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Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | Great all round bike which can be built light or heavy depending on it's use... | | Weaknesses: | The bloody rear pivot mount | | Similar Products Used: | Norco, Specialized | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi FR ETA, 5th coil-over, XT/XTR, etc. | | Bottom Line: | After having bought the frame in 2004, replacing the rear triangle in 2006, the rear shock pivot holes have ovalized
AGAIN!!! This is after I bought a torque wrench and kept everything torqued right to spec. I refuse to purchase another rear triangle. I also find it interesting that the latest itteration has a totally different way of attaching the rear pivot point. I'm going to find a new frame, transfer the parts, then beat the frame flat with a sledgehammer!
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Noble Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | speedgoat bikes | | Strengths: | Relaxed geometry, bottomless suspension, fat knobbies, great parts spec, awesome wheelset, gangreen color. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | SC Superlight, old school heckler | | Bike Setup: | X9 AM with carbon bar, gravity dropper, hopey steering damper. | | Bottom Line: | Wow. Coming off the very capable Superlight, the Heckler is still a notch above - all the positives of the single pivot design, but more relaxed, super plush, incredibly stable and unperterbed and confidence inspiring. More relaxed feel than a 07 Blur LT I rode in comparison, just a perfect fit. I'm 5' 10" and I went with a size large even though I was on a medium SL before. The Heckler looks and feels big in the parking lot but disappears underneath you when you're riding. I'm a mellow rider, you don't have to be a young gun to appreciate this bike. As far as paint goes, I put clear Veloskin (excelsports.com)on the cable wear points and have no issues. The Gangreen color is the bomb - looks like a friggin' army Hummer but gets unlimited MPG in peace. A gorgeous monster. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve b
a Weekend Warrior
from maryland ,usa
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | patapsco | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | avalon cycles | | Strengths: | nice bike while it lasted climbs well,very good down hill
not to heavy | | Weaknesses: | weld cracked on swing arm ,wating for santa cruz to send a new one like i did to get the frame in the first place | | Similar Products Used: | trek ex8 | | Bike Setup: | fox rp23, talas 32 rlc, juicy 5,raceface dh crank,mavic crossride,x9 shifters & derailer nevegals | | Bottom Line: | rode the bike for two months nothing more than xc and small juumps maybe a bad weld we'll see if it happens again.really like the bike but santa cruz seems to take their sweet time.i guess things are different i ca. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Truckee, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | mr toads | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2475.00 | | Purchased At: | cyclepaths | | Strengths: | Perfect all around beater. | | Weaknesses: | came with a rock shox Tora, upgraded to the Fox float 32...thank god! | | Similar Products Used: | | | Bike Setup: | Fox float32, deor AM kit, Fox float RP23 | | Bottom Line: | Been riding a hard tail for 12 years, very stoked on my upgrade. bike is bomber, ride anywhere and do anything. little heavier than im used to but I will adapt.
