2022 Santa Cruz Blur TR Review: The Cruz Missile | 2021 Fall Field Test

The Blur has been in the Santa Cruz lineup for two decades now, but this new Blur TR with its 115mm of travel is aimed at those riders who want a little more from their XC race machine. How does this bike, with its entirely new suspension design perform out on the trails?
Watch all the videos from the 2021 Fall Field Test: pinkbike.link/2021fallfieldtest
Read the full review on Pinkbike: pinkbike.link/santacruzblurre...
Presented by:
Bontrager - trekbikes.com/bontrager/
Rapha - rapha.cc/
00:00 - Intro
00:32 - Bike Overview
03:25 - Climbing
07:22 - Descending
09:46 - Components
12:55 - Models
13:48 - Pros
14:07 - Cons
14:51 - Verdict
Pinkbike Merch - pinkbike.link/merch
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[@joshfoster6669]

I unabashedly LOVE Henry Quinney. Discovered him at GMBN, and was stoked to see when he moved across to Pinkbike, the man is an absolute legend.

[@dillydean]

Oh is that what I know him from!

[@davidc6032]

Levy and Henry bringing two very different sets of requirements/needs for this category really draw out all the small details that help identify the right buyer for this bike.

[@nicholkid]

This is the bike Keegan Swenson uses for long XC races and he wins those races usually, so I'd say you're spot on about it being a good bike for marathon events.

[@lio220]

Yes and Maxime Marrot uses it in world cup of cross country so it is good to race at highest level!

[@cvdavis]

I have 883km on my 2022 Santa Cruz Blur TR S and the review is pretty accurate from my perspective. I'm all about the climb and yet I find the two piston brakes a bit lacking, though they are improved when overbled. The 2.4 tires are great volume wise and roll well but they have you on the edge when pushing things downhill. It's capable of KOMs downhill for sure but it's a scary ride when the front tire is drifting along with the rear. The long dropper puts a grin on this xc racer's face, as does the efficient rear suspension. I was surprised how much I liked the 760mm bars on this bike and yet I still reluctantly cut it down a bit because of the tight trees where I ride. The S version size large that I bought is heavier than my old xc racer by a significant margin (26.6lbs vs 23.9lbs) and yet it still felt very light and nimble - certainly more sure footed than the old bike. This bike is for someone who wants race speeds but prefers more comfort and doesn't want their enduro or trail riding friends to get away on the descents. It would shine as a marathon racer.

[@Reynad-sm1kr]

Still using the same Blur 1 classic since 2007 - I still consistently pull ahead on climbs and crap my pants harder on steep steep technical descents than anyone I casually ride with. Santa Cruz found the magic sauce when they made the blur 20 years ago. Currently rebuilding. This made me want to a new Blur. Awesome review.

[@MikeB-qz3ky]

Thanks for the honest review, appreciate the difference of opinions from the reviewers as it brought to light the real pros and cons. Most of the cons mentioned are actually all things I view as pros (I ride around Toronto). Dropped a deposit on one today!

[@drgrowden]

I got one in August and absolutely love it. I spend most of my time riding at Haroldtown just outside Peterborough.

[@slimdog72]

Good job gentle men. You guys are very blessed to be riding in such a great spot.

[@snbsmtb]

Great video Pinkbike!! That seems like a great bike for XC ! Waiting for the E-bikes and Trail bikes Review (Field Test!!)

[@TheDavidjakeson]

I am the ideal rider for that bike... And I love mine. Huge weight difference between the Blur v3 and the grip is so good.

[@fernandoburiasco6590]

Excellent guys, nice to hear the opinions from riders......and you were talking about excellent bikes, all of them,...so,.... and not any bike is for any rider, very well explained!!!! THX.

[@eduardobraga4461]

Great review! You’re making my decision about which downcountry/capablecountry bike i should buy really difficult…

[@Bob_Shy_132]

HEY HENRY! Welcome back!

