2021 Santa Cruz Bullit

[Coolcmsc]

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Thanks for posting this ?
Dalby’s one of my favourite haunts, but it’s just too far with current rules, so haven’t ridden my Bullit there yet ?
This and your pic making me look forward to April, all things Covid allowing ?

 

[Richwall]

Thanks for posting this ?
Dalby’s one of my favourite haunts, but it’s just too far with current rules, so haven’t ridden my Bullit there yet ?
This and your pic making me look forward to April, all things Covid allowing ?

The off piste stuff is awesome & the Bullit just eats it up, i was doing 3 runs to the analogue boys 1 passing them on the push up trail️️️???

 

[Coolcmsc]

The off piste stuff is awesome & the Bullit just eats it up, i was doing 3 runs to the analogue boys 1 passing them on the push up trail???

?????????

 

[OldBoyNetwork]

So I’ve just fitted 180 RS Zeb ultimates. Wasn’t happy with the 38 performance. They moved through the first part of the travel too easily effectively steepening the head angle.
initial impressions are good, why 180mm you ask, why not? The bike is as quick as my 2021 Demo I reckon so giving it a an extra 10mm seems sensible. 180 is SC approved also. I’ll report back.
also a pair of 38s for sale!

 

[dochabanero]

Just goes to show what you like and appreciate in a bike/fork is very subjective. Agree the initial stroke of the Factory 38s is very smooth/sensitive. Never had a single harsh bottom-out though.

On my Rail i have the Lyric Ultimate (160), and yes it is not as sensitive on the initial stroke, more mid support (more linear I guess).

Do I prefer one over the other? No, not at all. If I wanna high-speed smash an enduro trail, I love the 38s.

 

[Ginners]

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Was at Dalby today too. Did the full red route, all in eco set at 42NM and the battery died 2 miles from the end. How much do you weigh and what are your settings?
my bikes is identical to yours, great bike but the range is a joke

 

[Richwall]

Was at Dalby today too. Did the full red route, all in eco set at 42NM and the battery died 2 miles from the end. How much do you weigh and what are your settings?
my bikes is identical to yours, great bike but the range is a joke

Im 16st and the settings have been dialled down from standard as i found it way too powerful. I will get a screenshot when i connect again.

 

[Madmountainman]

Im 16st and the settings have been dialled down from standard as i found it way too powerful. I will get a screenshot when i connect again.

That's my reason for wanting an e-mtb with the EP8. The ability to turn down the assist easily is a no-brainer if you're a fit rider. I'm starting to struggle on the steeper hills and the longer distance rides, so a bit of assistance is all I require. A buddy of mine has done the same with his Focus, as he's a fit rider, but has a health issue that affects his riding endurance.

 

[Richwall]

That's my reason for wanting an e-mtb with the EP8. The ability to turn down the assist easily is a no-brainer if you're a fit rider. I'm starting to struggle on the steeper hills and the longer distance rides, so a bit of assistance is all I require. A buddy of mine has done the same with his Focus, as he's a fit rider, but has a health issue that affects his riding endurance.

Thats all i wanted a bit of help but still felt like i’d had a good pedal. Im not interested in boosting everwhere. Bought the Bullit for its Dh capabilities & so far im not disappointed its like a Nomad on Steroids️

 

[Coolcmsc]

Was at Dalby today too. Did the full red route, all in eco set at 42NM and the battery died 2 miles from the end. How much do you weigh and what are your settings?
my bikes is identical to yours, great bike but the range is a joke

How fast did you get round?

 

[Ginners]

How fast did you get round?

Usually just under 2 hours

 

[Coolcmsc]

Usually just under 2 hours

Same time on average for me on my Levo when I’d have 4 or 5 bars out of 10 left.... Fastest I went round last year was 1hr 49min and I had 3 bars left on the Levo. Used all 3 modes as required. Ive not had the Bullit long, but I’ve zoomed about 28km around above Edale the other day on the Bullit and only used 2 of 5 bars in Trail mode or Eco which is much the same equivalent battery as the Levo on the same route.

When I’m next at Dalby I’ll post the outcome here.... I sincerely hope I don’t have to push???

 

[Ginners]

I dont get the obsession of range. I use turbo all the time and charge hard and jump and pop everything. Max speed everywhere I can. Pulling 25kg kenevo around over 18km red route my upper body wears out long before the battery. My legs feel like they are on the way out too.

Ebiking isn't about endurance and fitness its about strength.

If your battery wears out before you do then you ain't riding hard enough...