I test rode lots of bikes in this catagory and this bike came out on top hands down....obviously! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JC
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels, Stourbridge | | Strengths: | Lots of plush air sprung travel. Very adaptable to different setups with 140 or 160mm fork - and pretty light considering travel. | | Weaknesses: | None found on first test ride... | | Similar Products Used: | 05 Santa Cruz Bullit, 2nd generation Specialised Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Fox 36 VanR fork and RP23 shock, DT Swiss EX1750 Wheels, 2.35 High Roller tyres, XT chainset, SRAM gears and Hope M4s. Thomson/Easton finishing kit, Gobi saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Was worried about going from a 7" coil spung frame to a lighter 6" Air sprung frame - I knew it would be better on the ups but what abouts downs... No worries - bike climbed better than expected even with Propedal switched 'off', and it flew through single track and felt as plush and stable as the bullit on the decents. Easily the best bike I've ever ridded! It is a purely awesome all mountain frame - not ideal if you are an XC whippet or a full on DH'er but if you ride everything and anything (like me) I cannot fault it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything fast and fun | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | I got an 08 Heckler hoping to get the All Mountain bike and I was rewarded with my decision. Its tough, can handle a lot of light DH, can do jumps, and pedals extremely well for a single pivot thanks to its great platform. | | Weaknesses: | Santa Cruz powdercoat paint looks pretty bad and the decals are crap. get the anodized frames. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Specialized S-Works Enduro
06 Yeti 575 Carbon | | Bike Setup: | Fox 36 Talas RC2
DHX 5 Coil
XT rear derailleur, cranks/bb, raceface bash
LX front derailleur, deore shifters
Hayes Stroker Trail disc brakes
Trvativ Holzfeller 60mm stem, Truvativ XR Bar/seatpost
Mavic 321 wheels, kenda nevegal 2.35 tires
Crank Bros Mallet pedals
| | Bottom Line: | Its the best do all bike ive ridden, period. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cheyne
a
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | Cost & simplicity | | Weaknesses: | simplicity | | Similar Products Used: | | | Bike Setup: | XL 05 heckler/fox float r w/ fox 32 vanilla r | | Bottom Line: | I bought it as an AM bike that would be problem free and that it has been. It climbs well enough. Going fast and off the brakes the bike is awesome. When on the brakes in steep technical sections I get pitched forward more then on other bikes I have ridden (brake jack and dive from the coil fork). I'm going to try a fox float 36 r or maybe the 32. I think that will help in the steep stuff.
I would recommend this bike to anyone looking for a reasonably priced bullit proof do it all bike. My one encounter with SC support (just called in w/ a set up ?) was positive as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rudy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kutztown, PA
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Any in the Lehigh Valley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Saucon Valley Bikes | | Strengths: | **This is a Follow up review to my '06 frame (last of the H5 series).**
Tough as nails. Afraid of nothing. It dares the rider to push the envelope. Who needs a 29er when you have an athletic bike like the Heckler.
*my first review was around 148-150th - check it out* | | Weaknesses: | Keep an eye on the pivot bolts. Mine loosened up slightly after about a half summer of really hard trail riding. Caught it early enough with no ovalizing of the bearings.
I Weebled off balance once at a slow pace and layed the bike over softly (so I thought) and, to my surprise back at the car, there was a dent on the driveside seatstay. No structural weekness, mostly a cosmetic bummer as was reaffirmed by my LBS. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant VT | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Minute :02 130mm (coil)
Fox DHX 5.0 Air
Mavic x223/XT hubs/DT Swiss 14g
Kenda Nevegal 2.35's
LX - crank/bb/front der.
XT shifters
XT rear der.
Avid BB7 mechs. 6" fr/rr
Race Face post/stem 100mm
FSA headset
Easton bars
WTB Pure V saddle
| | Bottom Line: | I never feel out of place in any terrain on this bike. I even started hucking a little here and there after I bought this bike. I am super confident in rock gardens and slick rooty areas. I like the technical climbs, because it is when I can show off and my buddies think it's my skill when it's really the bike....I'm serious, don't laugh. This damn bike scares the daylights out of me when I let go of the brakes. At the top of a descent my regular riding buds usually turn to me and say "You go first cause you'll be on our a$$ anyway!" I never felt the true sentrifugal bliss of a high speed turn until I rode this bike for about 6-8 months. This bike has raised my personal bar for riding.