[@LiriaQuimicosl]

Amazing Bike! Looking forward for the new update!

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

love love love. Thank you. Cant wait for the canyon review especially after the tid bits we heard here.

[@SargeHitch95]

I was wondering where Henry landed after a Bath England company job. Great to see you.

[@BlackFlag94]

This bike seems like the perfect bike if you have a gravity-favoured Trail or AM Bike already. I like the look of this.

[@dillydean]

I totally agree with having a funner bike over a faster bike. Iv already bought into the Down county thing with a torrent S2 steel bike. I'm not the fastest but dam I'm having the funnest time on any trail!

[@philipMTB]

Great bike! Great Review!

[@fradd4045]

Levy and Henry perfect combo

[@dcasandman]

Man great video. I debated months Blur vs Tallboy. Exactly my sentiments. Went with a little more confidence inspired since I suck at going down hill.

[@jben4807]

I have the Tallboy, it totally smashed everything I need it to. The harder you push it, the better it rides.Love the bike, honestly it’s kinda like my best friend…

[@dcasandman]

@@jben4807 , I feel like the faster I go the better it rides. It’s like it’s cracking the whip on me saying get your old man legs going this sh*! Is getting boring

[@jben4807]

Absolutely, that’s exactly how I feel about the bike. It doesn’t like to go slow, I’m a much faster rider on this bike, both up and down the hills.

[@LeadMunitions]

love the Matte black!! Beautiful with orange accent 👌

[@leonardoolivar]

Had the chance to ride most of this dwcbikes and a few more. In my opinion which is like a very amateur opinion. My favorite was the kona hei hei, the second one was the salsa spearfish, and the 3rd place would be for the top fuel. 🤙🏼

[@Polar-sq3wt]

The problem is not the 2 pistons brakes, but Sram level brakes ;)

[@REB4444]

I'd take the Blur TR all day. I have a 2022 Pivot Trail 429 with Carbon wheels and love it. It punches above it's class in terms of DH capability, and is the best pedaling short-travel bike neck & neck with the Ripley. But If I had a chance I'd get the Blur TR as my light rocket bike I'd get it. Something about Santa Cruz' suspension that is just unique.

[@GoAndPractice]

Oh this bike looks cool! Oh it’s $10,000 nevermind.

[@ihatefsi]

It looks like a snore-fest

[@likeris2]

@@ihatefsi Epic evo looks better.

[@clothshorse]

Ok, the blur lyrics reference is some of the slickest pinkbike work this year. Funny, I don’t see anyone else laughing 👏🥳

[@wakey356]

Pretty mega

[@dekaru]

Lol, I didn't catch the reference

[@WildMeff]

Would’ve liked to see the Revel Ranger included

[@jb56chevy]

I would like to see some comparisons of this years and last years group. What are your impressions on the Blur T vs the Epic Evo vs the Top Fuel vs the Spur etc.? I realize that is quite a lot and Henry wasn’t here last year but maybe an episode where the 3 boys talk about the last 2 years options.

[@eduardobraga4461]

I was thinking the same…we’re never happy and want the ultimate comparison between all models and years haha. I’m in the market for a “downcountry” bike, I need to be careful not to overanalyze stuff. In the end I’ll be limited by inventory availability

[@andreamantovani5354]

Epic Evo wins hands down

[@jb56chevy]

@@andreamantovani5354 I bought the Epic Evo Expert in March 2022 and love it. I wanted the Spur could could not find one anywhere. Ultimately, the Evo was available first. No regrets.

[@andreamantovani5354]

@@jb56chevy the Spur is a great bike but in ny opinioni quite different from the Epic Evo. The former is a bigger burlier heavier bike that is made for jumps, aggressive downhill, push and stable rides, it's the "xc lightest bikes for downhillers" while the latter us a quick light do it all fast missile. They are basically at the opposite spectrum of the same category short travel trail 120mm bikes with the Evo reminding of a real XC bike that is also very capable in a variety of situation. You can't go wrong with either, the Evo is amazing for me

[@duncandoughnuts_za]

Would love to know what you think would be the best BC bike race bike out the test.

