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Santa Cruz
In production2002–

Blur

bike5000–14500 EUR
01

Origin

The original Blur debuted in 2002 as a 105–115 mm aluminium full-suspension XC bike built around Santa Cruz's VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension, hand-built in the USA. It was discontinued around 2014 when the Tallboy covered XC duties, then resurrected in 2018 as a full-carbon 100 mm 29er. In 2021–2022 Santa Cruz redesigned it: the VPP linkage was dropped for the lighter flex-stay 'Superlight' platform, returning the brand to World Cup XC racing.

02

Specifications

Frame
Carbon fiber — top-tier CC layup or value-oriented C layup; flex-stay single-pivot 'Superlight' linkage saves 289g vs previous VPP frame; CC frame ~300g lighter than the prior generation. Lifetime warranty on both layups.
Weight
kg
Drivetrain
1x12 SRAM Eagle (AXS or mechanical depending on build). Top builds: SRAM XX/X0 T-TYPE AXS electronic; mid builds GX Eagle/T-TYPE; entry 90/70 T-Type cable. 10-50t cassette, 34t chainring.
Brakes
XC build: SRAM Level hydraulic disc, 180/160 mm rotors. TR build uses larger rotors for extra braking margin.
Wheels
29". RSV builds use Santa Cruz Reserve 28|XC carbon rims on Industry Nine 1/1 hubs; non-RSV builds use alloy rims. Boost spacing.
03

The verdict

+Strengths
  • Exceptionally light — Santa Cruz's lightest full-suspension bike at ~10.45 kg, with a stiff, race-ready carbon chassis.
  • Active suspension delivers class-leading traction and control; reviewers rated it among the best for grip in its test group.
  • Fast, dependable, aggressive handling that climbs efficiently yet descends with more confidence than its travel suggests.
  • Two distinct personalities from one frame: pure-XC (100 mm) and capable down-country TR (120/115 mm).
  • Lifetime frame warranty on both CC and C carbon layups.
−Weaknesses
  • Rear suspension is overly active on flat ground and under power, costing some pedalling efficiency unless the lockout is used.
  • Expensive across the board — no genuinely budget-friendly build is offered.
  • RockShox TwistLoc lockout requires awkward twisting effort versus a simple lever; TR build drops the remote lockout entirely, a drawback for racers.
  • Stock Maxxis Aspen tires are light-tread and only suited to dry, hardpack conditions.
  • Spec inconsistencies on some builds (e.g. lower-tier GX shifter paired with X01 mech), and the Fox two-position dropper can misfire during racing.
04

Who it’s for

XC racers (Vivus Maraton, Tartu Rattamaraton, UCI XCO/XCM events). TR variant for fast hobby riders who want one light, fast bike for everything.
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Tags

06

Related models

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