This is the first year in the last 8 that I didn't spend the winter paging thru catologs and surfing the net for my next bike. I already own my next bike, and the next and the next. On the Heckler, I'm Home! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joseph headrick
a Weekend Warrior
from chattanooga
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | raccoon mtn. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | jd bikes | | Strengths: | it's the beefcake almighty! leap off of a 4' stone and still climb like the lil brother~superlight! | | Weaknesses: | doesn't come in hot PINK! | | Similar Products Used: | dodge viper, bob~cat, and bottle opener found in junk drawer | | Bike Setup: | fox rp23~talas 32 rlc
xtr drivetrain 07
juicy 7 brakes w/ dangerboy grips
king headset
08 xt wheelset~tubeless
kenda nevegal 2.1
fizik gobi saddle
race face deus stem & post | | Bottom Line: | this bike rules the land! i'm sure all the bikes within this travel range are about the same now days, but commin off the superlight to the 5+" travel bike is unreal! the slack 69 degree headtube lets you plunge off all the drops like its nothing! endo city with the 4 inchers....get one, you will like!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro, NC, USA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Owl's Roost | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Paceline bicycles | | Strengths: | Solid bike!!!! Allows you to climb the hills with ease and treats you to a bomber ride down. Can pull up to the cross country start line and make the twitchy light hardtails suck wind to keep up. Basically like a 2 AM drunk call.....always can count on it and ALWAYS delivers | | Weaknesses: | Pivot creaks. Powder coat paint wears but it's a mountain bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Omit to avoid hurt feelings | | Bike Setup: | Kendra Nevegal 2.35, Mavic 321 Disc Rims, Fox Float RLC 140mm fork, Swinger 4-way coil, SRAM X-9, Juicy 7 brakes & A SWEET pig horn on the Raceface Deus XC bar | | Bottom Line: | Like already stated, 2AM drunk call........Always can count on and ALWAYS delivers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Amilcar Rodriguez M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas,DF, Venezuela
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Parque Nacional El Avila, Jarillo. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4200.00 | | Purchased At: | LatinBike - Caracas | | Strengths: | What but I like of this bicycle, am his strength, as sees and as it works. Ademas comes with Very Good Brakes, Shock absorber and Fox suspension that all land for my does. It can arrive at where many doubles do not arrive. It can shine like a hardtail. Without a doubt some the best purchase than done. | | Weaknesses: | perhaps but the delicate thing that brings this bicycle, is their Grips | | Similar Products Used: | My other Bicycles, Giant XTC full XT and disc, And Specialized 120 Stumpjumper FSR disc, 2005. | | Bike Setup: | Full XT Components, Avid Juicy Seven 2008, Rotor 185mm/160mm, Fox Talas RLC 140 2008, Fox Float RP23. DT Swiss Wheels, Kenda Navegal 2.1, Race Face Handlebar and Steam, ODI Grips, Thomson Seat Tube, WTB Seat. | | Bottom Line: | This is one of the best bicycles than I have proven and mounted, it forms it with the option that wished from the damping, brakes, wheels and color of picture, also the components. List to be used in great routes. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Carmarthen
Date Reviewed: January 13, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bergwm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisure Lakes Cheltenham | | Strengths: | Simple, strong, balanced geometry, build it light and strong or heavy and hard. Great mud clearance. Will be simple to maintain AND cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing at the moment. | | Similar Products Used: | Gemini 2000, 04,06, 07 Enduro, Yeti 575 all owned | | Bike Setup: | Light at the mo, getting a PIKE and EN521's nect, Thomson elite/masterpiece, Full 08 XT, Maxxis High Roller for solo rides and Scwalbe for group rides. Ayup Lights | | Bottom Line: | Used this bike now for 6 weeks riding gfor 40 actual riding time and I've never had a bike to do it without fuss. It's solid and no flex and I can see myself keeping this bike as there's just one pivot to replace. The reason I got this bike was the great review and I wish I had bought this bike 2 years ago, though this is the newest version. It's built exactly to the terrain I ride in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from Templeton, CA
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Just Outstanding | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | JB Mountain Bikes | | Strengths: | It rides great up, down, and anything in between on the mountain. My silver anodized Heckler looks great. Very durable - no mechanical failures or problems, whatsoever. | | Weaknesses: | Heavier than some. The welds are not works of art, but according to those who know more than I do, they are improving.
