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The current Santa Cruz Blur 4 arrived on the XC race scene back in 2021. It boasted a hefty weight reduction thanks to its omission of the VPP suspension design, electing for a much simpler single pivot flex-stay layout dubbed ‘Superlight’.
In the five years since, fellow Pon Holdings brand Cervelo released the ZFS-5. This bike borrowed the same suspension design and kinematic traits from the Blur, and built it around a unique carbon frame that had a slacker head angle and was quite a bit lighter. The ZFS-5 ended up being an absolute ripper, proving to be one of the best XC bikes we’ve ever tested. That left us pondering when Santa Cruz would bring forth some updates of its own.
The Californian brand clearly hasn’t been in a hurry, because it was only recently when several prototypes were spotted out in the wild. They were difficult to make out too, since they really didn’t look all that different.
As it turns out, the Blur 5 is indeed all-new from the inside-out. We’ve just got our hands on one to test, and here we’ll be taking a closer look to see what’s changed, who will be happy about it, and who won’t.
Santa Cruz Blur 5 Overview
The 5th generation Santa Cruz Blur retains its title as the flagship XC race bike, and it still features 29in wheels (no 32in wagon wheels just yet…).
Whereas the previous Blur 4 was offered in two different travel configurations with XC and TR builds, the new Blur 5 has been totally optimised around 120mm of travel at each end. And, like the latest Tallboy, it’s now only offered with a CC carbon frame. There is no longer a cheaper ‘C’ option, and still no alloy frame either.
There have been updates to the carbon layup and tube profiles, and the alloy swing link has been enthusiastically machined to within an inch of its life. Changes to the link length and geometry have made the suspension kinematic a lot more progressive, particularly in the first half of the travel. Santa Cruz claims the new Blur 5 has better small-bump compliance while also boasting improved mid-stroke support through the main pedalling zone.
Noteworthy for an XC race bike, the Blur 5 is spec’d without a remote lockout. The exception is the very top model, which comes with RockShox Flight Attendant suspension. Otherwise, every other model keeps it clean with a standard fork and shock.
Frame Features
The Blur 5 differs further from conventional XC race bikes with its downtube storage. It’s the latest Glovebox V2 system, which offers a very solid latch and a rattle-free interface. Two pouches are included with the bike allowing you to carry a tube, tools and other spares inside the frame.
There’s also a new top tube accessory mount for bolting on tools externally, and you can fit two bottles inside the front triangle.
Further practicality is achieved with internal ‘chunnels’ for the cables and brake hose that are moulded directly into the carbon frame. This includes plumbing for a rear shock cable if you did wish to retrofit a remote lockout system. There’s also a threaded BB, an integrated OneUp chain guide, and thick rubber protection for the chainstay and downtube.
Whereas most XC frames will take a 160mm rear rotor, the Blur 5 requires a minimum of 180mm. Watt-monsters should also note that a 36T chainring is the largest you can fit.
Another interesting detail is the fact that the Blur 5 doesn’t come with a rider weight limit. Even still, Santa Cruz offers a lifetime warranty to cover the frame and pivot bearings for the original owner.
It’s heavier than before
The new Blur 5 frame is claimed to weigh 1,980g including the shock, which is more than 100g heavier than the previous Blur 4 CC (1,855g).
Given the addition of internal frame storage, this is hardly a surprise. The downtube is bigger in profile and it has to be reinforced to make up for the big hole that’s been cut into it. The use of internal guide tubes for the cables and brake hose also adds some grams.
While many riders will appreciate those details, if you don’t need them and want your bike to be as light as possible, the Cervelo ZFS-5 is likely still the better option. Claimed weight for that frame and shock is just 1,718g, a hefty saving of 250g.
Here’s a look at the rest of the competition to see where the Blur 5 fits in;
- Specialized S-Works Epic 9 | 1,589g
- Specialized Epic 9 | 1,669g
- Scott Spark RC HMX SL | 1,673g
- Orbea Oiz OMX | 1,700g
- Cervelo ZFS-5 | 1,718g
- Canyon Lux World Cup CFR | 1,773g
- Giant Anthem Advanced SL | 1,811g
- Scott Spark RC HMX | 1,816g
- Santa Cruz Blur 4 CC | 1,855g
- Norco Revolver | 1,900g
- Trek Supercaliber SLR | 1,950g
- Santa Cruz Blur 5 CC | 1,980g
- Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 | 2,020g
- Scott Spark RC HMF | 2,039g
- Merida Ninety-Six RC | 2,064g
- Pivot Mach 4 SL | 2,500g
- Santa Cruz Tallboy 6 CC | 2,530g
Geometry & Size Chart
Along with its new frame, there are some noteworthy updates to the geometry of the Blur 5.
Compared to the previous Blur 4 fitted with a 120mm travel fork, the head angle is slacker (66 vs 67.1°) and the BB sits lower to the ground (334 vs 339mm).
The effective seat tube angle remains at 75°, though the reach is quite a bit longer (450 vs 438mm for a medium). To keep the overall cockpit length in check, Santa Cruz has shortened the stems accordingly.
Rear centre length creeps up 2mm per size from 433-439mm, which hardly seems worth it. Then again, most XC bikes don’t see any changes to rear centre length. It’s also true that XC riders and racers generally err towards agility over outright stability, so Santa Cruz likely didn’t want the back end to get too long.
Another size-specific detail is found in the physical frame construction. Each front triangle gets a tailored carbon layup and tube profiles to match its stiffness and ride quality to the size of the rider. The goal is to ensure shorter and lighter riders are having a similar experience to taller and heavier folks.
Lastly, there are no flip chips to be found on the Blur frame. However, if you did want to kick the angles back a touch, it is possible to extend the fork travel to 130mm.
