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Submitted by
arfur
a Weekend Warrior
from northumberland, uk
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | cairngorms, scotland | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | simple frame design; strong; extremely versatile. | | Weaknesses: | can't reach back to use the bottle-opener while riding! | | Similar Products Used: | kona dawg; santa cruz superlight; turner 5spot | | Bike Setup: | medium '06 frame, fox rl 125 forks, raceface cranks, hayes brakes, shimano gears, mavic xm117 wheels, panaracer cinders, easton kit. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this frame new and cheap off ebay, it's the sweet liquid blue colour and 18" (i'm 6ft - perfect fit for me with a 90mm stem). Built the bike up in a lightweight (30lbs) allmountain style using a selection of parts from old bikes and new stuff too and, it works!
For a simple, single pivot frame it handles everything with ease and seems to push me into riding harder, longer and faster.
For almost two years now, this heckler has been riden on all sorts of terrain - from fast flat singletrack, trail centre action, to overnight mountain epics and i can honestly say it has not caused me a single problem: no creaks, no cracks, no loose bearings, not even any dents or serious scratches.
I normally swap my bikes after a couple of years, but i can't really think of a good enough excuse to part with this one, the bottom line is - it's a fun, good-looking, reliable, do-it-all frame. Then again, the new '08 heckler looks damn fine! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jhmtb
a Weekend Warrior
from Thousand Oaks, CA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Guadalasca/Sullivan Cyn. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Westlake Cyclery | | Strengths: | Built to last, Perfect balance of lightweight and bulletproof durability. Climbs and corners like a XC Racer and bombs the Downhill like it was built for it. Incredibly all around balanced bike! | | Weaknesses: | only thing I could think of is Rear derailleur hanger loosened up twice in 4 years, not really a weekness. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro, 5.Spot, Maverick, Trek | | Bike Setup: | Maverick Duc, XTR Crank, XO Shifters & der, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, 5th element air & DHX Coil, carbon bars, 517 rims, Kenda Nevegal
| | Bottom Line: | This bike has been bullet proof! Every bike I have owned I have broken the frame & fork. I have raced this bike in a downhill event and XC event in the same day. Depending on the shock, fork and tires you use it can be set up to be a low 26.3 pounds for XC or heavier for trail riding & DH. It climbs & handles like my Fuel 100 did, but yet descends amazingly smooth and stable like a DH bike, the bike just corners like it is on rails at all speeds! It is incredibly forgiving & stable under any circumstances. This bike could be used by just a weekend warrior that likes to cruise on the local trails or the hard-core trail rider that will go for a few DH events during the season just to get the blood going! I did not think it was possible after 28 years of riding, but I believe this may be the best bike ever produced for high durability, low maintenance & with excellent performance & feel during all riding situations! My Heckler is over four years old and performs as good as the day I bought it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yo
a Downhiller
from Aptos
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything at UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | yo | | Strengths: | Great climber, fairly good jumper | | Weaknesses: | I find that with a smaller front shock IE 120, it can climb like a beast, and jump good | | Similar Products Used: | Nomad | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Black, 5th element rear, xt | | Bottom Line: | IT is a great bike overall. It started to squeek and it turned ou being the derailer hanger... 4 chillis for that | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hassan
a Cross Country Rider
from malaysia
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | kemensah | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4800.00 | | Purchased At: | ksh,ttdi | | Strengths: | built quality,single pivot teccnology,various built up options. | | Weaknesses: | none so far. | | Similar Products Used: | merida am 800,jamis parker 1,norco six two | | Bike Setup: | rp23,fox vanilla 32,xt brakes,xtr groupset,kcnc seatpost,mcmahone headset,sunline v-one stem & riser bars,odi grips,wtb pure v sddle,syncos ds 23 with novotec hubs & wtb moto raptor 2.4 tyres,wellgo pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Decided on the heckler after detailed research.others considered were superlight ,turner & yeti. never regretted on the decision.very good performace as an allrounder though mine is built up as a x-country.glad that i chose the rp23 instead of the dhx air.a very good climber & superb downhiller. i could ride faster overall !by the way im 54 & have just started riding for 6 months.should have started much earlier ! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Forest of Dean, UK.
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Coed y Brenin, N Wales. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisur Lakes, Cheltenham. | | Strengths: | Great all round bike, for the rider that wants to do a bit of everything! 08 frame looks fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Patriot XCEL, Cannondale Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | 08 XL Frame with Fox RP23.
Fox Talas 36 R.
Hope Pro 2 on DT Swiss EX 5.1 rims.
Hope Mono M4 brakes.
Hope headset.
Thompson stem and seat post.
XT components.