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Cannondale Delta V | | Bike Setup: | Fox DHX Coil shock, Vanilla RLS fork, SRAM components, Thomson seat post and stem, Kenda Nevegal tires, etc. | | Bottom Line: | Best value at this price. Best bike I have owned. Check out "JB Mountain Bikes" online; Justin Bernardo, who owns the operation, gave me the best deal I could find and was always available for consultation. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chowjusky
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | Industry | | Strengths: | Everything | | Weaknesses: | Nothing I can find (yet) | | Similar Products Used: | Various pieces of stock crap | | Bike Setup: | RP23 rear shock, Manitou Minute3, Deus Cranks, Juicy 7 brakes, Mavic XM819 handlaiced wheelset, Hope hubs, Maxxis High Roller 2.35 UST, XO rear and shifters, XT front, Thomson post & stem, Ithys Gove saddle, FSA O/S carbon bar & Acid 2 pedals | | Bottom Line: | By far the best ride I have ever had. The Heckler is like riding your couch everywhere. TBH I cant find anything I dislike about this ride. Sure, some less educated people think that made in the USA is best. Unfortunately, it ain't. The welds, materials and construction are far better and cheaper in Taiwan. You only pay more for US made because of the disparity in labor costs. Anyway, back to the bike. There is aboslutely no bob on the climbs if you have the RP23. The bike is so responsive on climbs & descents that I fell in love with riding all over again. I have managed to get the whole build to around 30lbs which aint bad for a 5"+ all mountain ride. There is a reason that this frame has won so many awards and if you test ride one you will see. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Luna
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna, Ca. U.S.
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | five oaks, Aliso Wilderness | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Laguna Cyclery | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | wish I could brag that it's USA made like my LT, but it's Taiwan | | Similar Products Used: | Blur LT, Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | 36 fork, juicy 7's,twisters, nandlaced 717 wheels with 2.35 Nevegal | | Bottom Line: | I was warned by many bike shops against going single pivot. I have put 4300 miles on a Blur LT, and had to get used to the difference from a Blur Classic. No joke, the first time I rode the '08 Heckler, it was like I had ridden it for years. I changed over parts from the LT to the Heckler to fairly compare the two, but in my eyes, there is no comparison. The heckler can climb techy stuff better, the brake jack is a myth, maybe because I use a lot more front brake. Descending is at much, much higher speeds, and 5' flat drop offs to asphalt are very smooth. Can you tell, I love the simple, single pivot masterpiece that is the '08 Heckler. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
graham
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | new 08 model beutiful design and shape, as other have said this bike rides light but can take the tough stuff | | Weaknesses: | strange one this, the bottom bracket is 1 inch lower than it shows on the website geomentry guide. with 140mm fox forks it's 12.5". I've fitted a longer shock and fork and it now measures 13.5 as it should be but that can't be right. the shock it came with was 200mm eye to eye. the one I've now fitted is 215mm. anyone else had a prob | | Similar Products Used: | gemini, had it for ages and loved it. | | Bike Setup: | now, fox 36R's, DHX5 215mm, blue hope everything, middleburn cranks, un72 square tapper BB, which is 4 years old and still going Thomson post, SRAM KIT | | Bottom Line: | I've contacted the importers ref BB height and hope to get it sorted. like i say be good to here if anyone else has had a prob, or is mine a bad one | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | Strength and simplicity - this design has been slowly refined since the dawn of time, becoming the perfect all-mountain or light freeride frame. | | Weaknesses: | Big freaking pivots interfere with larger chainrings in the middle position | | Similar Products Used: | Nomad, 5 spot, Slayer, Uzzi, etc. | | Bike Setup: | DHX5.0 coil, Vanilla 32, Atlas 180mm cranks, 26t+34t+bash, DTSwiss340+LaserDisc Trails, Juicy7s, Azonic Pokeys (awesome!), various tires from 2.3 to 2.5's (mostly WTBs), etc. | | Bottom Line: | I should have bought this frame years ago instead of messing around with multi-link designs. Utterly stout, squeak-free, and simple. Rides awesome.
If you've tuned a shock before, then it is child's play to get efficient pedaling out of the DHX 5.0, while still keeping it plush. My setup lets me stand and mash on the pedals with very little movement. Be sure to run the correct spring rate. If you're not sure, get another and try it out. The effort to get this right pays off tenfold. You need to dial in sag FIRST, then rebound, THEN mess around with everything else.
