Mountain Biking - Santa Cruz Blur vs. Superlight

I did a search and every thing I read mention a $300 price difference. Where is that coming from? As far as I can see it is more like $880-1000 diference. Anyway, I am looking to spend under $2000 and the Superlight seems like a great choice, I was just wondering if the Blur is worth the extra or not. The Superlight I am looking at is the $1899 one that is pre-built so you get a discount. Any other bikes in this price range you feel I should look at would be great. Obviously, from my choices, I am looking at a XC with some all mountain capabilities. Thanks

Also, what I figured is down the road I could add the fifth element to stop some of the Bob that is know in the Superlight. This is my first Real Mountain Bike, I have ahd road bikes and generic mountain bikes, but never one over $500.
Thanks

I had a Superlight for about 2 1/2 years. It was AWESOME! Once you get used to the bike it is extremely predictable. The suspension and geometry just feels right, not sure what it is but it is sweet. The Superlight makes a great trail bike or xc race bike. It just depends on how you build it up.

As of right now I will be comparing every bike I ride to the Superlight. I don't care if it is old technology or not, it works.

In your price range I believe it is one of the best bikes you can buy.

Thanks for the quick response, I have been looking and as far as the old technology, no one that owns or has owned one seems to complain and it will have a lot less maintenance and less chance of something going wrong with less moving parts.

I have looked at Kona, Specialized, and Rocky Mountain and none seem to have everything the Superlight has for the price. It also helps that the LBS that carries Santa Cruz is the closest and it comes with lifetime yearly tune-ups.

Oh yeah, one suggestion if you do go with the superlight. Purchase a break away bolt for the rear derailleur. Since the Superlight does not have a replaceable derailleur hanger it makes for cheap insurance. :)

Are you a big guy? If so the Superlight has a weight limit of around 215, I think. I just bought a Heckler and love it.

For swapping out a shock, check the stroke length and the length of the shock eye-to-eye. I pretty sure it's ok, but the bike shop should be able to tell you for sure.

From what I've heard about the Superlight, the pedal bob is pretty much as low as you can get from a single pivot design. If it weren't, the bike wouldn't have remained in production so long.

I am about 215, but that is not my usual weight. I hurt my shoulder and can not Weight-Lift anymore so I gained weight. I will drop down to 190-195 quickly once I start to get in shape. What about the supposed $300 difference that appears to be around $1000 to me, has the Blur gone up in price or has the Superlight gone down?
Thanks

Not sure about the price difference. I know that the Blur is a few hundred more than the Heckler and can get rather pricey rather quickly. On the SC site it looks like you can configure a Superlight for as little as $1800 or so but the Blurs start at about $2500 (when comparing their built kits).

With the Blur, I assume that you're paying for the VPP suspension. A friend of mine has a Blur and swears by it. I like the simplicity of their proven single pivot design. I don't notice much power loss with my single pivot bike using a Fox DHX 5 w/ Pro Pedal.

The price of the Superlight went down quite a bit over the past year, at the same time the new blurs went up some. The new blur was just released this month or last and I believe they already have a wait list at Santa Cruz for them.

As for the shock it would be a lot better if you upgrad it when you buy the bike. That way you will only have to pay an upcharge. If you buy it later you will have to pay full price for it.

Looks like I may be getting a Superlight, only problem is I can not test ride because none of the shops stock them, they just order them on a case by case basis.

If this is your first real mountain bike...
Get a hardtail. High spec'ed ones ROOOOOLE!! :D:D