2021 Santa Cruz Bullit Review | HUGE 85Nm Torque, EP8 Equipped Enduro Machine

The 2021 Santa Cruz Bullit electric mountain bike is built around 170mm of VPP rear wheel travel and Shimano’s impressive EP-8 electric motor with an in-built 630Wh battery.
Continuing a theme for electric bikes, the new Bullit runs a smaller 27.5in rear wheel on the rear and a 29in wheel on the front, with both rims wrapped in DoubleDown casing Maxxis tyres.
The 2021 Bullit sits above the Heckler and is touted as a go-anywhere burly trail bike, with the same “gnar-taming capabilities” as the Nomad and Megatower and is claimed to be able to tackle steep ascents and descents with ease.
The 2021 Bullit is available in four models with prices starting at £6,899 / $7,499 / €7,699 for the Bullit CC R - which uses Shimano’s Steps E7000 motor - and lifting to £10,499 / $11,499 / €11,699 for the top-of-the-range Bullit CC X01 RSV.
BikeRadar’s technical Editor Alex Evans reviews the impressive, and very expensive, top spec CC X01 RSV model. Focusing on how it climbs, tackles steep, technical terrain and of course how that powerful new Shimano EP-8 motor feels on the trail.
Do you think the wildly expensive price tag is too much to bear? Or maybe you think full-on enduro bikes with powerful motors take riding to the next level? As always let us know what you think in the comments!
2021 Santa Cruz Bullit news story:
→ www.bikeradar....
Alex's full review on BikeRadar.com:
→ www.bikeradar....
Santa Cruz's first take on an E-MTB, the Heckler RSV:
→ • Santa Cruz Has Made An...
Follow BikeRadar on our social media channels:
→ / bikeradar
→ / bikeradar
→ / bikeradar
Register for BikeRadar.com:
→bit.ly/2zSNCOi
BikeRadar is supported by Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus Magazine.
For more information and to subscribe please visit: bit.ly/38NBrxZ
For more content like this see our latest subscription offer:
→www.cyclingplu...
→www.mbuk.com/s...
Presenter: Alex Evans
Camera: Max Wilman
Editor: Max Wilman
Producer: Felix Smith
#santacruzbikes #2021santacruzbullit #bikeradarreview

[@bikeradar]

Do you think that price tag is too much to bear? Or do you think full-on enduro bikes with powerful motors take riding to the next level? As always let us know what you think in the comments!

[@danytheunicorn95]

Yeah but you get what you pay for, and then this technology trickles down to lower end bikes, that carbon is super strong and light. My ebike is 25 kg and I wish it had 4 kg less, I can still jump it and hop around and do tricks, but it takes so much effort compared to a normal bike. So I guess the price tag is justified on the top end model. Not on the other one because of the motor.

[@RubyByte]

It's way too expensive, this is half entry-level spec'd. E-bikes are cool though.

[@uskypg]

Don't like the prices, same specialized, but :you pay for the research, reputation/ exceptional quality and customer service, lifetime warranty on the frame... There are many brands appearing over night making cheaper direct sales bikes, putting the best specs and case closed!? So... :))

[@abassi1173]

Way too much to bear 😂

[@dgarage9]

@Uncle Grandpa I honestly wonder how they haven't priced themselves out of business.

[@stevecrump1375]

They should call it "MEGA BUCKS "

[@TheWorldboy88]

Drug dealer bike

[@dadventuretv2538]

This is exactly what ebikes should be like IMO. I don’t want or need some etrail bike to ride around local stuff. But some big travel, enduro bike that can take me to the top of places I might not otherwise get to, or allow me to get to the top a couple or several times, to get in a couple or several of the gnarliest, rockiest sweetest descents I can find, instead of just one- yeah, count me in. Now I just need to retire to find the time for such rides.

[@eugenux]

I totally disagree, I want a trail-ish AM electric for epic days and overthemountain rides and have a real bike, a big enduro/freeride, for high alpine and bikeparks. Also..at 23 kgs(for the high end model) with a pair of pedals and some tire inserts, this is not a step in the right direction. It is an electric for posers. Real mtb-ers would know that an electric should not exceed 17kgs in order to retain a real bike feel and handling.