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

Another Like for Henry 👍

[@alexhudson3574]

use hope brakes for easy reach and bite point control

[@grasenwillink4554]

I'm interested to see the Scor bike review

[@sbbeowulf8296]

I’m gonna start Racing MTB in my area but I’m racing xc on a Enduro bike I’d love to do downhill when the season begins for it

[@anthonywalters7434]

I did an XC time trial on an Enduro bike and wanted to die 3 miles in. It was advertised as mostly downhill and while my ‘21 Force 29 was extremely fast on the descents, the 7 miles of slight to steep uphill made the 2.2 miles of downhill feel like nothing. 1000 feet of descending against 500ft of climbing just over very different distances.

[@yengsabio5315]

I seem to like the bike from the mere look of it. Too bad, Santa Cruz is hard to find here at my end! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #KeepBiking

[@hobokenarts]

Heys everyone-great videos! How about a 2021 vs 2022 XC/DC Field Test? Questions we all would liked answered: Mike-2021 Epic Evo vs SC Blur TR and Henry-2021 Transition Spur vs new 2022 Trek Top Fuel. Which would you prefer if you had to chose? Thanks again for the super-informative content! Best MTB channel on YT!!

[@gmatting]

Love the Britpop references, no matter how obvious!

[@ej1_drew]

climbing is fun!!! there are plenty people that enjoy a good ascend

[@treeskier802]

What other full suspension bikes are lightweight like the Blur?

[@MX763]

I agree with everything they said. I came off a 150mm Niner Rip 9 and could never gel with the enduro travel. I thought I wanted long travel but I couldn’t get along with it. I picked up the XC (100mm) CC X01 AXS RSV Blur and it’s awesome! The first thing I did was upgrade the front brake to a Code RSC and 180mm rotor. After about 40 miles it was clear it needed the 120mm upgrade. Installed the Fox 34SC factory and a DPS Factory. It is the perfect bike! I was a little hesitant to spend the money because this cost as much as my KTM 350 and I still think the value isn’t great but it’s the first bike I’ve had where I absolutely love everything about it. I can’t really think of a negative except the thought of it getting ripped off scares me. It’s made mountain biking great again.

[@kamilmitek]

I am about to built my new bike on blur 4 frame, I really cant decide travel set, what would you recomend ?

[@MX763]

@@kamilmitek in my opinion, the 120mm is the way to go. The 100 was good but I did get some harsh bottoming on very small drops. The 120 is a little stiffer on the small bumps but it far outweighs the 100 on downhill sections and drops.

[@laxplaysu91]

so what I'm hearing is that if you like climbing and are more on the endurance side of XC (60-100 milers) this is the bike?

[@likeris2]

please do comparisom this one, trek top fuel and epic evo. tnaks. I looking something ligt and fun.

[@micheandmikey]

Mike & Mike back together....and now Henry is with them, three of the best all in one room! $9000 for a bike like this?! Um, no.

[@hmmboost]

I just trail rode this bike and really enjoyed it. It felt really nimble and capable for flowy/fast trails and I was comfortable on "blue" obstacles. I'm not someone who enjoys the big hits or technical 'dangerous' stuff, my preference is speed and holding a clean line. I haven't been able to trail ride a Top Fuel to compare and the Epic Evo is impossible to find as well. Top Fuel's are a lot easier to come by right now, but I'd really like to hear some more feedback on that comparison, as I'd basically be buying a bike without testing it.

