Vancouver’s North Shore was buried beneath an unusually large snow pack when I started riding this Santa Cruz Bullit last spring. It was a wet, cold and slippery start to the riding season.
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The Bullit’s single-pivot design has been around since the early days of the freeride movement, and after a short hiatus, Santa Cruz has the classic Bullit back in its lineup this year. Although the 2008 Bullit retains the same single-pivot design elements as its predecessors, it also received a number of enhancements.
Perhaps the most notable addition is the optional floating brake arm. Not only does this help minimize the effects of braking force on the suspension, but it also accommodates a 150-millimeter rear hub. A second option, without the floating brake arm, uses a standard 135-millimeter rear hub. Both dropout options were used in the test, and the difference was noticeable—the wider rear axle spacing and floating brake arm dished out a noticeable difference in braking performance.
This latest incarnation of the Bullit also sports a new outboard bearing system at the main pivot. The bearings support a 20-millimeter axle that connects the rear swing arm to the main frame. Combine this with a RockShox Totem coil fork with 1.5-inch steerer and the bike navigates effortlessly through the roughest terrain. Both the Totem on the front and the Fox DHX 5.0 on the back provided maximum efficiency and adjustability to accommodate any trail or riding style.
The Bullit weighs just over 40 pounds, which is quite respectable for a bike with 180 millimeters of coil sprung travel front and rear. This is due in large part to relatively light, but durable, DT Swiss FR 6.1d wheels laced to DT 340 hubs. The stock Kenda Nevegal 2.5 tires held their line through the wet rocks and roots on Vancouver’s North Shore. The Avid Code brakes worked flawlessly in every condition, providing modulation as well as top-end power.
The 2008 Santa Cruz Bullit endured three months of regular abuse in some of the most demanding terrain around. Overall, it proved a well-balanced bike, nimble enough to handle the most technical trails. However, time and time again the bike proved that it is most comfortable at speed where the overall stiffness becomes a big plus. The Bullit’s 67.5-degree headtube angle provided predictable handling and jived with the bike’s supple suspension to inspire confidence and control on any trail. The addition of the floating brake arm is a must-have option for anyone considering this bike.
Highs: 1.5-inch headtube; floating brake option; smart component spec Lows: stock stem is a bit long; 135-millimeter dropout option made for a bad chain line
Reader Comments
Posted Thu Aug28, 2008, 4:57 PM — By chainline nazi
Did you use the same BB width for 135 and 150 spacing? That would make the chainline bad, not the dropouts. 135mm dropouts require a 50mm chainline, 150mm dropouts require something around 57mm. This is typically achieved by using different BB length spindles.
Posted Fri Oct 3, 2008, 12:31 PM — By Michael
Bike has to address the issue of proper chainline and proper BB, either here or an editor's note in the mag
135mm dropouts require a 50mm chainline, 150mm dropouts require something around 57mm
This is typically achieved by using different BB length spindles.
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