30.5lbs without pedals!! | | Bottom Line: | Only had this bike for a few months, but am really pleased with its performance. I built it relitively strong, but even so it came in at sub 31lbs. Being just over 6ft 2" tall, I was on the border line of a large and XL frame. I chose the XL, and run it with a 90mm stem, which works great.
I initially built the bike with Pike's, but changed to the Fox 36's which is what I had on my Patriot.The 160mm fork gives the bike a more all mountain feel, and relaxes the head angle by about 3/4 degree.
I would class myself as an "all mountain" rider who likes to do a bit of everything, from long XC type rides to messing about on jumps, drops etc, and this bike is perfect. The single pivot and Fox RP23 works an absolute treat on the climbs.
For the rider that wants a good all rounder, that looks great, definately try out the new SC Heckler.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Forest of Dean, UK.
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Coed y Brenin, N Wales. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Leisur Lakes, Cheltenham. | | Strengths: | Great all round bike, for the rider that wants to do a bit of everything! 08 frame looks fantastic. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Orange Patriot XCEL, Cannondale Prophet. | | Bike Setup: | 08 XL Frame with Fox RP23.
Fox Talas 36 R.
Hope Pro 2 on DT Swiss EX 5.1 rims.
Hope Mono M4 brakes.
Hope headset.
Thompson stem and seat post.
XT components.
30.5lbs without pedals!! | | Bottom Line: | Only had this bike for a few months, but am really pleased with its performance. I built it relitively strong, but even so it came in at sub 31lbs. Being just over 6ft 2" tall, I was on the border line of a large and XL frame. I chose the XL, and run it with a 90mm stem, which works great.
I initially built the bike with Pike's, but changed to the Fox 36's which is what I had on my Patriot.The 160mm fork gives the bike a more all mountain feel, and relaxes the head angle by about 3/4 degree.
I would class myself as an "all mountain" rider who likes to do a bit of everything, from long XC type rides to messing about on jumps, drops etc, and this bike is perfect. The single pivot and Fox RP23 works an absolute treat on the climbs.
For the rider that wants a good all rounder that looks great, definately try out the new SC Heckler.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Primo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Garage | | Strengths: | For the 08 frame: well built, bomber frame, and is lighter and stiffer than my previous 02 Heckler | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Heckler, Slayer, intense 66, tranisition covert, yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | Marz 55eta, Fox rp23, all 08 XT drivetrain and brakes, Easton Havoc wheels with 2.35 minions f/r, Easton monkey light bars, Thomson stem and seatpost.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2432527643_73220cc43a_o.jpg | | Bottom Line: | This bike loves to go fast downhill and take to the air. It climbs with less effort and accelerates faster than my last 02 Heckler- this may be somewhat due to lighter wheels and bike. Complete bike weighs 31.3 pounds which is quite good for a bomb proof 160mmF/150mmR suspension bike. The wheelbase is 1" longer and bb is about 3/4" inch higher than my 02 Heckler, which changes the handling a little. The longer wheelbase could be shortened and steering sharpened slightly with a 140mm fork (my Marz 55eta is 160mm), but I'm happy with it's current handling. Using the eta feature on the fork to shorten travel length is key for good climbing ability. If you're thinking about this bike and will be climbing a lot, get a fork that has an on-the-fly travel reduction feature.
For 07/08, Santa Cruz really improved upon the last version of Heckler with newer hydro-formed tubes (lighter and stiffer), and an improved main pivot with better bearings=longer life span and stiffer.
Regarding the previous posters that had problems. I think they are an extremely small minority. I put 5.5 solid seasons of extremely hard riding (xc, dirt jumping, and hard downhilling) on my last Heckler and the frame never complained once. On top of regular maintenance, I also overhualed my bike twice a year and only replaced the main pivot bearings 2 times in those 5.5 years. I don't know anyone who can make the same claim about ease and cost of maintenance for their frames! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Primo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Garage | | Strengths: | For the 08 frame: well built, bomber frame, and is lighter and stiffer than my previous 02 Heckler | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Heckler, Slayer, intense 66, tranisition covert, yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | Marz 55eta, Fox rp23, all 08 XT drivetrain and brakes, Easton Havoc wheels with 2.35 minions f/r, Easton monkey light bars, Thomson stem and seatpost.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2432527643_73220cc43a_o.jpg | | Bottom Line: | This bike loves to go fast downhill and take to the air. It climbs with less effort and accelerates faster than my last 02 Heckler- this may be somewhat due to lighter wheels and bike. Complete bike weighs 31.3 pounds which is quite good for a bomb proof 160mmF/150mmR suspension bike. The wheelbase is 1" longer and bb is about 3/4" inch higher than my 02 Heckler, which changes the handling a little. The longer wheelbase could be shortened and steering sharpened slightly with a 140mm fork (my Marz 55eta is 160mm), but I'm happy with it's current handling. Using the eta feature on the fork to shorten travel length is key for good climbing ability. If you're thinking about this bike and will be climbing a lot, get a fork that has an on-the-fly travel reduction feature.