[@pauka13]

I still have a Bullit from 2003. Rides like a dream. Of course it doesn't have a fancy electric system, but has an extra carry for an addittional bear can!

[@LUCKYLUCKYMULLEN]

This for me is the best and most honest review of this bike so far, I would like to see how this bike compares on the trails to the new Vitus E-sommet which is half the price.

[@bikeradar]

Hi Kenneth, that would certainly be interesting to find out as the E-Sommet looks to be incredible value. Thanks for watching! From your friends at BikeRadar.

[@hughsonxu9500]

Will be receiving a XT build in March, super excited, haven't been riding bike for 6 years.

[@GGlitter72]

same with me dude.... 20 years !!!

[@furion..]

I'm a shorter guy so I brought the past into this present future by upgrading my 1998 26" Klein Mantra into a mullet. I added a FOX rear shock and FOX 36 x 160mm fork to the front in 27.5" dress, so a miniature version of a present production 27.5"/29" mullet for a shorter guy who loves my Klein. I've succeeded in rolling back the steep head tube angle several degrees by using a taller fork and a taller 27.5" wheel with a 2.6" tire and now I can finally keep up with me mates on their newer shytza.

[@cooperdouglas3747]

This is crazy, 10k Canadian for a zeb r and super deluxe select and nx drivetrain.

[@sebastienhakimejdaa9363]

Looks good. Top spec with DT Swiss 350 hubs? When is an E-bike good enough where the price is adequate for normal mortals. Prices are getting out of control. This is more a status thing than going out in the woods and have fun.

[@Murphy252000]

Exactly, fueled by fat old men

[@TheAllEngineering]

It's called the Santa Cruz fanboy vanity factor lol

[@MK4vDubbin]

A brand new Husqvarna FC 450, which is considered to be a bit of a boutique 450 moto bike here in the states, is $10,299. I’m sure this ebike is a blast to ride but these prices are just absurd. I ride a top build Transition Sentinel which is a pretty godamn expensive bike and I’m tapping out on this one.

[@dgarage9]

I think this every time I see the price of some of these bikes. I don't understand how they can keep pricing bikes this high.

[@mikemcmahon1836]

@@dgarage9 My guess is there are just too many people out there with way too much money. And they don’t even blink at these prices. We’ll have to wait and see how the sales go. 😬

[@geekane9462]

And thats one sweet dirt bike too. Loads more value for your $$$ than an ebike mtb!!!!

[@mehukatti123]

Quite surprised to hear that the reviewer would have preferred slacker HA than the current 64deg. Although one could extend the fork to 180mm (supported by SC), which would make it 63.5deg.

[@crusherII]

More dreambikes - maybe they can loan you an entry level model for the same review? Top specs are always going to perform well (hopefully), but this isnt the model everyone will buy. Then again, whos going to buy the lower powered version? Maybe killed their sales a bit there with the competition using the same motor system throughout their ranges?

[@neilcowie2329]

I had a MK2 with a 5th element shock. I see absolute zero bloodline from the original Bullit ethos

[@neilcowie2329]

@alieninsurgent I had boxers on my one, but when I bought it she had z1 bombers. For me it was a lightweight DH / Enduro bike with a simplistic single pivot swing arm. Before enduro was even a thing. WTF is this new bike..? Multipivot carbon E-Bike with a bullet sticker.

[@setransou]

Ebike manufacturers should focus on Aluminum frames instead of high end CC like Santa Cruz has done. Durability and price are more important. Who cares about carbon when you have a motor to get you up the hill.

[@paradox963]

The carbon is more durable than the aluminum, both in impact and fatigue life, the main difference is that people will still ride a aluminum bike when it is no longer structurally sound. Once you dent aluminum it looses it's structural integrity.

