I love your appreciation and promotion of short travel trail bikes. The industry loves to drool over the newest 170mm travel enduro bikes but you remind us that a bike is only as fun as the environment you ride in, and being “overbiked” can make the ride boring! Nice to see someone who appreciates a bike with just enough travel for the environment they ride in, plus you get the benefit of weight savings too (Man, a 27lb full suspension sounds like such a delight to ride)
Thanks for doing this video. The Blur / ZFS-5 is definitely great content to compare. Cervelo definitely changed things in little ways that may add up to noticeable differences. Looking forward to the next installment 👍
I love Santa Cruz bikes! I picked up my new Chameleon last month! I was really interested in the Specialized Fuse after watching your videos but my local bike shop didn’t stock. Instead they had what I own now! For me, the lifetime warranty is worth the money!
Last year I bought my first e-bike the trek fuel EXE. Nice going up hill, but like a tank going down. So i took everything off. Put on RS sid 120mm front and back, DT swiss 1501, XTR groupset. now it fun :)
Hell yeah the Blur TR! If I had the money I would have bought that. Instead I got a killer deal on a 23’ Epic EVO Pro. Haven’t ridden it yet, but soon we’ll see how much more efficient it is than my Tallboy 4 which I’m keeping as my trail bike!
Rode a bunch of modern xc bikes this season, I felt the Blur TR stood out above even the new specialized epic line. Trek top fuel too heavy for xc bike, that's more a short travel trail bike IMO. So ultimately I ended up with a blur and am super stoked. I feel like Santa Cruz bikes are edging out ahead of most manufacturers nowadays.
Oh yeah! Fast & light enough, yet capable enough to go all day. You might have to be more picky choosing your lines but that will also make it more fun. I love my 2022 Trail 429, so not getting rid of that one, but while all my friends are getting e-bikes for their recovery days, I'll just buy this one instead.
Dude, what you are looking for is the SC Tallboy! It is the rowdiest of the short travel 29ers. It is a pretty decent pedaler and super fun super composed descender. Go check it out and show us your thoughts!
I just bought a 2023 Epic Evo Comp at 35% off. There are some crazy good deals right now. I assume your new unnamed bike is the Epic Evo "World Cup". Let me guess, 100/120mm travel. I'll be watching for the review.
@@jctrails my money is on 120/120 for the new E. And the line will be cut to just the WC version and the Evo full squish version. Not in the market as I have 2 very new “S” bikes already and love them but I like seeing what’s new and the progression of bikes.
Not a flex stay bike but I was super impressed with the current version of the Pivot Mach 4 SL. Super fast but felt like it offered a little better rear suspension performance compared to the epic Evo which I compared it to.
The Mach 4 SL is a beautiful bike but heavy though. I test rode the previous generation many years ago and it was a rocket. Look at Mtb Yum Yum's review of the Epic EVO Comp, which is a $6K bike that is lighter than the $12K Pivot Mach 4 SL. When you're paying that kind of $$$, especially for an XC bike, it should be about 23-24lbs. I think many manufacturers are overbuilding frames so they don't have to warranty them.
@@AOL0321 yeah that’s a good point. I’m used to bigger trail bikes so it felt light to me haha. But yeah in class that seems heavy compared to the epic Evo which I’ve heard is a great bike in that category too.
Think you could get your hands on a Giant Trance Advanced (carbon version) 130/120 or a YT IZZO 130/130 or how about a Banshee Phantom 120-140 fork/115
@@jctrails Because of the weather and trails conditions here lately in N.Y., I haven't had a chance to ride my new Epic yet, but you have ridden both the Blur TR and the Epic EVO which I'm sure have slightly different ride qualities. I know my Tallboy 4 climbs technical terrain beautifully, due to it's more active suspension and I've read that the Epic EVO is pretty stiff and a less compliant suspension for the technical terrain. What did you think about the EVO's climbing on those big gravely type of trails that usually cause a less active suspension to kind of dance around?
The Blur Tr was on top of my list last summer, but they were not available until the Fall. So, I got a Spur instead. I was wondering since you ridden both how do they compare?
I have run rekons on my epic evo and ripley. I would say way more grip is provided when leaning the tire over on the rekons. The race ones have a supple feel to them because of the light weight casing.
@@jctrailssounds like Rekon front, rekon race in the rear might be my kinda thing. I run 4-5psi higher pressure in the back so that might help keep that supple R race in one piece
The Rekon Races are great if you have firm, slightly damp hardpack. But, once the trails change to dry loose-over-hardpack or anything soft you're going to want the regular Rekons. The Rekon Races are great until you find yourself skidding down a loose descent without the ability to control your speed. I learned this one the hard way. My favorite tire combo is the 2.6 Rekon front and the 2.6 Ikon rear.