Or that's my ethos anyway

I’d say that if my battery didn’t die too ??‍

 

[Richwall]

Was at Dalby today too. Did the full red route, all in eco set at 42NM and the battery died 2 miles from the end. How much do you weigh and what are your settings?
my bikes is identical to yours, great bike but the range is a joke

 

[Richwall]

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Thats what im using at the minute on profile 1, profile 2 left as factory setting.

 

[Coolcmsc]

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Thanks! To me, at least, this is a reminder about how e-bikes work. They add rotational energy to the rider’s efforts to rotate the peddles. Further, there’s a speed limit, 15mph in U.K. which means that the longer spent at or above 15mph which really isn’t very fast, there’s no significant drain on the battery.

I’m about 88Kg (nearly 14st) all in (me+cloths+bag with bladder) and ride XL. The Levo was the 1/2 carbon Expert at about 22.5kg. My Bullit’s the S, so full carbon and about 22.5kg as well.

So riding the Levo at Dalby on the Red Route, I was nearly always above 15mph on the extensive flat parts of fire road. And on the downs, a lot of the time I’m over 15mph. On the extensive firm ‘flat’ narrow bermy sections (which are a lot of fun at speed), again I’m usually up around 15mph.

My experience is that at around 15mph it doesn’t matter which ‘mode’ you’re in, the support ‘feels’ identical to me, whatever is supposed to be happening. Obviously, consistently over 15mph these no support and on a fire road or going down, I switch the motor off using the handle bar control — I occasionally make a fool of myself with that strategy ?

On the technical up and the switchbacks down, I’m not that fast yet and boost (or whatever it’s called on other bikes) isnt of any use to me — I wish I was so good it got me up faster??

These parts of the Dalby Red are what’s holding me back from getting under around 1hr 50min. When I have those dialled, my only option is getting fitter?

So, overall, this is why I think I had nearly 50% left on my Levo on the Red for a time of 1hr 56min.

I’m really looking forward to spanking those ups and downs on the Bullit which is so built for that ?

 

[Ginners]

Thanks! To me, at least, this is a reminder about how e-bikes work. They add rotational energy to the rider’s efforts to rotate the peddles. Further, there’s a speed limit, 15mph in U.K. which means that the longer spent at or above 15mph which really isn’t very fast, there’s no significant drain on the battery.

So, at Dalby on the Red Route, I’m always above 15mph on the extensive flat parts of fire road. And on the downs, a lot of the time I’m over 15mph. On the extensive firm ‘flat’ narrow bermy sections (which are a lot of fun at speed), again I’m usually up around 15mph.

On the technical up and the switchbacks down, I’m not that fast yet and boost (or whatever it’s called on other bikes) isnt of any use to me — I wish I was so good it got me up faster??

These parts of the Dalby Red are what’s holding me back from getting under around 1hr 50min.

So, overall, this is why I think I had nearly 50% left on my Levo on the Red for a time of 1hr 56min.

I’m really looking forward to spanking those ups and downs on the Bullit which is so built for that ?

Did it in 1:36 was my fastest, left bike in trail mode at max 70nm . Again battery died 2 miles from the finish.

 

[Coolcmsc]

Did it in 1:36 was my fastest, left bike in trail mode at max 70nm . Again battery died 2 miles from the finish.

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Well, that’s impressive and I see the calories used.

I could only wish for those stats at my age

???

So, your point about the battery is well taken.

On a different note, its obvious that unlike me, you’re going to be able to put in a fast normally aspirated time. Do you have a time for that for us to compare with your e-bike time? I’ll never give you my time — embarrassing ?

 

[head]

Range depends a lot also on rider's weight. When you talk about it, could you please post your weight, too? Thanks!

 

[Ricky101uk]

I'm really not experiencing any problems with range with mine


I’m 85kilos and did 20 miles today with 3500ft of climbing and still had 28% battery left, I was riding with mostly levos and kenevos with 700wh battery and most of them had 1bar left and some on 2 bars left max. I'm getting better millage then my 700wh kenevo battery.

In still running 4.0.2 firmware (not sure that makes any difference)
Change front tyre to assegai evo max terra from the double down max grip.

Setting attached from st unlocker

 

[Coolcmsc]

Range depends a lot also on rider's weight. When you talk about it, could you please post your weight, too? Thanks!

Good point. I posted this in this thread earlier today:—

“I’m about 88Kg (nearly 14st) all in (me+cloths+bag with bladder) and ride XL. The Levo was the 1/2 carbon Expert at about 22.5kg. My Bullit’s the S, so full carbon and about 22.5kg as well.”

