Santa Cruz Bicycles - a way to perfection

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13th December 2019 | 0 comments

Our portfolio now includes the iconic, and now already legendary Santa Cruz Bicycles brand. Almost a quarter of a century ago, it was the first bike brand to introduce a full-suspension mountain bike.

The Californian, back then still a "garage" brand Santa Cruz, came into existence in 1993 and today it touches the hearts of bikers all over the world. Its story, however, started even a few years earlier.

Rob Roskopp used to be a professional skater in the Santa Cruz stable in the 1980s. At the end of his career, he bought a mountain bike and totally fell for it. In 1993, he started a new company, Santa Cruz Bicycles, with the co-owner of Santa Cruz Skateboards - Rich Novak. At that time, the development of full-suspension bicycles was just at its beginnings. Despite this, Santa Cruz introduced its first full-suspension bike in 1994. It was a Tazmon model with a 7.5 cm travel:

What makes the bike frame so special

As the years went by, the model series expanded, and so did their use. Soon, Santa Cruz was able to offer a bike for every discipline. The focus of its interest, however, was on downhill, freeride and trail riding. That is, disciplines that demand a truly functioning rear suspension. Rob realized that the traditional one-pivot point construction was reaching its limits.

Thus, in 2001, two new models with the VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) suspension system, were introduced. Blur with 10 centimeters of travel and V10 with twenty-five centimeters of travel. This difference demonstrated the versatility of the new suspension system.

VPP suspension is still considered one of the most advanced systems. Both in terms of the spring process as well as minimizing the energy loss in pedaling.

Downhill bikes

The Santa Cruz downhill team is one of the best in the world. Nevertheless, it owns a single purebred V10 with a 216 mm stroke. The second place belongs to the Nomad, which reminds of a classic all mountain bike with a lower 170mm travel and is also suitable for trail terrain.

All downhill bikes are made in the carbon version with the first-class design.

Trail or all mountain? Whatever you want

Most of the Santa Cruz's full-suspension bikes are designed for trail riding. Some call it all mountain and it suits them right - they have a really wide range of uses. The most popular pieces are Bronson, Hightower, which is seated on 29" wheels, or Chameleon in a hardtail version.

Each model is made of several types of components, so everyone can choose the build specs that suits them best.

What's more, you want to look really classy on such wheels, trust us. That's why we've also selected a few accessories that should not be missing among your equipment. Other cycling brands in our range include Bern helmets, Amplifi backpacks, Fox clothing or the special Five Ten shoes that keep your feet safe on the pedal thanks to the Stealth sole.