First Ride: 2021 Santa Cruz Bullit - It's Electric

Nov 17, 2020
by Dan Roberts  



Santa Cruz's Heckler was the brand's first foray into the e-bike market and took a few people by surprise only 10 months ago. Last week it was joined by a short travel version with the mullet treatment, a change that originated with Loris Vergier, chief puzzler and man of many bike noises. His requests for a MX wheel concept on the DH bike sparked Santa Cruz's designers to think about applying this to their e-bikes.

Where the Heckler had more of a focus on agility and a playful character, it's again with the Syndicate that Santa Cruz took inspiration for their new e-bike, the Bullit, and sought to inject the no-limits character that runs deep in the veins of a DH bike.

Bullit Details
• MX wheel size - 29" front 27.5" rear
• Carbon fibre composite mainframe and rear triangle with aluminum links
• 170mm front and rear travel
• Shimano EP8 drive system
• 630Wh removable battery
• Sizes M - XXL
• Lifetime warranty, lifetime bearing replacement
• Weight - 22.09kg to 22.89kg or 48.69lbs to 50.47lbs
• €7,699 to €11,699 or $7,499 USD to $11,499
santacruzbicycles.com

Coming out swinging and ready to brawl, the Bullit revives another legendary Santa Cruz name and packs a 170mm right hook with a big wheel up front for confidence and composure at speed, and a smaller rear wheel to make the Bullit dance around the ring, and corners, with ease and sprite.

It's not just the new Bullit frame, but the complete spec of the bike that Santa Cruz focussed on to deliver a bike that they say reminds of a full-on DH bike yet climbs to the top of the hill without any trouble. We had two glorious days of riding in, around and over the Swiss-French border, just after the lifts had shut, to take a closer look at the Bullit and see if Santa Cruz had indeed captured that brutish character and if it would leave us describing the bike with just KA-KA-KA-esque noises.







Frame & Drive System Details

First off, it looks like, well, a Santa Cruz. With the brand one-by-one moving almost all their bikes over to the same layout in recent years it isn't much of a surprise to see them use this layout and frame design for the Bullit. And with good reason, as the lower link driven shock gives a good foundation for the suspension curves while keeping a lot of the mass of the bike low and centered. It leaves room for water bottles inside the main frame on all sizes, and makes the bike unmistakably a Santa Cruz from 100 yards amongst the sea of other options out there. If it ain't broke then don't fix it, and Santa Cruz seem to have found their flow with this layout and frame construction.

The Bullit might lead to many a reader reminiscing to when the Bullit was in the Santa Cruz line-up, actually from 1998 all the way to 2011, as a single pivot freeride bike. As with the Heckler, Santa Cruz have revived the name for their new bike. Knowing how hard it is to come up with a new name for a bike, let alone trademark it, it's quite clever of Santa Cruz to revive the old names that they probably already own and give the new bike some built in heritage to boot.

The Bullit is Santa Cruz's biggest and burliest e-bike with 170mm travel front and rear and it uses Shimano's EP8 drive system.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
The on button and charge point are located close to the motor.
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
The EP800 display is compact but clear to see all the data you need with just a passing glance.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
At the heart of the Bullit is Shimano's EP8 drive system.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Battery removal is easy, with a hex key holding it and the cover into the down tube.
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Behind the battery, the cables are zip tied into the recess, keeping them in place and quiet.

The 630Wh Shimano battery is housed in the down tube with access to it via the cover and the use of a hex key. Alternatively, the bike can be charged with the battery in place via the charge point down on the non-drive side just in front of the motor. The on button for the bike is also situated down in this area, just under the shock, cutting down on the length of wires running around the frame.

All cables are internally routed, with only a short span around the shock between the main frame and rear triangle. Inside the main frame the cables are all zip tied into the down tube to keep them in place and quiet. The other sections in the mainframe use moulded tubes to guide the cables.

Santa Cruz also has their own Di2 handlebar that hides the drive system cables from the display to the motor. It's also available aftermarket in an 800mm width and 35mm diameter clamp with 25mm and 35mm rise options.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
200mm post mount brakes as standard and a clean and tidy Burgtec axle.
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
The little fender keeps the shock from being directly in the firing line of muck and debris.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Only available in a CC carbon fiber frame option but four spec options with even the choice of a coil or air shock for the top two builds.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
The mech is mounted via SRAM's UDH.
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Plenty of well secured and all-important part covering frame protection on the rear triangle and underside of the down tube belly.

The Bullit is only available in a CC carbon fiber option - there's no lower priced frame option at the moment. Santa Cruz have cleverly stashed all the bearings in the aluminum links to avoid the need for bearing seats in the composite frame parts. All those bearings are part of the lifetime bearing replacement programme, and the whole frame comes with a lifetime warranty for some serious peace of mind. Added to that, Santa Cruz also guarantees at least 10 years of small parts availability.

The frame has many small parts and details that are well thought out. There's extensive, quiet and well secured frame protection on both the underside of the down tube belly and inside the rear triangle around the chain slap areas. It uses SRAM's Universal Derailleur Hanger and there's a fender protruding out from the seat tube to protect the shock from debris and mud.

All sizes and versions of the Bullit use the MX wheel idea with a 29" front wheel and 27.5" rear to take advantage of the split in ride characteristics between the two wheel sizes. The larger front wheel giving better front end traction and roll over with a quicker responding smaller rear wheel with more trouser clearance.





Geometry, Sizing & Suspension
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit

The Bullit is available in sizes M to XXL spanning 450mm to 515mm reach all paired to a 449mm chain stay. There's a 64° head angle and an effective seat angle hovering around the 77° mark with the M size having a touch steeper seat tube than the XXL.

BB height to the ground is 348mm with a 6.5mm or 25.5mm drop from the front and rear axles respectively. That BB height measurement being probably the one to compare when looking at MX, or mullet, bikes. Interestingly, the Bullit forgoes the adjustability seen on other Santa Cruz bikes and has only one position for the shock and rear axle.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
The Bullit uses the same four bar system with two counter-rotating links, like almost all of the other modern Santa Cruz bikes.

The Bullit uses the same tried and tested layout from the other bikes in the range with a four-bar system using two short counter rotating links. The shock is driven off the lower link and all the links are noticeably longer to give smoother changing suspension curves in the 170mm travel.

Santa Cruz say the Bullit's leverage ratios are progressive enough to run a coil shock yet still linear enough to be good with an air shock, something that is reflected in the spec of the bikes, with the coil and air versions of the RockShox Super Deluxe being options. All those options use a bearing eyelet on the shock at the lower link end where there's more rotation.





Options, Price & Availability

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Bullit X01 Reserve in Matte Copper, with the air shock option.
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann
Bullit XT in Gloss Lavender, with the coil shock option.

The Bullit is only available in the CC carbon fiber frame option and in Gloss Lavender and Matte Copper color options. One hides the muck really well and the other certainly stands out in the crowd. It's available in build options ranging from the Bullit R, through Bullit S and Bullit XT to the range topping Bullit X01 Reserve.

Bikes are specced with a Fox 38 for the most part, with the Bullit R using a Zeb, up front and a RockShox Super Deluxe shock in the rear, with the R and S models being air only and the XT and X01 Reserve options having the additional option to spec a coil shock.

A nice touch, and one that shows the intention of the bike, is the spec of 2.5" Double Down Maxxis tires on all the bikes leaving you to only pump the tires up and ride when you get the bike. There's an Assegai up front in 3C Maxx Grip and a Minion DHR II out back with 3C Maxx Terra.

Other nice touches include the Burgtec stems and axles and Peaty's tubeless valves to finish off the otherwise faultless builds. SRAM builds feature a 220mm rotor up front and 200mm out back. Shimano builds run with dual 203mm rotors.

The Bullit S, XT and X01 Reserve use the Shimano EP8 (EP800) drive system, while the Bullit R uses the E7000 system. The Bullit R and S both use the E7000 display with the XT and X01 Reserve builds using the EM800 display.


