Since its introduction in 2005, the Blur LT has gone on to become our best selling bike. It’s a long-legged, lightweight but surprisingly durable workhorse that defies being lumped into any one category, and is at home everywhere from mellow X-C terrain to the steepest and rockiest slices of the back of beyond. Why then, if something is so popular, so tough, and so capable, would we go and scrap it for something new?

Much as we love the old LT, not long after it hit the trails, we began to pick it apart to try and find ways of making it better. Now, after an exhaustive two years of intensive design and prototyping, we’re ready to unveil the next generation of Blur LT.
Here are the Cliff Notes to the evolution:

• No other design can be manipulated to allow the degree of change in shock rates that VPP suspension can. With regard to the new LT, the shock rates have actually been mellowed out somewhat, for a more active early suspension feel and a more linear action toward bottom-out.

• Both upper and lower links have been totally redesigned. The alloy lower link has grease ports and intricate labyrinth seals to operate in a clean, quiet, contaminant-free environment. The upper link is now molded from carbon fiber and the shock mount is isolated from the pivot axles. Beefy 15mm diameter pivot axles bolt into the frame on one end, and feature trick collett-heads on the other end to lock them into the frame and eliminate any chance of loosening or slop.

• Completely new frame, designed to offer sweet riding geometry when used with forks ranging from 140mm to 160mm travel. Formed tubing offers a lower standover height and a new rear swingarm is super stiff while offering ample tire clearance.

• Available mid-April, 2008, in the usual array of SCB colors as well as ano black & skidmark

• Prices start at: $1750 (frame and Fox Float R shock, powdercoat finish) $1950 (frame and Fox Float R shock, ano finish)

(Click on images to see full sized)

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/ 

source: Michael Ferrentino, Santa Cruz Bikes