[@wakey356]

Thumbs up inside 2 minutes for that Liam Gallagher line 😂

[@badlarry172]

ahhhh thats where Henry went 😉 pay rise and a lovely country to live in i suppose 🇬🇧

[@colinwatt00]

7:58 - this is my argument for 27.5” bikes. I know 29” wheels roll over the same size root easier and I know they are capable of putting down faster lap times because of this, but I don’t care. 27.5” bikes are more fun and you can’t change the physics of a much larger rotating mass.

[@exodusvelo]

you got me with the uk cursing

[@lynxg4641]

To the brakes, whatever happened to that sensible movement of running 2/4 piston brakes on such bikes that was happening a couple years ago? To me that is the ideal situation, 4 pot brake on the front, 2 pot on the rear. Man, Henry, that opening, brutally brilliant, nearly fell off my chair laughing - "...Fvck him, he's prob riding an e-bike" LMAO. Levy, man, can't say how much respect I have for you after your definition of a DC bike or what you really enjoy, feel the same way, love a bike that's a bit under gunned for the descents and makes you work for it, but is something you can easily crank out the miles with loads of climbing.

[@ertugrul791]

Please try a ghost full party

[@robp3431]

Would be amazing if you invited some "racers" to join your group and provide feedback on the DC bikes

[@veljkoradovic9884]

Coffee and TV, girls and boys, this is Blur with Damon Albarn, eeem Henry Quinney ;)

[@youling1997]

Blur Blur Blur!!!!

[@morkys2410]

Why does the longer travel slacker TR version Blur have a shorter reach than the XC version of Blur? That seems a bit odd. In size Large the TR's Reach is about 12.5 mm shorter than the Large XC version. I know it's not huge, and the TT is almost 5 mm longer on the TR, but wouldn't you think the difference should be the other way around with the TR having the longer Reach for a given size?

[@andyahtside2667]

8:27 What's the face for Levy?? Hahah

[@adamcoppock9897]

Wish the following v3 was on this test.... BTW isn’t downcountry bikes just a trail bike?

[@jg8273]

Trail has more travel

[@adamcoppock9897]

@@jg8273 My Evil Following has 120 rear and 120 front and its a trail bike LOL

[@jg8273]

@@adamcoppock9897 IDK…XC bikes are getting more beefy. What’s the Evil weigh?

[@gunshipanropace2gunshipand119]

It has Longer Insertion Depth, Hahahahaha made my day

[@snat6299]

Looks like the blur EVOlved into a specialized mtb. Henry looks like the Mikes big brother:)

[@323johnnybravo]

I said this same thing on a forum and got destroyed by fanboys lol

[@mgoo1713]

SC went back to their roots, to the Superlight but with a linkage driven shock

[@conman1395]

@@323johnnybravo that's because it's a stupid take. It's a more aggressive XC bike with single pivot, which has been done well before Specialized

[@323johnnybravo]

@@conman1395 how’s this more aggressive than an epic evo or stump jumper with flex pivots?

[@SwolePapi15]

@@323johnnybravo he is not implying its more aggresive than those bikes he is saying its more aggresive than a traditional xc bike

[@jakeday4284]

I think if you put better brakes and different tires it would be better

[@Rawlins74]

Guys, how would you rate the specialized epic evo vs this Santa Cruz?

[@andreamantovani5354]

Epic Evo is the better bike

[@Rawlins74]

@@andreamantovani5354 thank you. meanwhile I bought one ;)

[@andreamantovani5354]

@@Rawlins74 Blur or Epic?

[@Rawlins74]

@@andreamantovani5354 epic evo pro 2022

[@andreamantovani5354]

@@Rawlins74 amazing bike. How do you like it so far?

[@flamencoguru]

Great channel but holy nerd session... There was some serious geeking out on the bikes they reviewed...

[@86309]

Any idea when Wicked Wills will be available to us?

[@miau31333]

Epic

[@pinkbike]

No, it's a Blur.

[@sorinvladu7021]

@@pinkbike epic

[@two2pedal289]

@@pinkbike That's what I thought

[@miau31333]

@@pinkbike bruh

[@mgoo1713]

Why not 4 pot in the front 2 pot in the rear?