@@jctrails hehe...i will be up at kingdom trails end of may...if you around...i got a 24.5 lbs deck out ranger...its a medium...snug fit...we the same size and weight.
There is also the Cannondale Scalpel SE which Mtb Yum Yum raved about. This bike is very light and a little more forgiving or less harsh than the Epic EVO according to him. Maybe not as efficient though. czcams.com/video/EcdHrLlkPfQ/video.htmlsi=6IjJjZmaOZQV1-Vb
I love your appreciation and promotion of short travel trail bikes. The industry loves to drool over the newest 170mm travel enduro bikes but you remind us that a bike is only as fun as the environment you ride in, and being “overbiked” can make the ride boring! Nice to see someone who appreciates a bike with just enough travel for the environment they ride in, plus you get the benefit of weight savings too (Man, a 27lb full suspension sounds like such a delight to ride)
These ST bikes are so capable. No need to lug around that excess weight unless you’re smashing big jumps and hits all the time.
Thanks for doing this video. The Blur / ZFS-5 is definitely great content to compare. Cervelo definitely changed things in little ways that may add up to noticeable differences. Looking forward to the next installment 👍
The blue TR is phenomenal,.
Love my Revel Ranger. Swapped out the fork to 130mm travel and it’s been amazing.
I will second the Revel Ranger V2. If you can demo one it’s definitely worth it.
Ranger is really good. Have mine with 120 fox sc.
The new "S" bike comes out in a couple days!
I believe it does
great review! short travel bikes bring new life to old trails.
They sure do!
Rocky Mountain element 👌🏻❤
I love Santa Cruz bikes! I picked up my new Chameleon last month!
I was really interested in the Specialized Fuse after watching your videos but my local bike shop didn’t stock. Instead they had what I own now! For me, the lifetime warranty is worth the money!
Love short travel flex stay bikes JC!
Super fun!
Last year I bought my first e-bike the trek fuel EXE. Nice going up hill, but like a tank going down. So i took everything off. Put on RS sid 120mm front and back, DT swiss 1501, XTR groupset. now it fun :)
Hell yeah the Blur TR! If I had the money I would have bought that. Instead I got a killer deal on a 23’ Epic EVO Pro. Haven’t ridden it yet, but soon we’ll see how much more efficient it is than my Tallboy 4 which I’m keeping as my trail bike!
That pro is a hell of a bike super light weight and fun
Nice bike, I had the Tallboy 2018 and it looks very similar🤔. I loved that bike.
Love my short travel bike also JC.I just want to feel the trails
🤘
Rode a bunch of modern xc bikes this season, I felt the Blur TR stood out above even the new specialized epic line. Trek top fuel too heavy for xc bike, that's more a short travel trail bike IMO. So ultimately I ended up with a blur and am super stoked. I feel like Santa Cruz bikes are edging out ahead of most manufacturers nowadays.
Oh yeah! Fast & light enough, yet capable enough to go all day. You might have to be more picky choosing your lines but that will also make it more fun. I love my 2022 Trail 429, so not getting rid of that one, but while all my friends are getting e-bikes for their recovery days, I'll just buy this one instead.
Right no e-bike required if your bike weighs 24lbs and pedals well.
Try the yeti sb120
Try the Scott Spark, amazing bike
Dude, what you are looking for is the SC Tallboy! It is the rowdiest of the short travel 29ers. It is a pretty decent pedaler and super fun super composed descender. Go check it out and show us your thoughts!
also super heavy for the travel. sold mine and got a Blur. This dude's right.
Thanks for the invite
You went skiing 😛
The Santa Cruz blur is actually a old trek frame look up the trek Roscoe 3 or should I say Gary Fisher or Roscoe 3.
I just bought a 2023 Epic Evo Comp at 35% off. There are some crazy good deals right now. I assume your new unnamed bike is the Epic Evo "World Cup". Let me guess, 100/120mm travel. I'll be watching for the review.
Deals are crazy right I would definitely grab something if you need a bike. The new Epics will surprise you😬
Yeah got my 23’ Epic EVO Pro for $5499. It’s almost $9K full retail. Can’t wait to try it out!
@@jctrails
my money is on 120/120 for the new E. And the line will be cut to just the WC version and the Evo full squish version. Not in the market as I have 2 very new “S” bikes already and love them but I like seeing what’s new and the progression of bikes.
@@bpisan your pretty close😬
Not a flex stay bike but I was super impressed with the current version of the Pivot Mach 4 SL. Super fast but felt like it offered a little better rear suspension performance compared to the epic Evo which I compared it to.
I’ve heard that Mach SL is a weapon!