Bullit CC R - Shimano E7000 drive unit and display, RockShox Zeb fork and Super Deluxe Select shock, SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain and Guide RE brakes, SDG Tellis dropper and SRAM MTH hubs on WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0 rims - €7.699 or $7,499 USD, 22.89kg or 50.47lbs

Bullit CC S - Shimano EP800 drive unit and E7000 display, Fox 38 Performance fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Code R brakes, SDG Tellis dropper and DT Swiss 370 hubs on Race Face ARC HD 30 rims - €9,099 or $8,899 USD, 22.56kg or 49.73lbs

Bullit CC XT - Shimano EP800 drive unit and display, Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain and brakes, Fox Transfer Performance Elite dropper and DT Swiss 350 hubs on Race Face ARC HD 30 rims - €9,699 or $9,499 USD, air option 22.09kg or 48.69lbs, coil option 22.58kg or 49.78lbs

Bullit CC X01 Reserve - Shimano EP800 drive unit and display, Fox 38 Factory fork and RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate shock, SRAM X01 drivetrain and Code RSC brakes, Fox Transfer Factory dropper and DT Swiss 350 hubs on Reserve 30 carbon rims - €11,699 or $11,499 USD, air option 22.15kg or 48.83lbs, coil option 22.68kg or 50lbs





2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann

Ride Impressions

At 188cm tall and with some gangly arms I took the XL bike and felt pretty comfortable on it, both standing and seated. I could have also taken the L size, with its 20mm shorter reach, for something that could be maneuvered with less effort, but still found the XL to be a nice mix of maneuverability and composure. It's not often that I find myself able to do this in bike sizing and some people might be clearly on a single size rather than spanning two. So it's good to consider the whole bike and its designed character when you're picking sizing, not just looking at the on-paper geometry.

For the bike's launch we spent two days riding all manner of known and much less known trails around the Portes du Soleil resorts of Morzine, Les Gets, Champéry and Crosets. With the lifts having closed only the week before the mountain sides were a stark contrast to the bustling trails that are commonplace with the easy lifts back to the top.

Over the two days we clocked up just shy of 90km of riding and 4300m climbing, with our guides doing an expert job of avoiding as much tarmac as possible and allowing us to test the capabilities of the Bullit not only on the downs, but also on technical ups. The wet autumn was in full swing and with us luckily not being rained on while riding, the trails were definitely on the exciting side of damp.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann

With only a relatively quick setup of pressures and a quick bounce around in the car park, the Bullit felt remarkably comfy from the get go. When standing, you're already in a comfortable position that leads to you riding the bike with little conscious thought to maintaining a good riding position. You're always in it. So too when you're seated, and the long days in the saddle were met again with comfort. I found that there was a good window to move my weight around with the speed and exaggeration that is needed to keep traction on the rear wheel while climbing seemingly impossible grades and turns.

On the way down the bike really does have the flavour of a DH bike. I'm not going to say it is one, as the limits of a DH bike still far surpass anything else. But there's definitely that flavour of composure there and the movements and aggression needed to move the bike around follow that theme. You can passenger the bike if you want, without it running away from you, but where's the fun in that?

Grabbing it and being a pilot results in a rewarding ride that eggs you on to lean the bike and push hard. It's an addictive ride and one that was not once phased by any of the challenges we threw at it. Many of those were on my home trails that I've ridden a bunch on different bikes and many more riding blind behind one of the Syndicate or Santa Cruz employees. In all those situations the bike was stable enough to charge and reacted wonderfully when told what to do.

Perhaps the only downside I found was the very noisy EP8 motor, or more specifically the freehub system between the chainring and the motor. When under power the freehub is engaged and so runs silently. But when coasting and at lower speeds, that don't demand most of your concentration, the rattling is amplified by the voluminous carbon frame and is the prominent sound on the bike. Not a problem with the Bullit per say then, but still something worth noting.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann

The remainder of the EP8 system is a smooth joy to use and goes quietly about its job. We spent most of our time in the Trail mode, which seemed to effortlessly meter out just the right amount of torque for the available grip. That grip did depend heavily on how you positioned your weight on the saddle and where the saddle was positioned in the travel of the dropper. Only the absolute nastiest of climbs needed an almost slammed seat, Boost mode and some serious body language to make it to the top. But these were ridiculously steep, damp and root filled climbs that I normally ride in the opposite direction. We were lucky enough to have not only our human batteries but our bike's recharged at lunch, and even a few older Shimano systems in the riding group that showed just how much bigger the range is on the new EP8 drive system. For the times you want to put more effort into your legs the Eco mode works well, but the great thing is that you can alter the assistance in the modes via the E-Tube Project app to make them cater more to your personal needs.

The rest of the bike on our XT build was faultless. It's really nice to see non-plus rubber on an e-bike and really speaks volumes (ha) about the bike’s intentions. The drivetrain and brakes never skipped a beat over the two days, but it would be good to see how they fare after a much-prolonged season of riding and grinding in the mud, especially with the added torque and mass to the bike. And the nice finishing touches from the likes of Burgtec and Peaty's show a good attention to detail and that no stone was left unturned when speccing the bike.

Riding home on the second day I looked down to realise I'd forgotten that I wasn't on my own personal bike, and showed me just how well I'd gotten on with the Bullit. It is a lot of bike, but for the terrain round the Alps and countless other aggressive terrain in the world that demands more travel and composure from a bike, the Bullit is an impressive bike. So impressive that I was pretty bummed to have to hand it back after the two days. Perhaps we can sneak back over the border and get one for a long-term test to see if the honeymoon period is a short or long lived one.

2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Photo Max Schumann





Author Info:
dan-roberts avatar

Member since Apr 6, 2019
137 articles

349 Comments
  • 69 2
 So, is it an electric version of the new Nomad?
  • 7 1
 Hopefully, the nomad will be 170-180mm travel.
  • 130 5
 I thought the 'E' stood for expensive to fit right in with the rest of the Santa Cruz range. But I was wrong, and still right.
  • 6 5
 @Waldon83: nah it does ! But again once down that path it’s hard to like other brands
  • 70 1
 yep - the GoNad
  • 5 1
 @eugenux: and dual crown compatible
  • 20 1
 @DaFreerider44: Every bike is DC compatibleWink
  • 20 28
flag willik8 (Nov 17, 2020 at 6:02) (Below Threshold)
 Sadly I’m realizing that we’re not seeing new Santa Cruz full suspensions because they’re spending their time designing e-bikes.
  • 11 6
 @Waldon83: After purchasing you might put a "Bullit" to your head once you look at the bank balance!
  • 2 3
 @willik8: looking at this design you wouldn't think so, take existing brute and smack a larger wheel in the front is hardly breaking innovation in the design and R&D depts
  • 17 7
 I think Santa Cruz should discontinue the nomad and make a 27.5 link for the megatower and sell it as 27.5, MX OR 29. That way you would have one very customizable bike.
  • 13 13
 so much nope. im going to have to change my username ive had forever now, way to go SC. giving the bullit the electric chair is just wrong.
  • 5 0
 @Waldon83: Well if you can afford a million dollar shack in the Bay area to live in, what's another $11,000 for a bike
  • 1 0
 No. They stopped making pedal bikes dummy.
  • 6 10
flag silvbullit (Nov 17, 2020 at 17:12) (Below Threshold)
 *Sigh* Time to retire my username.

*Yawn* Another slow dirtbike that I have to pedal.

Wake me up when the 2021 Nomad is released.
  • 3 4
 @Fullsend2-13: Why... is their any reason you wouldn't, the nomad doesn't really have a place in the lineup anyway, it's not a enduro bike, it's not a downhill bike and it's not a freeride bike... what is it? Not to mention, Cascade Components will do it anyway.