 

[Coolcmsc]

I'm really not experiencing any problems with range with mine


I’m 85kilos and did 20 miles today with 3500ft of climbing and still had 28% battery left, I was riding with mostly levos and kenevos with 700wh battery and most of them had 1bar left and some on 2 bars left max. I'm getting better millage then my 700wh kenevo battery.

In still running 4.0.2 firmware (not sure that makes any difference)
Change front tyre to assegai evo max terra from the double down max grip.

Setting attached from st unlocker

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Would you recommend ‘ST Unlocker’ for stats?

 

[OldBoyNetwork]

180mm Zeb Ultimates. Support much better than the ‘ basic’ 38s. Bike has a much better overall balance and I believe, sensitivity. They have also eliminated the problem I had with the 38s sitting to far into there travel. I’ve needed to run less psi than the trailhead app recommended and have no volume tokens in currently.

 

[mehukatti]

the problem I had with the 38s sitting to far into there travel.

Did you try to put more psi into it for less sag?

 

[OldBoyNetwork]

The 38s have an issue with support, I was already using 3 volume reducers to allow me to run less psi but the support going into say a corner was not good enough. Watch the tech Vorsprung review on the 38 , you’ll see why this is the case. I’m sure the factory would be better though, although I had factory 36s which were also completely overrated.
the Zebs were night and day better (for me)

 

[Ricky101uk]

Would you recommend ‘ST Unlocker’ for stats?

I've not changed any settings in the app just use it for battery percentage and the stats

 

[OldBoyNetwork]

I'm very familiar with the 2.1 damper and ultimate rock shocks. My dad has a zeb ultimate also.

The 38s with grip 2 don't have any issues with support and the 2.1 damper has almost no support in the first third of the travel in a 180mm fork. You only have to read the review of the 40 vs the boxxer on pink bike who also pick up on this.

The difference is set up ease and rock shocks basically are like beginner forks. The LSC is totally off and HSC has a total of 5 clicks. Other than air pressure there is nothing else to change.

I'm not sure what damper your 38 come with but it doesn't sound like any grip 2 fork I've ever used.

I’ve raced a boxxer and didn’t have an issue with support, I imagine a new 40 would be better and an Ohlins better than that.
if you rode my bike I’m pretty sure you would agree with my synopsis of the Zeb Vs 38. Remember my 38 was the performance (not grip2) with no HSC HSR, it definitely has better support through the stroke. Read the pink bike 38 vs Zeb, they also mention it feeling like it sits further in the travel.
I reckon I know may way around shocks and forks, I’ve raced (still do) and know how to set my suspension up. I’ve also been majorly disappointed with fox in recent years (I blew 3 X2s on my Enduro) and I’m suspicious of the reviews, especially when you speak to suspension professionals. but the thing is, it’s personal choice, what feels good for me may not feel good for you. I put it on here for conversation, you never know, someone may think the same and this will help them out.

 

[jbrown15]

I’ve raced a boxxer and didn’t have an issue with support, I imagine a new 40 would be better and an Ohlins better than that.
if you rode my bike I’m pretty sure you would agree with my synopsis of the Zeb Vs 38. Remember my 38 was the performance (not grip2) with no HSC HSR, it definitely has better support through the stroke. Read the pink bike 38 vs Zeb, they also mention it feeling like it sits further in the travel.
I reckon I know may way around shocks and forks, I’ve raced (still do) and know how to set my suspension up. I’ve also been majorly disappointed with fox in recent years (I blew 3 X2s on my Enduro) and I’m suspicious of the reviews, especially when you speak to suspension professionals. but the thing is, it’s personal choice, what feels good for me may not feel good for you. I put it on here for conversation, you never know, someone may think the same and this will help them out.

I have a Fox 38 Factory with the Grip2, to get better hold up in the fork you just need to dial in a little more low speed compression. For me this made a big difference in the support and hold up in the fork.

 

[jbrown15]

I think the damper can be upgraded to grip 2 for about £300 to £400. You basically then have the factory fork without the kashima.

Its a solid upgrade and saves changing the whole fork. The finish of the fox is also nicer than the rockshox.

Sorry did you mean to quote my post?
I already have the Grip2 dampener and kashima coatings on my fork, I have the Fox 38 Factory fork, not the performance series.

 

[Coolcmsc]

These forks are very pressure sensitive now and 5 or 10 psi can make a huge difference to how they feel and ride.

This is a great observation for recent Fox forks.