2021 Santa Cruz Bullit

[Vertas]

You need to turn the torque down way more, I bet you can hardly feel a difference between trail and eco? Once I get connected to my bike next time I'll take some screenshots for you!

 

[Ricky101uk]

Hopefully will be receiving my bullit this week, had a deposit on a x01 build but wasn't due until end of feb but managed to get an xt build, so decided to do a custom build with the following components, full axs with ohlins suspension. CANT WAIT!!!

Burgtec The Cloud Saddle Ti rails x1	x 1
- SRAM Chain PC XX1 Eagle Hollowpin 126 links Powerlock 12 Gold x1	x 1
- InvisiFrame Frame kit x1	x 1
- Ohlins TTX22M MTBM Metric 1895 230x60 / 230x57.5 AM x1	x 1
- Ohlins RXF 36 Trail M2 Coil 29 44mm Offset 170mm x1	x 1
- Burgtec Top Cap Ltd Bullion Gold x1	x 1
- Burgtec Top Cap Bolt Black x1	x 1
- Santa Cruz Reserve DH Carbon Rim 29" 31mm x1	x 1
- 350 front disc 6-bolt 32 hole BOOST 110 / 15 mm black x1	x 1
- Muc Off Tubeless Valve Kit 44mm Gold x1	x 1
- Rockshox Reverb AXS 31.6mm 170mm x1	x 1
- Ohlins TTX Superlight Coil Spring 67mm (18077 -16) 106N/mm (605 lbs/inch) x1	x 1
- SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS Upgrade Kit x1	x 1
- Burgtec Shimano HT II Crank Bolt Bullion Gold x1	x 1
- 2021 Santa Cruz Bullit XT Lavender M Coil x1	x 1
- Santa Cruz Reserve DH Carbon Rim 27.5" 31mm x1	x 1
- SRAM CASSETTE XG-1299 EAGLE 10-52 12 SPEED: GOLD 10-52T x1

 

[Ricky101uk]

Still have the deposit on the X01 lavender medium if anyone is looking for one

 

[mehukatti]

I have been riding almost exclusively in eco mode with level 5 and 63nm now in the winter with slippery conditions and cold weather. This feels very natural and still quite powerful. Although lately been thinking why not put these settings into trail mode and then tune down eco mode way more for commuting to trail heads. Boost for me is really just a "shuttle mode" with everything set to max. Anyhow, I really like this tunability of the Shimano system, you can really make it your own!

 

[dochabanero]

@Ricky101uk - Post some photos once you start your build. Sounds like an awsome setup!

I love the stock Fox 38, and the Coil. Did however invisiframe and AXS upgrade before hitting my first trail with the bike. Simply love it!

 

[Ricky101uk]

@Ricky101uk - Post some photos once you start your build. Sounds like an awsome setup!

I love the stock Fox 38, and the Coil. Did however invisiframe and AXS upgrade before hitting my first trail with the bike. Simply love it!

Definitely will do.

 

[Ginners]

Update, changed the factory settings to same as pictures above and it seams to have worked well.
I also agree that I’m going to put eco a little bit lower and flick between eco and trail.
Great advice

 

[Velociraptor]

Update, changed the factory settings to same as pictures above and it seams to have worked well.
I also agree that I’m going to put eco a little bit lower and flick between eco and trail.
Great advice

View attachment 50222

So how did the adjusted power settings feel compared to the E8000, if you had ridden E8000?

 

[Jpzeroday]

I swapped the front tire from Assegai DD MaxxGrip to Assegai EXO+ MaxxTerra and got 28 miles and 3k’ climbing 40% Boost; 40% Trail; 15% Eco; 5% Off.

I ride super gnarly rocky terrain. May add a tannus insert to the front. Already have it in the rear. I like very low tire pressures (16.5/17.5).

The MaxxGrip tire has MASSIVE rolling resistance. Think: drag chute. IMHO I would only use this tire if I was exclusively lapping for very steep runs. I was happy to give up some of the super sticky cornering and off camber grip to get way more flow, speed, and range. A MaxxTerra Assegai still has great corner grip.

All that said, I am disappointed with the 630wh battery. The Levo/Kenevo/SL battery setup is way better if your passion is for long rides. I am not looking forward to packing a second battery.