Make more adjustable bikes not more bikes.
  • 2 0
 You get pink or brown!???!??!!??!?!?!
  • 1 0
 And they spelled it wrong. Should be bullitt like the original named after the Steve mcqueen movie.
  • 43 1
 I'm going to buy it and remove the motor and battery. That way I'll have a normal bike with the largest swat box ever!
  • 20 1
 Byob: Bring your own bong.
  • 1 0
 Just a note - removing the cranks and bb won’t give you a normal bike!
  • 13 9
 @bogey: yeah, then you'll just have a badass strider bike... still better than an e-bike.
  • 5 0
 @thegoodflow: strider enduro would be sick.
  • 5 1
 @Grosey: for sure. And if we're being honest, the majority of the people buying a 170mm e-bike are pretty much going to use it to run over small roots and rocks while seated on xc trails, with frequent dabs and dropping their inside foot on every low speed corner, so they won't really have to adjust their riding style very much to adapt to the new striduro discipline.

And just think about all the unsprung weight you will lose by ditching the cassette and rear derailleur... the average rider will reap massive benefits to their rear suspension performance.... It's gonna be a game changer.
  • 50 13
 The Bullit should always remain the odd one out for me in the SC range. I want Single Pivot! Who cares about flawed kinematics, The Bullit was and still shout be the 'Budget' SC Full suspension freeride machine!
  • 66 1
 You could buy an orange...
  • 7 13
flag gnaralized (Nov 17, 2020 at 0:39) (Below Threshold)
 Exactly ! Go full Moto with a single pivot, rocker link and progressive ratio and forget the complicated VPP design which is useless on an ebike.
  • 13 2
 @gnaralized: why useless on an ebike? Seriously asking.
  • 7 54
flag DatCurryGuy (Nov 17, 2020 at 0:57) (Below Threshold)
 @friendlyfoe: because if you have a motor, you don’t need good suspension. Just buy a full rigid emtb...
  • 15 0
 @hmstuna: I could, however I am from Lancashire meaning we have a fierce rivalry with Orange's home county of Yorkshire!
  • 8 0
 @hmstuna: Unfortunately Orange haven't made the Patriot (their equivalent to the Bullit) since about 2014. They really need to bring it back as a 180mm travel mullet or full 29er, but it would probably cost the same as an ebike anyway.
I had a 2013 Patriot BTW, one of the best bikes I've owned with a CCDB coil and 66 RC3 ti.
  • 3 0
 @hmstuna: he said budget!
  • 3 0
 When was the Bullit the odd one out? When it first came out all of the SC full sus bikes were single pivot and, if I recall correctly, the frame was the second most expensive, after the Super 8
  • 2 0
 @lacuna: I think when a lot of other bikes evolved to VPP, circa 2004ish onwards, a lot of the models went that way but the Bullit stuck around (even after it had revamp) until 2011 in it's single pivot guise, it was cheaper than other models around then also - including the driver 8 etc
  • 5 1
 @friendlyfoe:
Many suspension designs are for ( in part) providing a pedal platform, this is less of a requirement when using a motor to power up the hills.
  • 9 0
 I was a diehard SC fan boi from '99 to '13 owning five of their bikes. I loved their single pivot offerings especially the Heckler 3 (with the head tube gussets) and the Bullit 1.5 (second to last one). These were super fun simple budget brawlers. The closest in their line up now to those bikes in spirit are the alloy Nomad and Hightower. I am not bothered by SC taking the monikers of their classics for new bikes, but it is ironic that they are basically nowhere close to being simple nor budget.
  • 11 0
 Budget & Santa Cruz don't work in the same sentence.
  • 15 3
 @m1dg3t: not true, you have to have a pretty large budget to buy a Santa Cruz Smile
  • 5 2
 @friendlyfoe: does pedal kickback really matter on climbs when u have a motor? Single pivots going down are super plush
  • 29 3
 @dover1:

An x01 transition scout is $6,699
An x01 trek fuel ex is $7,499
An x01 stumpjumper is $7,300
An x01 Bronson is $7,099

They aren’t exactly out of touch.
  • 3 0
 @dover1: Yes, but there are some options out there, They just lack in components

www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/hightower
  • 4 0
 @m1dg3t: SC had solid budget options up until around the 10's. Their first $10K+ bike hit in 2013. As I said they've some reasonable options cost-wise in alloy now which they had all, but dropped prior to Pons buying them. My point was that the names Heckler and Bullit possess only faint echo of what those original bikes were. I am sure that both bikes are a hoot (the Heckler which I have checked out is fun, despite IMHO being late to the game and has a loud motor). The thing is, one can always spend more money on stuff to have a fun that is more complicated, but finding bikes (or anything) that provides a great experience while being simple and economical is more of a challenge.
  • 10 1
 @Solorider13: Just so it's clear a $7,000 mountain bike requires a large budget. Also I can get into a Specialized for around $1000 to $1500 less than the Santa Cruz at the bottom end.

#therosecolouredglassesofmountainbiking
  • 3 0
 @PhatBrett: until you hit the brakes.
  • 8 1
 @samnation:

Only because sc doesn’t have an sx eagle build.

If your going to compare things you need to have have them be comparable.

The nx stumpjumper is 3,200
The nx Bronson is 3,499

Specialized carbon frames are also more expensive by a few bucks than sc.
  • 8 2
 @Solorider13: agreed. But it’s easier for some people to blindly diss SC so they can feel better about their purchase.
  • 3 2
 @Solorider13: Aaaaaand the highest spec'd AM29 from Commencal is $4900. Just sayin'.
  • 6 0
 @Shafferd912: but yet the first thing you have to do is upgrade all the E-13 parts... same, same different same.
  • 8 0
 @Shafferd912: Your right, and in the end you get an alloy bike with a limited warranty, no after sales support, and low resale. You literally get what you pay for.
  • 2 1
 @dover1: fairly budget compared to that $12k cnc’d frame
  • 5 0
 @Solorider13: Why is that? Is it that a rider at that level is not discerning enough to enjoy the difference? Is it because Santa Cruz doesn't want SX on their bikes? Or is it that Santa Cruz doesn't see value in that consumer?

My point is not that an X01 bike is miles more expensive, my point is that the brand in general requires more money in your pocket to get into.

The argument of making everything equal is not a representation of the brand but rather a representation of a single bike.

No matter how we argue the semantics of the above questions, one thing is clear, it is more expensive for a first time or new bike buyer who wants a cost effective and quality mountain bike to buy a bike that says Santa Cruz on it than some other brands.

To supplement that, the person who is maybe very discerning and is particular about what aftermarket parts are seen on their bike would likely prefer the price of the highest end Santa Cruz because it is more representative of their aftermarket tastes than the s-works stumpy that is loaded with house branded and roval parts.
  • 3 0
 @hellbelly: Sounds like you and I both had the same exact generations of hecklers and bullits. Your right, bet these e-bikes are fun rides, but they need to be simple and budget friendly too live up to the old names. They should have used new names for these bikes. But maybe the marketing study showed the old guys like me doing hucks to flat in the early 2000's trade on nostalga for names when our knees worked. So we will fork over lots of money for e-bikes? But I dont know if SC has a budget market anymore. My local SC shop also sells Trek and Giant. They told me that once people hit 5k, customers want SC and avoid the others as they are too down market in the customer eyes. So they stock 5k and above SC's and sell plenty. Below that they sell Trek and Giants.
  • 3 0
 @ExShopRat: the days of budget friendly and Santa Cruz is for the most part in the past. Let's not forget that Ebikes are new, and most companies drop the high end stuff first. I would expect an alloy version of an elite from SC at some point, just as they offer alloy frames from their other lineup.
Here's the thing, there is something for everybody out there. Maybe Santa Cruz doesn't tick the boxes for you. They have their marketing forces, and its a like it or lump it scenario. I don't like the price, but it is what it is, and I believe uou get what you pay for.
  • 2 1
 @dover1: I have a very respectable budget, but NONE of it would be allocated to this. Or any other $10k bicycle.
  • 3 0
 @samnation:

I would imagine that it would be because it probably doesn’t make sense to do that because those components are usually a compromise of sorts. If your looking to buy the absolute cheapest bike on the market than why are you looking at any of these bikes?

I would also imagine that specialized specs that on their bikes because they have an arsenal of cheap ass bikes that they probably have a shit load of stock for and it doesn’t hurt to have it. Specialized is immensely bigger.