[@setransou]

@@paradox963 um...no. I’ve seen countless carbon frames in my shops with a hit in just the right spot and then it’s off to Calfee. AL frames not so much with a slight dent somewhere. AL costs less to produce....factor in that weight is no longer a priority....enough said

[@paradox963]

@@setransou It all depends on how they are made, I've seen aluminum frames from big name brands you could dent by squeezing them in the right spot and carbon frames that could take a hit from a hammer. It all depends on how they are made but as a material carbon can be made stronger, it also doesn't oxidize in salt air and I live near the ocean so theres that.

[@Bonky-wonky]

@@setransou ‘enough said’? Nice way of debating... and did you know that carbon can in most cases be repaired, whereas an alu frame with a dent at a high stress zone is ready for the bin?

[@MK4vDubbin]

@@Bonky-wonky This seems like a pretty dishonest exchange on both of your parts. Here’s the reality: I see plenty of alum frames with dents running around with no problem. They’re fine. The point about carbon being repairable is irrelevant. No one is getting their frames repaired. I don’t know of a single place that actually does that regardless of whether it can be done or not. They get warrantied and replaced.

[@JogBird]

its funny to see shimano cranks and sram mech, cassette, and shock and forks

[@jonathanhowson6420]

Fox fork, RS rear shock, shimano cranks, sram drive train. Surprised the didn't use an enve rear rim with a reserve front, combined with a sram rear brake and shimano front 😂🤣

[@eightlivesdownmtb]

Crazy, crazy money - and such a such shame SC decided to hobble the ‘budget’ version with the much-lower spec motor or I might have considered it. Oh well, it’s either the Trek Rail 9.8 or Vitus e-Escarpe VRX, then.

[@craigsteele8178]

A bike that weighs 50ibs is Not appealing to me. It would feel like a tank I would imagine. I still feel they have some progress to make with these bikes especially in the weight department. I am 54 years of age and I have just bought a new Megatower and am thrilled with its prowess on the trail. Maybe when I am way older I might get one when they are lighter lol! Keep on shredd’n lads!

[@khewitthome1436]

And a massive recall on the EP8 motor! looks like an amazing bike though!!!

[@kentmoore6874]

What an amazing EMTB

[@dzatskennel]

i just bought my bullit S.. just on time for our christmas group ride.lol

[@mikusbikus1718]

As a levo comp owner I've made numerous upgrades including a 38 fox, rear coil, 223mm front rotor to name afew. The savings of buying a bike for $11.5 will allow me to travel to many other places with the same amount fun. It seems Santa Cruz has built a great bike but has a unrealistic price point.

[@OhanaRVing]

Exactly, my thoughts. Would love to own one but at this price I just can't justify it.

[@emilposselt5607]

An e-bike with the gears inside the motor would be...amazing

[@tamim_alsulaiti]

That’s pretty much a dirtbike

[@ioannisparaskevopoulos1120]

This bike rocks! What size did you test ride and your height If I may ask? Great job!

[@wooburnaviation]

Or double the torque output, for loads less money and excellent reliability, with a Bafang

[@simony2801]

I will enjoy my 4grand cube just as much.

[@eugenux]

What off-set they are using for the forks. Maybe that is the reason for a twichy feel on steep and fast portions of the trail.

[@georgeapplegate2091]

Ive been told i have to get a e bike to ride with our local club, i got real unfit in years of workng daft hours, eating crap and drinking too much, so with and E bike there it should give me the confidence to get out and ride with that group again. I did look at the heckler but dont think it'll be up to the stuff we ride. I need to get into my local santa cruz shop to get one of these a test ride. Hard to choose between the two colours though isnt it?

[@tigerground]

Insane to spec the lower specced bike with an e7000. Noone will buy it. And the higher spec is insanely expensive. An ep8 with Zeb and Super Deluxe would be my choise.

[@conorverbruggen5133]

I hear you with regard to the head tube angle. But, picture someone who would actually buy this bike, now picture them pulling the drop-offs and jumps you've done (successfully) in this vid....

[@mikefly562]

I test rode a bullit just like this one, but had a electronic SRAM shifter/derailer drivetrain. With sales tax, it was just under $15,000 USD, so while I had fun with it, its too expensive. I feel that I can most likely find a decent bike for about $6000 USD in lieu of this.

[@orzoo0685]

Long bike with 64 head angle, how would this get overwhelmed compared to other enduro bikes?

[@aaronpateman6227]

WANT!!!

[@oldmanmtb1443]

I love e bikes. Wish there was financing on it like a motorbike.

[@meho1010]

If they had made a flip chip in the rear triangle so you can make that chain stay 10mm shorter they would have had a bike that was close to perfect.

[@jackhammer40k_]

Smooth pop culture reference

[@MrSmoothasf]

To Put this in perspective you can buy the exact same spec cube stereo 170 then on top of that buy a santa cruz nomad frame and have 2 bikes, one that's both a santa cruz and airplane friendly and Still cheaper than the base model here.

[@endurospain]

How tall is the rider doing the review? THANKS!!

[@uskypg]

So 64 degrees head angle is not slack enough... Interesting :D

[@eugenux]

Maybe it is an offset situation. Did they say what offset are using for the forks?

[@QuickFooder]

Radon Render 👌

[@deftrover]

Nxt lvl!!

[@raulg705]

It’s always better to save as much as you can and put it as a down payment imagine saving half of The price tag then get a loan from the bank go buy it and put that amount you saved down you’ll be happy at the end you bought what you really want no need to upgrade later

[@jdubmash]

You think they will make it in non electric bike? Dang that would be sweet if it wasnt an e-bike

[@lesterbinegar4815]

The Nomad is just that.

[@RCKING1]

@@lesterbinegar4815 nomad is really outdated now

[@cg1983]

Rattle noise of the Ep8 on this specific model ?

[@Mick1714]

Tell me a brand that does not make a motored bike, I’m going to straight buy my next bike from them.

[@kenmalpus8133]

Ibis👍

[@alextokmakoff6521]

Transition

[@alextokmakoff6521]

Or revel

[@tigerground]

Better hurry up. They will be out of business in a decade 😉

[@Mick1714]

@@tigerground There will still be people that like biking in ten years.

[@Chrislenomadcorsicariders2a]

best bike !

[@jbonexc1725]

I'd rather get a YT Decoy Elite for 6.3K. Two of them even!

[@RCKING1]

Yt is relatively bad. My friend has snapped his front end once and his rear triangle 3 times

[@bigpapa2195]

Ive heard they have a lot of problems so youll be buying 2x the problems

[@raulg705]

I try to eat by today very very very different I definitely will buy a Electric bike I recommend it no brainer just a little bit more expensive that’s pretty much it just save your money and buy one I’ll put half down you’ll regret not buying it The one I like cost $6000 but the bullet looks good it’s awesome save your chips

[@niczoom]

They look great, love to have one..... if $$$ wasn't a factor :)

[@EnergyNewsToday]

Just need to put Shimano XT or XTR brakes to solve the braking issues. There is no comparison in raw power.

[@ericmagee9054]

So the top spec bike is nearly $16,000 Canadian in the province where I live. $16,000 for an electric bike. Even low end bike is over $10,000 Canadian. At these prices why wouldn’t I just get into dirt biking?? Answer me that Santa Cruz.

[@af252]

Spends £6-7k and gets NX eagle gearing. Embarrassing

[@ericmagee9054]

Bingo

[@dgarage9]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@lewiscb9235]

Absolutely the bike world has gone crazy your paying for nothing other than the name!

[@billcherrington5665]

where was this filmed?

[@TheAllEngineering]

If you get the base model you get e7000 motor with the not so huge 60 nm of torque, but still a huge price tag for what you are getting. Ridiculous !!

[@suspensioncheck]

What chainring it has? 32t or 34t ?

[@kleankash88]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@MaciekP2]

What front fender he uses?

[@krispewkrem3]

My Sur Ron is starting to seem like a better purchase every day…. I want to like MTB… but the prices are insane.