 

[SimonLsie]

Just my personal view on the Bullit V Levo
Owned my bullit for a month and my S-Works is already redundent! I currently have the S build (until my X01 arrives March) so the spec and susspension are way below the S-Works top spec. Totally irrelevant as this bike eats trails for fun. The mid spec suss feels more plush and way smoother on small bumbs yet the S-Works has the Factory 38's custom tuned. RSC code brakes as standard are not great but my only complaint on spec. Comparred to the Levo to which ive owned 3 (plus Kenevo & SL experts) this is far more capable but will not give you the range or even close. I have the eco setting so low im basically covering the bikes weight with the motor, if you set this to give you even close to what the levo gives you you will quickly be out of gas. I get no motor clatter either BTW so not sure on that issue. So more fun than Levo coming down but not the range oe motor support imo. Price? If you think its high then you shouldnt buy one as you get way more bang for your buck on very heavy Ali builds.

 

[dochabanero]

I’d agree the Code RSC bakes are the one thing I likely will change on the bike. The brakes are not bad, but I don’t like the feel of them. I appreciate aggressive brakes, and the RSC’s are not aggressive.

Will try a few different pads to see if that can be adjusted. If not, I’ll swap em for a set of MT7

 

[SimonLsie]

I’d agree the Code RSC bakes are the one thing I likely will change on the bike. The brakes are not bad, but I don’t like the feel of them. I appreciate aggressive brakes, and the RSC’s are not aggressive.

Will try a few different pads to see if that can be adjusted. If not, I’ll swap em for a set of MT7

I threw XTR 4 POT on the S-Works and very impressed. I will no doubt do the same on the next bullit

 

[davosaurusrex]

Enjoying reading this thread, anyone in the UK not happy with their RSCs pm me, I'm after a set!

 

[Velociraptor]

Just my personal view on the Bullit V Levo
Owned my bullit for a month and my S-Works is already redundent! I currently have the S build (until my X01 arrives March) so the spec and susspension are way below the S-Works top spec. Totally irrelevant as this bike eats trails for fun. The mid spec suss feels more plush and way smoother on small bumbs yet the S-Works has the Factory 38's custom tuned. RSC code brakes as standard are not great but my only complaint on spec. Comparred to the Levo to which ive owned 3 (plus Kenevo & SL experts) this is far more capable but will not give you the range or even close. I have the eco setting so low im basically covering the bikes weight with the motor, if you set this to give you even close to what the levo gives you you will quickly be out of gas. I get no motor clatter either BTW so not sure on that issue. So more fun than Levo coming down but not the range oe motor support imo. Price? If you think its high then you shouldnt buy one as you get way more bang for your buck on very heavy Ali builds.

I will keep my order for a Bullit, but I have to say it is really disappointing that the Shimano EP8 still does not have the range (not apparently even close) of the Brose setup. I was hoping the EP8/630wh would at least get close. I already have an extra battery and SC battery cover. I was hoping I would not always have to lug an extra battery like I do on my Heckler, but now looks like I will have to lug around an even heavier battery! C'mon Shimano, what's the deal?????? I would really like to see some explanation of the range difference between the Brose and the Ep8 explained, as it seems it's not just due to the 630wh Shimano vs 700wh Brose.

 

[Vertas]

I will keep my order for a Bullit, but I have to say it is really disappointing that the Shimano EP8 still does not have the range (not apparently even close) of the Brose setup. I was hoping the EP8/630wh would at least get close. I already have an extra battery and SC battery cover. I was hoping I would not always have to lug an extra battery like I do on my Heckler, but now looks like I will have to lug around an even heavier battery! C'mon Shimano, what's the deal?????? I would really like to see some explanation of the range difference between the Brose and the Ep8 explained, as it seems it's not just due to the 630wh Shimano vs 700wh Brose.

I've been running next to a brose with 700wh and we were basically on par. I might've been slightly fitter than him. But so far I'm not crazy impressed, but I'm far from disappointed either.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I would really like to see some explanation of the range difference between the Brose and the Ep8 explained, as it seems it's not just due to the 630wh Shimano vs 700wh Brose.