It’s absolutely the argument because if someone is looking at a bike with a certain spec they are going to be comparing bikes with similar specs. If I’m looking at a transition with gx on it and i compare it to a stumpjumper with sx on it OF COURSE it will be cheaper, but at a compromise of components. You don’t go shopping for a top spec car and then say “hmmm I could get the base model of brand x for way less let’s compare them”

I guess I just don’t understand what your trying to prove? Similar spec bikes are similarly priced, there really isn’t arguing otherwise. I don’t find it super relative to compare absolute lowest priced model if they aren’t similarly equipped.

At the end of the day if you bought a specialized carbon frame and built it up exactly the same as a Santa Cruz frame the specialized would be more expensive. All I’m arguing against is the bs that people keep spouting about how Santa Cruz is some unobtainable brand compared to everyone else and it’s simply not true.
  • 1 0
 @hellbelly: SC has always been at the top of the pricing spectrum. I can not recall any budget options. My memory isn't that good sometimes though...
  • 1 0
 @Solorider13: XO1 Stumpjumper is $4,699
  • 3 0
 @jomacba: The marketing is at least backed up by great riding bikes, lifetime bearings and well designed frames. So at least the price you pay gets you something. My wife bought a 19 Juliana Furtado C R+ build and its a nice bike for the last year. Could be better built compent wise, but she doesn't care and NX is working fine for her. But I dont know if it is nice as my old '00 bullit, '04 heckler, '09 tallboy AL. That said I really wouldnt mind getting a Hightower. But like you, I dont like the price.
  • 4 0
 @ExShopRat: I couldn't agree more. I ride a V10 29er, and not only is the bike an engineering marvel, the after sales support is the best in the business. SC have been an absolute joy to deal with.
In terms of the price, the only reason I don't like it, is because I cant afford it... But such is life. As I stated before, you get what you pay for.
  • 3 0
 @hellbelly: funny I could have written the same post, my first was a 98 heckler. I still like SC but they are def no longer that little plucky off brand. I hear customer service remains excellent.
  • 1 0
 @jomacba: Commencal does a 2-year warranty on their downhill bikes and a 5-year warranty on all the other full suspensions. In addition, I am selling my Meta for $1000 more than I bought it for. I am unsure about after-sales support though....
  • 2 0
 @Shafferd912: You are correct. That's a 2 year limited warranty, which is at their discretion.
This only covers manufacturers defect.
Santa cruz has a full lifetime warranty on frame, bearings and parts. I run reserved. Had a hairline crack in the rear one. They sent me a new wheel no questions asked.
I have replaced my pivot bearings twice a season at no cost to me.
The lowe link axles and dust caps were showing some wear from use, and they sent me replacement parts.
A friend of mine cracked his rear triangle in a crash, and they sent a new one expedited to his door.
Santa cruz bikes are not cheap... but they are worth every penny.
I can speak from experiance in terms of commencals after sales support... there isn't any... at least where I live.
  • 2 1
 @jomacba: That's a crazy amount of service! I will leave you with this comment. Good luck breaking a rear triangle on a Commencal.
  • 1 0
 @Shafferd912: No luck needed, if rather buy a santa cruz.
  • 24 1
 How can they call this current? Orbea, Provateer and Propain etc are showing what can be done for a reasonable price and then this is released - should call it the sow
  • 2 2
 privateer*
  • 8 3
 They also should have made the motor like the Orbea Rise and Levo SL. Less power and lighter weight. I've ridden the SL and it's a blast but would much prefer an Enduro SL or this in an SL package.
  • 8 2
 Why make it of expensive carbon when it’s still 50lbs anyway, doesn’t that defeat the point?
  • 3 6
 @zarban: the innovative direction is SL and Orbea Rise types...these last 2 bikes have been backwards innovation.
  • 3 0
 @toad321: The Specialized Kenevo (main competitor of this Bullit) is 54-55lbs depending on size, which is probably it's closest competitor.
  • 1 1
 @zarban: it’s the exact same motor as the orbea rise. You as a consumer have the ability to lower overall torque and assist to match the orbea.
  • 3 0
 @havroski: Yeah, but I can't lower the weight like they did to the Orbea Rise by putting a smaller battery and detuning it. Or just starting with a smaller motor and smaller battery like the Levo SL. That's what I'm talking about. I don't want less power and the same weight, that completely defeats the purpose.
  • 1 0
 @zarban: gotcha, you said made the motor like the orbea is why I was confused. Maybe bike would have been a better word
  • 3 1
 I’m sure this new Bullit is a pretty amazing ride...really...but anybody who thinks it’s gonna be $5000 more amazing than a YT Decoy is either a Santa Cruz fanboy or delusional!!! Santa Cruz seems to have released a rebranded Bullit aimed squarely at middle aged guys with more money than brains and that well-produced promotional video showing pro riders shredding isn’t gonna convince me otherwise. ????
  • 23 1
 So how much does this slam pig weigh?
  • 6 0
 A bit above 22kg...!
  • 5 0
 Hahahaha
  • 1 0
 @tomonda:
Wow !
They should have called it "Piggit" !
  • 2 1
 @gnaralized: Nah, that's too close to "bigot", and that too popular of a word right now......
  • 3 0
 Total swamp donkey
  • 21 2
 If you're building a heavy ebike for gravity riding, why not go with a DH fork? This seems to be the perfect bike to fit a 40 or a Boxxer.
  • 5 14
flag LemonadeMoney (Nov 17, 2020 at 1:50) (Below Threshold)
 And put a 27.5 wheel on the front
  • 2 1
 I think if they'd do that, they'd all it the Driver8 or the VPFree. There are only so many names you can have as a brand so it is now time to reduce, reuse and recycle. I'm already stoked for the upcoming shorter travel Bantam e-bike.
  • 6 0
 They are saving the double crown for the E10.
  • 4 4
 Apparently you’ve never ridden a 38
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: is it dope?
  • 1 0
 @youknowitsus: yes. I’ve ridden it on several bikes and have one on one of mine. I can’t explain how good it is.
  • 18 0
 Seeing Loris in the studio incrases my hopes for his first album to drop this year already!
  • 19 0
 my good old bullit says no from her grave!!
  • 18 2
 "Nice! A new bike to look at......wait"...sees huge downtube and BB...puts in contact lenses..."aww sh*t" - Me for the past 2 months.
  • 11 8
 How do you think I feel? LoL. Stepped Way from the forum for a bit and it's now a lot of motorbikes?!
  • 16 3
 I applaud SC for this bike.
No not for the ebike-ness, or anything about the bike which i find a bit meh.

But it seems its the first bike where the actual seat angle is steeper than the head angle. They’re catching on at last....
  • 19 2
 SC: calls this the "Bullit"

Everyone: Look how they massacred my boy
  • 15 0
 So, they bit the bullit and made a mullet
  • 38 0
 Mullit
  • 10 0
 Some of these smashy, long travel e-bikes kinda start to appeal to me. I was intrigued... ...until I went to Santa's website and discovered that even the cheapest version costs 8 grand and weighs a staggering 50 lbs. It also has entry level components. On a bike that costs 8k. Screw that.
  • 4 3
 A recommendation. My '19 kenevo was 8k new with epic parts and it's still better than every e-rig out there. Plenty of my buddies have found used ones since for anywhere from 3-5k. Super worth it. Quieter, more travel, crushes like a dh bike, but still fun on flow, and if u really want a mullet... Get yourself a fork and wheel. Got a buddy with a dual crown 29 and he loves it.
  • 7 0
 I do not get why bike companies make E Bikes out of carbon? The small weight difference between alloy and carbon but with a heavy battery and motor. Kinda kills the point of the extra carbon expense. Then the motor kills the need for the extra light carbon frame on the way up.
  • 8 3
 The ep8 rattle noise is a deal breaker for me and a lot of consumers. Anyone riding an ebike only wants minimal noise while going up nothing coming down. Shimano is crazy to be shipping out all of these new engines with the rattle and I’m surprised oems like SC are using it. And I’m sorry the price is crazy, YT decoy all the way instead of this.
  • 2 1
 The price and weight is a deal breaker for me, I want a lighter one I can take the battery out to use at a normal race
  • 10 1
 Mullit Bike
  • 3 0
 And that should have been the headline @BillyBoy0519
  • 4 0
 Since there isn’t a single dentist joke - what target group is SC aiming for here? Darknet riches?

