2013 SantaCruz Blur 650B build...the real deal!

[nyrdrms]

I've been building this beast now for several weeks...waiting for just the right moment to show it off:

2013 Blur XCc frame (large)
Zero stack lower headset (made in my machine shop)
Industry Nine 650B wheelset (Crest rims)
Various KCNC parts
GRILLA GUARDZ downtube protector

Current weight is 22.75lb, however, tires are heavy. I have some RRs waiting once the leaves are crunched up on the local trails and a little closer to race season. I wil be putting in a 2~3mm space in the rear shock soon. I will also convert rear shock remote as soon as possible. The bottom bracket height is 13.0" which can be attributed to the zero stack head set (this dropped head tube down 8mmn). No problem with fox shock knob clearence). Handles great as I was use to a super steep 71 degree headtube angle on my Titus. Acceleration is unbelievable. Protecting my investment with a GRILLA GUARDZ downtube protector. Also added some custom graphics...tired of red and black on every bike I have owned for the past 8 years!!!

[StiHacka]

Oh you showoff. Looking great! I like the color accents, well done.

[etanc]

Great looking bike and 650-lishous! Looks like you even machined your own bashguard. Soon there will be more 650b'd SC's on the trail than the 26" variety. And rightfully so. Nice build.

[Hurricane Jeff]

Awesome bike! I have a 2012 model set up as a 27.5er and totally love it. Mine is set up with what looks like the same fork as yours, but mine has a full SRAM XX groupset, American Classic 650bxc wheels with Racing Ralphs, SDG Carbon I-beam and I-fly saddle.
I have not found or ridden a faster or more comfortable bike, hope you feel the same way.

I agree with etanc, I think you'll see more SC's set up as 650b/ 27.5's in the future and probably a dedicated 650b/ 27.5 from SC in the near future.

[dirtbiker]

Probably what my next bike will be as well. Great looking ride.

[nyrdrms]

Thanks for all the props. I have a couple of rides on it so far. Hard to let it loose in the turns with all the fresh leaves on the ground. I'm waiting patiently for Kenda Karma tires or Maxxis Crossmarks. My RRs fit the rims a little looser than I would prefer though I haven't had an issue with burping as of yet. Yes, I machined the bash guard and also make the down tube protector. I'm checking fit of the protector on the Tall Boy sometime this week.

[PCRover]

Great looking bike and build.

[eurospek]

Current weight is 22.75lb,

Seems low. Almost too low.

[da_JAWN]

A ridding buddy of mine has the Blur and converted it to 650B. He swears by it and has convinced me to try out a conversion on my BMC TE01. It really does seem to be a good middle ground between 26 and 29. A great combo or rolling and twitch. I'm excited to try it out for myself.

[Slimsh8t]

What bars did you go with.?

[nyrdrms]

I think those are RaceFace Next SL carbons (maybe 2010 or 11). I carrie over most of my components from bike to bike. Same withe the KCNC cranks. They are very light but not the stiffest cranks out there. At my 160lb fighting weight, they are great weight to stiffness ratio.