Price & Specifications
There are six complete bikes in the Santa Cruz Blur 5 lineup, all of which are built around exactly the same CC carbon frame.
With the exception of the very tippy-top model, every Blur comes fitted with a custom-tuned Fox Float shock and new Maxxis Aspen AT 2.4in tyres. The cockpit is made up of a 50mm stem and 760mm wide riser bars, as well as a long-stroke dropper post with up to 210mm of travel. Santa Cruz is also spec’ing SRAM 4-piston Motive or DB8 brakes throughout the range, which are complemented by 180mm HS2 rotors. Not exactly a dainty set of brakes, and it’s in keeping with the rest of the build kit that points the Blur further towards the ‘all-round XC’ direction.
The Blur is also offered in a specific ‘Race’ build, though only one model will be available in Australia. It’s the premium XX variant that comes with RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, a flat bar, slightly longer 60mm stem and lighter Rekon Race tyres. It still weighs in at a claimed 11.44kg, so it’s certainly not the lightest option out there.
Our test bike sits a couple of steps down from the top. It’s the XTR Di2 model that comes with Fox Factory suspension and a Reserve 28|XC SL carbon wheelset.
Santa Cruz Blur CC XX AXS Race FA RSV
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, Charger Race Day 2 Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 180 Hubs & Reserve 28|XC SL Carbon Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Rekon Race EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX SL AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Ultimate 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | Santa Cruz Carbon Flat, 7mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Cane Creek GXC, 60mm Length
- Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 125mm (M), 150mm (L-XL)
- Claimed Weight | 11.44kg
- Price | $18,499 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC X0 AXS RSV
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 34 SL Factory, Grip X Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float SL Factory, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 350 Hubs & Reserve 28|XC SL Carbon Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Aspen AT EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM X0 AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Silver 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | OneUp Carbon, 760x20mm (S-M), 760x35mm (L-XL)
- Stem | Race Face Turbine SL, 50mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp Dropper, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 180mm (L), 210mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 11.68kg
- Price | $13,999 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC XTR RSV
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 34 SL Factory, Grip X Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float SL Factory, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 180 Hubs & Reserve 28|XC SL Carbon Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Aspen AT EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | Shimano XTR Di2 1×12 w/34T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Ultimate 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | OneUp Carbon, 760x20mm (S-M), 760x35mm (L-XL)
- Stem | Race Face Turbine SL, 50mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp Dropper, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 180mm (L), 210mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 11.43kg
- Price | $13,499 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC GX AXS
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 34 SL Performance Elite, Grip X Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float SL Performance Elite, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 370 Hubs & Race Face ARC Offset 27 Alloy Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Aspen AT EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Bronze 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | OneUp Carbon, 760x20mm (S-M), 760x35mm (L-XL)
- Stem | Santa Cruz CNC, 50mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp Dropper, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 180mm (L), 210mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 11.96kg
- Price | $10,299 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC 90
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | Fox 34 SL Performance, Grip Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float SL Performance, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 370 Hubs & Race Face AR Offset 27 Alloy Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Aspen AT EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission 1×12 w/34T Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM DB8 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | Race Face Ride Alloy, 10mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Santa Cruz CNC, 50mm Length
- Seatpost | OneUp Dropper, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 180mm (L), 210mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 12.5kg
- Price | $8,499 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC Deore
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID, Rush XC Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float Rhythm, 190x45mm
- Wheels | Shimano TC500/600 Hubs & Race Face AR Offset 27 Alloy Rims
- Tyres | Maxxis Aspen AT EXO MaxxSpeed 2.4in Width
- Drivetrain | Shimano Deore 1×12 w/32T Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM DB8 4-Piston w/180mm HS2 Rotors
- Bar | Race Face Ride Alloy, 10mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Race Face Ride Alloy, 50mm Length
- Seatpost | SDG Tellis Dropper, 31.6mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L), 200mm (XL)
- Claimed Weight | 13.21kg
- Price | $7,499 AUD
Santa Cruz Blur CC Frameset
- Frame | CC Carbon, Superlight Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Shock | Fox Float SL Factory, 190x45mm
- Claimed Weight | 1.98kg
- Price | $6,199 AUD
Flow’s Take
Like its predecessor, the new Santa Cruz Blur 5 is a fantastic-looking XC bike with a clean layout and a practical approach to its fixings. Optimising the suspension and geometry around 120mm of travel is a welcome move, and those who like their riding on the more adventurous side will no doubt be happy to see all of the internal and external storage capability.
However, racers who are jonesing for the lowest weight possible will be disappointed to discover the new Blur 5 is heavier than its predecessor. Many of those same riders may also be turned off by the lack of a remote lockout (with the exception of the Flight Attendant model). In fact, our XTR test bike has a Fox 34 SL Grip X fork that doesn’t even have a crown-mounted lockout. Sacré bleu!
Along with the relatively chunky Aspen AT tyres and 180mm HS2 rotors, it’s clear that Santa Cruz is prioritising all-terrain comfort and performance over ultimate weight saving. As to how that translates onto the trail? Stay tuned for our in-depth review and video coming soon!
The post On Test | The 2027 Santa Cruz Blur 5 gets more travel, updated geometry & in-frame storage appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.
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[[{“value”:”The current Santa Cruz Blur 4 arrived on the XC race scene back in 2021. It boasted a hefty weight reduction thanks to its omission of the VPP suspension design, electing for a much simpler single pivot flex-stay layout dubbed ‘Superlight’. In the five years since, fellow Pon Holdings brand Cervelo released the ZFS-5. This
The post On Test | The 2027 Santa Cruz Blur 5 gets more travel, updated geometry & in-frame storage appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.”}]] Read More Flow Mountain Bike
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