Seriously - starting at $7.500 up to almost $12K with mediocre spec. WTF?!

Really hope the ever widening price-to-component-spec-delta will reverse at some point so we get good parts on great bikes at a reasonable and honest price again.
  • 15 8
 damn, they are breaking me. my mind is saying no, but my body, my body is saying yes.
  • 12 2
 My wallet also says no, at 10k.
  • 2 5
 @eugenux: Yep. There are a litany of things I'd buy before this @ $10k. In fact, even if this was $5k I still wouldn't think of it.
  • 2 3
 @m1dg3t:
For trail riding and epic days, I'd rather get an orbea rise at 16-17 kgs than this at 22(for the most expensive reserved model; cheaper ones are probably around 24-25 kgs) and a big enduro/fr bike for bikeparks.
At 17 kgs, an electric is still behaving as a bike. At 25...it doesn't.
  • 2 3
 @eugenux: For trail riding I'd want something in the 30Lb range, and for epic rides closer to 22Lb. Give or take. I've in Ontario, Canada so keep that in mind... That said I keep seeing more and more and more Enduro rigs at the local XC loops. I laugh out loud. Literally.
  • 2 0
 @m1dg3t: People love a big bike! I spent most of my (southern) Ontario rides on a hardtail have never stopped being surprised by people wanting big travel for small trails. If you hit blue or whatever and only have one bike then it is hard to just have one short travel bike, but I think a lot of people just want more than they need, like having a 4Runner in the city.
  • 1 0
 @jesse-effing-edwards: .... or pretty much anything other than a thatch hut and a sharp stick. I agree. We've gone right off the edge.
  • 1 1
 @jesse-effing-edwards:

My go to bike is a parts build nuke reactor alu "RS". I have made 70 miles xc loops on it(gravel, trail, road), epic over the mountains and bikeparks. It is a trail bike but beefed up to be able to handle hard charging black runs. - actually, I am the weak part of the assembly.
With lockdowns, more office work than ever and a kid planned for next year, the time on a bike is looking dimmer and dimmer. At one point, I had a road, a gravel, a sub 22 lbs full susp xc bike, am and my big 180mm bike. Now, I only have the gravel and this reactor.
What does not help is the fact that I live in the flatlands so, a big bike or a big electric is useless for me when I need to drive 3-to-5 hours in one direction in order to use it.
Adding things up, a FS-ish gravel for my rusted joints(with that 30mm ocho lefty) for riding the flatlands, electric 140-150mm for overmountains and epics and a big 170-180mm bike for parks seems like the best combo.
But the electric needs to behave like a bike. And from testing, a 24-25kg electric does not feel or handle like a bike.
This SC almost hits every mark bar the weight..which, after a set of pedals will be 23 kgs even for the 10k USD one.
Could be the perfect choice for someone living at the bottom of big hills or mountains though..
  • 2 0
 @Grosey: ok, monster trucks for everybody.
  • 2 0
 Yea, If U can beat us (eMTBers) U should join us and have funSmile
  • 10 5
 I get that e-bikes are fun but Santa Cruz trotting the Heckler and Bullit names out for their e-bikes feels a bit like seeing your favourite band do a reunion tour. Lots of weight gain and saggy skin without the same fun.
  • 20 16
 I can't understand this things... cost as much as an Enduro Motorbike, depreciate like a can of worms, and have a range of an ant on steroids.
if you want a motor, don't buy something with pedals!
[Reply]
  • 12 12
 Consumers, for the most part, are idiots.
  • 15 5
 I'm guessing you've never actually demo'd one. Go give that a shot, then report back.
  • 10 6
 @m1dg3t: Kinda thick with the judgement, there, 'lil Chief. I'm hoping to get my hands on a Levo SL over the winter, does that make me an idiot?
  • 2 2
 @Chuckolicious: yes i did... several actually! and one without the stupid limit of 25km/h.
In the end, I left with a sweet and sour taste, and I prefer strong flavours, like Wasabi... and Spicy!
It helps you climb... it helps you descending (if you like tanks... and titanic)
sort of a vibrator for sexual pleasure. sure... it helps, and it has it's users. But nothing like a good ____ck!
  • 2 0
 @TDMAN: Ahh, ok. Then I suggest giving one of the light weight models a try. I rode the SL in Feb before the world ended. Big rides in SoCal. Thing was uncanny. Just enough boost to let me do twice the mileage and vert, but a totally regular bike on the downs. I'm of the same opinion for myself regarding the bigger offerings like this, the Levo, and certainly the Kenevo. But then I have friends who are monsters on regular bikes that also own Levos.
  • 2 6
flag m1dg3t (Nov 17, 2020 at 13:41) (Below Threshold)
 @Chuckolicious: It just might! I don't know you well enough to say whether you are indeed an idiot or not. But I could hazard a pretty good guess Smile You're just kinda thick. Aren't ya, big plug?
  • 1 2
 @Chuckolicious: yeah....... nevertheless it's too much money!
Also, I've followed several users with problems with the BB bearings, that it seems it's unserviceable at home, which gives the WTF moment, when it happens to you.

I won't touch such bikes until several things are sorted, such as:
- Range
- Higher speed limit (around 35/40 km/h it seems reasonable for a e-moped)
- No danglings in the rear axle, meaning --> internal gear box
- And the most important one, it cannot cost as much as a motorcycle.

But... thinking better, when this day arrives, there will be available electric motorcycles, that probably will cost much less.

I continue to prefer bikes and motorbikes, and won't have a "in-between thing" in the coming years.
  • 1 0
 @TDMAN: KTM e250. Electric motorbike. $8250 usd. Power units/motors are about the same price to replace. Batteries are farther apart, ebike being cheaper. Hard to say which would be more fun to ride.
  • 2 1
 @TDMAN: Do I see a Sur Ron in your future? ????. There’s definitely one in mine, or something similar. This new genre of super light EMoto is just too much fun to pass up.
  • 1 0
 @Chuckolicious: no... motors should have something like +35hp
Interesting will be 2x2 electric motorcycles.
  • 1 0
 @TDMAN: People talk HP, but drive Torque! These things are nuts, and like $3500! Check this guy's channel. Warning, do not go there unless you are ok with being converted to the dark side. youtu.be/7v4ji81w80Y As for 2x2, I've messed with a Rokon years back. Great for utility but not for fun.
  • 2 0
 This article made may think of the old SC Bullit from my high school days. Went to the Photo section here on PB and started browsing through the old photos of that bike. Used to be one of my dream bikes back in the day! Actually one of my fav things about this website is browsing pics of bikes from days gone by.
  • 3 1
 Here's my ideal emtb, which I could see myself purchasing in a few years time:

-170-180 travel

-300ish Wh battery with optional range extender for longer rides. Would be great if the range extender could also fit in the downtube so a water bottle can always be had on the frame.

-Removable battery with replaceable cover for bike park days.

-Integrated gearbox would be awesome as well. Some companies have already been playing with this.
  • 6 0
 I wonder why they keep mixing RS rear and Fox front suspension
  • 3 0
 They once said the take the shock which works best for their system
  • 6 1
 @Walfersama: idk if coil shocks have such vastly different suspension characteristics from each other, but if I’m paying close to 12k I’d want the fancier shock. SD Coil is like half the price of a DHX2, seems more like a way to save money to me. Especially with all the different tunes and adjustment options these days.
  • 12 4
 @Walfersama: they said that when the Megatower came out. SRAM has a custom shock tune that worked better blah blah blah. Next year it had an X2

It’s all to save money which is not passed on to you
  • 8 3
 @wibblywobbly: what do you ride? You keep dissing SC on $. Are you not looking at other bike prices? Did SC do you wrong at some point? Are you jealous of people that ride SC? Let’s hear about your bike so we can analyze what you paid for it. Jesus the SC hate is tiring.
  • 2 0
 Because they made a mistake and they’re stuck with it. The new design has a small tunnel. Take for example a Bronson... best shock for that bike is a floatx2. But the tunnel is small so it was the dpx2 they had to choose and the original wasn’t great. The new one is much better. But they specs RS because of that. Dhx2 doesn’t fit either.

Same for all of the updated bikes. Very limited space.
  • 3 1
 @onemanarmy: I've had a few Float X2s on my Bronson. They fit on medium-XL frames. Definitely a game-changer for the bike, especially the 2021 X2.
  • 3 0
 @leon-forfar: you squeezed a floatX2 in? Holy crap. What's clearance? The new line of suspension from FOX really is good. All of it. Honestly didn't think they fit.

I've seen some coil squeezed in. FX2 is for sure the right shock for that bike. IMHO. LOL!
  • 2 1
 I thought I had heard on the Womens Bike podcast from the Juliana rep say that RS were close to SC and easy to go back and forth in order to develop the rear shocks for their bikes.
  • 1 0
 @map-guy: FOX is like 10 miles away from Santa Cruz. RS is in CO.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: It's very tight when the bike is just sitting. It's has a couple of mm on each side, and mine is a large. When the suspension is compressed though, the widest part of the air can moves forward and out of the tunnel, so even when the frame flexes under cornering, landing, or whatever, no contact is made between the shock and frame. That being said, the brake line and shift housing rub the air can decal where they are exposed between the front and rear triangle. I don't have a picture of mine, but I found this on Google: forums.mtbr.com/attachments/santa-cruz/1298915d1576512465-fox-float-x2-v3-bronson-28ba90fa-37d5-479e-92cc-6659749b5f03.jpg
  • 1 0
 @CircusMaximus: Lol, calm down dude, stress is bad for you... ride instead! I too get tired of the brand vs brand stuff, especially SC jealousy/hate thing I see more here than elsewhere. Riding in SF Bay Area I see lots of SC on the trails and have been on 'em myself since original Hecklers, through Nomad 2nd gen and currently on a N-4 gen with V-10 for the park days!
Now on the cusp of turning 70 years (gave myself that target for ebike) I've been looking for a mid-long travel ebike and definitely going to demo one of these from SC. I don't expect a lot of non mtb'ers to suddenly decide to go bombing down the single-tracks as much as some of us who love the sport being able to stay with it as we age, unfortunately I've seen most of my buds quit (I ride with my son and his group when I won't be a drag on them climbing) so having these options for us all so we can do what we love and also extend our time hanging with our kids cant be a bad thing.
  • 1 0
 @Downhillr1: 70. Hell yeah man! You're a legend.
  • 7 1
 No mention of the weight? It looks porky.
  • 6 0
 49 LBS according to another article.

* yes, I visit other mtb sites.
  • 18 0
 @Jacquers: weighs less than my old 2003 Bullit with Monster Ts!
  • 1 4
 Also no mention of how long linkage bearings will last?
  • 4 2
 @aljoburr: they replace them for free under their lifetime warranty, but I'm sure they'll last as long as any of their other bikes. I change mine every 6 months purely because there free, id be comfy doing it yearly.
  • 10 6
 I promise you will not think of weight once when you do twice the amount of descending as your acoustic bike.
  • 8 2
 @coletrane-mtb: I'm sure it's a blast but I wish more companies would make them like the Levo SL and Orbea Rise. I would prefer to do more work and have the bike be more agile and actually ride like a regular mountain bike. I'll keep waiting for an Enduro SL or something close to that.
  • 2 0
 @Jacquers: Wait...there's other mtb sites?
  • 6 1
 @zarban: 2 different bikes. 2 different purposes. The SL is nothing compared to the kenevo going down. Same here. So it comes down to what you’re looking for.

For me personally... it has a motor so climbing geo and what not comes far secondary to being set up to descend.

The SL is tons of fun but the smile on my face was WAY bigger after riding a kenevo with a 38. This bike is more like the kenevo or the decoy.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: Oh I get that, my point is not about the bike itself it's about being lighter with a smaller motor. I would much rather have a long travel Enduro bike that weighed about 8 lb less. Would take the loss of power for a more agile ride. Just like the SL, I like that feel more than those heavy ones.
  • 5 0
 Why did they put the power switch at the bottom of what will become a swimming pool?
  • 4 1
 Because it doesn’t rain in California. And on the odd day it does no one rides.
  • 7 2
 call me crazy (because yeah this thing is a monstrosity otherwise) but I really like the lavender color
  • 2 0
 @steezysam check out the new Devinci Troy. Saw one on trail last week and it was gorgeous.
  • 2 0
 I like the lavender but it would look better with black, white, grey, or dark blue graphics.
  • 6 3
 A few more tweeks and this would be perfect. A bit more travel, a little more power, plus tires, and fix the cranks so your feet are side by side. They could call it a KTM Freeride E-xc and sell it for $10,500.
  • 1 0
 Yes always wanted a bicycle that I can ride in Motocross boots. but a down hill bike with pegs would be just fine!
  • 2 1
 From a 1st gen E Heckler owner with 2000 miles, this bike is looking amazing. I couldn't be happier with the performance (yes, a better motor will be nice), durability and ride quality of my current bike. This rig will take it up a serious knotch. Let's go burn 630Wh and see how much fun we can have! Signed; Grampa Lester
  • 4 0
 I don’t always by 170mm travel free ride inspired ebikes, but when I do, I always by them in “Lavender” ????
  • 4 3
 If SC wants to go electric..... not my thing at all, but whatever.

But it bums me to see them use two iconic names (Heckler and Bullit) that represent original, affordable, groundbreaking bikes and slap them on over-priced, Me-Too, heaps of eLameness.

Two great names have been sullied.
  • 1 0
 Glad to see a mention on drivetrain. I'm not interested in getting an ebike anytime soon but am always interested to see any improvements to drivetrain components. Any larger fit rider could annihilate most of the drivetrain components spec'd on these builds in short order. I suppose this speaks to the types of people actually buying these things!
  • 17 13
 This is the first ebike I've seen and thought "wow I actually really want that"
  • 6 1
 electric freeride bike in lavender. peak 2020.
  • 1 0
 I'm all for ebikes, but I'm a bit bummed that the company that made good full suspension bikes that people could actually afford is now adding those names to their boutique brand bikes that require a vehicle loan to take home.
  • 1 0
 hmm actually its a perfect bike for serious mountain expeditions where there are no chairlifts/gondolas. But I'm not sure how these bikes will perform at 4k+ meters? There are trails in the Himalayas which are regularly 3-4k/16000 feet.
  • 7 4
 Heckler was a bit of a disappointment right from the start, but this bike seems perfect!
  • 5 3
 I know most ebikes have a porky downtube, but combined with the VPP rear end these Santa Cruz monstrosities look like they’re trapped in a house of mirrors.
  • 2 0
 9499 usd for top spec will put it to 13000 euros. I can spend less flying to Santa Cruz, go on holidays and come back with change spared.
  • 7 0
 Seriously 7700€ for an NX build.

This must be a joke.

Even the Specialized ones are less expensive
  • 3 1
 Don't forget that you have to pay VAT on top of the dollar price which varies from state to state in the US hence why it's not included here, and which is why all goods in dollars always seem much cheaper than in Euros. You could buy it in Oregon which has no VAT of course, but i think you will have to declare that you are exporting anything above a value of a few hundred dollars, and then pay tax on that.
  • 1 0
 @rarerider: Nah my friend - buy it in ____ & take it for a ride. All of a sudden it's just your bike that you're travelling with rather than an import.

Even works when you're paying VAT, too. Buy it in, say, Germany (non EU obvs), ensure your receipts are all dialed - travel home within 3 months, get the VAT back and don't pay import taxes at home.
  • 2 2
 @EnduRowan: good luck flying during covid times
  • 7 5
 Of all the things I could buy with +$10k not 1 would be a bicycle.
  • 1 0
 You can't fly with that battery.
  • 4 0
 This just needs 200mm out back and 220 in the front.
  • 5 4
 I have a YT Decoy and definitely think E-Bikes are the future of the sport of cycling. In my opinion looks like a awesome bike but over priced by $2k in every mode. Good luck Santa Cruz!
  • 2 5
 With the levo sl and, now, with the orbea rise, electrics have gone a step further in becoming something an actual mtb-er would use; and, as much as I like most of the characteristics of this electric SC, as long as it is massively overpriced and the high end model will have 23-24 kgs with tire inserts and a good set of pedals, this is not a step in the right direction.
Also, please don't confuse mtb-ing with electric bike riding. They are not the same thing and/or sport. In the milisecond you have a motor on your bikes, you're not doing mtb-ing.
Electric mountain riding, off-road moped riding, etc-etc...but, mtb-ing...no, that is reserved for actual human powered bikes, no motor or battery involved.
Having said that, I think I'll get that orbea rise next year for general trail riding and overmountain epics and keep a real bike, something along the line of 29" wheels, 170-180mm travel for high alpine, big enduro and park rides!
  • 1 1
 I predict that the next SC ebike will be the Superlight, I mean all their legacy single pivot bikes are getting electrified so why not? Maybe the Super 8 will get some current(get it?) to revive itself as the DH ebike in the lineup
  • 3 0
 For this price I'd buy a car, or a great AM bike + a week off on a bike holiday with the entire family !!!
  • 4 1
 Smells like the Megatower will get a similiar update soon. 170 mm travel with MX Wheelset option, mark my words!
  • 5 2
 Mmm I don't think so.
  • 2 0
 Nah I don’t know about the megatower but the Bronson sure is in the re-make
  • 1 0
 Think the reason they don’t make an E Megatower, is the possibly the chain stay would be so long with the VPP, mullet rear ens have saved the day !!
  • 2 0
 @barbarosza: I’m going to do my best to ignore a new Bronson. I’ve only had mine a year and love it. Must. Resist. New. And. Shiny.
  • 1 0
 Does anybody know why Santa Cruz seems to consistently spec their bikes with a fox fork and a rockshox shock?
I haven't seen another brand this dedicated to the rockfox life.
  • 3 0
 It's cheaper for them this way.
  • 2 0
 @m1dg3t: and they give the savings onto the consumer. Oh wait
  • 4 1
 Why wouldn’t they spec this with 220mm rotors. That’s the first thing I would upgrade.
  • 4 0
 So, they made a Norco Range VLT then, a year later. Congrats.
  • 2 0
 All it took was one descent on a borrowed Bullit about 18 years ago to change how I looked at and rode MTB forever. I love this bike just for nostalgic reasons.
  • 2 0
 Yeah, cool. That'll go nicely with your $100k sprinter van. I'll just keep sweating it out on my $2000 bike. How do people even afford this stuff?
  • 1 0
 Banks keep giving them credit. Look at US debt www.usdebtclock.org

Most people in the world today don't have money. They have credit & debt. Saw something the other day saying total global debt is approaching $277T!! $277 Trillion!!
  • 1 1
 @m1dg3t:
Its simply mind boggling. The average US car payment alone is $550 a month. Also, who in their right mind buys a bike on credit?
  • 2 0
 The most interesting part for me is the different seat post specs... no more Reverbs.
  • 4 5
 Too bad there are so many people out there with the money and desire to purchase these bikes. If Santa Cruz had to sell bikes to the miserable broke ass bunch that is the PB comment section, these might be more affordable for a guy like me looking to add an e-bike to the stable. Be honest... How many of you dorks are still running 26" wheels on your primary bike?
  • 3 2
 Damn, In a world where E-bike down tubes are finally getting smaller SC comes out with this giant one. Seems a little 2018 to me.
  • 2 3
 Idk man. If I gotta choose ebike or dirt bike its dirt bike every time. . . I dont mind peeps riding ebikes, I just dont want one. Zero attraction and zero detraction. Basically like a set of golf clubs or a barbie play set. Not my thing.
  • 1 0
 Hooray for a mullet e-bike Smile But the smallest has a reach of 450mm ? Are you kidding. That will be a deal breaker for so many.
  • 14 11
 I don't know if I should puke or cry....
  • 1 5
flag m1dg3t (Nov 17, 2020 at 5:15) (Below Threshold)
 Both? It's my natural reaction too!
  • 2 0
 Perhaps I missed in the article, but was the frame designed as a mullet from scratch or have they bodged a 29er fork in?
  • 2 0
 Designed as a mullet from the start.
  • 3 0
 Copper is close, but it really needs Root Beer as a color option...
  • 1 2
 Hey SC... you guys have made some real cute videos lately. This was sort of funny. I'm sure the Carbon Chameleon video the other year was fun for everyone to make... but I want t see something real high quality... I'm talking like Steve Peat riding his 5010 off the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere. OR the bus mechanics ripping up Whistler on a Heckler good.
  • 1 0
 "The Bullit uses the same four bar system with two counter-rotating links, like almost all of the other modern Santa Cruz bikes."

Four bar =/= VPP, or am I mistaken?
  • 1 0
 VPP is technically a four bar system. It's just the length of the 'bars' and pivot points have been greatly shrunk / manipulated to create the VPP layout.

A lot of these exaggerated 4-bar systems originally came about as bike companies tried to get the benefits of a 4-bar system without infringing on the Specialized patent for for the traditional Horst link.
  • 1 0
 @GregorFuk: Have you ridden both? They ride totally different. For me I prefer VPP the most. Its more supple and plush on technical downhills than DW or FSR/Horst link frames. DW is better for pedaling efficiency, less bob and pedal feedback than VPP. But uphill efficiency is a non-issue on an ebike. FSR is a nice compromise of both.

FSR and VPP license patents have expired so other companies can use these linkage designs now. DW still has some years to go.

S. Cruz still uses a true VPP. Intense, the only other company previously licensed to use VPP now uses a modified VPP. That's one of the selling points of SC is the true VPP
  • 1 0
 @holytrails: Yes. I have ridden them all. My old Turner 5-Spot was a traditional FSR/Horst, my Turner Burner was a DW and my Bronson V3 is a VPP. And yes they all ride and feel different. But from a 'technical' stand point they are all 4-bars.
  • 1 0
 I would part with my KeLevo for that fancy milka cow, but not at this price point...
  • 2 2
 Hopefully an alu frame version to follow.
  • 3 0
 Where's the Super 8?
  • 1 1
 it's cool that all these sweet ebikes are coming out; however, i just don't care for their pregnant looking aesthetics. maybe in a few years they'll slim down a bit.
  • 3 3
 SC, chill with all the eebs.....

I just want a hightower with a steeper ST angle and as much adjustability as the new Stumpy EVO Frown
  • 2 0
 Where’s the finger biker?
  • 2 0
 I wonder how the weight compares to the original Bullit
  • 2 1
 The End-of-the-World is coming, another new eMTB releasedWink

Got to go with the coil shock setup on this one.
  • 2 0
 Loved that video! @lorisvergier is comedy!
  • 2 0
 Can I just exchange my $ to € at SC?
  • 3 1
 That’s an e-bike I would buy... if I was loaded.
  • 3 1
 Money or Booze?
  • 7 9
 Remember when Santacruz was the bike to have. But today there are so many better options at better price points, similar quality and more refined geometry. Like aside from the value of the name you get alot more bike from a Norco or rocky.
  • 12 0
 I value the no quibble lifetime warranty very highly and am willing to accept that the peace of mind it provides does not come for free.
  • 6 6
 @GregorFuk: lifetime warranty is simply marketing. Do expect to ride your current SC till you die? I bet that most of us change bikes frequently enough to make "lifetime warranty" statement just a marketing hook.
  • 3 0
 @Coppermine: So many people hold on to their bikes for a very long time. If I didn't need to size down I'd keep my Bronson for the long run. Not only is it lifetime warranty, but it's the ease of the process. My buddy has a nightmare story from Canyon regarding a replacement. I'd rather pay a bit more for peace of mind and the ability to ride. My buddy was out a couple months.
  • 3 1
 @Coppermine: so then don’t buy a SC.
  • 4 0
 @Coppermine: No I expect I’ll cough up and buy the new Bronson when it appears. Frame only of course. Buy the fork to match and then swap over my wheels, brakes and drive train etc.

My old Bronson? I’ll build that back up over time and give it to my son. He can ride it to death. And if it breaks. Well there’s that warranty.
  • 1 0
 @CircusMaximus: I bought SC and would he happy if I ride it many years. But be honest - statistically, majority changes bikes, sells old ones, buys new "long and slacker", shorter travel, longer travel, etc. That's why I do not think about "lifetime warranty" as something special. Probably it would have the same practical benefit for majority if it was 5+ years warranty. But "lifetime" sounds better.
  • 2 0
 Did I miss the part about the weight ?
  • 1 0
 Nah, but it's a beast at 49lbs.
  • 3 1
 @Chuckolicious: The Specialized Kenevo is 54-55lbs depending on size, which is probably it's closest competitor.
  • 3 0
 @leon-forfar: Yea, that's what I was thinking, a slightly less porky Kenevo.
  • 7 8
 Loris is a great rider and I enjoy watching him shred. But that video will just be permission for hordes of overweight, over-biked, under-skilled douchebags to go out and damage my local riding spots.
  • 1 1
 You sound like a nice guy!
  • 4 3
 @bunsglazin: I am, actually. Doesn't stop me from commenting when I see what I think is a negative trend in the sport.
  • 2 0
 Finally a mullet setup with a non pedal smashing bb height
  • 2 0
 I suspect we will see an E-Racebike called a Superlight any day now
  • 2 0
 So, will this monster make some e-bike haters finally bite the bullit?
  • 1 0
 I don't consider myself a hater... but I'm not ready to go the e-bike route yet. I assume it to be for older or somehow limited riders who would like to keep up with unimpaired riders. But... that assumption has to be wrong. How can manufacturers continue to make bikes (considerable R&D cost) for this small segment of rider population? Some projections show it to reach 50% of high end bike sales within 5 years... so its certainly for more than the impaired rider.

So then, Im left wondering if they believe that e-bikes will replace non-assisted bikes? Is the ride or experience somehow superior? It seems the "workout" component would be lessened, so you're left with the ride experience compared to non-assisted.

Thoughts?
  • 3 0
 @Baller7756: For me personally, I'm getting an e-bike in the future. That has more to do with my longterm plans for life and it won't happen until I move back to the area I grew up in, in Romsdalen in western Norway. There hasn't been a mtb-scene there, the terrain is to steep and you can't really shuttle much. So you're left with push biking... Push biking gets old quick. But the new E-mtbs has suddenly started to open up new possibilities for riding in that area, so I'm stoked to be able to continue riding when I eventually make my way back home. As for right now, I live in another part of Norway that has amazing trails and ride my bike as much as possible.
  • 2 0
 Presumably the e dh bike will be called the 12v
  • 1 2
 SC fkd up here... should have built a alloy freeride machine at budget cost to consumers. Disgraceful to the OG names of the bikes that helped progress the sport. Not this lazy method
  • 3 0
 It’s perfect.
  • 1 0
 there's a way so smear the name of a legend, like Ford putting mustang on an electric car
  • 2 0
 The best bike for casing
  • 1 0
 This is great, but is the fork top tube long enough for a OneUp EDC Lite?
  • 4 0
 What's a fork top tube?
  • 1 0
 @m1dg3t: man i'm a dumb ass! Trying to make "comment gold" on their podcast and ruined my chance! Smile
  • 3 0
 @m1dg3t: where your gooseneck bolts on.
  • 1 0
 Why does Santa Cruz spec rockshox rear shocks and Fox forks.
  • 1 0
 jolie photos au lac des mines d or
  • 1 1
 Will Santa Cruz do a short travel (130mm to 140mm) version next and call it the Blur?
  • 1 0
 They just did the heckler mx which is 140/140
  • 1 0
 Ummmmmmmmmmmm, Wtf Santa Cruz i get wanting make a profit.
  • 5 8
 Really Nice, I do like it a lot ...Great Job SC!!! Just kinda wish the battery was internal or removable/hidden, like the current Levo's use and maybe a couple more color options?? Hopefully the Shimano engineers can finish their magic and silence the coasting noise issue...
  • 10 0
 The battery is internal, removable and hidden. Unless I am going blind. The colours are a bit marmite!
  • 2 3
 Geo looks good aside from the seat tubes which are way too long. Price is ridiculous but then it IS a Santa Cruz so no surprise there.
  • 1 0
 Hmm, my 01 Bullit could be getting a younger sibling
  • 2 0
 Jordi! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Bullit with Air???? I do hope no one goes with that option.
  • 3 5
 The power of pon holdings who own the brand are becoming clear. They are completing the transition to mass market high cost bikes that sc has already started. At this rate they will have more ebikes than human powered bikes
  • 7 7
 Can't wait to help a rich boomer with no tools or spare fix a flat in the middle of nowhere on one of these.
  • 2 2
 Dear Santa Cluz,

I want this exact bike without the motor/battery (and maybe the +/- 10mm CS adjustment)
  • 1 0
 nice bike but the guy on the mike looks stupid!
  • 1 0
 Pretty sweet they launch with Loris, and he will be on a trek in 6 weeks.
  • 1 0
 Doesn't look like an esession
  • 1 0
 Tell me more about this 2.5” dd maxx terra dhr2
  • 1 0
 I'm going to need a comparison of this model and the previous Bullit.
  • 1 0
 I was stoked about the e-MTB until I saw the price Frown
  • 1 0
 The next SC e-bike will be the Tazmon
  • 3 4
 how ya gonna do us like that SC?? giving the old bullit namesake the electric chair is just wrong.
  • 1 2
 Nope, would rather buy a dirt bike. But, this is what I would build if I were to pick my ideal e-bike.
  • 1 2
 Great they ruined another classic name. FUCK that two wheeled piece of shit.
  • 1 1
 TOO MUCH MONEY>>>>>>DEAD STOP
  • 1 0
 that was pretty funny
  • 1 1
 There are a lot of happy surgeons and dentists today!
  • 2 2
 Finally, a Santa Cruz my wife will ride. She-bikes, best thing ever!
  • 1 0
 Heckler?!?!
  • 1 1
 Great, my comment was deleted by admins. Frown
  • 3 3
 Or you could buy two Honda dirt bikes instead ????????
  • 1 1
 It's electric? Yeah, we can tell
  • 1 0
 "Jordi!" "Augh!"

Ha!
  • 7 8
 Not getting the buzz from this one
  • 19 0
 'Cause the rear wheel is smaller?
  • 4 5
 That is an insult to the original Bullit's name.
  • 1 1
 Eeeew old lady lavender.
  • 3 3
 The Bulls**it?
  • 1 2
 I wonder why everybody still writes comments about this here ??
  • 1 0
 @themountain: I used to post my pinkbike comments at MTBR but they banned me. Apparently one time a link was misspelled as pinkbutt.com and they were all like no linking to porn and just post that on the actual site. From that day on I post under the actual article...
  • 2 2
 Rip off!!
  • 1 2
 Don't get it, why does E bike need 50 tooth cog?
  • 2 0
 Basically the more wattage you can put in yourself, the longer the battery lasts.
  • 1 3
 10K and it sounds like a shopping cart. Erm, NO!
  • 2 3
 Ebikes are shit.
  • 2 4
 mixed wheel...booo!
  • 1 0
 Have you ridden one? I want to ride one but no real people seem to have experience. Mostly just influencers dropping their reviews on the same day as all the rest.
  • 1 0
 @Jvisscher: i dont want the hassle of two wheel sizes, everybody knows that once the rear tire is worn out you put the front on the back and buy a new front tire !
  • 1 0
 @payback: I guess I could still do that if I had two bikes in the garage. (switches tires) Thanks wife!
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