Santa Cruz has been building mountain bikes since 1993 - and has always somewhat neglected cross-country bikes in favor of gravity bikes. The manufacturer itself makes no secret of this, and openly admits with a wink that cross-country was more of a window seat at school. At the same time, they have learned a lot from the production of long-travel carbon bikes, and the Santa Cruz engineers are unleashing this know-how with full force on the brand new Blur.

The absence of the VPP system on the rear triangle means that the new Blur is almost 300 grams lighter than its predecessor. The overall weight is also impressive, with the top-of-the-range version of the Blur scratching the 10 kilogram mark. The top versions of the Blur roll on the lightest reserve mountain bike rims that Santa Cruz have ever built; the rim weighs a mere 385 grams, the wheelset a competition-ready 1367 grams. The rim bed is flatter and wider than its predecessor, making it ideal for the new generation of wider cross-country tires. The wheels also come without weight restrictions and with a lifetime warranty.

Although Santa Cruz has recently shown a big heart for cross-country, the Californians have broadened the focus of the Blur and do not describe cross-country exclusively as a racing discipline. For more comfort on difficult marathon courses and fast tours, the Blur is also available as a TR version: with slightly more suspension travel and slightly adapted equipment. And the Blur TR is definitely not a clumsy downcountry bike, but a fast sports bike for rough trails. And no matter which version you choose: As usual, the Blur comes with a lifetime warranty and free replacement bearings.

Almost a little more spectacular than the new bike is the accompanying clip. The main role is played by cross-country ace Maxime Marotte, who has been in the service of Santa Cruz since the beginning of 2021. In addition to the Syndicate riders, the Frenchman is also set to ensure top rankings in the Cross Country World Cup. However, the video is by no means about the lactate-infested hunt for seconds on the race track. Instead, the clip celebrates French clichés that are a feast for the eyes. There is also a visual flashback of how cross-country bikes have developed over the last few decades. Santa Cruz celebrates the racing discipline in its very own way.