it easier to fit the cables.
Only 2070 grams light
Weighing in at 2070 grams (frame with shock) for a size M frame, the result is absolutely impressive. With this value, the Blur frame competes with the best race fullys on the market. The Blur will be available in four frame sizes and in two different carbon qualities from the end of March. Prices start at 4299 euros and end at 9399 euros. In the lightest configuration with the in-house reserve carbon wheels, the bike remains just under the 10-kilo mark.
Carbon hardtail Santa Cruz Highball
Santa Cruz' carbon hardtail Highballwhich first appeared in the bike range in 2011, has also been completely redesigned. The frame weighs 1065 grams in size M with thru axle and without chainstay and down tube protectors. A decent, if not record-breaking value for a carbon bike with a rigid rear triangle.
More comfort with the Highball 29
In order to give the rear triangle as much flex and therefore comfort as possible, the Highball designers had to dig deep into their bag of tricks. In addition to the obligatory, thin 27.2 mm seat post, the seat stays were set as flat as possible and well below the top tube. This should allow the seat tube to flex backwards particularly easily without sacrificing bottom bracket stiffness. For demanding cross-country routes, it is also possible to fit a dropper seatpost. The frame is already prepared for internal cable routing. Good for long-distance fans: the new Santa Cruz Highball has space for up to three bottle cages.
Prices and availability
Four frame sizes are available for both new Santa Cruz bikes. Prices start from 3100 euros and go up to 8300 euros for the top model. Both the Highball and the Blur will be available from specialist dealers from the end of March.