[@lukasbormann4830]

Why not Schwalbe eddy current, way better for Ebikes

[@secretender3421]

It’s a beautiful bike but I think I’ll get a better bang for the buck if I mod a bike into an ebike

[@jamesklinger2146]

I am 6’5” and weigh 265. Am I to big for this bike

[@paulbird5929]

No weight limit on Santacruz bikes. Just put more air in shocks or pirate coil spring

[@bradtrent5298]

There have been a lotta Bullit ‘review’ videos this past week that amount to nothing more than repurposed Santa Cruz press releases. The bike is certainly solid...and I’m sure it will hold its own against the competition...but across its model range it’s certainly not worth the tariff. The entry-level model is immediately hamstrung with its bottom-shelf, old-tech motor, and the more $pendy builds have nothing you can’t get from any one of ten other bikes for $3-5k less! Based on specs alone, it’s kinda obvious that one of the best currently available bikes to compare the Bullit to is easily the YT Decoy ‘Shred’. Both have very similar frame styles & geometry, travel, ride style...but the really nicely spec’d Decoy (all XT/Fox Performance suspension) sells for $6k! That price isn’t simply below what it would cost you for the entry-level Bullit, the Decoy build compares directly with the Bullit CC XT model that sell for $10 Grand!!! I hate to tell you guys how to re-write press releases into editorial videos, but at some point you owe your viewers more than a wink and a nod at the shiny new toy. You’re not doing anyone any favors by failing to call out companies like Santa Cruz when they drop a gold-plated mule like this on unsuspecting rubes like us who could be convinced into dropping $10 Grand after watching the extremely well-produced SC promotional videos showing pro riders kicking the snot outta the thing.

[@geekane9462]

I agree. The Decoy Shred is a direct contender and WAY cheaper. Hell, I can buy a spare decent used car to get to the trails with that $6000 price difference. SC is now trying to make themselves out to be a bike for those who also own Ferraris. Folks like me with a 17 yo car can only dream. On the YT though, their customer service sucks and many complaints of parts/frames breaking. So that's why I would rather stay with SC over the YT.

[@bradtrent5298]

@@geekane9462 Your comment is literally the first time I’ve heard anyone complain about YT’s customer service being shitty in any way and I’ve also never heard a peep from anybody claiming the Duck frame is any more prone to breakage than any other ebike out there. Care to share any proof?!! 🤔

[@geekane9462]

@@bradtrent5298 Just Google "YT customer service" and you'll see there are many threads about it. I hate to see these and I want to like the YT, but with these complaints about them I'm shying away from them. Yet the SC, as nice as it is, is just way overpriced!!!!! I think the Intense Tazer MX is another contender and more fairly priced, better customer service, but its just not as refined as the SC and in my opinion, quite ugly. And for me unfortunately, size wise it just wont fit right. Oh well.

[@UncleFjester]

WHAT! did he say $11,500 Dollars?

[@datdudeinred]

Nx derailleur for 6k... Are you kidding me?? That's why i hate Santa Cruz... You can get axs derailleur vitus in that price... Granted not ebike but still & not even good suspension.. For that money transition, Nukeproof, evil, norco, giant all give top end suspensions..

[@leofinalizacao]

Forgot to mention YT. The decoy Elite is speced with top components for £6K and it goes down better than this bike

[@jonathanhowson6420]

@@leofinalizacao prepare for some comments from the SCs fan boys who can just about afford the monthly finance payments for one of these 😂🤣. YT Decoy elite all the way. You could build up a really nice Propain Tyee or Spindrift with the £4k you save and have a superb park/enduro bike as well 👌👍

[@nta2267]

But but... eNgInEeRinG 🤓🥴 ok sure there probably goes lots of engineering and testing into this bikes but cmon... low quality components for such high prices is absurd. I bought a slightly used 2019 YT Capra 29 CF Pro Race for 3300 euros and it rides like a dream... and it has top end componentry

[@meho1010]

@@leofinalizacao you got to test ride both bikes! how were they different?

[@leofinalizacao]

@@meho1010 they are both incredible bikes. The Santa Cruz feels a bit longer and slacker than the YT but I’m not sure it justifies the difference in price. Whichever bike you get you’ll be pleased 😃

[@dman5703]

Sucks you can’t get one till 2022

[@elmuffinmanthecartelguy7296]

so this or a brand new KTM is that just me that sees this

[@UncleFjester]

Anyone want a lightly used Juiced HyperScorpion? PM ME!

