Santa Cruz Blur LT
BikeRadar verdict
"Classic, aggressive trail bike with an extra knockout punch"
When Santa Cruz extended the travel on the legendary Blur, they didn't just change the linkages to milk more out of the shock - they built a whole new front end for it.
Frame
The LT mainframe uses a big 'filler' gusset behind the headtube to give enough strength to allow up to a 160mm travel fork, while the swingarm subframe is the same as the super tough 4X dual slalom bike. New linkages for the VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) system increase rear wheel travel from 115mm to 135mm, while keeping weight (6.3lb) to within an ounce or two of the old Blur's weight.
Ride
Overall tracking stiffness is good and the handling angles (69.5 head angle/72.5 seat angle) are also slightly more relaxed for better speed and cruising confidence. The VPP linkage suspension really like the big stuff too, sucking up square edges or big drops on any technical trails you shove in the Blur LT's way. It digs in under power too, although noticeable pedal feedback and occasional 'over travel' isn't to everyone's taste as we discovered.
Also, while mud clearance is less of an issue than it looks, bigger tyres (2.2in plus) will always be a bit of a squeeze. A mid-height (13.2in) BB meant we occasionally caught the pedals over bumps and lumps too. Overall, the Blur LT is a very well balanced, responsive trail bike with some very useful extra punch for knocking out most of the bigger stuff you'll meet on the trail. This easy all-day, all-terrain confidence means one of our fave mid-travel full sussers is still right up there.
Manufacturers description
Never wanting to disappoint the more aggressive fans of the Blur XC, we've upped the ante with the Blur LT. Truly the definition of a killer trail bike if there ever was one. The rear wheel travel has been bumped up to 135 mm, and the beefier head tube junction is happy to handle a longer travel fork. You want 160 mm of travel up front? Go ahead kid; the world is your oyster. The bottom bracket is a bit higher, and the head tube has been slackened a pinch so all you have to do is worry about hanging on and savoring everything from seemingly endless, loamy single track to the most unforgiving of rock-strewn fire roads.Shopping partners
Specification
- Name:
- Blur LT
- Built by:
- Santa Cruz
- Price:
- n/a
- Front Derailleur Model:
- Shimano XT
- Front Hub Model:
- Onyz
- Handlebar Model:
- Riser
- Head Angle:
- 69.5 Degrees
- Headset Type:
- 1 1/8 Inch Threadless
- Pedals Model:
- Alium
- Rear Derailleur Model:
- Shimano XT
- Rear Hub Model:
- Onyx
- Rear Shock Model:
- Float RP3
- Rims Model:
- XM321
- Saddle Model:
- EA50
- Seat Angle:
- 72.5 Degrees
- Seatpost Model:
- EA50
- Shifters Model:
- Shimano XT
- Stem Model:
- EA50
- Weight (kg):
- 13.1
- Front Hub Brand:
- DT Swiss
- Available Colours:
- Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Orange Anodised, Polished, White
- Available Sizes:
- L, M, S, XL
- Fork Brand:
- Fox
- Front Derailleur Brand:
- Shimano
- Front Tyre Model:
- Weirwolf
- Front Tyre Size:
- 26x2.1
- Grips/Tape Brand:
- Easton
- Headset Brand:
- Chris King
- Pedals Brand:
- Time
- Rear Derailleur Brand:
- Shimano
- Rear Hub Brand:
- DT Swiss
- Rear Shock Brand:
- Fox
- Rear Tyre Model:
- Weirwolf
- Rear Tyre Size:
- 26x2.1
- Rims Brand:
- Mavic
- Saddle Brand:
- Easton
- Seatpost Brand:
- Easton
- Shifters Brand:
- Shimano
- Stem Brand:
- Easton
- Tyres Brand:
- WTB
- Handlebar Type:
- Riser
Shopping partners
Related links
Also on BikeRadar
Racing
Rollapaluza to return for Revolution 23
Roller racing comes to...
Fitness
Technique: Winter warrior, part 3 – Building power
How BMX tracks help build...
News
Bike Demo Days - book your places now
First two rounds of 2009...
News
New member deals from British Cycling
Discounts available on gear,...
News
Chromag adds new seat quick release to its range
Burly clamp with brass...
Blogs
Sock it to the credit crunch!
A winter credit crunch bargain
Post this story to: