As you may know from my Instagram, I worked during the winter with @Redding_Trail_Alliance (RTA) so I could buy a new bike. Not just any bike, a really good one. Full suspension too! And I bought a like-new 2019 Santa Cruz blur C. Today I will give a 2.5-3 month review. Before we start, let’s talk about what I’m comparing it to, and what I’ll rate it on.
I’ll be comparing the 2019 Santa Cruz Blur lineup simplified to the frame material. So when I refer to A (Aluminum), C (Carbon C), and CC (carbon CC), I’ll be referring to how high or low end the build is. A is the “low” end model, C is mid-range, and CC is high end.
I’ll be rating this by the build, based on the frame material, though components may also be better or worse than lower or higher-end models.
Let’s start with the frame material. I have the C model, so the whole bike weighs only 23lbs. I have been less than kind to this bike riding wise (not maintenance wise 😉) and it barely has a scratch! The only reason it does is because of transportation in the fifth wheel. I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Next up is the suspension, which may be different from the A and CC models. I have Fox suspension front and rear. The front is evol and Kashima coated. The rear is neither. Santa Cruz equips their bikes with VPP suspension, which ramps up quickly, but still takes the smaller hits really well. I am especially satisfied with the rear suspension’s performance. Another advantage is the lockout and half lockout options for fork and shock. I give this also ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, as it isn’t the highest-end available.
Next, I’ll cover the drivetrain. This will be different on the A and CC models. I have the Sram GX Eagle shifter, chain, and derailleur. The cassette is a sunrace 11 speed. It shifts quickly, and pretty smoothly. It’s not the XO1, but it’s still very good! Again, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Now I’ll look at the cockpit, which will vary drastically for A and CC. I won’t go too deep here, so suffice it to say that I like the Renthal Fatbar Lite Carbon at 760mm. The shifters are nice, and the brake levers adjustability is a dream. The grips however…oooohhh I don’t like those. They wore out very quickly indeed. And are so bad now that I have to wear gloves or else I’ll get all kinds of gunky rubber stuck to my skin. When I was riding they seemed to soak up skin like a sponge, getting ready to squeeze it out when I handled them a little more. Needless to say, they are specialized. ⭐️⭐️⭐️, but the grips are 1-2 stars all on their own.
On the theme of specialized, let’s look at the tires. These tires were equipped by the previous owner, so I cannot count them in the overall score. Like the grips they wore out very quickly. Typical me wanted to ride some rocks, and promptly got a puncture in the sidewall that sealed very reluctantly, and keeps reopening even on smooth trails, and leeks quickly even when not ridden. ⭐️⭐️ for sure.
Another fundamental part of the bike—brakes! I have Shimano’s deore xt 1 pot xc brakes. Idk the rotor size, but it’s small in the grand scheme of things. The rear calipers have cooling fins though, and I haven’t ever had a problem with overheating the brakes! That and the adjustable levers gives this a rating of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
The wheels and hubs are nice, but my favorite part is the fact that they are boost! They are thick, and stiff, and feel amazing! This will vary for A and CC. Wheel build is about ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5.
Frame design shall be our next subject of review. I really love the look, it doesn’t look like a bunch of pipes welded together. It looks like a master-crafter molded the frame seamlessly. Aside from the linkage of course. Speaking of which, I do have one complaint. Behind the Bottom Bracket, there is a part of the linkage that reaches very far back, and is pretty difficult to clean by any means other than the jet setting on a hose. And I’m not willing to jet my bearings. Aside from that, I would’ve rated it five stars. So instead I rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Now let’s talk about geometry. I won’t give the specific numbers, but the head angle is steep for climbs, bb is low enough for descents, chainstay is nice and short (I really like this!!), so I’ll rate the geometry a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Perfect XC race bike geo!
One more thing I’d like to point out about this bike is that the saddle was swapped out, and I dislike the this one very much. It provides very little comfort or support for my sit bone, and I will be buying a new one as soon as I can. ⭐️⭐️.
-Overview-
I must say that my riding experience has been generally very pleasant. I have put about 600 miles on the bike already, and I can’t wait to put some more on it! I have very few complaints, and I think that at the $4,000 mark you are getting every penny’s worth. The bike has room for upgrades, but it’s not at all necessary. It will last you a good few years no problem, and it is very efficient up the hills. General rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ only because not everything is top end.
Would I recommend this bike to a friend? YES!!! 200% yes. I would recommend it time and time again. The bike can handle black diamond tech, and can jump pretty good. And it’s not even designed for that!
If you’re in the market for a new xc bike, I would give the blur a test ride and see what you think!
Have any questions? Feel free to ask them down below!
MtbOverload 