It’s here…

The new Blur… I’ll admit the TR build looks interesting.

Link to SC website…

 

4.26 pounds for a large including shock.

 

This is something I was interested in before I found out my frame was being replaced. The next version will be out before I'm ready to purchase a new MTB.

 

Looks nice...almost as nice as a Ranger, which doesn’t fund ebike R&D.

 

“The XC version is, as you may have guessed, designed for Olympic cross-country racing, while the TR version is designed for everything from cross-country marathons to multi-day stage events. In addition to having more travel, the TR builds have slightly beefier Maxxis Rekon tires instead of the Aspens that come on the XC build, a full height adjust dropper post, no lockout remote, and larger brake rotors. Don't be mistaken, however, this isn't a downcountry bike; Santa Cruz says "It's still a true XC bike for courses and riders with more trail in them." It's just a bit more relatable to riders than a full-fledged World Cup XC race bike. ”



at the end of the day, this is a race bike. The previous Blur TR was definitely a capable trail bike....not as much as the Tallboy, but yuh could get rowdy on it. I’m thinking the new Blur TR is just a race bike for technical courses.

still interesting either way.

 

This is also here. Factory mullet, mega slack. Interesting.

https://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Patrol.cfm

edit: just realized this is alloy frame as well. Weird times.

 

New Bronson mullet out now for people that like bikes like that!

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/bikes/bronson

 

Oooh. I like bikes like that. It is good looking in the mustard.

 

I don't get the mullet thing. The Bronson was fine as a 27.5. If that wasn't enough, then get a Hightower or Meg on 29.

SC needs some new colors....they seem to just be cycling the same colors through the line. Now that all their bikes look alike, it's difficult to tell which model is which. Used to be able to tell by color.

 

My 2019 SC Hightower 27+/ 29r still in the box.
Color looks pretty close to the Bronson pictured above.

 

I think these fall into the if it ain't broke don't fix it model. I love all the Skittle colors, but it's hard to tell which model is which anymore. Unless it's got a big motor hanging off the down tube, that's a giveaway that it's a Heckler.

That mustard with the gray/taup logo definitely works for me!

 

Every time I race I contemplate trying to race a FS, but I wonder if I will just be disappointed again like I was with the Epic. But the Les is also disappointing to me too.

A friend I race against picked up a Scott Spark, whatever the trail version is called, because he is doing the Swiss Epic this year. He has been seems to be going faster and more comfortable this year, and is descending better in some places than his Bronson or Genius. And he is a very damn good descender, surprises me every time I ride with him.

 

I agree....I just don't think the new Blur TR is being marketed as an everyday trail bike, like the previous Blur TR was.

I'd like to try one, just out of curiosity.

 

Or that other big motorbike that SC introduced...

 

Ah snaps, didn't realize they had two! Good job Pon Holdings!

 

The company that made my current bike has an eBike, but to their credit it is a cargo bike.

 

I suppose in the tubeless era, running two diameters doesn’t cause any spares issues. So there are fewer reasons to not run a mullet...

 

When in doubt, carry a spare 27.5” tube, and you’re covered for both wheels.

 

Back on topic, once there are actual rides of this I want to hear more about the Blur's linkage. I have disliked all three versions of VPP that I tried, (Nomad v3 that I hated everything about, 5010 v2 that wasn't horrible, but only marginally better at climbing than my old Horst link Chumba, and an Intense Primer that was the least offensive VPP.) Admittedly, I am a Weagle snob, but I am curious how this new linkage works.

 

#fixt #26aintdead

 

It's a glorified SinglePivot. Ask riders how they like their Yeti ASR's....gonna be very similar.

 

Well let me 'splain it to ya...

Mullets give you all the advantages of a 29er when it comes to smashing into stuff and going down steep stuff, but none of the disadvantages when rolling over something steep. A 29er in the rear jacks up higher, and on shorter riders, tickles your asscrack.

Cornering is superb. The rear end cheats inside in a way that I can't describe. It's also far more forgiving. And stronger where it needs to be.

The ONLY disadvantage of a mullet compared to a full 29er is overall straight-ahead speed, but I am faster and far more confident on my mullet than I was on my Megatower 29er. That said - a full 29er covers more ground per pedal stroke, with the same gear ratios, but that's just science.

 

I luv me Scott Spark! 3 position remote lockout is efficient. I don't race but like efficiency. 120/130mm is all I need.

 

My mullet disadvantages: No rotating tires, constrained swapping between three other 29er bikes. Possible tube compatibility issues. (I have seen a 27.5 tube fail to work in a 29er wheel. Gave him my 29er tube.)

I’m sure it’s great for some. I’ve never perceived a need for my back wheel to be smaller. I’ll take the better slow-speed rollover with the occasional taint tickle. To each her own.

 

Those are logical reasons, but not experiential reasons! Not sure who on this site other than me and the Foes Mixer guys of days gone by have actually put it to the test - for realsies!

But for your style of riding - in the outback, long miles, spare tubes essential, a mullet would make no sense. I imagine the 29er is the better choice for long rides. I wouldn't know.

 

I saw that this morning! That hidden shock is some trick technology!

 

I prefer full 29 because I also like to climb up trails, not just descend them. If I was focusing on descending only I would just ride a double 650. I am not into the mullet trend.

 

Well, I did experience watching my buddy cussing, heaving sighs and struggling unsuccessfully to get his flat fixed...

 

Move over, Blur... Available in several (21) configurations from steep and spindly to 130mm and slack (65.8).

https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/bold-new-design-for-scott-spark-407724