Santa Cruz Blur 4x Frame
You know there are certain ‘elements’ in our office that tell me ‘this isn’t the bike for you Mikey’, but over the last two or three months this bike has been my best friend (ha). We first came across the Blur 4X a few years back and I have been itching to have a go on one since then. It looked to be a solid build and once I sat on it I could tell that the geometry was spot on for me (think lazy in a Beck style). The cockpit felt comfortable and the head angle was ready to go (at a quoted 68.5º). Four and a half inches of travel may not sound much by today’s standards, but if the truth be told, for 99% of the riding that I do at present I don’t need any more than that, there just isn’t the need, especially as I have to go up and along as well as down. Anything more just seems excessive and unnecessary, and a case of passenger not pilot on some occasions.

Don’t let the name fool you, I haven’t been anywhere near a 4X track on it (but I am sure it rips). I am talking about general hacking around, sweet singletrack, jumps and bumps, I think some may call it razzing. So OK it is a bit of a slug up hill, but I think that may be down more to me and my lack of fitness and the super tacky tyres I’m rolling on (and of course the heavier and gusseted tube set). But this bike is bombproof and always ready for abuse.

So if you love mountain bikes that feel like fun then this could be the one for you. Now the bad news…Santa Cruz don’t make these any more, it has been discontinued! There is a limited stock left here in the UK, so if you want one you better get on the blower quick. To conclude. It is so hard to find a short travel bike that has this kind of geometry and attitude, most are anorexic whips lacking charisma and shying away from anything that might upset them. This is a strong bike that is meant for fun. I like being on this bike, it makes me want to ride, it is as simple as that. Get one while you can. MR

Price: Powdercoat £1099, Anodized £1199
Sizes: Med (top tube 22.3”), Large (23.5”)
Santa Cruz Bikes 01423 780 088
www.santacruzbikes.co.uk

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