The Mach 4 SL is a beautiful bike but heavy though. I test rode the previous generation many years ago and it was a rocket. Look at Mtb Yum Yum's review of the Epic EVO Comp, which is a $6K bike that is lighter than the $12K Pivot Mach 4 SL. When you're paying that kind of $$$, especially for an XC bike, it should be about 23-24lbs. I think many manufacturers are overbuilding frames so they don't have to warranty them.
@@AOL0321 yeah that’s a good point. I’m used to bigger trail bikes so it felt light to me haha. But yeah in class that seems heavy compared to the epic Evo which I’ve heard is a great bike in that category too.
You should try out a Transition Spur
Already have
czcams.com/video/OtMjy0zFa14/video.htmlsi=DHtmKpNqC3w9AK5p
I have a Blur TR with a Fox 34 G2 and a Float-X.............I call it a SmallBoy
Short boy!😛
Think you could get your hands on a Giant Trance Advanced (carbon version) 130/120 or a YT IZZO 130/130 or how about a Banshee Phantom 120-140 fork/115
I want to try the giant.
that's got to be the fittest dog in the U.S.
She’s a beast!
So you had a fox 34 130 mm on that bike ?
Get the CC XO1 kit instead of the S model. Makes no sense to have a 27lb short travel XC bike-too heavy!
A lot more money though
@@jctrails We missed the window of opportunity earlier this year when Santa Cruz was seriously discounting their bikes.
@@AOL0321 they are going to do it again I heard
@@jctrails Because of the weather and trails conditions here lately in N.Y., I haven't had a chance to ride my new Epic yet, but you have ridden both the Blur TR and the Epic EVO which I'm sure have slightly different ride qualities. I know my Tallboy 4 climbs technical terrain beautifully, due to it's more active suspension and I've read that the Epic EVO is pretty stiff and a less compliant suspension for the technical terrain. What did you think about the EVO's climbing on those big gravely type of trails that usually cause a less active suspension to kind of dance around?
The Blur Tr was on top of my list last summer, but they were not available until the Fall. So, I got a Spur instead. I was wondering since you ridden both how do they compare?
The blur feels more like a xc bike, while the spur has that trail bike feel.
@@jctrails Thank you! Now that the new Epic Evo is out I think I want that one now.
How about a flex stay hardtail like Ragley
I’ve always wanted to try one
Heard any news on the stumpjumper evo release?
Maybe October
@@jctrails oh no, was hoping for next month. Thx anyway
@@taunir713 that’s rumor I heard. It still could come out next month.
@@jctrails Would you concider the new stumpy?
@@taunir713 the regular stumpy absolutely
Hey Jc, just wondering about this trail. What trail is this again? Thank you
Pine hills. It’s a bunch of trails linked together.
What tires would you recommend if switched out Recon?
Specialized ground controls are pretty good.
what trail is that
did u have regular rekons before? how do these compare in pure grip when leaning in the turn?
I have run rekons on my epic evo and ripley. I would say way more grip is provided when leaning the tire over on the rekons. The race ones have a supple feel to them because of the light weight casing.
@@jctrailssounds like Rekon front, rekon race in the rear might be my kinda thing. I run 4-5psi higher pressure in the back so that might help keep that supple R race in one piece
The Rekon Races are great if you have firm, slightly damp hardpack. But, once the trails change to dry loose-over-hardpack or anything soft you're going to want the regular Rekons. The Rekon Races are great until you find yourself skidding down a loose descent without the ability to control your speed. I learned this one the hard way. My favorite tire combo is the 2.6 Rekon front and the 2.6 Ikon rear.
Where are you riding? Plymouth?
Yup PH.
just curious. what pressures?
25 front and 28 back
Man, are you ever going to settle on a bike ?
Nope. I had the trek top fuel for 2 1/2 years a record for me
Revel Ranger.
I really want to try ☝️
@@jctrails hehe...i will be up at kingdom trails end of may...if you around...i got a 24.5 lbs deck out ranger...its a medium...snug fit...we the same size and weight.
@jctrails any more word on when that SC fire sale is to hit?
Get with the times and get you a an E-bike….
I rather get in shape.
Price Trek top fuel 8 ❤2350❤ dollars
It's obvious, we all know the answer...2024 Epic Evo.
There is also the Cannondale Scalpel SE which Mtb Yum Yum raved about. This bike is very light and a little more forgiving or less harsh than the Epic EVO according to him. Maybe not as efficient though.
czcams.com/video/EcdHrLlkPfQ/video.htmlsi=6IjJjZmaOZQV1-Vb
I saw it. The scalpel is a slick looking bike.
In other words you bought a new bike out of boredom.