From all the talk, I was worried about brake jack. No worries. All bikes should be set up with bigger front and smaller rear rotors - ever wonder why every single seriously fast vehicle outside of mountain biking is set up that way? (Hint - you should be getting 75% of your braking force from the front, which is where the weight transfers... If you're braking late with the rear... then for god's sake please stop. You're the one causing all the braking bumps. Man up and carry some speed through the turns.)
Was definitely surprised to find this the sweetest riding full suspension frame I've ever tried, since was expecting to give something away with the single pivot. Nope. Took about 10 rides to sort out the suspension and the stem/spacer/bars combo. Now is 100% gangster on any all-mountain terrain. Eats up drops, rock gardens, roots, and gnarly technical descents. Also to my amazement eats up climbs, pedals like crazy, eats riders in lycra on their $5k bikes, etc...
In its first three months my Heckler has spent several weeks riding in Moab, Fruita, Downieville and the Bay Area. This bike can take it all. For lift-served or sustained Moab duty, the only change I'd want to make is a bigger fork w/ 20mm through axle. Otherwise could even take it in the park.
I sized it larger than SC recommended, and am very happy w/ a XL. I'm 6'2' and 165, running a 90mm stem. Very stable at speed and still plenty of room to move it around with body english in the technical or in the air, or to quickly bail off when things go all pear-shaped.
Only regret? Am running a 2 ring+bashguard setup, and am kinda limited to 34t in the mid-ring position without doing weird things to the bottom bracket alignment and chainline. Wish I could do 36t - would seem a pretty obvious need on this type of bike.
So I give this 5 chilis for both value AND overall. Some others have said they think it gives something up to the very highest-end frames. I call BS on that. I've ridden many of those frames, and I don't think the Heckler+DHX5.0 combo gives up anything. Maybe it just happens to be a perfect fit for my riding style - so be it. If you can find something better, ride it instead.
But remember, there's a reason Santa Cruz has kept this around since the dawn of time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark nichols
a
from aberdeenshire
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | golspie | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bothy bikes | | Strengths: | superb bike especially after getting full race fox dhx5 coil by tf tuned, stops it kicking on the really rough stuff | | Weaknesses: | the paint | | Similar Products Used: | yeti,cannondale, Kona | | Bike Setup: | pikes,sram X 9, e-thirteen, hope 203 front 185 rear,big earls, | | Bottom Line: | Well what can you sat pedals well, super plush with full race push coil shock, can it get better, idont think so tried a nomad but what can it do better than my heckler. When the boys are at the back you know the bike is good, bye bye yeti, cannondale etc see you at the bottom..
Good for the rider who wants one bike for all uses, not good for a fast hardtail user but then who rides hardtails off road seriously.....................go short full suss | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark nichols
a
from aberdeenshire
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | golspie | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | bothy bikes | | Strengths: | superb bike especially after getting full race fox dhx5 coil by tf tuned, stops it kicking on the really rough stuff | | Weaknesses: | the paint | | Similar Products Used: | yeti,cannondale, Kona | | Bike Setup: | pikes,sram X 9, e-thirteen, hope 203 front 185 rear,big earls, | | Bottom Line: | Well what can you sat pedals well, super plush with full race push coil shock, can it get better, idont think so tried a nomad but what can it do better than my heckler. When the boys are at the back you know the bike is good, bye bye yeti, cannondale etc see you at the bottom..
Good for the rider who wants one bike for all uses, not good for a fast hardtail user but then who rides hardtails off road seriously.....................go short full suss | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Willawaw | | Strengths: | Light weight for the travel. 29.5 lbs at the bike shop scale. Sexy looking. Does not feel like 29 lbs. | | Weaknesses: | Do not like stock seat,WTB Pure V Stealth. | | Similar Products Used: | Spent the last 7 years on a Santa Cruz Superlite. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz X9 AM kit. X9 rear d and trigger shifters.Juicy 7.Nevegal 2.35.Fox RLC 140mm.Acid peddals. | | Bottom Line: | This bike makes me smile every time I ride it.I ride technical single track most of the time with some light freeride,no drops over 3ft.This might be more bike than I need,but the Superlite was not big enough.The bike is only 3lbs more than the SL,and 1lb is in the wheels/tires.I only notice the weight on long uphills,but it flat cooks down hill.At first I thought the bike had a lot of suspension bob when I stood up and cranked up steep hills,untill I had a friend follow me. He said the rear had almost no movement. I tried some more hills with the fork locked out and it feels almost like a hardtail. It is as good or maybe a little better than my SL with a Pushed shock.On small drops(2ft) it feels like my SL,but it just soaks up the larger drops.My only real complaint is how crampd the cockpit feels,but I am used to the cross country feel of my SL.I also wish Santa Cruz offered Anodized frames with there complete kits. The paint on my Chameleon is not good,but the anodized on my SL is great. I bought the painted Heckler because it is cheaper. I hope it holds up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rex
a Weekend Warrior
from Pasig, Philippines
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Santa Rosa Bikehauz | | Strengths: | simplicity of design and somehow it came out looking handsomely aggressive. | | Weaknesses: | none at the moment but I'm keen to observe the rear suspension attachment on the frame. The 07 model looked less strong compared to the classic but this is just by looking at it. | | Similar Products Used: | came from a h/t but have tried Jamis Dakar AM3 and an 06 Nomad. | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float R rear shock, 08 Fox Van RLC, 08 XT groupset, Kenda Nevegal 2.1 DTC, Truvativ XR (handle bar, stem and seat post), Shimano DX clipless and WTB Pure V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I can take this bike anywhere and still come out smiling 'coz as always it has been a great ride. The full suspension systems works and is very plush but holds itself on climbs. Downhill is so steady and fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island, NY
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Junkie - Bethpage, NY | | Strengths: | In a short simple statement: An incredibly simple design, tough enough to take some abuse but light enough to go on long rides. | | Weaknesses: | Too new to give any | | Similar Products Used: | '04 Bullit, Rocky Mtn Element | | Bike Setup: | RP23 rear shock, Fox Float 140m fork and miscelaneous parts from my old RM Element | | Bottom Line: | This bike is exactly what I've been looking for. I previously owned a Bullit and Rocky Mtn Element...both great bikes but the one thing they lacked was the middle ground that I was looking for...that was a bike that could take some abuse yet be able to go on longer rides. After moving to a smaller space I decided to finally sell the 2 bikes and get what I've always been looking for...a bike that gives me the best of both worlds in one package. My old Bullit was a bike that felt like a tank going over everything in a simplistic design whereas the Element was light enough to go long distances yet not giving me enough travel that I longed for in a bike. In the Heckler I have found the best of both worlds. I can't rave enough about the simplistic design and low maintenance that comes with Santa Cruz single pivot designs. I've seen this bike set up for XC and I've seen it set up for more extreme riding at DH trails. I think I've found a good mix with mine tipping the scales at around 31lbs. Could I lighten it up - yes...could i beef it up - sure....but why would I when this bike doesn't limit me to any one type of riding. Go buy one...you won't be disappointed. I'll review down the road after riding it more and seeing more of the benefits than the ones I've just written about. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daygo
a Weekend Warrior
from Cali
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | simplicity, looks, durability...no squeak. | | Weaknesses: | on small frame I could not fit a fox 36.. the bottom tube will hit the top of the adj. knobs. | | Similar Products Used: | | | Bike Setup: | | | Bottom Line: | I've tried a lot of bikes out there.. too much hype with all the linkage design.. this frame rocks.. decent enough for climbing, and descends fantastic.. I've always been looking into replacing this bike.. but cannot do it.. especially everytime i ride this thing.. always put a smile on my face.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Downhiller
from DanVegas