If we are talking like for like bikes (tyres/geo etc etc) and just looking at electrical systems:

1. Levo 700Wh battery has 10% more capacity (hardware)

2. Motor Efficiency. There will be some electrical to mechanical energy loss in the EP8 motor (hardware). All motors have a loss here. Usually motors sit somewhere in the 80(ish) percent efficiency range. Maybe EP8 isn’t as high

3. Software. Needs more development to make the motor more efficient in delivering the power. This is a big deal and will take many years of expertise. Look at how Tesla are able to offer range increases etc over software updates.

I think Shimano will be able to get more out of the motor (IF they can commit hours and expenses to development costs)

 

[dochabanero]

Waiting for spring before I dare commenting more on range. We’ll see if I dare take the Bullit on some of the longer routes I’ve completed on my Rail. I’ll report back once things start to dry up, and weather is a bit nicer.

Feeling I have is the EP8 is not as effective in terms of power management as the Bosch cx4.

None the less, the bike is a beast!!

 

[Ajsudworth]

Hi, I've been following this thread to get a handle on what people are thinking about the Bullit.

I demoed the old Heckler(new bike, fresh battery, S build, 22kg) in early December(sub zero, wet, soft conditions) and managed to get 57km/1250m climbed, before the battery was completely drained. Given the conditions I thought that wasn't to bad.

That got me thinking, could I get more out of the ep8?

I fancied the Heckler MX and got in touch with the guy who helped develop it(I know him form riding his trans provence events) depending on the mode he has been getting between 1300-1800m of elevation out of the battery, yes it's a couple of kg's lighter than the bullit, but the potential was there!

I'm airing towards the bullit now, future plans dictate the extra travel would be good. I'm thinking I'd loose the asegai, it stucked the life out of me on the regular bike, and maybe switch to exo+ tyres to save a little more weight.

I've been reading that some of you guys are disappointed with the battery range, so I'm interested to understand the differences compared to the Heckler demo and the range I achieved.

Many thanks

 

[dochabanero]

I have no experience with the Heckler. I do however own a Trek Rail as well.

Straight out of the box the Bullit default assistance settings are very high in comparison to my Rail in similar modes (eco/trail) - the ones I use the most.

After gradually tuning down assistance on the EP8/Bullit range has improved quite significantly.

I don’t have any hard numbers to share in terms of range/climbing as it is winter and snow here now. Rides are typically shorter this time of year.

Will most likely compare once it warm again.

With that said, I don’t really have any complaints with regards to range any longer. Tuning assistance really impacts those numbers, and thats a strength!

 

[Ginners]

I have no experience with the Heckler. I do however own a Trek Rail as well.

Straight out of the box the Bullit default assistance settings are very high in comparison to my Rail in similar modes (eco/trail) - the ones I use the most.

After gradually tuning down assistance on the EP8/Bullit range has improved quite significantly.

I don’t have any hard numbers to share in terms of range/climbing as it is winter and snow here now. Rides are typically shorter this time of year.

Will most likely compare once it warm again.

With that said, I don’t really have any complaints with regards to range any longer. Tuning assistance really impacts those numbers, and thats a strength!

I have the bullit and initially complained about the range.
haven taken advice from this forum I detuned it via the app and now after 3 rides I’ve got it dialled in and is virtually the same as the trek rail now. It comes from the factory in nearly boost mode when in eco.
absolutely love the bike and wouldn’t swap for anything else at the moment!

 

[Gyre]

I have no experience with the Heckler. I do however own a Trek Rail as well.

Straight out of the box the Bullit default assistance settings are very high in comparison to my Rail in similar modes (eco/trail) - the ones I use the most.

After gradually tuning down assistance on the EP8/Bullit range has improved quite significantly.

I don’t have any hard numbers to share in terms of range/climbing as it is winter and snow here now. Rides are typically shorter this time of year.

Will most likely compare once it warm again.

With that said, I don’t really have any complaints with regards to range any longer. Tuning assistance really impacts those numbers, and thats a strength!

How would you compare the riding experience between the Bullit and Rail overall? Fun factor and technical prowess climbing/descending? Any obvious differences in range/elevation between them?

