$4258
26.2 pounds
4.3-inch rear wheel travel
Santa Cruz, (831) 459-7560
Maxi test: April 2006

Highlights: Santa Cruz didn't let its desire to shave as much weight as practical from the XC get in the way of the Blur's legendary handling. Its VPP rear suspension delivers a full 4.3 inches of wheel travel, and careful attention was paid to its steering geometry to retain the original's Ã'mistake proof" handling qualities. The extra time that they spent to develop the XC chassis helped Santa Cruz balance the need for quick acceleration and climbing with solid trailbike handling. The platform action of the frame, fork and shock is moderate, so the suspension is free to respond to bumps. Add them all together, however, and you get a dual-suspension racer that can be hammered out of the saddle without a hint of mushiness from its chassis.

Best quote: "Those of us who have grown up on twitchy cross-country racers will think that the Cruz is a downhill racer by comparison."

Bottom line: The Blur XC may be too much fun for a serious cross-country competitor. Who's going to take you seriously if you are smiling your way around the course while everyone else is wearing the professional I-am-hurting game face? The Blur XC is a capable and competitive racing chassis, but in the hands of a good bike-handler, who knows how to take care of his equipment, this four-inch-travel Santa Cruz would be the trailbike of the century. Excuse us; we're going out for another ride.