XC whips that are as fast as they are light.

Santa Cruz Blur & Juliana Wilder updates

We’ve been seeing spy shots of the new Blur for a couple of weeks now. We knew it was on the way, but we didn’t know just how good it was going to be. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty. What’s different about the updated models of the Santa Cruz Blur and Juliana Wilder?

The biggest difference is going to be the Superlight suspension platform. Instead of extra links and bearings, the Blur and Wilder use the increasingly common carbon flex stays. It’s lighter and way more comfortable than you might think. Gone are the vertical supports on the rear triangle and the lower link near the bottom bracket. Now, the frame is more open, has less material and fewer bearings — can you say weight savings? Not only does it still allow Santa Cruz to dial in the perfect suspension platform for going fast, but it also saves an additional 289g over the previous generation frame (complete weights for the Blur come in around 23lb). Other bikes that feature flex stays are the Transition Spur, Orbea Oiz, and the Cannondale Scalpel. They ride way better than you might think. They’re not at all harsh or stiff. Don’t believe me? Try one.

Next up on the list of differences — geometry. The new Blur and Wilder get slacker than the previous generation, but not my much — these are still XC bikes. The Blur comes in at 68.3 degrees for the head tube angle, while the Blur TR and Wilder are about a degree slacker at 67.1 degrees. The seat tube angle gets a bit steeper as well. At 75.4 and 74.8 degrees, it puts you right in the sweet spot for traction and power. Also new for this year are size-specific chainstays. Please, for the love of all that is holy, will every brand start doing this? I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — At 6’2” and on an XL frame, I shouldn’t have the same chainstay length as someone who’s 5’2” and rides a small frame. Bless the folks at Santa Cruz for doing this. The range isn’t huge, but the small frame uses a 430mm chainstay, while the XL uses a 438mm stay.

A new option for the Blur 4 is the 28mm wide XC Reserve wheel. It’s the lightest Santa Cruz wheel made. If you haven’t caught on already, they tried to make this thing fast and light. The Reserve 28 XC wheels come in at 1367g. The Reserve wheels feature a shallower and wider rim bed for up to 2.4” tires.

Santa Cruz Blur vs. Blur TR + Wilder

What’s the difference? First of all, travel. The standard Blur has 100mm of front and rear travel. The Blur TR and Wilder both have 115mm rear and 120mm front travel. Apart from more travel, the Blur TR and Wilder get beefier tires (Maxxis Rekon Race vs. Maxxis Aspen) and a full-length dropper post. The race day Blur comes with a shorter 100mm dropper post. Additionally, the Blur comes with 160mm brake rotors, while the TR versions use 180mm rotors. According to Santa Cruz, the TR versions aren’t trail bikes — they’re XC bikes for “certain courses.” We can see pure racers wanting the lightest possible option, while trail riders looking for a more versatile option will dig the TR version.

We have Blurs and Widlers in stock as of launch today. Come in and see one at the shop!