Santa Cruz Bicycles

Superlight D Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

Revamped for 2015, the Santa Cruz Superlight D Complete Mountain Bike sports nimble 27.5-inch wheels on its small and medium-sized frames, retaining the fast-rolling 29-inch wheels on its large and x-large frame. However, it still features the easy-to-service, incredibly low maintenance single-pivot design that's made the Superlight one of the most iconic XC designs of all time.

Why the sudden departure from 29-inch wheels across all sizes? Ultimately, Santa Cruz wanted to dial the Superlight's geometry to better suit smaller riders, even going as far as using higher shock leverage ratios to make sure lighter riders make effective use of its 100mm rear travel. Plus, the change to 27.5-inch wheels for small and medium-sized frames gives shorter riders increased standover clearance, as well as enhanced agility through tight switchbacks and flowing cross-country loops.

Staying true to its XC roots, you'll find the Superlight sports 120mm of trail-smoothing travel up front, with 100mm at the back, courtesy of its single-pivot design. The front suspension duties are efficiently handled by a RockShox Recon Gold TK 120mm Solo Air fork, with a 15mm thru-axle for increased stiffness and precise tracking when you're rallying through the rough stuff. At the rear, you'll find a Fox Float CTD Evolution shock. This shock features Fox's signature Climb, Trail, Descend (CTD) compression settings for maximum efficiency on long uphill sections when it's fully locked out, an in-between setting for all-around use, and a plush, wide-open setting for steep descents.

The Superlight D is spec'd to keep you riding smoothly and hassle-free, without the jaw-dropping price tag usually associated with a high-quality bike. Its Shimano SLX Shadow Plus rear derailleur sports a built-in clutch mechanism that prevents dropped chains and excess chain slap when you're bombing rough descents. Its WTB STi19 TCS wheelset is wrapped with Maxxis Crossmark tires that swap tubes for Stan's Sealant. This allows you to run a slightly lower pressure for a smoother overall ride. Plus, tubeless is great if you regularly experience pinch flats from rocky trails and tube-piercing goat heads, as the sealant plugs small holes and punctures as you ride.