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Crooked Stick | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Paceline | | Strengths: | durable, light (compared to my previous bike), single pivot simplicity. | | Weaknesses: | low bottom bracket, some brake-jack in techy, rocky-rooty junk.. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Coiler Deelux, Santa Cruz Blur.. Redline monocog 29 | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Heckler, Fox DHX Air, Rock shox Pike 454, Avid Juicy 7, King Headset, Thompson, Stylo cranks, Sram stuff... | | Bottom Line: | I've only got several rides on this Heckler but I'm super stoked about it. I went from pedaling a 41 pound Kona to this 31.5lb. dream. It's a pretty good climber and a great descender, just an all around good bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | | | Strengths: | For me, it's SIMPLICITY and DURABILITY. It's also REASONABLY PRICED and a great ALL-AROUND performer. | | Weaknesses: | It's NOT THE MOST EFFICIENT suspension design, and it's a BIT HEAVY. This is most noticeable when you are trying to go uphill FAST (i.e. racing). | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Bullit | | Bike Setup: | New 2007 Frame with Shimano XT/Fox "trail riding" build (31 pounds). | | Bottom Line: | I've put a lot of miles on this frame in the last 4 months. They have been mostly mellow trail rides, but my 210 pounds adds a lot of stress. After much thought and research (and 6 years on a Bullit), I decided to buy the new 2007 Heckler. It feels a lot like the Bullit, but lighter and more snappy. With Kenda Small Block 8's and a Fox RP23, it accelerates quickly (even at 31 pounds). It handles extremely well going downhill (a lot like the Bullit). It climbs respectably with the propedal turned on or off (even though I think a frame's "climbing performance" should be based more on rider fitness...I climb faster on any bike when I am in better shape). The Heckler's climbing performance changes depending on the ride. On short to epic recreational rides, it "climbs" better. During the occasional race (2-4 times per year for me), it "climbs" slower than other race-specific frames. See what I mean? It all depends on your expectations. So far I've used it for trail riding, 24 hour races, long training days in the dirt and on the road, and even a 13+ hour day in the saddle. I needed a frame that fit my budget ($1,400); required very little maintenance (I'm not a good mechanic); would hold up for 5+ years; and provide above-average to excellent performance in a wide variety of conditions. That is exactly what the Heckler gives me every time. I agree with another reviewer who gave it 5 chilis for "value" (I think it's hard to beat a Heckler in this category) and 4 chilis "overall" (it's a "great" frame, but there are others out there that are better). Happy shopping! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodside, CA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | no fav, like 'em all | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$ | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | I have the original Heckler, before it became the Superlight and then, apparently, the Heckler again. As far as I know, the only difference between my bike, which is 8 years old, and the new Heckler is that the swingarm on my bike is heavier (not by much).
I've ridden thousands of hours on it, traveled all over California, Utah, and Colorado with it, and adventure raced it on more than a few occasions. Simply put, this is a hall of fame design. There are better bikes, without a doubt, but few that can stand the test of time like the Heckler. It's still competitive against much newer bikes.
- lightweight without sacrificing durability
- great clearance
- compact cockpit makes for very efficient riding position
- quick and maneuverable on tight trails yet confidence inspiring on fast washboard | | Weaknesses: | - the one piece rear swingarm doesn't give you the feel that a multilink does
| | Similar Products Used: | many... Rocky Mountain would be my favorite. | | Bike Setup: | old school... Marzocchi Bomber, XTR controls, Avid mechanical discs, Race Face cranks, Hayes Superlight hubs on whatever rims I can get a good deal on (I think I have Sun and Mavic right now), Thomson seatpost, King headset, and a Easton handlebar... but seriously, I haven't replaced anything on this bike in years other than a saddle that wore out. It's like the energizer bunny, just keeps going and going. | | Bottom Line: | Everyone loves their new bike but how many people can say after 8 years on a single bike that it's still a five chili?
The Heckler lives up to the task and then some, and the durability means you won't get stranded somewhere when you really need it. I rode 40 miles a day over a week in Moab and while my friends needed trailside repairs, or outright new bikes, my Heckler never flinched.
You will notice that I gave the bike a 5 chili value rating, for the reasons stated above, but only 4 on overall. The reason for that is it's clear that there are some really amazing bikes that are capable of a higher level of performance and I think that on overall ratings you have to take into account relative performance, so when compared to other bikes the |
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