There hasn't been a Santa Cruz Bullit for ten years. The bike has achieved cult status. Back then it was a single-pivot aluminum frame with 178 millimeters of suspension travel, today it is a carbon e-MTB with 8 millimeters less, but with a modern VPP rear triangle. The frame design is simple, as usual from the Californians, but the matt metallic paint finish has something special - you don't see that every day. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to scratches and scuff marks. The low-slung top tube provides plenty of legroom and prevents the handlebars from being damaged by the fittings when they are turned over. The Bullit comes as a mullet bike, with a 29-inch wheel at the front and 27.5 at the rear.

We asked the Swiss importer what makes this bike so special:

1. Lifetime warranty on the frame (incl. rear triangle) and bearings
2. VPP rear triangle specially developed for E-MTBs
3. All drive and electrical parts are original Shimano to ensure good support worldwide

Statement from: Tassilo Kreissl, Sales/Internal Service Santa Cruz Switzerland

Special features

• Long down tube protection
• Chain guide as standard
• Fat chainstay protector
• Matt metallic paint
• Mullet bodywork
• UDH derailleur hanger from Sram
• No frame size S

On the flat

The riding position is upright and allows for relaxed pedaling. The steep seat angle of 77.2 degrees takes some getting used to at first. On flat terrain, the long-stroke Bullit rides a little sluggishly. However, transfers on this bike are only a means to an end in order to get to the next descent.

Up the mountain

As long as you can manage climbs on tarmac or gravel, this e-bike works quite well. The Bullit doesn't feel at home on steep terrain and rough single trails, the Mullet structure tends to climb and it needs a lot of counter-pressure on the handlebars. This increases the risk of the rear wheel spinning due to the powerful Shimano motor because there is too little pressure on the rear end.

Downhill

This is where the Santa Cruz is in its element: the bike really sticks to the ground. It takes fine and rough hits "super smoothly", as the Americans like to say, but there is little feedback from the ground. The low weight of 22.4 kilos makes it very agile for an E-MTB. The front is agile, the rear a little more sluggish: with an active riding style, you can heat up the corners and hardly lose any speed. On open terrain, the Bullit rides like a downhill bike. The mullet setup helps you maintain control on steep terrain. The bottom bracket is low and with wide flat pedals, it's easy to get stuck or graze the slope when pedaling.
The front and rear of the suspension are perfectly matched. They quickly dip into the mid-travel range and score points with good end progression. With this E-freerider, you always have perfect control, even on wet and slippery surfaces. The rougher the terrain, the bigger the grin on your face.

Conclusion

The new Santa Cruz Bullit carries on the DNA of the past. It is a true freerider and, thanks to the electric motor, you don't have to rely on a shuttle or the cable car. With this bike, it's all about "once is not twice" downhill and you can ride back up as long as the battery lasts. The good suspension ensures plenty of downhill fun. Only the setup of the rear end is awkward, as you can hardly read the SAG of the semi-integrated shock. The small disadvantage is that you can only remove the battery with a tool and therefore need a socket close by to charge it.

Recommendation

For trips to the bike park, you have to put a lot more pressure into the suspension, otherwise it will bottom out on big jumps.

Specifications

Geometry

All data here: link

Manufacturer/distribution

www.santacruzbicycles.com

Test report published in issue 03/2021 of Ride magazine