[@TAZMON20]

Prices are ridiculous for what you're getting, there are far better options with the EP8 motor available for a lot less money, but I imagine that if you're an SC fan then value for money is never a consideration.

[@st1ffee]

hasnt made me want one over my whyte e160

[@motoboggle7525]

Leave it out 😂

[@Hunter_Bidens_Crackpipe_]

Bullitt is a cargo bike made by Larry vs Harry.

[@petrub27]

What camera did you use to shoot this video. Looks horrible

[@Good1vibes]

Come on man. An e-bike over $10, 000?! I still have my Yeti SB 5.5 custom built and that was a descent price. MTB world is going into the adventure motorbike world now. A few more thousand dollars, you can get a Honda African Twin or an expensive hooker. Your choice.

[@kernplace37]

The prices are so dumb on these.

[@sidrykchewo]

drop the battery...

[@lewiscb9235]

Ridiculous price tag doesn’t matter what components your paying for a name! I can’t understand how mtb now cost same as MX bikes far more components on Mx

[@lukasbormann4830]

No axs at that price, are they mad? 😂

[@johnbeedham3010]

Love e-mtbs ....this looks fantastic ... pity I can't afford one. High end e-mtbs with beautiful frames and set-ups are great if you want to part with the moolah, but the same motor/battery and similar spec'ed bike without the cool bling, can be had for many $1000s less. The e-mtb will still take you places otherwise unattainable, and you still get the 'e-mtb smile'.... Are there still e-mtb haters out there???

[@MTB1ker1]

I just can't believe how expensive this bike is. With pandemic still lingering around, who has that kind of $$$$ jiggling in their pockets? Also, price is extremely steep for non USA made frame.

[@thewarr10r1]

The price is ridiculous...

[@captainslow4184]

7,500$ for a lousy E7000 motor ebike?? Even if it's Santa cruz it just doesn't seems right... Good luck for them

[@todddonovan9780]

Bikes like this are just for people who want to ride their motorcycles on bicycle trails.

[@tommykarate6226]

I'd have more fun on the 20 year old bike, at least I'd enjoy my ride without having to worry about stoving it into a tree, must be a lot of rich people around.

[@IronX77]

Great advertising copy.

[@TheAllEngineering]

7500 USD with eagle NX. Typical poorly specified and over priced Santa Cruz. Even the fanboys will find this hard to swallow.

[@ericmagee9054]

I love my Santa Cruz and can confirm you are correct lol.

[@RCKING1]

Love how much he’s complaining

[@mac16a]

Honestly I expected higher range.

[@jessewarda6186]

Worst motor cycle EVER!

[@stefanomercuri8960]

Ma il cavo del cambio e bruttissimo 11500 euro montate AXS

[@thim8009]

Now USA manufacturers need to help fight for access rights where ever regular mtbs can go. We are so far behind, its frustrating!

[@kentmoore2132]

Too much money 💰

[@leeteemtb9587]

Beautiful ebike but fugly colour 😷

[@Pienimusta]

Chonker

[@fatbutfitish2244]

Ridiculous

[@Murphy252000]

A fool and his money, made in China plastic frame and your telling me it’s the same price as a motorbike. Wise up

[@erich8258]

Why bother to watch if that's your attitude? And anyone who thinks that a carbon frame is akin to cheap plastic can't be taken seriously.

[@Murphy252000]

@@erich8258 anyone who thinks a 10k Chinese bike is worth so much, needs a head transplant.

[@Bonky-wonky]

@@Murphy252000 anyone who takes trolling idiots like you seriously needs to have their head checked.

[@Murphy252000]

@@Bonky-wonky anyone who has your pic is racist, # stereotype

[@Bonky-wonky]

@@Murphy252000 anyone who looks like the guy in your avatar is a big crybaby.

[@markrskinner]

Save money, get a motorcycle.

[@leeasy7112]

Well, if you need motors to assist you why even bother buying such an expensive bike? Get an off-road motorcycle, that way, you can even have much more fun than this, and stop lying to yourself that you were "working out".