[@ihatefsi]

The blur is made for 50 year old xc dads who suck at riding

[@GymLifeT.V]

Please test the Merida ninety-six rc 8000

[@reynemanzano]

Appreciate these reviews. They’ve provided great insight to overall geo and purpose of each bike. Would you guys be able to include insight for the bikes with alloy models as well? Specifically, id like to know if the Top Fuel Alloy would be viable to people who can’t afford carbon. Im guessing yes (just get stronger) but it would help justify cost hearing from pros Thanks 🤙🏽

[@mistera1mL3Ss]

Cruz Missile... Humour on Point...

[@123456cullen]

Tip of the hat on Blur references.

[@Ghostina1]

henry!!! You put me always in a good mode when watching and explaining something! You could sell me anything... #iamnotinlovebutyouareagreatpresenter

[@madrapperdave]

Whinging about 175mm cranks aside - at least these 3 are nowhere near as dorky as Beta MTB tests.

[@clutch1465]

Hey check out the bergamont revox 8 2022

[@206board]

Anyone notice this looks a lot like the 2014 Bronson C color scheme?

[@mtnbikerva1]

Music is too LOUD

[@brucehumphries6889]

Bring back Levy!!

[@yomommascookies9394]

SC all day everyday. I personally own 3 different SC. Blur isn't one of them though.

[@ethannewell5298]

Process 111>>>

[@crikmtb5338]

No

[@ethannewell5298]

@@crikmtb5338 👎👎👎

[@JimmyJamesonJnr]

Yes

[@allantimm2003]

You keep saying it's lite ...what does it weigh ? would need to be under 10Kgs to be competitive with the Sworks Epic for example

[@Stickybutton]

They sure make good looking bikes… although relatively similar throughout the seasons.

[@phillbill5458]

I’m confused. Y didn’t you guys use the tallboy, an actual downcountry

[@mathewmccabe2658]

Becuase it’s a trail bike

[@johnmorrison8351]

Liam Gallagher probably IS an e-biker 🤣🤣🤣

[@jaysonboss12]

What is wrong with that Kashima coating? Is it just me or does it actually look like someone dropped his mustard?

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

yo, the music used here is bangin! Kaz, Levy and Lil Henry should drop a fire anual mixtape series!

[@grosmerou]

super nice love British people

[@paradox963]

If you want to improve the blur, put a shorter stem and a 35 mm rise bar, and it will descend a lot better.

[@jg8273]

But it won’t climb as good

[@paradox963]

@@jg8273 It still does, my friend has one set up this way, and it barely made any difference in the climbing but made descending so much better.

[@dazeccles]

Surely the Tallboy would fit the ‘downcountry’ category a lot better than this longer stroked XC bike

[@michiganstate149]

Tallboy is not an XC bike. Solidly a trail bike. A "DC" bike should be based off an XC bike...wider bars, big dropper etc...

[@dazeccles]

@@michiganstate149 so in that case the fuel, element and rip9, all shouldn’t be in this ‘DC’ category! The category is a load of horse shit anyway, they’re short travel trail bikes. The Cruz is the only one that is a true XC bike just with longer stroke suspension. I can put wider bars and a dropper on any XC bike, does that make it ‘DC’, no, it doesn’t. The Tallboy fits in exactly with the fuel, rip9, element etc.

[@chrismade123]

is this for roadis going to try mtb?

[@claritean]

Santa Mountain ?

[@morethanbikes]

Trek top fuel 9.8 GX for 7k blows this bike away if you want bang for your buck.

[@86309]

Should have spec’ed the 2022 Fox Float X. And the FIT 4 is a serious compromise.

[@ihatefsi]

The blur seems like a snore-fest. It’s the bike a 50 year old dad would ride on the green xc trails.

