Santa Cruz Bicycles

Superlight 29 R XC Complete Bike - 2012

The Santa Cruz Superlight R XC Complete Bike does single-pivot suspension right. What do we mean by that? It's a dependable and fast machine that is an absolute blast to ride. Want to race it? The R XC component kit will be up to the task. And here's the best part: This bike won't max out your entire thrill-seeking budget, so you'll have some cash left over for registration fees.

The 100mm-travel Superlight29 uses the same refined single-pivot design that appears on the 26in Superlight and Heckler. These Santa Cruz models have long been touted for their reliable, confidence-inspiring ride quality and value. Now you can get that workmanlike performance along with the fast-rolling advantages that 29er wheels provide.

There are many reasons why good single-pivot designs are still relevant, and the Superlight29 highlights them. The suspension action is predictable—you know what this bike is going to do in any situation. The Superlight29 frame is lighter than the venerable VPP Tallboy Aluminum frame while sharing nearly identical geometry. The 15mm collet axle pivots that link up the Superlight29 are bombproof. And of course, there is only one main pivot to collect mud and grime. Throw in a wallet-friendly price tag and a custom-tuned Fox Float RL shock, and it all adds up to near-unbeatable value for a trail-dominating steed.

Lest you think the Superlight29 is just a bigger copy of the 26in Superlight, check out the tapered headtube, added to withstand the deflection forces applied by the larger front hoop. Additionally, Santa Cruz added cable/hose guides so you can upgrade to a dropper seatpost on the Superlight29.

The length/stroke of the Fox Float RL shock differs based on the frame size. Large and X-Large sizes come with a 7.875 x 2in shock, while the shock on Small and Medium sizes is 6.5 x 1.5in. The smaller shock provides additional standover clearance for the smaller bikes.

This complete bike comes with all the tools you need to slay the trail. Up front, you'll see a RockShox Reba RL 29 fork, which offers 100mm of plush, tunable travel via its Dual Air and Motion Control systems. This fork is also 100 grams lighter for 2012. The wheels consist of durable WTB rims laced to Shimano hubs, and they're wrapped up in Maxxis Crossmark 2.1in folding tires. The cockpit contains a TruVativ Stylo Race stem and TruVativ Stylo Team bars. Shimano SLX shifters toggle XT front and rear derailleurs for smooth, dependable shifting. A Shimano triple crankset ensures you'll have the right gear ratio, every time. Rounding out the package are Avid Elixir 5 brakes.

The Santa Cruz Superlight29 R XC Complete Bike is available in Small through X-Large sizes. Santa Cruz points out that the 22in top tube length and 27.3in standover on the Small size are shorter and lower than some competitors' X-Small sizes. The Superlight29 comes in two color options: Gloss Burnt Orange/silver and Gloss Black/green.

US Santa Cruz dealers are prohibited from shipping Santa Cruz bicycles outside of the United States.