 

[dochabanero]

For now I’ll leave out any comments on range as I can’t compare them in midst of winter. For now, I’m happy with a better dialed assistance from the EP8.

Comparing bikes is difficult in the sense that they aim to be used a bit differently. The Rail is more aimed at AM, even though it descends quite nicely. The Bullit on the other hand is a real Enduro weapon. The coil and the big burly Fox38 swallows up rocks/roots and of course jumps/drops. Everything is transformed into a really smooth ride if i compare with the Rail.

Both bikes weigh about the same, but they are two quite different beasts. If 90% of my rides was technical uphill, trails and the occasional enduro run I would think the Rail would be give a more engaging ride. If the opposite applies, you love high speed descents, jumps, etc the Bullit kills it! Such an amazing ride!

As I said. I have a coil, so that may take from the popiness of the ride, compared to the Rail.

It all depends on what you like to ride. I’m fortunate to have them both.

 

[Gyre]

For now I’ll leave out any comments on range as I can’t compare them in midst of winter. For now, I’m happy with a better dialed assistance from the EP8.

Comparing bikes is difficult in the sense that they aim to be used a bit differently. The Rail is more aimed at AM, even though it descends quite nicely. The Bullit on the other hand is a real Enduro weapon. The coil and the big burly Fox38 swallows up rocks/roots and of course jumps/drops. Everything is transformed into a really smooth ride if i compare with the Rail.

Both bikes weigh about the same, but they are two quite different beasts. If 90% of my rides was technical uphill, trails and the occasional enduro run I would think the Rail would be give a more engaging ride. If the opposite applies, you love high speed descents, jumps, etc the Bullit kills it! Such an amazing ride!

As I said. I have a coil, so that may take from the popiness of the ride, compared to the Rail.

It all depends on what you like to ride. I’m fortunate to have them both.

That makes some intuitive sense. I have a Wreckoning and a Ripmo. The Wreckoning is a blast at lift-assisted parks and is always my first choice if I'm trying to figure out a trail outside of my comfort zone, but it's out of its element on all-day climbs and backcountry exploration like I do on my hardtail. The Ripmo is balanced enough to suit XC and park duty even though it isn't the most potent weapon in either role.

The whole motorized thing is what makes me pause. I was wondering if the advantage of AM machine over an Enduro steed doesn't matter when you have a motor. It sounds like from your experience that the motor on the Bullit doesn't make the Rail irrelevant for you.

Ah, one thing I was wondering: Have you tried pedaling both with the assist off? Obviously these aren't Levo SL's and they're packing a substantial weight penalty over an acoustic bike, but I'm curious if the EP8 or CX4 is draggy or otherwise hostile to non-assist use.

 

[Vertas]

Honestly, I think the long run that rail will get sold or become a secondary bike ?
Disclaimer I ride a Bullit

 

[dochabanero]

@Gyre - You are right, both bikes are relevant. The reason I got a second bike and not a replacement in the first place was to always have a working steed.

Be it wheels, gears, brakes or electrical issues that demand repairs and parts, you end up not being able to get out. That sucked! Being me doesn’t help either, as I’m OTB every second ride it feels like

Wanted something different, and more gravity oriented. The Bullit is just that!

And yes, a motor helps pedal inefficiency of a bike with full suspension, so in that respect FS doesn’t really matter as much as on a analog bike. It does not make up for the feel, nimbleness, poppy, not poppy, etc. Same rules apply as with any other bike I suppose.

Love em both!

@Vertas - I hope you are wrong, but who knows

 

[Gyre]

I had some good fortune today! I went to a bike shop to check out the Intense Tazer and it turned out they had a Bullit on the shop floor that fit me, so I managed to take it out for a test ride. It was a parking lot and side street test , so obviously very limited on what I can learn from it, but better than nothing.

Some things I noticed:
- The E7000 is almost indistinguishable from the EP8 messing around on surface streets.
- The Bullit definitely feels the enduro weapon part - much more like the Wrecker than the Ripmo.
- Unless it turns out to have a substantial range difference, I can imagine the pedal assist shrinking the advantage of an AM bike.
- The climb switch is easy to reach while riding.
- It was surprisingly pedalable even with the assist off. Granted, this is flat asphalt but it wasn't the horror show I expected.
- You would need to be willing to carry a large pack, but the battery isn't so big that you couldn't carry a spare. You would need to buy a polycarbonate cover and bolts to make the battery work properly, and it isn't available yet. The comparable piece on the Heckler costs $84. Very overpriced there, but at least it's not the $400 extra it would cost to do the equivalent on the Rail.
- The availability situation is ugly. The shop told me the earliest that they could have an XT version would be in June/July.