[@jackmcandle6955]

@@ihatefsi meanwhile this Grampy turned 64 this year and has been smoking by kids like you with his Rocker… by spot ha ha haHa

[@ihatefsi]

@@jackmcandle6955 The spot rocker is a sick bike at least. I only ride dirt jumps so I’m not gonna deny that u could smoke me on a trail

[@shawnoen1029]

@@ihatefsi I'll be riding mine on many, many 100 miles races next year. I'm 49 years old too. And a dad. Snore fest I guess....I have a 5010 I ride when I want to get rowdy. And a gravel bike when I wan to go long distances (240 miles in a single day is the most I've done).

[@raivkka4313]

What about fat people? Those flex stays going to survive a 230lb rider?

[@ihatefsi]

Who cares? The blur is a snore-fest

[@duanehundley]

Music is to loud. I’m trying to hear till I’m dead

[@vrwgq3q]

So confused why the regular BLUR though shorter on travel, has a more aggressive front center and STA... I get it, longer reach, the more STA you need...

[@jg8273]

My guess, Santa Cruz dialed back the geometry to still keep it XC.

[@vrwgq3q]

​@@jg8273 The BLUR has a 480 reach and the TR has a 454... kinda thought if you went "Trail" you'd want the longer front center I feel this BLUR TR is a bit of a throwback to the older Tallboy (2017), Specialized Camber I remember riding a s-works Camber, carbon of course, 120 with very similar geo and absolutely thought it was a perfect XC killer

[@jg8273]

@@vrwgq3q The Large Blur XC is 470/76/68 vs TR is 457/74/67. The TR is slacker, that’s why the reach is not long. It’s not far off each other…

[@vrwgq3q]

As reach is measured from basically handlebars to seat.. I don't think they just slapped longer suspension on the same BLUR frame So was the purpose of going with a moderate reach and "slacker" seat tube angle to keep the bike short while slackingening out the head tube? Would make sense as you can still get responsive "trail" and weighting over the front end. I think on a modern Hardtail, moving from the old G2 29er geo, would have about a 74-75 STA if its front center >460 If the BLUR TR has a 74sta, yet 120mm rear, with SAG its likely closer to oldschool 73 STA which was akin to the older XC style

[@vrwgq3q]

2017 XL tallboy is very very similar though its a little slacker STA

[@yugi7679]

Please fix the sound mixing, just horrible....

[@erich8258]

That intro is funny, but surely Henry knows that Liam Gallagher isn't responsible for Blur and Parklife, right? Oh well, Damon Albarn is probably a ___ e-biker too.

[@831Links]

listed "for sale" slightly used, less than 10 miles brand new Blur

[@th_js]

Why is Henry talking so slowly?

[@harveyjones1]

Stringtronics

[@ubaidillahd132]

Bismilah

[@aaronjohnson2663]

Henry Quinney should honestly do narration videos and replace Sir David Attenborough

[@normalrat]

The biggest shame about Santa Cruz in general is that they're all comically expensive. Maybe I'd consider one if they even came close to being the same value of even a brand like Specialized.

[@BHShaman]

Like complaining that you can't afford a Lambo and wish they would bring themselves into line with Corvettes. Or complaining that you can't afford Bose and wish they would bring themselves into line with SkullCandy. Different price points for different crowds.

[@literbiker]

@@BHShaman That's hilarious. You think that a comparison between a Lambo and a SC is appropriate. They're overpriced and don't do anything better than bikes of that price point or lower ones. I proudly owned a yeti...yes it was expensive and I loved it. MTB prices are extremely high and it's that simple...across the board.

[@gman6059]

I don't understand how any of these bikes are better than an aggressive hardtail at 1/3 the cost.

[@ihatefsi]

The blur is a snore fest. I would happily destroy every dc bike in the world to save one agro hardtail.

[@jg8273]

A hardtail will buck you around and have less traction. They just suck at high speed descents. XC courses are getting more demanding. Soon they will all use down country bikes instead of XC bikes.