For 07/08, Santa Cruz really improved upon the last version of Heckler with newer hydro-formed tubes (lighter and stiffer), and an improved main pivot with better bearings=longer life span and stiffer.
Regarding the previous posters that had problems. I think they are an extremely small minority. I put 5.5 solid seasons of extremely hard riding (xc, dirt jumping, and hard downhilling) on my last Heckler and the frame never complained once. On top of regular maintenance, I also overhualed my bike twice a year and only replaced the main pivot bearings 2 times in those 5.5 years. I don't know anyone who can make the same claim about ease and cost of maintenance for their frames! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie Clark
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Primo | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | Sports Garage | | Strengths: | For the 08 frame: well built, bomber frame, and is lighter and stiffer than my previous 02 Heckler | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | 02 Heckler, Slayer, intense 66, tranisition covert, yeti 575 | | Bike Setup: | Marz 55eta, Fox rp23, all 08 XT drivetrain and brakes, Easton Havoc wheels with 2.35 minions f/r, Easton monkey light bars, Thomson stem and seatpost.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2432527643_73220cc43a_o.jpg | | Bottom Line: | This bike loves to go fast downhill and take to the air. It climbs with less effort and accelerates faster than my last 02 Heckler- this may be somewhat due to lighter wheels and bike. Complete bike weighs 31.3 pounds which is quite good for a bomb proof 160mmF/150mmR suspension bike. The wheelbase is 1" longer and bb is about 3/4" inch higher than my 02 Heckler, which changes the handling a little. The longer wheelbase could be shortened and steering sharpened slightly with a 140mm fork (my Marz 55eta is 160mm), but I'm happy with it's current handling. Using the eta feature on the fork to shorten travel length is key for good climbing ability. If you're thinking about this bike and will be climbing a lot, get a fork that has an on-the-fly travel reduction feature.
For 07/08, Santa Cruz really improved upon the last version of Heckler with newer hydro-formed tubes (lighter and stiffer), and an improved main pivot with better bearings=longer life span and stiffer.
Regarding the previous posters that had problems. I think they are an extremely small minority. I put 5.5 solid seasons of extremely hard riding (xc, dirt jumping, and hard downhilling) on my last Heckler and the frame never complained once. On top of regular maintenance, I also overhualed my bike twice a year and only replaced the main pivot bearings 2 times in those 5.5 years. I don't know anyone who can make the same claim about ease and cost of maintenance for their frames! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RiderInOC
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA.
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Strengths: | Well balanced. Good climber. Smooth transitions. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | 03 Santa Cruz Heckler, GT I-drive, Mongoose | | Bike Setup: | Pike 454 forks, Fox DHX 5.0 coil, XT drivetrain, Mavic 819's with Hope Pro II hubs, Thomson seat post/stem. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a beast. It's light enough to knock out a fast and fun cross country ride and beefy enough to take jumps and downhills. The bike responds well in all conditions. From climbing up long steep hills to bombing downhills, the set up and geometry of this bike is solid. Once dialed in, the bike performs like a champ. I would recommend test riding and/or purchasing a Heckler. Good stuff! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Provo
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Perfect mix of lightweight and bombproof durability. Climbs like a mountain goat, floats down the descents and corners like it's riding on rails. I love the simplicity of the single pivot. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | 07 Kona Dawg Dee-lux, 08 Specialized Stumpjumper Pro, 08 Gary Fisher HiFi pro 29, 06 Specialized Epic, | | Bike Setup: | 08 XT components including new brakes (very sweet). 32 TALAS/RP23. Thompson/Raceface cockpit. Easton Havoc wheelset. Chris King Headset. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Nothing I have ridden has come so close to really living up to the "All Mountain" name. The geometry is perfect for all day epics that include very technical sections and steep chutes. I was riding an 07 Kona Dawg that I loved, but the difference is huge as far as capability goes. I have mine built up pretty light (29 lbs for a large), but it still eats up descents like they're nothing. Colorado Cyclist did an exceptional job on the build and their customer service is top notch, they built it to my specs and had it shipped to me in less than a week. All this and it was the cheapest full XT, serious all mountain bike I could find! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | 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! | | 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 | | 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 | | 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 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$999.00 | | Strengths: | Cost & simplicity | | Weaknesses: | simplicity | | 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 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | 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 | |
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