 

[Velociraptor]

I had some good fortune today! I went to a bike shop to check out the Intense Tazer and it turned out they had a Bullit on the shop floor that fit me, so I managed to take it out for a test ride. It was a parking lot and side street test , so obviously very limited on what I can learn from it, but better than nothing.

Some things I noticed:
- The E7000 is almost indistinguishable from the EP8 messing around on surface streets.
- The Bullit definitely feels the enduro weapon part - much more like the Wrecker than the Ripmo.
- Unless it turns out to have a substantial range difference, I can imagine the pedal assist shrinking the advantage of an AM bike.
- The climb switch is easy to reach while riding.
- It was surprisingly pedalable even with the assist off. Granted, this is flat asphalt but it wasn't the horror show I expected.
- You would need to be willing to carry a large pack, but the battery isn't so big that you couldn't carry a spare. You would need to buy a polycarbonate cover and bolts to make the battery work properly, and it isn't available yet. The comparable piece on the Heckler costs $84. Very overpriced there, but at least it's not the $400 extra it would cost to do the equivalent on the Rail.
- The availability situation is ugly. The shop told me the earliest that they could have an XT version would be in June/July.

Thanks for the insights. I ended up with a Camelback Fourteener 26 pack to carry a spare battery. The larger 630wh battery fits too. I bought a battery cover for the 630wh battery direct from the Santa Cruz website. The one for the 630 is a lot less robust than the one for the 500wh battery but otherwise the same. The backpack seems heavy with the battery but once I have it on and snugged up tight I never notice it while riding. BTW I still don't have my Bullit yet but already have the spare battery.

 

[RSVB4]

I can’t get a XXL anywhere except for the lowest spec with the E7000 motor and that would come in May. I was trying to get the XT with coil but looks like I will just have to upgrade all parts (shocks, brakes, wheels) on lowest spec. My question is, never ridden the E7000, so do you think it will be powerful enough for the bike and my 6’6 and 235lbs? Mainly only do fire road climbs but still worried that the 60 is too low and motor isn’t as reliable? But seems most of you are turning down the torque super low anyways? I have a XL Mondraker crafty coming in March but really it’s only a bandaid for the Bullit as it doesn’t have the travel and reach the bullit has.

 

[Velociraptor]

I can’t get a XXL anywhere except for the lowest spec with the E7000 motor and that would come in May. I was trying to get the XT with coil but looks like I will just have to upgrade all parts (shocks, brakes, wheels) on lowest spec. My question is, never ridden the E7000, so do you think it will be powerful enough for the bike and my 6’6 and 235lbs? Mainly only do fire road climbs but still worried that the 60 is too low and motor isn’t as reliable? But seems most of you are turning down the torque super low anyways? I have a XL Mondraker crafty coming in March but really it’s only a bandaid for the Bullit as it doesn’t have the travel and reach the bullit has.

I am 6'2" and 193 lbs and currently ride a SC Heckler with the 504wh battery and E8000 motor. I ride with lighter riders on Turbo Levo bikes with the Brose motor and 700wh battery. I have to carry an extra battery for most rides but my friends on the Levo bikes never do. Also I feel like I have to use run a level higher on power compared to the Levos. So probably the E7000 will do fine but you will need an extra battery because at your weight you are going to burn through battery for big climbs.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I’d strongly advise against the E7000 on such a premium bike like the Bullit.

it’s not just the outright power, the motor software is so much less refined than the EP8 and E8000.

For example starting on a steep incline is hard. The motor doesn’t engage right away and I really found it difficult to get the power down.

It’s also more digital / on off feeling versus natural feeling on the EP8.

It’s a real budget motor and it shows compared to the latest offerings. It’s actually a shame Shimano discontinued the E8000 as brands are forced to use the E7000 as their entry level / budget options.